Why HDMI is the best way to connect Xiaomi to a TV?
When you want to bring the screen of a Xiaomi smartphone to the big screen of the TV, most users immediately think of wireless technologies like Miracast or Google Cast. However, wired connection via HDMI remains the most stable and versatile solution โ especially if you want minimal signal delay (critical for games) and maximum image quality without compression.
Unlike wireless protocols, HDMI transmits video in original resolution (up to 4K@60Hz on supported devices) without artifacts and delays. This is true for watching high-quality movies, streaming games through Xiaomi Game Turbo or showing presentations. But there are nuances: not all Xiaomi models support direct HDMI signal transmission, and some will require an adapter.
In this article, we will discuss all possible connection scenarios, from modern flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) to budget models (Redmi 12C, POCO M6), and also tell you how to avoid typical errors that cause the TV to not see the signal or give a message No format support.
Which Xiaomi devices support HDMI output?
The way you connect depends on whether your smartphone or Xiaomi tablet has a full HDMI port (which is extremely rare) or requires an adapter.
- ๐ฑ Flagship models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi K50/K60/K70, POCO F4/F5): Support USB-C with an alternative DisplayPort mode (DP Alt Mode), which means that the adapter USB-C โ HDMI can display the image on the TV.
- ๐ฑ Mid- and low-end (Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Redmi 10A): Most often they don't support DP Alt Mode. They will require a MHL- Mobile High-Definition Link adapter, but it only works with a Micro-USB port (obsolete models).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Xiaomi tablets (Xiaomi Pad 5/6): have full support for USB-C โ HDMI with a resolution up to 2K@60Hz.
To find out exactly if your model supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or use the DevCheck app (Hardware โ USB section). If it says DisplayPort support: Yes, you can safely buy an adapter.
What cable or adapter do you need to connect?
The choice of adapter depends on the model Xiaomi and the connector on the TV.
| Type of Xiaomi device | Required adapter | Max, permission. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones with USB-C and DP Alt Mode support | USB-C โ HDMI (passive) | 4K@60Hz | It works without any additional power. Examples: Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60. |
| Smartphones with USB-C without DP Alt Mode | USB-C โ HDMI (active, with a chip) | 1080p@30Hz | It requires a power connection. It can be lag. |
| Outdated models with Micro-USB | Micro-USB โ HDMI (MHL) | 1080p@60Hz | You need to check for MHL support in the specs. Example: Redmi Note 4X. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 Tablets | USB-C โ HDMI (passive) | 2K@60Hz | HDMI audio output is supported. |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Cheap uncertified adapters may not work or damage the Xiaomi port. Buy adapters labeled HDMI 2.0 and supported 4K if your TV allows. For active adapters (with a chip), check reviews - some models warm up and turn off while running.
If your TV doesnโt have an HDMI port, but only a VGA or DVI, youโll need an additional converter, but you may have trouble transmitting audio, either via Bluetooth or 3.5mm jack.
Make sure your smartphone supports DP Alt Mode or MHL
Watch HDMI on your TV (1.4, 2.0, 2.1)
Check the maximum resolution that the adapter supports
Pay attention to the availability of additional power (for active adapters)
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Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi to a TV via HDMI
Consider the universal algorithm for most modern Xiaomi devices with a USB-C port and support for DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Step 1: Preparation of devices
Before connection:
- ๐ Charge your smartphone at least 50% โ video output over HDMI consumes a lot of power.
- ๐ Connect the adapter USB-C โ HDMI to your smartphone. If the adapter is active, connect it to the charger.
- ๐บ Turn on the TV and select the port HDMI to which the cable is connected from the signal source menu.
Step 2: Set up image output on Xiaomi
On most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, HDMI output is automatically turned on.
- Open Settings โ Connections and Sharing โ Screen Transfer.
- Select HDMI (or DisplayPort if available) mode.
- Set the desired resolution. For Full HD- TVs, 1920ร1080@60Hz is optimal.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) may automatically turn on Developer Debugging Mode with USB after connecting HDMI. This is normal, but if you are not using ADB, turn off debugging in Settings โ About Phone โ Version MIUI (7 times click on version, then go back to Additional Settings โ Developers).
Step 3. Customize the sound
By default, the sound can continue to go through the speakers of the smartphone, to redirect it to the TV:
- Connect the HDMI- cable.
- Open the settings โ Sound โ Sound output.
- Select HDMI or External Device.
