How to Connect Xiaomi to a Wi-Fi-Free TV: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphone users often face the situation when you need to display an image on the big screen, but the usual Wi-Fi router is unavailable or faulty. This can happen when traveling, visiting or when home Internet equipment fails. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and MiUI technologies offer several alternative ways to solve this problem without using a classic LAN.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the possible ways to broadcast the screen, including using Miracast, direct Wi-Fi Direct, and wired options via HDMI and USB. You will learn how to configure a Smart TV to receive a signal and what hidden features of your smartphone can be a salvation in the absence of a router. Lack of Internet is not a reason to refuse to view content on a large display.

Before we get into complex settings, it's important to understand the physical nature of the connection. Wireless data transfer requires either an access point or a direct link between devices. Wi-Fi Direct technology allows you to transmit video directly from your phone to your TV without going through the router, making it the perfect solution for situations without the Internet. We'll look at each method Step-by-step to eliminate any setup errors.

Using Wi-Fi Direct Technology for Direct Communication

The most efficient way to connect without a router is to use Wi-Fi Direct, which allows two devices to connect directly, creating a virtual network between a Xiaomi smartphone and a TV. Unlike conventional Wi-Fi, it does not require an external access point, since one device takes on the role of a control node.

To get started, you need to activate the corresponding feature on the TV. In the menu of modern Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony), this option is often called “Screen Mirroring”, “Screen Mirroring” or “Wireless Connection”. Once you activate the standby mode on the TV, go to the settings of your smartphone.

On Xiaomi devices, the path to the desired feature may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. Usually, you need to go to the "Connections and Sharing" or "Translation" section. The system will start searching for available devices, and if the TV is in standby mode, it will appear in the list.

  • 📺 Turn on Screen Mirroring or Wi-Fi Direct in the TV menu.
  • 📱 Open on your smartphone "Settings» → «Connections and sharing» → «Broadcasting».
  • 🔗 Select your TV from the list that appears to pair automatically.
  • 🎬 Wait for confirmation on the TV screen and enjoy the content.

Importantly, transmission quality depends on distance and interference. Although the router is not involved, the Wi-Fi modules in both devices are running at full capacity. If the connection breaks, try bringing the phone closer to the TV or turning off Bluetooth on your smartphone to reduce interference in the 2.4 GHz range.

⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, the smartphone battery can discharge faster than usual due to the high load on the wireless module.

📊 Do you use Wi-Fi Direct for broadcasting?
Yes, it's the basic method.
No, I prefer cable.
I didn't know that was possible.
I have an old TV without a smart TV.

Wired connection via HDMI and adapters

If wireless methods are in doubt or require stability that cannot be guaranteed, the best solution is a physical connection.Cable connection provides minimal latency and high image quality, which is critical for games or watching movies in 4K. To implement this method, you will need a compatible adapter.

Xiaomi’s current flagship models (Mi 10, Mi 11, Xiaomi 12, 13, 14 and some Pro versions) feature a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode support.This allows video transmission directly through the Type-C to HDMI cable. However, budget models often lack this feature, supporting only data transfer and charging.

Cheap Chinese marketplaces may not support a resolution above 720p or work unstable, and it is recommended to use certified accessories from well-known brands such as Anker, Baseus or Ugreen.

☑️ Compatibility check for HDMI

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After the physical connection, the TV may not switch automatically. Use the remote control, press the Source or Input button and select the appropriate HDMI port. The image from the smartphone screen should be duplicated instantly. In some cases, the notification curtain will appear in the menu of the choice of mode of operation (screen Translation / Charging).

Broadcasting through USB-cable

There is a lesser known but effective way to connect that uses a standard one. USB-This is a cable that comes with a phone, and it's a method that's often called «USB-broadcast or "" (depending on regional settings), and it runs via protocol ADB or special intermediary applications.

To start, activate the developer mode on your Xiaomi. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After the notification “You became a developer”, go back to the main settings menu and find the “Additional” → “For developers”.

Inside the developer menu, include the item "Debugging by USB». Now connect your smartphone to your TV (if the TV supports multimedia reading via the TV). USB) Or use a specialized application that can work through USB-modem: Some TV models allow client applications to run, which see the phone as a signal source when connected to a mobile phone. USB.

Connection methodImage qualityDelay (Latency)Equipment required
Wi-Fi DirectHigh (up to 1080p)MediumSmart TV, smartphone
HDMI (Type-C)Maximum (4K)Absent.Type-C to HDMI adapter
USB (MHL/Slimport)Average (depending on TV)Low.Special cable, TV support
DLNA (via hotspot)Depends on the codec.Tall.Media player app

It is important to note that video transmission through normal USB-The charging port (Mass Storage mode) will not allow the image to be broadcast in real time, this method is only suitable for viewing pre-saved files through the TV's built-in media player.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB-cable for data transmission make sure that the window that appears on the screen of the smartphone selects the mode "File transfer» (MTP) or «PTP», Otherwise, the TV won’t see the device.

