How to connect iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV: all ways in 2026

Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV opens up new possibilities, from viewing photos on a large screen to streaming high-resolution videos. However, many users face difficulties - the TV does not find the device, there are image delays or sound disappears. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting (including hidden Mi TV features), explain why errors can occur, and give a checklist to fix them.

Xiaomi Mi TVs have a lot of wireless protocols, but they're not all equally stable. For example, AirPlay only works on models with Mi TV 5 and newer, and older TVs will have to use workarounds. We've tested each method on different versions of iOS (15 to 17) and Mi TV firmware to give you precise recommendations. If you want to not just duplicate the screen, but stream content without delay, read the section on DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct.

1. Connect via AirPlay (the easiest way to new models)

AirPlay is Apple’s standard wireless content solution, and since the Xiaomi Mi TV 5 (2020) and beyond, it’s supported out of the box, but requires pre-configuration, with minimal latency (up to 2ms) and 4K HDR support.

To activate AirPlay on Mi TV:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → AirPlay.
2. Turn on the AirPlay switch and set access mode (for all or only for devices on that network).
3. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Point.
4. Click Screen Duplicate and select your Mi TV from the list.

Important: The iPhone should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled – AirPlay uses both channels for stable transmission. If the TV doesn’t appear on the list, check if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (guest network won’t work).

Make sure Mi TV is updated to the latest firmware | Check that iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network | Turn on Bluetooth on both devices | Turn off VPN on iPhone (can block local detection)

-->

If the image is slowing down or tearing, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the router (sometimes helps to change the Wi-Fi channel to 5 GHz).
• 📶 Reduce the distance between devices (maximum 5 meters for stable signal).
• 🔌 Connect iPhone to charging (at low battery level, iOS limits AirPlay performance).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware TV AirPlay is disabled after the update. If the feature is lost, reset the TV network settings through Settings → System system → Resetting the network.

Connection via HDMI (the most stable method)

If wireless protocols fail, HDMI-Connection is the most reliable option, and you will need a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (official from Apple or certified analogue) and a standard one. HDMI-This method works on all iPhone models (starting with 5) and any Xiaomi Mi. TV, including older versions.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
2. Connect the adapter to the TV HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI 1 HDMI 2 marked ARC for better sound quality).
3. On the Mi remote. TV Click Source (or Input) and select the appropriate HDMI-port.
4. On the iPhone will appear a notification “Trust this device?” – confirm the connection.

The screen resolution will automatically be adjusted to the TV, but you can manually change it in the iPhone settings:

Settings → Screen and brightness → Screen resolution

If the sound is not transmitted:

• 🔊 Check if the cable is connected to a port with support HDMI ARC.
• 🎧 On the iPhone, open the Control Point → hold the volume slider → choose HDMI output-list.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

💡

If the Lightning-to-HDMI adapter is not recognized, try connecting it through the USB-External powered hub: Some models require an additional power source to function properly.

3. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi Direct (AirPlay alternative)

If your Mi TV doesn’t support AirPlay (e.g., 2018-2019 models), you can use Wi-Fi Direct, which creates direct communication between devices without a router, but has limitations:

• 📶 Maximum distance: 3 meters.
• 🎮 Image delay ~50–100 ms (not suitable for gaming).
• 🔳 Only formats are supported up to 1080p.

How to connect:

1. On Mi TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct and turn on the function.
2. On iPhone, open Settings → Wi-Fi and find a network with your TV’s name (e.g., the name of your TV, Xiaomi_MiTV-1234).
3. Connect to this network (password is not usually required or shown on the TV screen).
4. Launch a live streaming app (such as Xiaomi Mi Remote or Screen Mirroring) and select your TV.

For stable operation:

• 🚫 Close all background apps on your iPhone (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
• 📵 Turn off Bluetooth on both devices (may cause interference).
• 🔋 Make sure your iPhone battery is over 30% charged (iOS limits Wi-Fi performance when charged low).

⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, the iPhone loses access to the Internet. To get back on the connection, you will have to manually switch back to the main Wi-Fi network.

4. Connect via Miracast (for Android apps on iPhone)

Miracast is a universal wireless broadcast standard, but the iPhone doesn't support it out of the box. However, there's a workaround: using third-party apps like ApowerMirror or Screen Mirroring. This method is suitable for Mi TV models without AirPlay (such as Mi TV 4S or Mi TV 4A).

Instructions:

1. Install the ApowerMirror app on your iPhone (the free version has watermarks).
2. On Mi TV, turn on Miracast via Settings → Screen → Wireless display.
3. Run ApowerMirror on your iPhone, select M (Miracast) and connect to your TV.
4. Confirm the connection on the Mi TV screen.

Limitations of the method:

• 🖼️ Image quality is limited 720p (free-of-charge).
• 🎮 Delay. ~200 ms (not suitable for dynamic games).
• 💰 The full version of the app is worth it. ~300-500 rubles.

If the image slows down:

• 🔄 Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi channel (in router settings).
• 📱 Close all applications except ApowerMirror.
• 🔌 Connect iPhone to charging (saves processor resources).

5. DLNA connection (for media files)

If you only need to stream photos, videos or music (without screen duplication), DLNA is a good protocol. It is built into most Xiaomi Mi TVs and allows you to stream files without additional applications, the main advantage is support for 4K and Dolby Audio formats.

How to set up:

1. On Mi TV, turn on DLNA: Settings → Apps → DLNA.
2. On your iPhone, install the VLC or Infuse app.
3. In the app, select a file to play → click Translate → select your Mi TV.

Supported formats:

If the files are not reproduced:

• 🔄 Recode the video into H.264 (through HandBrake or VLC).
• 📁 Check that the files are not protected. DRM (For example, downloaded from Apple TV+ broadcast).
• 🔌 Connect Mi. TV Cable to the router (improves stability) DLNA).

💡

DLNA — Best choice for watching movies and photos, but not for screen duplication or games. HDMI.

6. Removal of common errors

Even with the right setup, there can be problems.-5 errors and ways of solving them:

If none of the methods work:

• 🔄 Update the Mi firmware TV Up to the latest version (through Settings) → Update of the PO).
• 📱 Update iOS on iPhone (older versions may have bugs with AirPlay).
• 🔧 Reset the network settings on the TV (Settings) → System system → Resetting the network).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware TV (Like Mi. TV 4A with version below 1.4.65, AirPlay may not work smoothly. HDMI or DLNA.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions