Xiaomi Connecting to a TV via USB: All Ways and Solutions to Problems

Why? USB-Xiaomi TV connection doesn’t always work out of the boxΒ»

Connect Xiaomi smartphone to TV via USB-It seems like a simple task to plug a plug into the port and wait for the image on the screen, but in practice, users are faced with the fact that the TV does not recognize the device, the screen remains black, or a notification appears "Unsupported format:

First, modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Mi 10 and Redmi Note 9) block video transmission over USB Type-C by default for security reasons. Second, TVs support a limited set of protocols - for example, MHL (obsolete) or DisplayPort Alt Mode (requires active cable). Third, even if the technique is compatible, it may be necessary to manually enable debugging or install drivers.

This article will help you understand how to connect Xiaomi to a TV via USB, which cables and adapters to choose, and what to do if the image does not appear. We will look at current methods for devices on MIUI 14/15 and Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and Xiaomi TV.

πŸ“Š What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
Sony
Xiaomi
Philips
Other

What cables and adapters are needed to connect

The choice of cable depends on the model of the smartphone and the port on the TV. Most modern Xiaomi devices are equipped with a USB Type-C connector, but not all cables support video transmission.

  • πŸ”Œ USB Type-C β†’ HDMI (DisplayPort Alt Mode is the best option for new TVs. 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5. Price: from 800 β‚½.
  • πŸ”„ USB Type-C β†’ USB-A (portable USB 3.0 - only in mode MTP (File transfer, but not video, suitable for viewing photos/video through the built-in TV player.
  • ⚑ Active adapter (external powered) - you need it if the TV does not recognize the signal. USB-C to HDMI 4K or UGREEN 10074.
  • πŸ“± Wireless alternative: if USB Not working, consider Miracast or Google Cast (requires Chromecast or built-in support on TV).

⚠️ Note: Cheap cables without DisplayPort Alt Mode support (e.g., for the first time) 200–300 β‚½) They often don't transmit the image "4K@60Hz" or "DisplayPort" on the package.

Xiaomi modelRecommended cable/adapterMax, permission.Notes
Mi 13 Ultra, Mi 12 ProUSB-C β†’ HDMI (DisplayPort Alt Mode)4K@60HzRequires the activation of debugging over USB
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Powered Active Adapter1080p@60HzWithout food, artifacts are possible
POCO X5 ProUSB-C β†’ HDMI (passive)1080p@30Hz4K is not supported
Xiaomi 11TWireless (Miracast)1080p@60HzDelay ~50 ms

Step-by-step: Connect via USB-C β†’ HDMI

This method works for most modern Xiaomi smartphones and TVs with HDMI port.

  1. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to your smartphone and HDMI to your TV. Use the HDMI 1/ARC port (usually labeled "ARC" or "STB").
  2. On the TV, select the signal source: press Source or Input on the remote and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
  3. On the smartphone will appear notification "USB-Connection. tap it and select Image Transfer (HDMI) or DisplayPort.
  4. If the image does not appear, go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ HDMI mode and install Auto or 1080p.

Check the compatibility of the cable with DisplayPort Alt Mode|

Enable USB debugging (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 taps)|

Update the TV firmware to the latest version|

Turn off energy saving on your smartphone (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Performance mode)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9) HDMI This is blocked by the manufacturer, and only wireless connection or use will help. DLNA media-file.

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If the TV can’t see the smartphone, try connecting the cable to another. USB-TV port (some ports are for power only).

Setup of debugging and unlocking mode HDMI-conclusion

If the cable doesn't transmit the image, the smartphone may have disabled the developer mode or blocked HDMI output to unlock the function:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (shap 7 times).
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable: USB Debugging Allow debugging (for charging only) Enable HDMI output (if any)

Connect the cable again and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

On some MIUI firmware (e.g., the global version for the POCO X3 Pro), the option to Enable HDMI output is hidden, in which case resetting or installing a custom recavator (e.g., TWRP) will help, but this is risky for beginners.

What to do if there is no option to β€œenable HDMI output”?
On some firmware MIUI (especially for the Chinese market, the HDMI locked at the nucleus. Solutions: 1. Set EU-Fastboot (requires unlocking the bootloader). 2. Use a wireless display (Miracast or Google Cast). 3. Connect the smartphone as MTP-Device and play files through a TV application (e.g, VLC Samsung Tizen).

