How to connect your iPhone to your Xiaomi TV: All the ways with instructions and tips

Why iPhone Connection to Xiaomi TV Is Questionable

Compatibility between Apple and Xiaomi is often a source of confusion. Unlike the Samsung or LG ecosystem, where manufacturers integrate AirPlay support in advance, Xiaomi TVs (especially budget models) do not always offer direct solutions for streaming with iPhones, while users face two key challenges: the lack of a universal protocol and the need to use intermediate devices.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways of connecting, from wireless (via AirPlay, Miracast, Wi-Fi Direct) to wired (via HDMI- adapters). Particular emphasis will be placed on the nuances of settings for different Xiaomi models TV (from Mi TV 4A to Xiaomi TV Q2) and iOS versions. You will also find a compatibility table and solutions for typical errors, for example, when the TV is not displayed in the list of available devices.

Important: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019, some methods (such as the built-in AirPlay) may not work – you will need to update your firmware or use alternative solutions.

Method 1: Connect via AirPlay (for Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0+)

Starting with MIUI TV 3.0 (2020), Xiaomi has added AirPlay support to its mid-range and premium TVs, which is the most convenient way for iPhone owners to use, as it does not require additional devices.

• 📺 Works only on models: Xiaomi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV 5/5 Pro, Mi TV 4S [2020+].
• 🔄 You need to update your TV firmware to the latest version (check Settings → About TV → System Update).
• 📱 The iPhone must be installed with iOS 12.3 or later.

Instructions for connection:

1. On your TV, go to Settings → Connection & Sharing → AirPlay and turn on the option.
2. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner (for iPhone X and newer) or up from the bottom edge (for older models) to open Control Point.
3. Click on Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring) and select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
4. When you first connect to the TV, the code will appear – enter it on the iPhone.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't appear on the list, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also turn off VPN on your iPhone - it can block device detection.

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Method 2: Using Lightning → HDMI (wired method)

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support AirPlay or you have wireless connectivity issues, the most reliable way to do this is to use a wired adapter.

• 🔌 The original Apple Lightning Digital adapter AV Adapter (or certified analogue).
• 📺 HDMI-cable (usually complete with a TV).
• ⚡ The power source for the adapter (e.g., iPhone charger) as it consumes a lot of power.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone via the Lightning connector.
2. Connect the adapter to the HDMI- TV with a cable (use the HDMI 1/ARC port for better compatibility).
3. Connect the adapter to the power source (without this, the image may flash or be absent).
4. On the TV, select the corresponding HDMI- input via the remote (Source or Input button).

Advantages of the method:

• 🎮 Minimal latency (ideal for games via Apple Arcade or Cloud Gaming).
• 🔊 Both audio and video are transmitted without compression.
• 📶 It doesn’t depend on the quality of Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Warning: Cheap uncertified adapters can display low-resolution (720p instead of 1080p/4K) images or not work at all. Check for the MFi (Made for iPhone) logo on the package.

Method 3: Wireless connection via Miracast (for Android TV on Xiaomi)

Miracast is a wireless screen standard that many Xiaomi TVs support on Android TVs. However, the iPhone doesn't have Miracast built-in support, so a third-party app will be required.

• 📱 ApowerMirror (a paid version allows you to broadcast without watermarks).
• 📱 Screen Mirroring for Xiaomi TV (a special solution for Xiaomi).
• 📱 LetsView (free, but with permission restrictions)

Instructions for setting up through ApowerMirror:

1. Install the app on your iPhone from the App Store.
2. On your TV, turn Miracast on the Settings menu → Display and Sound → Wireless display.
3. Run ApowerMirror on your iPhone, select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
4. Confirm the connection on the TV (entry may be required) PIN-code).

Limitations of the method:

• ⏱ Video delay up to 1-2 seconds (not suitable for gaming)
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi is required (it is better to use a 5GHz frequency).
• 🔕 Some apps (e.g. Netflix or Disney+) block streaming due to DRM- protection.

ApowerMirror|LetsView|Screen Mirroring for Xiaomi TV|Google Home|Other/Not using-->

Method 4: Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect your iPhone and Xiaomi TV directly, without a router, which is useful if you don't have Wi-Fi or a weak signal.

On TV:

1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Turn on the option and remember the network name (e.g. XiaomiTV-1234).

On the iPhone:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Find a TV network (the name starts with DIRECT- or XiaomiTV-) and connect to it.
3. Run a live streaming app (like ApowerMirror) and select the TV manually.

Important: When connected via Wi-Fi Direct, the TV is temporarily disconnected from the Internet.This means that you will not be able to use the Smart TV- functions (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) until the connection is broken.

💡

If Wi-Fi Direct is not enabled on Xiaomi TV, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware. In older versions of MIUI TV, this feature may have been disabled by default.

Method 5: Using Apple TV or other media players

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support any of the above methods, the one-size-fits-all solution is to plug in an intermediate device, such as:

• 📦 Apple TV 4K (best iPhone compatibility, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support).
• 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box S (budget alternative, but requires Google Cast customization).
• 📦 Amazon Fire TV Stick (supports AirPlay in new models)

Instructions for Apple TV:

1. Connect your Apple TV to your TV via HDMI.
2. Set up the device by connecting it to the same Wi-Fi network as the iPhone.
3. On iPhone, open Control Point → Screen Duplicate and select Apple TV.

Advantages:

• 🎬 Support 4K HDR Dolby Atmos (on Apple) TV 4K).
• 🎮 Playing Apple Arcade on the big screen.
• 🔄 Stable connection without delay.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Additional device costs (from 8,000 ₽ for Apple TV HD).
• 🔌 Takes an extra HDMI-TV-port.

💡

Apple TV is the only way to get a full AirPlay 2 on older Xiaomi TV models (until 2020 release).

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your Xiaomi TV model, iOS version and tasks (viewing videos, games, presentations).

Selection recommendations:

• 🎥 For film and music → AirPlay (if supported) or Apple TV.
• 🎮 For games → HDMI- adapter (minimum latency).
• 📸 To view photos/social media → Miracast via ApowerMirror.
• 🏠 For continued use of → Apple TV or Mi Box S.

Problem Solving: TV not visible, no sound, lag

Even with the right setup, there can be errors. Let's look at the typical problems and their solutions:

1. Xiaomi TV does not appear in the list of devices to connect

• 🔄 Reboot your iPhone and TV.
• 📶 Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not the guest!).
• 🔧 On your TV, turn on Device Detection in Settings AirPlay/Miracast.
• 🛠 Update your TV firmware (in Settings → About TV → System Update).

2. No sound when connected

• 🔊 Check if the sound on the TV is turned off (Mute button on the remote control).
• 🎧 On your iPhone, open Control Point, click on the playback icon, and select Xiaomi TV as the audio output device.
• 🔌 If you use a HDMI- adapter, make sure it is powered.

3.Strong lags or tears of video

• 📶 Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi (less loaded than 2.4GHz).
• 📵 Disconnect other devices from the network (smartphones, laptops) to reduce the load.
• 🔄 Reduce the broadcast resolution in the application settings (e.g., in ApowerMirror, select 720p instead of 1080p).

4.The Miracast app is not connected

• 🔒 Make sure the TV is Miracast enabled (Settings → Display & Sound → Wireless Display).
• 📱 Reinstall the app on your iPhone.
• 🛡 Turn off the firewall or VPN on your TV (if any).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting iPhone to Xiaomi TV