Connecting a MacBook to a Xiaomi TV opens up new possibilities for work, entertainment and presentations. The big screen allows you to comfortably watch movies in the 4K, conduct video conferencing or duplicate desktop for easy multitasking. However, not everyone knows that there are several options for connecting, from the classic HDMI- cable to wireless technologies like AirPlay or Miracast.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting, including the nuances for different MacBook models (with USB-C/Thunderbolt ports or outdated HDMI) and Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A2, P1, Q2, etc.).
Connecting via HDMI: the most reliable way
Using the HDMI- cable remains the most stable and versatile method of connection. It guarantees minimal signal delays (important for games or videos), supports resolution up to 4K@60Hz, and transmits sound without additional settings.
New Macbooks (since 2016) are only equipped with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, so you will need an adapter or cable with a USB-C → HDMI connector. For older models (until 2015) with an HDMI port, standard cable is enough. Make sure your Xiaomi TV supports the desired resolution - for example, Mi TV Q2 75" works with 4K@120Hz, and budget models can be limited to Full HD.
- 🔌 For MacBooks with USB-C/Thunderbolt: Use the USB-C → HDMI adapter (recommended official from Apple or certified analogues from Anker, Belkin).
- 🖥️ For MacBooks up to 2015: Standard cable HDMI 2.0 (up to 3 meters long for stable signal) is suitable.
- 🔄 TV setup: Select the HDMI 1/2/3 signal source (depending on the port) via the remote or Login menu → HDMI.
- 🔊 Sound check: If there is an image but no sound, go to System Settings → Sound → Output on a MacBook and select a TV.
Connect adapter/cable to MacBook|Select the correct HDMI-port on your TV |Enable TV and switch signal source |Check resolution in MacBook settings (System settings → Monitors) |Tune audio to output settings
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If the image on the TV is blurry or cropped, check the zoom settings on the MacBook:
- Open System settings → Monitors.
- Select the "Scale" or "Fix under the screen" mode.
- Set the resolution supported by the TV (e.g. 3840×2160 for 4K).
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If the MacBook doesn’t detect the TV after you connect, try restarting both devices or using a different HDMI- port on your TV. Sometimes resetting the HDMI settings in the Settings menu → System → Reset → Reset → HDMI reset (available on new Xiaomi models) helps.
2. Wireless connection via AirPlay (for MacBook and Xiaomi TV with Miracast)
If you're confused by wires, use AirPlay technology, which allows you to stream a MacBook screen to a Xiaomi TV without cables.
- ✅ Only works on Xiaomi Miracast TVs (Mi TV P1 series, Q2, A2 2022 series and later).
- ✅ Requires a MacBook on macOS Monterey or later (for stable operation).
- ❌ Does not support 4K@60Hz — the maximum resolution is usually 1080p or 4K@30Hz.
- ⚠️ There may be delays of sound (up to 1-2 seconds) critical for games or music.
To connect:
- On Xiaomi TV, activate Miracast: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wireless (Miracast).
- On MacBook, open Control Center → Screen Mirror.
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- If necessary, enter the PIN- code displayed on the TV screen.
⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't appear in the list of mirroring devices, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (5 GHz is preferred). On some Xiaomi models, you first need to enable the "Allow Connection from Other Devices" option in Miracast settings.
HDMI- cable |AirPlay/Miracast|Wi-Fi Direct |Another way |Not yet connected-->
3. Alternative wireless methods: Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Miracast, you can use other protocols:
- 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: allows you to connect directly to your TV without a router. MacBooks need to install third-party software like AirParrot or Reflector (paid), and the transfer speed is lower than AirPlay.
- 🖥️ DLNA: Suitable for broadcasting media (movies, music) but does not support screen mirroring. Use applications like Plex or VLC.
- 🔗 Through router: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TV 4S) support Mi Home protocol – you can stream the screen via the Mi Home app on macOS (requires a Xiaomi account registration).
For Wi-Fi Direct:
- On TV: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Enable.
- On MacBook: Connect to the TV network (the name will be DIRECT-Xiaomi-XXX type).
- Run a mirroring program (such as AirParrot) and select a TV.
| Method | Supported Xiaomi models | Max, permission. | Delay. | I need it. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | All models. | 4K@120Hz | Minimum | No. |
| AirPlay (Miracast) | P1, Q2, A2 (2022+) | 4K@30Hz | 1-2 seconds | No. |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Most models | 1080p | 2-3 seconds | Yes (AirParrot) |
| DLNA | All models. | Depends on the file. | No mirroring. | Yes (VLC/Plex) |
⚠️ Warning: With Wi-Fi Direct, the speed of the Internet on the MacBook will drop, as it will be connected to the TV, not to the router. To access the network and broadcast simultaneously, you will need a dual-band router (5 GHz for broadcast, 2.4 GHz for the Internet).
4. Sound tuning: why it is not and how to fix
One of the most common problems with connecting a MacBook to a Xiaomi TV is the lack of sound.
- 🔇 Wrong sound source: On a MacBook, the settings are not the TV, but the speakers of the laptop.
- 🔌 Problems with HDMI- cable: Cheap cables may not transmit sound (PH0002 2.0 or higher is needed).
- 🔊 TV settings: In the Sound menu → Output HDMI can be turned off ARC (Audio Return Channel).
- 🖥️ Driver conflict: MacOS sometimes gets its audio settings down after connecting/disabling HDMI.
