Connecting a smartphone to a Xiaomi Mi TV opens up a lot of possibilities, from watching photos on the big screen to streaming games with minimal latency, but many users face compatibility issues, unstable connection or simply do not know which method to choose. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic methods like HDMI-Cable to advanced technologies such as Miracast and Google Cast.
We tested all the current methods on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 and Mi TV A2 with different smartphones (including iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23 and Xiaomi 13 Pro). Particular attention was paid to typical errors – for example, why Xiaomi TVs 2021-2022 release may not support Screen Mirroring on iOS without additional adapters.
1. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast)
Miracast technology (or Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi menu) allows you to broadcast a smartphone screen to a TV without a router. This is a universal method for Android devices, but with the iPhone it works only on some Xiaomi TV models (for more details in the iOS section).
Advantages of the method:
No dependence on the router (point-to-point connection).
Minimum delay (about 50-80 ms) – suitable for gaming.
Supports resolution up to 4K@30Hz on new Xiaomi models.
Disadvantages: possible lags with a weak signal and the lack of sound on some firmware.
- 📱 On your smartphone: open Settings → Connections → Screen transmission (on Xiaomi/Redmi) Or quick settings. → Smart View (on Samsung).
- 📺 On TV: Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi Direct and enable the option.
- 🔄 In the list of available devices on your smartphone, select your Mi TV (The name will be MiTV-XXX).
- ✅ Confirm the connection on both devices. The screen of the smartphone should be displayed on TV.
TV and smartphone connected to the same network (not necessarily, but recommended for stability)
The TV is enabled with Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast mode.
- Power saving mode is turned off on the smartphone (can break the connection)
- Distance between devices not more than 5 meters-->
If the screen is not broadcast:
- Reboot both devices.
Update the TV firmware (in Settings → About TV → Software Update).
On Xiaomi smartphones, check if the Wireless Display option is included in Settings → Connections → More.
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If the picture slows down, reduce the screen resolution of the smartphone to 1080p in the Miracast settings (if such an option is available).
2.Use of Google Cast (Chromecast built-in)
All Xiaomi Mi TVs on Android TV (starting with the 2018 Mi TV 4 model) support Google Cast, a technology similar to Chromecast.It allows you to stream content from apps (YouTube, Netflix, browser) without duplication of the entire screen.
How it works:
You select the video in the app on your smartphone and send it to the TV.
The sound and picture are transmitted directly from the Internet to TV, and the smartphone is used as a remote.
Latency is minimal (20-40 ms), but the screen of the smartphone is not duplicated – only content.
- 🌐 Make sure your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 📱 Open a supported app (like YouTube or Google Photos) and tap on the Cast icon (📡).
- 📺 In the list of devices, select your Mi TV (The name will be MiTV-type]).
- 🎬 Start the video and it will start playing on the TV.
| Annex | Supports Cast? | Max, permission. | Delay. |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | ✅ Yes. | 4K@60Hz | ~30 ms. |
| Netflix | ✅ Yes. | 1080p (Netflix restriction) | ~50 ms. |
| Google Photo | ✅ Yes. | Original (up to 4K) | ~40 ms. |
| Chrome browser | ✅ Yes (only tab) | 1080p | ~100 ms. |
| TikTok | ❌ No. | — | — |
If the Cast is not working:
Check if Google Cast Receiver is enabled on your TV: Settings → Apps → System Apps → Google Cast Receiver → Enable.
Update the app on your smartphone (e.g. YouTube).
Reconnect both devices to Wi-Fi.
Connection via HDMI (for maximum quality)
If you want a lag-free display (like for games or presentations), HDMI is the best choice.This method works with all smartphones, but requires an adapter.
What you need:
For Android: USB-C → HDMI cable (or Micro-USB → HDMI for older models).
For iPhone: Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter (about $50) + HDMI cable.
Xiaomi Mi TV should have a free HDMI port (it is better to use HDMI 2.0 for 4K).
- 🔌 Connect the adapter to the smartphone, and HDMI-cable to adapter and TV.
- 📺 On the TV, select the appropriate signal source (e.g, HDMI 1).
- 📱 On the smartphone may need to turn on the mode USB-Debugging or confirming trust in the device (on iPhone).