If there is no option, check:
- ๐ Does your adapter support audio transmission (some cheap models only transmit video).
- ๐ Is the TV firmware updated (older versions may not recognize the audio stream).
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If the sound is delayed, try in the sound settings of the smartphone to turn off the processing of effects (Settings โ Sound โ Audio Effects).
Step 4: Optimizing the display
If the picture is on the TV:
- ๐บ Stretching or cropping: Change the aspect ratio in the settings HDMI on the TV (usually 16:9 or Just Scan).
- ๐ฎ Brakes in games: Enable performance mode in Xiaomi (Settings โ Special Features โ Game Mode).
- ๐ผ๏ธ Low resolution: Manually set the maximum resolution in the settings HDMI.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even with the right connection, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The TV doesn't see the signal. | Incompatible adapter or cable | Try another adapter that supports DP Alt Mode, and check if the active adapter is powered. |
| Image is there, but no sound. | The adapter does not transmit audio or incorrect settings. | Turn on HDMI audio output in Xiaomi settings or use a Bluetooth speaker. |
| Screen blinks or artifacts | Permission inconsistency or damaged cable | Set a lower resolution (e.g. 1080p instead of 4K). Replace the cable. |
| Delay in watching videos | Insufficient HDMI 1.4 bandwidth | Use an HDMI 2.0 cable and reduce the resolution to 1080p@60Hz. |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Some Samsung and LG TVs may display an Unsupported Format message when you connect Xiaomi via HDMI. This is related to HDCP Security Solution: Reboot both devices and try a different HDMI port on your TV (usually port HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 supports HDCP 2.2).
What to do if the adapter is warm?
Alternative ways to connect Xiaomi to your TV
If HDMI connectivity is not possible (for example, you have an outdated Xiaomi model without DP Alt Mode support), consider alternatives:
- ๐ถ Miracast (Wireless Display): Wireless screen transmission to Wi-Fi Direct standard. Works on most Xiaomi with MIUI 10 and later. Cons: latency of ~50-100 ms, possible lags when watching videos.
- ๐ฑ Google Cast (Chromecast): Streaming through apps like YouTube or Netflix. Requires a Chromecast or a TV with Google support TV.
- ๐ MHL (for older models): Suitable for Xiaomi with Micro-USB (e.g. Redmi 4X). Requires an adapter MHL โ HDMI and power from USB.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ DLNA: Transfer media files (photos, videos) over a local network. It doesn't broadcast the screen, it only plays files.
Comparison of methods:
| Method | Delay | Quality | Convenience | Additional equipment is required |
|--------------|----------|----------|----------|-----------------------------|
| HDMI | 0-10 ms | 4K @60Hz | โญโญโญโญโญ | Adapter (~ 1000-3000 โฝ) |
| Miracast | 50โ100 ms| 1080p | โญโญโญ | No |
| Google Cast | 100โ200 ms| 4K | โญโญโญโญ | Chromecast (~3000 โฝ) |
| MHL | 20โ30 ms | 1080p | โญโญ | Adapter MHL (~1500 โฝ) |
For high-quality games and movies, HDMI remains the best choice, and wireless methods are suitable for presentations or YouTube viewing.
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If your Xiaomi supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, HDMI connectivity will be the most stable and high-quality. For the rest, choose the method depending on the tasks: Miracast for presentations, Google Cast for streaming videos.
How to connect Xiaomi to a gaming TV?
If you want to play mobile games on a big screen, it's important to minimize input lag. Here's the best settings:
- Use the USB-C โ HDMI passive adapter (without a chip) โ it gives minimal latency.
- Set the resolution of 1080p@60Hz in Xiaomi settings โ this is the balance between quality and performance.
- Enable the Xiaomi Game Turbo Performance mode and disable the FPS restriction.
- Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth (for example, Xiaomi Game Controller) โ control will be more convenient than touch buttons on the screen.
โ ๏ธ Warning: In high-demand games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), you can get friezes when you output to 4K- TV. If FPS drops below 30, lower the resolution to 1080p or close the background apps.
For maximum comfort:
- ๐ฎ Use the keyboard and mouse via USB-OTG (supported in MIUI 13+).
- ๐ Connect Bluetooth headphones for better sound.
- ๐ Keep your smartphone on charge โ games with output on HDMI drain the battery 2-3 times faster.
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To reduce the heat of your smartphone during games, reduce the brightness of the screen to 50% and turn off background synchronization (Settings โ Accounts โ Synchronization).