Decisions:
- Check your MacBook audio settings: System settings → Sound → Conclusion → Select your TV (e.g., “Xiaomi TV”)
- If there is no audio through HDMI, try a different port on your TV (some ports support ARC, others don’t).
- Update the TV firmware: Settings → About TV → System Update.
- For AirPlay: In your TV settings, turn on Streaming Sound (Settings → Sound → Additional).
What if there is a sound but with a delay?
5. Image optimization: resolution, frequency, color profile
After connecting a MacBook to a Xiaomi TV, the image may not look perfect: blurry, with the wrong colors or cropped edges. This is due to the mismatch of screen settings.
- 🎨 Color profile: On a MacBook, select sRGB or Display P3 (for HDR- content) in System Settings → Monitors → Color profile.
- 🔍 Scaling: If the text is too small, turn on Scale mode and select the resolution 1920×1080 (even for 4K- TVs, this is often optimal).
- 🖼️ Side ratio: On the TV in the Image → Screen mode, select "Original" or "Fix".
- 🔄 Update Frequency: For games or videos, select 60Hz (or 120Hz if the TV supports).
A critical nuance for MacBook owners with M1/M2 chips: these models automatically optimize the color profile for external displays, but sometimes “recorrect” the colors, making them too warm. To return natural shades, turn off the “True tone” option in the monitor settings.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Blurred image | Wrong resolution | Set native TV resolution (e.g. 3840×2160 for 4K) |
| Cut edges | Wrong scaling mode | Select “Fix Up” on your MacBook or “Screen Mode: Original” on your TV |
| Too dark/bright picture | Incorrect color profile | Select an sRGB profile or manually calibrate through System Settings → Monitors → Colors |
| Screen flickering | Disparity in refresh frequency | Install 60Hz in MacBook settings (HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K@120Hz) |
6. Solving typical problems: no signal, lag, shutdowns
Even after the right connection, there can be failures.
- 🚫 No TV signal: Check the cable and port HDMI (try the different port on the TV). Reboot both devices. On a MacBook, press Option + F1 (for older models) or Control + F2 (for newer ones) to force the display to be detected.
- 🐢 Lags and delays when wirelessly connected: Make sure the router is running at 5 GHz (less loaded). Close background apps on the MacBook that consume traffic. For AirPlay, reduce the resolution to 1080p in the mirroring settings.
- 🔌 Unintentional shutdowns: Turn off the power saving mode on your MacBook (System settings → Battery → Optimize video streaming). Update your TV and macOS firmware. Check if the adapter USB-C → HDMI (may shut down when overheating) overheats.
⚠️ Warning: If you use a dock or hub USB-C to connect HDMI, make sure the device supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Cheap hubs without this feature will not be able to transmit video. Proven models: CalDigit TS4, Anker 565.
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If the Xiaomi TV does not support AirPlay, but you have an Apple TV, connect it to the HDMI- TV port – this will allow you to use AirPlay through an intermediate device.
7. Connection for specific tasks: games, streaming, presentations
Depending on the purpose of the connection, the settings may differ:
- 🎮 For games: Use HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz (crucially PS5/Xbox, But it's also true for MacBooks with external graphics cards. Turn on Game mode on your TV (Settings) → Image: → Image mode → Turn off post-processing on the TV (Movement) → Smoothness of movement: Off.).
- 🎥 For streaming (Netflix, YouTube): For 4K HDR, use the official apps on your TV (quality will be higher than when mirroring with a MacBook). If you're streaming from a MacBook, turn on "Optimize for Video" in the AirPlay settings.
- 📊 For presentations (Keynote, PowerPoint): Use Extended Screen (not mirroring) mode to see a speaker's notes on a MacBook. Check fonts -- they may look different on TV. Use secure fonts like Arial or Helvetica.
For streaming games (e.g., via GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming):
- Connect your MacBook to your TV via HDMI (minimum lag).
- In the game settings, select the resolution corresponding to the capabilities of the TV.
- Use a gamepad that is connected directly to a MacBook (such as DualSense or Xbox Controller).
8 Connect older MacBook models (before 2015) and Xiaomi TVs
If you have a MacBook Pro/Air before 2015 (with HDMI, Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 2 ports), or a Xiaomi TV older than 2018, additional adapters or adjustments may be required:
- 🔌 MacBook with Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt 2: You need a Mini DisplayPort adapter → HDMI (e.g. Apple Mini DisplayPort to HDMI).
- 📺 Xiaomi TVs without Miracast (until 2018): Wireless connectivity is only possible via DLNA or third-party devices like Google Chromecast.
- 🔊 Sound problems with Mini DisplayPort: Some adapters don't transmit sound - a separate 3.5mm audio cable is required → RCA.
For MacBook Pro (mid-2012 – 2015) with HDMI port:
- Connect the HDMI cable directly to the TV.
- If the image is not stable, try a cable with a ferrite ring (interference suppressor).
- For sound, additional settings may be required: System settings → Sound → Output → HDMI.
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi TVs older than 2017 may not support HDCP 2.2, which will lead to an error when playing protected content (Netflix, Disney+).
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For older MacBooks with a Thunderbolt 2 port, a Thunderbolt 2 → Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) + USB-C → HDMI adapter is suitable, but it is an expensive solution. It is cheaper to buy a Mini DisplayPort → HDMI adapter (if you have one on your model).