Watching movies and TV shows from a smartphone on a big TV is a challenge that every second Xiaomi owner faces, but what if Wi-Fi is turned off and you don't have a phone? HDMI-No cable on hand? Solution: Connecting through USB-This method works even on older TVs and allows you to stream content from the Internet without delay.
However, it is not so simple: manufacturers often limit the functionality of the product. USB-port and data transmission protocols (e.g, MTP or PTP) Not always support streaming video. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to connect Xiaomi to TV through the Internet. USB — From standard settings to workarounds for stubborn devices, and we'll also find out why sometimes the TV doesn't see the phone, and how to fix it without buying additional adapters.
Spoiler: If your TV is released after 2018, the chances of a successful USB connection are 70% higher.
Why? USB-Wi-Fi is better for watching movies?
At first glance, wireless technologies (Miracast, Google Cast, DLNA) They seem more convenient, but they have a connection through USB-cable has significant advantages:
- 🔋 No battery consumption. USB-The smartphone is charged, not discharged, as when using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- 📶 Communication stability: no delays or video hangs due to weak router signal.
- 🔒 Security: Data is transmitted over a wire, not in the air, like wireless transmission.
- 🎬 Support DRM. Some services (such as Netflix or Kion) block Wi-Fi broadcasts but work through the Internet. USB.
Besides, USB-Connection often helps in situations where:
⚠️ If your TV is not supported USB OTG (A feature that allows the device to be a host, then connecting the smartphone as a drive will not be possible.
But there are downsides, and the main thing is that not all TVs can play video directly from the phone. USB-The port on TV is only for flash drives or external hard drives, in which case you will need additional settings or software.
Method 1: Connecting Xiaomi as a USB-storage (MTP)
The easiest way is to use your smartphone as an external drive, and it works if the TV supports video playback. USB-device-format MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your TV with the help of USB-Cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- The phone will have a notification on it, "Charge via USB."
- Select the File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
- On the TV, open the Sources → USB menu (the name may vary depending on the model).
- Select a movie or video file from your phone’s memory.
If the TV doesn’t see the files, check:
- 📁 Video format. Televisions often only support MP4, AVI or MKV codeced.
- 🔌 Cable: Cheap cables don't have data transfer, just charging.
- 🔄 Connection mode. Try switching from MTP on PTP (for the photo; or USB-accumulator.
☑️ Checking before connection
Important: on Samsung TVs and LG pre-2017 release USB-port may not support MTP. This is only the case with Method 3 or 4 of this article.
Method 2: Using a USB OTG and an HDMI adapter
If the TV does not see the phone as a drive, but supports USB OTG (On-The-Go, you can go a workaround: connect to a smartphone USB-HDMI Adapter and then connect it to the TV via HDMI-cable.
What you need:
- 🔌 USB Type-C/USB OTG Adapter (for new Xiaomi models with Type-C connector).
- 📺 HDMI-cable (usually complete with a TV).
- 🔋 Power supply for the adapter (some models require additional power supply via the USB).
How to connect:
- Connect the adapter to the smartphone.
- Connect the adapter to the TV via HDMI.
- On the phone, turn on the "Imagine Transfer" mode (usually appears automatically).
- On the TV, select the HDMI signal source.
This method allows you not only to view uploaded movies, but also to stream online content (such as from YouTube or Kinopoisk) directly from your phone screen.
💡
If the image doesn't appear on the TV, try restarting your smartphone with the adapter connected, and sometimes MIUI doesn't recognize the device the first time.
Method 3: Annexes for USB-broadcasts (LocalCast, BubbleUPnP)
If the TV doesn't support live streaming from USB, you can use specialized applications, which convert the smartphone into a media server, and the TV into a client.
Top.-3 apps:
| Annex | Support for USB support | Video formats | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LocalCast | ✅ Yes. | MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV | Supports subtitles and external audio tracks |
| BubbleUPnP | ✅ Yes. DLNA) | All popular. | Requires customization DLNA-TV server |
| VLC | ❌ No. Only online) | All popular. | You can use it as a player on TV. |
Instructions for LocalCast:
- Install LocalCast from Google Play.
- Connect your phone to your TV via USB in MTP mode.
- Open the app and select the film file.
- Click Play on.. and select your TV (if it supports DLNA or Miracast).
If the TV doesn’t appear in the list of devices, check:
- 🔌 Connection to USB (Sometimes it is necessary to start DLNA TV-setting).
- 📶 Internet availability (some applications require a network to identify devices).
What if LocalCast can’t see TV?
Method 4: Reversible solutions for "stubborn" TVs
If none of these methods worked, don't despair. There are a few other tricks.
Decision 1: USB-feed-in
Some TVs don't provide enough power through the USB-The port for the smartphone, which will help. USB-You plug in your phone and your flash drive, and the TV will see the hub as an external drive.
Solution 2: Convert video to supported format
If the TV does not play MKV or MOV, convert files to MP4 with H.264 codec via HandBrake or Format Factory.
Solution 3: Using Scrcpy to Mirror Screen
It's a solution for advanced users. Scrcpy lets you stream a Xiaomi screen on a PC and then output the image to the TV via HDMI. Minus - you need a computer.
adb devices
scrcpy --no-audio💡
If the TV is older than 2015, the most reliable way to use it is to use it. USB-HDMI Adapter or video converter MP4 (H.264).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the right connection, you can get errors.
Problem 1: TV can't see your phone through USB
- 🔌 Check the cable (should support data transfer, not just charging).
- 📱 Reboot both devices.
- 🔧 Update the TV firmware (the instructions are usually in the Settings menu) → Support).
Problem 2: Videos are slowing down or not playing
- 🎞️ Check the file format (convert to the MP4).
- 🔄 Try another one. USB-TV port (some ports are for service only).
- 🔋 Connect your phone to charge – sometimes power shortages cause lags.
Problem 3: No sound when playing
- 🔊 Check the TV's audio settings (possibly the wrong source is selected).
- 🎧 Connect external speakers or sound bar to the TV.
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
⚠️ Note: Philips and Toshiba TVs to 2018 USB-Port can block video playback with resolution above 720p. In this case, only the conversion of the file or the use of the HDMI-adapter.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways:
| Method | Difficulty | Support for online content | Equipment required | Suitable for old TVs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB as a storage device (MTP) | ⭐ | ❌ No. | USB-cable | ❌ Partially. |
| USB OTG + HDMI-adapter | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | adapter, HDMI-cable | ✅ Yes. |
| Applications (LocalCast) | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | USB-cable | ❌ No. |
| USB-powerhouse | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | USB-hub, power supply | ✅ Yes. |
For most users, Xiaomi is the best solution. USB OTG + HDMI-It's versatile, it supports online content, and it even works on 10 years old TVs.
If you only need to play pre-loaded movies and a modern TV, MTP mode is enough. For owners of old TVs without USB OTG, the only way out is to convert videos or buy an inexpensive Google Chromecast.