Connecting the smartphone to the Xiaomi Mi Box opens up new possibilities, from streaming movies from the phone screen to the big screen to using the phone as a game controller or remote control. However, many users face compatibility problems, image delays or lack of sound. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting (including hidden functions Mi Share and ADB), compare them in speed and stability, and give checklists to eliminate typical errors.
We'll focus on the new models from 2023 to 2026 (Mi Box S 4K, Mi TV Stick 4K), where Xiaomi changed the interface algorithm. If you tried to connect through Screen Mirroring and got a "Device Not Supported" error, here's a solution. We also tested alternative applications (e.g. ApowerMirror and TeamViewer QuickSupport) and found which ones work without lags on Android TV 12 consoles.
Before you start, check:
- 📱 Android version on the phone: minimum required Android 8.0 (for Mi Share) or Android 10 (for Google Cast).
- 📺 Update the Mi Box to the latest version via Settings → About the prefix → Updating the system.
- 🔌 Network Connection: Phone and console must be on the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless methods).
1. Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (Mi Share) is the fastest way
Mi Share is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology for wireless data transfer between ecosystem devices. Unlike the standard Screen Mirroring, it provides minimal latency (up to 50 ms) and supports resolution up to 4K@30fps. However, it only works on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones with MIUI 12 and above.
To activate Mi Share:
- On the console: go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Mi Share and enable the function.
- On your phone: open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Mi Share, select your console from the list.
- Confirm pairing on both devices (the console will appear a code of 4 digits).
⚠️ Note: If the console does not appear in the list of devices, check: 🔄 On your phone, turn off power saving mode for the Mi Share app. 📶 Make sure that the console is enabled detection mode (in the settings Mi Share). 🔒 Some firmware requires you to allow access to the location to work Mi Share: ⚡ Minimal latency (ideal for games and videos). 🎮 Gamepad support (you can use your phone as a controller). 🔊 Transmitting sound and image without additional settings. ☑️ Check before connecting via Mi Share Update MIUI On the phone Turn on Mi Share on the console VPN Reboot both devices on the phone Completed: 0 / 4 2. Screen Mirroring (Google Cast) – a universal method for all Android phones If you have a phone not from Xiaomi, use the standard protocol Google Cast (aka Screen Mirroring or Wireless Display). This method works on any Android-devices with Miracast support, but can give a delay of up to 200-300 ms depending on the Wi-Fi network. → Display and sound → Screen Mirroring (or Wireless Display in older versions). On your phone: lower the notification curtain and find the Transfer button (Samsung - Smart View, Huawei - Huawei Share). Select your Mi Box from the list and confirm your connection. ⚠️ Attention: On Android consoles TV 12 (e.g. Mi Box) 4K 2023) Screen Mirroring may be hidden to activate: Go to Settings → Annexes → Special access → Display over other apps. Find the Wireless Display app and let it appear on top of other windows. Reboot the console. Mi Share vs. Google Cast: Mi Share Google Cast (Screen Mirroring) Latency) 50–100 miss 200–300 Ms. Max. Permission. 4K@30fps 1080p@60fps Sound support Yes (no settings) Yes (sometimes manually enabled) Compatibility Phones only Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO Anybody. Android/iOS-device 💡If the image on the TV “breaks” or slows down, try to reduce the resolution of the broadcast in the Screen Mirroring settings on the phone to 720p. This will reduce the burden on Wi-Fi. 3. Connection to HDMI (supportive USB-C → HDMI) If you need the highest quality of the image (for example, to watch movies in the video). 4K HDR or streaming games, use a direct connection HDMI. This method eliminates delays and does not depend on the speed of Wi-Fi, but requires: 📱 Supported phone USB-C → HDMI (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60 or flagships of other brands). 🔌 adapter USB-C → HDMI (We recommend original from Xiaomi or certified by Anker). 🎮 OTG-cable (if the adapter is not built into the phone) Step-by-step: Connect the adapter to the phone and HDMI-cable to the prefix Mi Box (in port) HDMI IN, If you have one, or directly to the TV. On your phone, select Transfer mode (usually automatically). If the screen is not duplicated, check the image output settings in Settings → Display. → Regime. HDMI. Important: On the consoles Mi Box S and Mi TV Stick port HDMI IN It's not there, so you can connect the adapter directly to the TV, and use it as a signal source for other tasks: 🎬 No loss of quality (supports) 4K@60fps, HDR10+). 🎮 Minimum latency (suitable for cloud gaming). 🔋 Low power consumption (compared to wireless methods). What to do if the phone does not recognize the adapter HDMI?1. Check if your phone supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (the adapter manufacturer has a list of compatible models on its website). 2. Try another cable or adapter - cheap uncertified devices often don't work. 3. Reboot your phone with an adapter connected. 4. In the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times) turn on the debugging option USB and Simulation of the secondary display. 4. Connect via USB (ADB + Scrcpy for advanced users) If you need to control the console from your phone (for example, to debug or use the phone as a touchpad), you can use the protocol ADB It requires command line skills, but gives you complete control of the console, including file transfer and remote management. What's the matter: 📱 Android phone 10+ developer-rights. 🖥️ Computer (Windows/Linux/Mac) for initial adjustment. 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-C (PC-connection). 