How to connect your phone to a Xiaomi 4S TV: all working ways

Connecting a smartphone to a Xiaomi Mi TV 4S offers a range of possibilities, from streaming high-resolution video to using the TV screen as a monitor for games or presentations. However, many users face difficulties in the first attempt to sync devices. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting (including hidden MIUI functions), as well as typical errors that interfere with stable operation.

The Mi TV 4S series (2018-2023 models) supports both wired and wireless protocols, but their implementation depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. For example, iPhone owners will not be able to use Miracast, but they have an alternative in the form of AirPlay. And for Android devices, advanced functionality is available through the proprietary Mi Home app.

1. Wi-Fi connection (Screen Mirroring)

The most versatile method is wireless screen broadcasting via Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast, which works on most modern smartphones, but requires both devices to be connected to the same network.

On Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, the feature is called “Wireless Display” and is located in the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Wireless Display. On your smartphone, activate the option depending on the brand:

• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Settings → Connection and sharing → Screen broadcasting
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: Point of control → Screen duplication (AirPlay required)
• 🤖 Other Android: Settings → Screen. → Broadcasting/Miracast

If the TV doesn’t appear in the list of available devices, check:

1. Is the TV firmware updated (current version - MIUI TV 3.0+)?
2. Is the power saving mode on the smartphone turned off (it can block background data transmission).
3. Does your router support 802.11ac (for stable 4K broadcasting)?

⚠️ Note: When broadcasting via Miracast on Mi TV 4S You may experience a delay of up to 200 ms. To eliminate this, go to the sound settings. → Synchronize the sound and select the value -150 ms.

2. Wired connection via HDMI

Minimum latency and maximum image quality (up to and including: 4K@60Hz) use HDMI-This method is ideal for gamers or viewing content without compression artifacts.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Cable HDMI → HDMI (smartphone-supported USB-C Alt Mode).
• 📱 adapter USB-C → HDMI (If the phone does not have a full-size port).
• ⚡ Power supply (some adapters require additional power via the USB-A).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to your smartphone and the HDMI cable to your TV (HDMI 2.0 port for 4K).
2. On TV, select the signal source: Entry → HDMI 1/2/3.
3. On the smartphone in the screen settings, activate HDMI Mode (on Xiaomi it is Settings → Display → Output to the external screen).

The cable supports HDMI 2.0+

The adapter is compatible with your smartphone model

TV is included in HDMI-IN mode

On the smartphone unlocked output to the external screen-->

3. Connection via USB (MTP/PTP)

If you need to quickly transfer files (photos, videos, music) to the TV, use the USB-cable. TV 4S regime-support MTP (for media files) and PTP (photo).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your TV via a USB-A → USB-C cable (or Micro-USB if you have an older model).
2. On the phone, select File Transfer mode (on Xiaomi, a notification will appear when you connect).
3. On the TV, open the File Manager app (Settings → Applications → File Manager).
4. Go to section. USB-The device and copy the necessary files to the internal memory of the TV.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It is impossible to broadcast the screen in real time.
• 🚫 Not all video formats are supported by an embedded TV player (e.g..mkv with a codec). HEVC may not reproduce).
• 🚫 Transmission speed is limited USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps).

4.Use of the Mi Home application

The Mi Home app allows you to not only control your TV from your phone, but also stream content from a gallery or streaming service to it, which works even if the TV and smartphone are connected to different networks (via the Mi Account cloud).

How to set up:

1. Install Mi Home on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
2. Sign up or sign in to your Mi Account (it must match your TV account).
3. In the app, click Add Device → TV and select your Mi TV 4S model.
4. Confirm the pairing on the TV screen (a code of 4 digits will appear).

After you connect, you can:

• 🎬 Broadcast video from the phone gallery directly to TV.
• 🎮 Use your smartphone as a remote (with gesture support).
• 🔊 Manage volume and channels through a widget on the phone screen.

⚠️ Note: When broadcasting via Mi Home video with DRM-protection (e.g. from Netflix or Disney)+) It may not be reproduced due to license restrictions. HDMI Miracast.

5. Alternative methods: DLNA and Chromecast

If standard methods don't work, try DLNA or Google Cast (for Android) protocols, which are less stable but support streaming from most applications.

DLNA (for local files):

1. Turn it on on the TV. DLNA-server settings → Network → DLNA.
2. On your smartphone, install a media server application (for example, BubbleUPnP).
3. Select the file to play and specify Mi TV 4S as the target device.

Google Cast (for streaming services):

• 📺 Install the Google app on TV TV from the Mi App Store.
• 📱 In a mobile app (such as YouTube or Google Photos), click the Cast icon and select the TV.

Important: On Mi TV 4S with firmware older than 2021, Google Cast may not work as it does due to lack of Widevine L1 certification. Update the software via Settings → System Update.

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If DLNA broadcasting is slowing down, reduce the bitrate of the video in the server application settings. The optimal value for Full HD is 8-12 Mbit / s.

6. Solving common problems

Even with the right setup, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, reset the network settings on the TV:

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Network reset

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

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For stable broadcast without delay, HDMI is the priority method. Wireless protocols (Miracast, AirPlay) are suitable for video, but not for games.