Connecting your phone to a Xiaomi Mi TV 4S offers a range of possibilities, from watching photos on a large screen to streaming 4K videos without loss of quality. However, not everyone knows that this process can differ depending on the model of the smartphone, the version of the TV firmware, and even the type of cable used. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from classic HDMI to wireless technologies like Miracast and Google Cast, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.
The Mi TV 4S (especially the 2018-2022 models) has limited support for some protocols, such as not all versions of the TV work correctly with Apple AirPlay, and USB-C → HDMI may require an active adapter, and we tested each method in practice and collected unique customization recommendations for specific scenarios, from gaming to presentations.
Connecting via HDMI: the most stable way
Using HDMI cable remains the most reliable option for transmitting images and sound without delay, a method that is suitable for any smartphone (including iPhone and Android devices), but requires the right adapter.
For Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, it is important to consider:
- 🔌 Type of phone connector: USB-C (modern Xiaomi/Redmi), Micro-USB (older models) or Lightning (iPhone).
- 📺 Version. HDMI-Port on TV: Mi TV 4S commonly-equipped HDMI 2.0, supportive 4K@60Hz, but 8K need HDMI 2.1 (It's only in Mi. TV Q2 newer).
- ⚡ Adapter power: Passive adapters (without additional power) may not transmit sound or limit resolution to 1080p.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the adapter to your phone (e.g. USB-C → HDMI for Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- Connect the adapter to the TV through HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI 1 HDMI 2 marked ARC sound-wise).
- On the Mi remote. TV 4S Press the Input button (or Source) and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- On your phone, turn on the display mode on the external screen (in the notification curtain or in Settings → Display → Wireless display).
Does the adapter support 4K@60Hz (specified on the package) |
Is the original HDMI 2.0| cable used?
Is HDMI-CEC enabled in TV settings (Settings → System → HDMI-CEC)|
Power saving modes on the phone are turned off (may break the connection)
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⚠️ Warning: If the image on the TV flickers or slows down, try turning it off HDR Some adapters don't support transmission. HDR10 through HDMI.
2. Wireless Wi-Fi connection (Miracast and Google Cast)
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S supports two main wireless broadcast protocols:
- 📶 Miracast is a universal standard for Android/Windows, It works without the internet.
- 🎯 Google Cast (built into YouTube, Netflix) – requires connecting your TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
For Miracast:
- On TV: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wireless Display → Turn on Miracast.
- On your phone: open Settings → Connected devices → Wireless display (on Xiaomi, the path may differ: Settings → Screen → Screen broadcast).
- Select your Mi TV 4S (the name will be MiTV-XXXX type) from the list.
For Google Cast:
- Make sure that your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- In the app (e.g. YouTube) click the Cast icon (📺) and choose Mi. TV 4S.
- If the TV is not displayed, check if Google Cast is enabled in the settings of the TV: Settings → Apps → System Apps → Google Cast Receiver.
HDMI-cable|
Miracast (wireless display)|
Google Cast (YouTube, Netflix)|
Bluetooth (sound only) |
Not plugged in.
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| Protocol | Delay (MS) | Max, permission. | Internet is required | Sound support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | 0–5 | 4K@60Hz | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Miracast | 30–100 | 1080p@30Hz | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Google Cast | 100–300 | 1080p@60Hz | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Bluetooth | 150–500 | — | ❌ No. | ✅ Just sound. |
⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware TV 4S (particularly MIUI TV 3.0) Miracast may not work properly. If the phone screen is free or off, try updating the TV software via Settings. → Updating the system.
3. USB Connection: for Files and Charging
If you need to transfer files (photos, videos, music) or charge your phone from the TV, you can use the USB-port TV 4S. However, this method does not transmit the image to the TV screen!
How to connect:
- 📁 To transfer files: Connect your phone and TV cable USB-A → USB-C (On the TV, select the source. USB Open the Explorer on TV (Files app) and find the phone folders.
For charging:
USB-port
5V/0.5A
Why can't the TV see the phone through USB?
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 No screen broadcasting, only access to files.
- 🐢 Slow transfer speed (up to 5 MB / s vs 40 MB / s over Wi-Fi).
- 🔋 Charging takes 2-3 times longer than the original RAM.
💡
If the sound is interrupted, reduce the Bluetooth bitrate in the phone settings (e.g., in Developer → Bluetooth Audio Codec, select SBC instead of AAC).
Important nuances:
- 🎵 Sound delay: when watching a video can reach 200-300 ms. For synchronization, use players with manual delay setting (for example, VLC).
- 🔊 Sound quality: Mi TV 4S supports codec AAC, but not aptX or LDAC.
- 📱 Device Limitation: Only one Bluetooth device can be connected at a time (e.g., headphones or a phone).
5. Connect via Xiaomi apps (Mi Home and Mi Remote)
For owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, there are additional ways to control your TV from your phone:
1. Mi Home app (for smart home):
Appendix Mi Remote (DU remote):
- 🎮 Turns the phone into a full-fledged remote with voice control.