📲 Termux app (to start scrcpy from your phone). Instructions: Enable debugging by USB on the console: Settings → About the prefix → Android version TV (slip 7 once until the message "You became a developer" appears. Then go back to Settings → Developer Preferences and Enable Debugging by USB. Connect the console to the computer by USB and execute the command: adb tcpip 5555 Then turn off the cable and connect via Wi-Fi: adb connect [IP-prefix]:5555 Install Termux on your phone and execute: pkg install scrcpy scrcpy --bit-rate 8M --max-fps 30 (Reduced lag when managing from the phone). ⚠️ Note: When connecting through ADB The system becomes vulnerable to network attacks. After completion of the work, be sure to follow the command: adb disconnect and disable Debugging by USB customized. 💡method ADB For normal screen broadcasting, use Mi Share or Screen Mirroring, which is easier and safer. 5. Using third-party applications (ApowerMirror, TeamViewer) If standard methods do not work (for example, due to outdated firmware or incompatibility of devices), you can use third-party applications to mirror the screen. We tested 5 popular solutions and selected the two most stable ones: 1. ApowerMirror (for broadcasting the screen from phone to console): ✅ It works on Android 5.0+ iOS. ✅ Supports control from the phone (like a touchpad). ❌ Requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi network. ❌ The free version limits the permission to 720p. Install ApowerMirror on your phone and console (download) APK from the official website, as in Google Play on Android TV Run the app on both devices and select Phone Screen Mirroring mode. Connect by scanning. QR-2. TeamViewer QuickSupport (for remote control of the console from the phone): ✅ Full control of the prefix (as through the RDP). ✅ It works over the Internet (does not require a shared network). ❌ High latency (not suitable for games or videos). ❌ Requires the creation of a TeamViewer account. ⚠️ Note: When using TeamViewer on the Mi Box, you may experience a "Device Not Supported" error to avoid: Install TeamViewer Host via bootloader. APK Android TV). In TeamViewer settings on the console, disable the option Optimization for Android TV. 6. Even with the right settings, the connection may not work due to software or hardware limitations. We have collected the most common errors and ways to solve them: Problem 1: The console does not appear in the list of devices for Screen Mirroring 🔄 Reboot the phone and console. 📶 Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not the guest network). 🔧 On the console, reset network settings: Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Resetting Wi-Fi settings. 🛠️ Update the console firmware to the latest version. Problem 2: The sound is transmitted and the image is not (or vice versa) 🔊 In Screen Mirroring settings on your phone, turn on the option to Transmit sound. 📺 Check that in the settings. → Sound. → Exit HDMI selected by Auto or PCM. 🔄 Reconnect, pre-disconnect. VPN phone-on. Problem 3: Severe delay (lag) during broadcasting 📶 Reconnect to 5 GHz (if the router is dual-band). 📱 Reduce the broadcast resolution in Screen Mirroring settings to 720p. 🔌 Connect your phone to charge – Power saving mode can limit performance. 🛠️ Close the background apps on your phone (especially instant messengers and games). Problem 4: When connecting to the phone HDMI screen flashing or no signal 🔌 Try another one. HDMI-cable (preferably high-speed, with support) HDMI 2.0). 📺 On the TV, select the correct signal source (Source or Input button on the remote). 🔄 In your phone settings, enable Forced Desktop Mode (if available). 🛠️ Update your phone’s firmware – some models require patches to work properly with external displays. 💡If none of the methods work, check the regional settings of the console. On some firmware, Screen Mirroring is disabled for regions outside China. To activate it, change region to China in Settings → Preferences → Region (resettings will be required). FAQ: Answers to frequent questions ❓ Can I connect an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi Box? Yes, but with limitations. The following are available for iPhones: 🍎 AirPlay: requires installing a third-party application on the console (for example, AirScreen). 🌐 Google Cast: via browser (open the video in Safari and click the Cast button). 🔌 HDMI-Adapter: for iPhone with Lightning or USB-C (You need an original Apple adapter. Mi Share and Screen Mirroring on iOS don't work. ❓ Why is there no sound when connecting via Mi Share? The problem is typical for Android consoles. TV 11+. Solutions: On the console: Settings → Sound. → Exit HDMI → Choose Auto or PCM. On the phone: in the Mi Share settings, turn on the option to Transmit sound. Reboot both devices. If the sound never comes, try connecting via Screen Mirroring. ❓ How to use your phone as a gamepad for the Mi Box? There are two options: Through Mi Share: Connect to the console via Mi Share. Enable Game Controller mode in the Mi Share settings on your phone. Through third-party apps: Install Octopus or Gamepad Emulator. On your phone, use Monect. PC Remote or Unity Remote. for games with support Xbox/PS controllers can connect the gamepad via Bluetooth directly to the console. ❓ Can I broadcast the Mi Box screen on my phone? Yes, but it would take a lot of time: 🖥️ Computer as an intermediary (via scrcpy or Vysor). 📱 TeamViewer or AnyDesk for remote connection. There is no live stream from Mi Box to phone - the console does not support the role of a server for Screen Mirroring. ❓ How to reset your network settings to Mi Box if the connection is not working? Follow the following steps: Go to Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Wi-Fi. Select your network and press Forget. Go back to Settings. → Storage and discharge → Reset your network settings. Connect to Wi-Fi again and try again to connect your phone. If the problem persists, complete the set-top box reset (Settings) → Storage and discharge → All data dumping).