- 🎮 For games: turn on the settings of the TV Game mode (Settings) → Picture → Image mode → Game).
Why can’t the iPhone have HDMI sound?
⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV P1 and newer when connected through HDMI It can be automatically activated HDR. If the picture is too dark, turn it off. HDR In the settings of the TV: Settings → Picture → HDR → Off.
4. Connect iPhone to Xiaomi Mi TV (features)
iPhone owners often face problems connecting to Xiaomi Mi TV, the main reason is Apple's restrictions on Miracast and DLNA technology.
How to connect the iPhone:
1. AirPlay (only on new Xiaomi models with Android TV 11+).
2. HDMI-Adapter (the most stable method).
3. third-party applications (e.g. ApowerMirror or LetsView).
4. Google Cast (for streaming content only, does not duplicate the screen).
- 🍎 For AirPlay: - Upgrade your TV to the latest firmware. - Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. - On your iPhone, open Control Point → Duplication of screen and select Mi TV.
- 🔌 For HDMI: - Use only the original Apple Lightning Digital adapter AV Adapter. - If there is no sound, check the settings of the Sound → Access to iPhone.
- 📱 For third-party applications: - Install ApowerMirror on both devices. - Connect via Wi-Fi Direct or LAN.
⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4A (2018-2019) AirPlay only works after manually enabling the option in the service menu. → On TV. → Click 5 times on "Model TV" → Turn on AirPlay"
5. USB connection (for files and charging)
If you just need to transfer files (photos, videos, music) or charge your smartphone from the TV, it will do. USB-But the screen is being duplicated through USB Xiaomi Mi TV No, just access to files.
How to connect:
1. Use a USB-A → USB-C cable (or Micro-USB for older smartphones).
2. On the TV, select the USB source from the input menu.
3. On your smartphone, select File Transfer (on Android) or Trust that computer (on iPhone).
4. Through the built-in Explorer on TV (Applications → Explorer), open the files of the smartphone.
- 📁 Supported formats: MP4, MKV, JPG, PNG, MP3.
- ⚡ The TV can charge the smartphone (power up to 5W).
- 🚫 Not supported: Access to Android system folders (/data/, /system/).
- 🔄 iPhone will require a confirmation of trust with each connection.
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USB-connection does not replace HDMI Or Wi-Fi Direct, which is only for file transfer and charging. Use other methods to duplicate the screen.
6. Solving Connection Problems
If your smartphone doesn’t connect to Xiaomi Mi TV, check out the following:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV not visible on the list of devices | Wi-Fi Direct is offline on TV | Enable in Settings → Connection → Wi-Fi Direct |
| There's sound, there's no picture. | Limitations of HDCP or DRM | Use it. HDMI-Adapter or update the TV firmware |
| Lags and brakes at Miracast | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Connect to a 5GHz network or use HDMI |
| Chromecast doesn’t work on YouTube | An outdated version of the app | Update YouTube on your smartphone |
| iPhone does not connect via AirPlay | Incompatible TV firmware | Update TV to Android TV 11+ |
Additional advice:
If Miracast is missing after updating the TV firmware, reset the network: Settings → Network and Internet → Reset network settings.
For games via HDMI, turn on the Game mode on the TV and turn off post-processing of the image.
If Xiaomi smartphone does not see TV, check whether the connection does not block the function Protection of personal data in Settings → Privacy.
Comparison of connection methods
The choice of method depends on your tasks:
- 🎮 For games: HDMI (Minimum latency or Wi-Fi Direct (if no cable is available).
- 🎬 For movies: Google Cast (best quality) or HDMI.
- 📷 For photos: USB Google Photos via Cast.
- 📱 For screen duplication: Wi-Fi Direct (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone).
Comparative table:
| Method | Delay. | Max, permission. | Sound. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | ~10 ms. | 4K@60Hz | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ (need an adapter) |
| Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast) | 50-80 ms. | 4K@30Hz | ✅ Yeah (sometimes not) | ⭐⭐ |
| Google Cast | 20-100 ms. | 4K@60Hz (depending on the application) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ (easiest) |
| AirPlay (for iPhone) | 40-70 ms. | 1080p | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ (requires a new firmware TV) |
| USB | — | - (files only) | ❌ No. | ⭐ |