Integrating your smartphone and TV into a single ecosystem is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity for the modern multimedia user. Xiaomi and Redmi owners often face the desire to bring their favorite TV shows, family photos or work content to the big screen. Fortunately, the architecture of the Android TV operating system, on which many models of the Chinese brand TVs are based, allows you to do this in several ways.
There are wireless protocols like Miracast and DLNA, and proven wired solutions, and the specific method you choose depends on your goals: whether you need to duplicate a screen in real time or just stream a video file, and it's important to understand the difference between these technologies to avoid image delays or sound problems.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current methods of connection, from standard system functions to third-party applications. You’ll learn how to configure data transfer without lags and what to do if devices can’t see each other on the LAN. The key to a wireless connection is to find both gadgets on the same Wi-Fi network.
Preparation of equipment and network
Before you start setting up sync, you need to make sure your infrastructure is ready to transmit heavy media content. The quality of the wireless connection directly affects picture stability and lack of buffering. If the router supports only the 2.4 GHz standard, there may be micro-latency when broadcasting games or dynamic scenes.
Check the version of the operating system on your TV. The current protocols often require a firmware update through the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. Outdated software may not support the new codecs or security standards used by modern smartphones.
Also worth paying attention to energy saving: Some phone models aggressively limit the background activity of the Wi-Fi module to save charge, make sure that the battery settings allow network services to work in the background.
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Use 5GHz Wi-Fi to stream video to 4K, as it provides up to 1Gbps bandwidth, which is critical for streaming without compression.
Translation of the screen through the built-in functionality (Cast)
The most common method is to use Google Cast or Miracast technology built into the MIUI or HyperOS shell, which allows you to mirror an image, that is, display an exact copy of what is happening on the display of a smartphone on TV, which is ideal for showing presentations, games or viewing content in applications that do not have DLNA support.
Activating a feature on the TV often requires no action if the guest profile or standby mode is enabled. However, on some Xiaomi TV models, you need to run the Wireless Display app or Broadcast from the app menu to make the device visible to search.
☑️ Algorithm of screen connection
Once you select a device in the list, the phone may have a request to confirm the connection on the TV screen. Use the remote to confirm if the security system requires authorization of a new client. The connection process usually takes 3 to 10 seconds depending on the router speed.
⚠️ Note: When using the mirror mode, the smartphone screen does not go out, which can lead to accelerated battery discharge and heating of the case.
Use of Mi Remote and IR port
A unique feature of many Xiaomi smartphones is the integrated infrared port, which allows the phone to be used as a universal remote control, which is especially true if the native remote is lost or discharged. Although this does not transmit the image, it is an important aspect of managing the phone-TV bundle.
To set up, you need to open the standard Mi Remote application. The system will suggest choosing the type of device - a TV, and a brand - Xiaomi or Mi. Next, there is a series of test signals that you need to respond to by pressing the confirmation button on the smartphone screen.
Once you've successfully calibrated, you get full access to navigating the Android TV menu, which is convenient for typing text from the phone's keyboard, which is much faster than typing search queries with the remote buttons, and you can also emulate a touchpad to control the cursor.
Multimedia streaming via DLNA and YouTube
If your goal is to just watch a video from a gallery or play a YouTube video, using full screen mirroring is redundant. The DLNA protocol allows you to only transmit the media stream, freeing up your smartphone for other tasks, in which case the phone acts as a remote, and the decoding is done by the TV itself.
To implement this scenario, a receiver application must be launched on the TV, for example, Media Player or third-party solutions like Receiver for DLNA. In the smartphone gallery, you need to select a video, click the Share button or broadcast icon and select the target device.
Youtube integration is particularly noteworthy, because if both devices are logged in to the same Google account, you can run a video on your phone, click on the Cast icon, and select a TV. The video will run directly through the TV's Internet channel without consuming smartphone traffic.
| Parameter | Miracast (Translation) | DLNA / Chromecast | IR remote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of transmission | Video stream (screen to screen) | File/stream link | Infrared signal |
| Phone load | Tall. | Low. | Minimum |
| Quality. | Depends on the Wi-Fi signal. | Original (up to 4K HDR) | Not applicable. |
| Internet | Not required (local network) | Required for online content | Not required |
Wired connection via USB and HDMI
Wireless technology doesn't always guarantee stability, especially in noisy ether environments. For tasks where every millisecond counts, or in the absence of Wi-Fi, it's worth considering wired options. But there are important technical nuances to be aware of.
Connection through USB-The video signal cable on Xiaomi TVs directly is not generally supported in "video login" mode. USB And the main thing you can do on TV is to read files from flash drives, and you can upload a video file to your phone, and then you can plug it in as a drive, but it's not going to be a screen broadcast.
The only high-quality wired method is the use of an adapter USB-C to HDMI. If your smartphone supports the standard MHL Or DisplayPort Alt Mode, you can connect it directly to the HDMI-In this case, the phone will be identified as the external signal source. HDMI 1 HDMI 2.
Why is my phone not working with an HDMI adapter?
Problem Solving and Lack of Image
Even if you set it up properly, you might find that the TV can't see the phone. First of all, check the router's settings. AP Isolation prevents devices within the same network from communicating. It has to be turned off.
Another common reason is the use of a guest Wi-Fi network, so if the phone is connected to Guest and the TV is connected to the main network, they are on different subnets and can't detect each other, make sure that both devices are connected to the same SSID.
If the problem persists, try rebooting Wi-Fi modules. Turn off and turn on wireless communication on both devices. In rare cases, resetting network settings on a smartphone helps, but this will require re-entering passwords from all known networks.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs or firewalls on the router can block ports used by Miracast protocols (usually port 7236 or 8555.
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The stability of the connection is 90% dependent on the quality of the router and the absence of interference in the air, not on the model of the TV.
Third-party applications for enhanced capabilities
Staff funds are sometimes not enough, especially if you want to stream the screen to TVs without smart features (via consoles) or require specific functionality. Google Play store offers many solutions.
One of the most popular applications is Web Video Caster, which allows you to send videos from sites directly to your TV without having to broadcast the entire screen of your browser, saving battery life and providing better picture quality.
For gamers who want to play mobile games on the big screen, apps like GameStream or Steam Link are suitable if the TV has the appropriate client part installed, and they provide minimal input latency, which is critical for shooters and racing.
Also worth mentioning is the Xiaomi Home app.Although it is primarily designed to manage a smart home, in some regions and firmware versions it contains multimedia interaction features with the brand’s TVs, allowing you to quickly switch sources or control playback.