How to connect Xiaomi phone to TV via USB: full instruction with error solutions

Why connect Xiaomi to a TV via USB?

Connecting Xiaomi smartphone to the TV through USB-cable is one of the most stable ways to stream content without delay. Unlike wireless technologies like Miracast or Google Cast, wired connection is independent of Wi-Fi quality, does not suffer from lags, and is suitable even for older TV models without Smart features. Not all TVs support MTP-protocol, and some Xiaomi smartphones require additional settings for proper operation.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible connectivity scenarios, from simply viewing a photo to using the phone as a game console, what cables and adapters you’ll need, how to set up Xiaomi to transfer data, and what to do if the TV can’t see the device, and also unique solutions for Xiaomi models with locked debugging over USB, which are not written in the standard instructions.

Which Xiaomi phones and TVs support USB connectivity?

In theory, any Xiaomi smartphone can be connected to TV via USB, but the functionality will depend on the TV model and the MIUI firmware version.

• 📱 Smartphones: All devices on MIUI 10+ (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 11/12/13) maintain MTP (Media Transfer Protocol: default. For older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) You may need to manually activate the debugging.
• 📺 Televisions: 🔹 Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, with USB-Port – Supports viewing of photos/videos through MTP or PTP. 🔹 Old TV (without Smart) - you will need to USB-OTG adapter + HDMI-exit (e.g. through MHL SlimPort). 🔹 Xiaomi Mi TVs TV (All generations – better compatibility, support even control of the phone from the remote.

⚠️ Note: If your TV can’t see your phone MTP, Check if it supports USB-host (readable external devices). BBK Thomson works only with flash drives, not phones.

What cables and adapters will you need?

To connect Xiaomi to your TV via USB, you may need to:

• 🔌 Standard. USB-C/USB-A cable (company with phone) – for transferring files to Smart TV.
• 🔄 USB-OTG adapter (Type-C) → USB-A female) - if on TV USB-A port, and by the phone USB-C.
• 📺 MHL/SlimPort adapter (USB-C → HDMI) — To display the image on the screen (does not work on all Xiaomi models).
• ⚡ Active USB-hub – if the TV does not power the phone USB (need for stable employment).

⚠️ Attention: Cheap Chinese adapters often don't support video transmission. MHL Choose certified devices (like Belkin or Anker) and check if your Xiaomi supports video output. USB — many models after MIUI 12 disable this feature to save battery.

For owners of Xiaomi Mi TV there is a bonus: you can use the proprietary cable Mi USB-C to USB-C for simultaneous charging of the phone and data transfer. But note that the file transfer speed will be limited to USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps), even if the port on the TV supports USB 3.0.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi to a TV via USB

Consider two scenarios: file transfer (photo, video, music) and screen output (duplicating the phone’s display to TV).

Scenario 1: Watching photos and videos from your phone on TV

1. Check that the phone has enabled File Transfer (MTP) mode

2.Use the original Xiaomi cable (or a certified USB-C)

3. Connect the cable to USB-TV port (usually marked as USB (Multimedia))

4. Select the source of the signal on the TV (Source button or Input button on the remote)

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1. Connect your phone to your TV with a cable. On the Xiaomi screen, you'll see a notification, "Charge over USB" -- tap it.
2. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP). If you don't have one, go to Settings → Connected Devices → USB and turn on MTP manually.
3. On the TV, open the signal source menu (usually the Source or Input button) and select USB.
4. Use the remote to navigate through folders on your phone, and on some TVs (like LG) you need to first confirm access to the device.

💡 If the TV can’t see the phone, try restarting both devices and using a different one. USB-TV port (some ports are only for charging).

Scenario 2: Duplicate the screen Xiaomi on the TV (Screen Mirroring)

To display the phone screen on TV through USB need to MHL/SlimPort adapter HDMI-Instructions:

1. Connect the MHL adapter to your phone and then connect it to your TV via HDMI.
2. Turn on HDMI (Source button on the remote).
3. On the Xiaomi phone may appear a request for permission to display the image – confirm it.
4. If the screen is not duplicated, go to Settings → Screen → Screen Expansion and select HDMI.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 13+ exit MHL In this case, use a wireless Miracast or Google Cast.

💡

To work smoothly, the USB phone must be charged at least 30%, and when the battery is low, MIUI automatically turns off the video output.

The solution to the problem: the TV can’t see the Xiaomi phone

If the connection is not working, check the following points:

If nothing helps, try resetting the USB settings on your phone:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset USB (or Reset Network Settings on older versions of MIUI).
3. Reconnect the phone to the TV.

💡

On some Samsung TVs, you need to manually allow access to the TV. USB-To do this, go to the TV settings. → General. → External devices → Storage Devices and Choose Your Xiaomi.

Alternative ways to connect Xiaomi to your TV

If USB-Connection is not suitable, consider other options:

• 📶 Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct: Wireless screen duplication (works on the MIUI 11+). Included in Settings → Connections and sharing → Wireless display.
• 🖥️ Google Cast (Chromecast): For Google-enabled TVs TV Or Chromecast consoles. Requires Google Home app installation.
• 🔗 DLNA: Stream media over a local network. Use applications like BubbleUPnP or Mi Home.
• 🎮 HDMI-adapter (without adapter) MHL): For new models Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) suitable adapter USB-C to HDMI Supported by DisplayPort Alt Mode.

⚠️ Note: When using Miracast on Xiaomi, there may be a delay of up to 200 ms. For games or movies, it is better to use a wired connection.

How to use a Xiaomi phone as a gaming console on a TV?

With a USB connection, you can turn Xiaomi into a full-fledged gaming console.

1. Connect your phone to TV via MHL-adapter USB-C to HDMI.
2. Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualSense).
3. Run a game with support for a gamepad (for example, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, or RetroArch emulators).
4. Configure the output of sound through HDMI in Settings → Sound → Sound output.

💡 Useful tip: For better performance, turn on the game mode in MIUI (Settings → Special facilities → Game mode) and disable background processes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's TV connection