Why can't the TV see the phone on USB?
If the cable is connected to the TV only by charging, but does not show the source selection menu, it is possible that your smartphone does not support video output via USB-C. Check the model specifications on the official website. Also the problem may be in the cable itself - many cables only support charging and do not have data lines.

Creating an access point for network emulation

Sometimes it is not possible to have a router, but both devices support Wi-Fi, and for some reason it is impossible to use Wi-Fi Direct (for example, protocol incompatibility), in which case you can turn a Xiaomi smartphone into a full-fledged router by creating a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

This method is especially useful if you have live streaming apps on your TV (like YouTube, Netflix, or proprietary utilities) that require both devices to be on the same network, you create a network with your phone, connect your TV to it, and have a full local network without access to the global Internet.

To do this, you can do the following: turn on Wi-Fi hotspot in your smartphone settings. Name the network and set the password. Then on your TV, find that network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password. Now the devices can see each other.

  • 📡 Enable the access point on the Xiaomi smartphone.
  • 🔌 Connect Smart. TV to the created Wi-Fi network.
  • 📺 Run a TV broadcast app (such as Miracast receiver).
  • 📲 On your phone, select Translation and find the TV on the network.

The important thing here is the traffic consumption. Because the hotspot has no Internet connection, the phones will only be transmitting video, but some applications may try to update or download metadata, which will lead to an error. Make sure that the broadcast application is running locally.

💡

If the access point on Xiaomi quickly turns off in the absence of activity, go to the access point settings and turn off the “Energy Saving” function or set the disconnect timer to “No Limits”.

Use of external adapters and consoles

If the TV's built-in features don't allow you to connect directly, external devices come to the rescue. -- Chromecast adapters, Mi TV Stick or any other Android TV-These devices often have their own connection algorithms, which are less dependent on the main network.

Many modern consoles support guest mode or direct connectivity, such as Google Chromecast, which allows you to stream content even if the phone and console are not on the same network using ultrasonic signals or codes, and Xiaomi’s branded sticks work the same way.

To connect, insert the adapter into the port HDMI Most of them require external power, so plug them in. USB-You can use the TV port or the socket. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up. Even without the Wi-Fi router, some models allow you to create a direct connection to your smartphone for initial setup or broadcasting.

The Miracast universal receivers in the flash drive form factor deserve special attention, they connect to HDMI and appear on the list of wireless displays of the smartphone as a separate device, which turns any old HDMI TV into a full-fledged Smart TV, ready to take pictures with Xiaomi without the help of a router.

Problem Solving and Diagnostics

Despite the simplicity of the methods described, users may encounter technical difficulties, often due to incompatibility of protocol versions or software failures, and if the TV is not in place or the connection is constantly broken, diagnostics are necessary.

The first thing to do is to reboot both devices, which clears the cache of network modules and resets temporary errors, and check whether the antivirus or firewall on the smartphone (if you have a third-party installed) blocks local connections, and in rare cases, resetting the network settings helps.

If there is an image but no sound, check the audio output settings. The notification curtain in the broadcast often has a button to select the source of the sound. Make sure you select "Dynamic TV" instead of "Dynamic phone".

⚠️ Attention: For frequent connection breaks, try changing the Wi-Fi frequency in your smartphone hotspot settings from 5GHz to 2.4GHz. Although 5GHz is faster, the 2.4GHz range has better penetration and compatibility with older TVs.

💡

The stability of the connection without a router depends on the quality of the wireless modules in the TV. HDMI-Adapter is the only reliable solution.

Can you connect Xiaomi to your TV through a regular phone? USB-charger?
No, the usual. USB-Type-C or Micro-USB cables are only for data transmission and charging. MHL DisplayPort Alt Mode, as well as a special adapter for the HDMI. A simple cable will not be able to transmit a video stream.
Why does the image twitch when connected via Wi-Fi Direct?
Delays and jerks are often caused by wireless overload or a weak receiver on the TV. Try lowering the resolution in your phone settings or bringing the device closer to the TV.
Does the broadcast work if the mobile Internet is turned off?
Yes, it works. You don't need Internet to create a local network (Wi-Fi Direct or Hotspot), but if you want to stream online video (YouTube, Netflix), you have to have mobile Internet on your phone, because the TV will use it through the phone's hotspot.
Which Adapter Is Best to Buy for Xiaomi Without Video Output Support?
If your smartphone’s USB-C port doesn’t support video output, buying an expensive Type-C to HDMI adapter won’t help, in which case the only solution is to purchase an external wireless receiver (such as the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Miracast/AirPlay analogue) that connects to the TV’s HDMI port.
Is it safe to leave the hotspot on your phone?
Yes, it's safe, but it's energy-intensive. The phone will heat up and discharge quickly. It's recommended that you keep the device connected to the charger during long sessions of streaming through the hotspot.