Problem Solving: Black screen, no sound, lag

If the connection is installed, but problems arise, check the following points:

  • πŸ–₯️ Black screen on TV: Make sure the cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. HDMI-port on the TV (some ports do not support input signal) on the smartphone in Settings β†’ Display set the resolution 1080p (4K may not be supported).
  • πŸ”‡ No sound: Check on TV to see what the source of the sound is β€” HDMI, not TV-On a smartphone in Settings β†’ Select the output of sound through HDMI.
  • 🐒 Lags and delays: Turn off energy savings in battery settings. Close background apps (especially games and social media). Use a supported cable USB 3.1 (blue connector).

Critical information: On LG TVs with WebOS versions below 5.0, a Xiaomi USB connection may require manual driver installation via LG Service Menu (code 0000 on the remote).

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If your smartphone warms up when connected to a TV, lower the resolution to 720p or use an active externally powered adapter.

Alternative ways to connect if USB is not working

If USB-C β†’ HDMI connectivity is not possible, consider alternative methods:

  • πŸ“Ά Miracast (wireless display): On a smartphone: Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Wireless display. On TV: turn on Screen Mirroring (Samsung) or Miracast (Xiaomi) TV). Delay: ~30–100 ms (not suitable for gaming).
  • πŸ“± Google Cast (Chromecast): Requires a Chromecast device or TV with Google Cast built in. Apps: YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos support streaming.
  • πŸ’Ύ DLNA/UPnP: Install BubbleUPnP or LocalCast on your smartphone. On TV, open a media player (for example, open a media player, VLC Sony Bravia).
  • πŸ”Œ MHL (For older models: Suitable for Xiaomi Mi 5/6 TV before 2018 Adapter required. MHL β†’ HDMI power from the socket.

⚠️ Note: On Samsung TVs with Tizen versions 2016-2019, Xiaomi wireless connection may require you to disable the Instant On (Fast Start) feature in the power saving settings.

Not all TVs work equally well with Xiaomi via USB, and the table below shows the combinations that have been proven:

TelevisionXiaomi modelConnection methodDoes it work?Notes
Samsung QLED Q60B (2022)Mi 12 ProUSB-C β†’ HDMI (DisplayPort)βœ… Yes.Sound is transmitted automatically.
LG OLED C2 (WebOS 22)Redmi Note 11 Pro+USB-C β†’ HDMI⚠️ Partially.Manual source selection is required
Sony Bravia X90J (Android TV)POCO F4 GTUSB-C β†’ HDMIβœ… Yes.Supports 4K@30Hz
Xiaomi TV A2 43" (2023)Mi 13 LiteUSB-C β†’ HDMI Miracastβœ… Yes.Miracast operates without lags
Philips The One PUS8506Redmi K50USB-C β†’ HDMI❌ No.Active adapter required

For Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/5 series), it is recommended to use the Mi Home app for a simplified connection. From the TV menu, select Smart Home β†’ Add Device β†’ Smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi to TV

πŸ”Ή Can you connect Xiaomi TV to a regular TV? USB (Not Type-C)?
No, the standard USB-A (like older smartphones) doesn't support video transfer. The maximum is file transfer in MTP (photo, video, music) mode. The image requires USB-C β†’ HDMI or wireless technology.
πŸ”Ή Why does the TV write β€œUnsupported format” when connected?
This error occurs if: the cable does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode. the screen resolution of the smartphone exceeds the capabilities of TV (for example, the screen resolution of the smartphone is higher than the TV, 4K full HD-The TV has Game Mode on, which blocks external sources, so you can try another cable or lower the resolution on your smartphone to the next one. 1080p.
πŸ”Ή How to turn on the sound through HDMI, If it's going through the speakers of a smartphone?
Go to Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Output and select HDMI. If you don’t have an option, check: Is the cable connected to the HDMI ARC port on TV. Is the TV firmware updated (on Samsung, HDMI sound may not work on older versions of Tizen).
πŸ”Ή Can I play games from a smartphone on TV? USB?
Technically yes, but there will be input lags of up to 50–100 ms. For games, it is better to use: Active externally powered adapter (reduces lags); Wireless gamepad (such as Xiaomi Game Controller) connected directly to TV. Smartphone performance mode (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ High Performance). For PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, latency can be critical.
πŸ”Ή Why is the smartphone warmed up after connecting?
Heat is caused by: High resolution (4K loads the processor); passive adapter without external power; background processes (close all applications before connecting); Solution: Reduce the resolution to 1080p. Use an active adapter powered by an outlet; turn on the aircraft mode (turn off background activity).