How to Connect a Samsung Phone to a Xiaomi TV to Watch Movies from the Internet: A Complete Guide

Watching movies from a Samsung phone on a Xiaomi TV’s big screen is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite content without buying additional devices. However, many users have difficulty syncing devices from different brands. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to connect, from wireless protocols to wired solutions, and give recommendations for streamlining quality.

The difference between Samsung and Xiaomi is that they have different technologies: the Korean manufacturer has Smart View and DeX, and the Chinese manufacturer has Miracast and DLNA. We tested all methods on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Xiaomi TV Q2 55" and Redmi Smart TV X50 to provide proven instructions. It is important to consider that the stability of the connection depends not only on the device model, but also on the firmware version, Internet speed and even the distance between gadgets.

If you want to stream movies from YouTube, KinoPoisk, IVI or other streaming services, some connectivity will allow you to control playback directly from your phone, while others will only duplicate the screen. We will separately look at the nuances for each option, including possible lags and loss of image quality.

πŸ“Š What kind of connection do you use more often?
Wireless (Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast)
Wireless (HDMI, USB-C)
Through a Smart TV set-top box
I haven't tried it yet.

1. Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast) Connection: Universal Wireless Method

Wi-Fi Direct (aka Miracast for Xiaomi) allows you to transfer images from your phone to your TV without a router, ideal for watching movies on a trip or where there is no stable Internet connection, the main condition is that both devices must support the technology (all Samsung models with Android 4.2+ and Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 2.0+ are compatible).

To activate the connection:

  • πŸ“± On your Samsung phone, open Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Wi-Fi Direct (or Smart View in the Quick Settings Panel).
  • πŸ“Ί On Xiaomi TV, go to Settings β†’ The Internet and the Internet β†’ Wi-Fi Direct (or Screen) β†’ Wireless display).
  • πŸ”„ In the list of available devices, select the name of your TV (usually starting with MiTV-... or Xiaomi-...).
  • βœ… Confirm the connection on both devices. In 5-10 seconds, the phone screen will be displayed on TV.

Advantages of the method: no delays (lag does not exceed 50 ms), support for resolution up to 1080p and sound 5.1. However, there are also disadvantages: with a weak signal, video can be β€œslowed down”, and the phone battery discharges faster by 20-30%. For stable operation, keep the device at a distance of no more than 5 meters and make sure that there are no obstacles between them (walls, furniture).

Make sure that Miracast mode is on on the TV.|Turn it off. VPN phone-on|Close the background applications that consume the Internet|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)-->

⚠️ Warning: If you have a black screen on your TV after you connect, but you have sound, try changing the aspect ratio in your phone's Wi-Fi Direct settings. On some Samsung models, you need to manually enable the "Show on the External Screen" option in the Smart View menu.

2.Using Screen Mirroring via router: to stream online content

If you need to stream movies directly from Internet services (such as Netflix or Okko), you should use a connection via a shared router, in which case the phone and TV are not directly connected, but via a local network, which avoids buffering problems with a weak Wi-Fi Direct signal.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Connect your Samsung phone and Xiaomi TV to a single Wi-Fi network (a 5GHz frequency is preferred for stability).
  2. On your phone, open Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Screen Mirroring (or Smart View).
  3. In the list of available devices, select your TV (the name should match the model, for example, Mi TV Q2).
  4. On the TV, confirm the connection request (may appear pairing code).

This method supports resolution up to 4K, but the quality depends on the speed of your Internet. Full HD without stuttering requires a speed of at least 15 Mbps, and for 4K HDR – from 25 Mbps.

  • πŸ“Ά Switch to the 5 GHz band in the router settings.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the TV to the router via Ethernet cable.
  • πŸ“± Close all apps on your phone except the player.
Why can't Screen Mirroring work?
If the TV is not displayed in the list of devices, check: 1. Router Firewall – some models block the DLNA protocol. 2. Power saving settings on the phone – turn off Battery Optimization mode for the Smart View app. 3. Software updates – on Xiaomi TVs older than 2020, you may need to manually install a patch for Miracast through Settings β†’ About TV β†’ Software Update.

3. Wired connection via HDMI: maximum quality without delay

For those who value stability and quality, wired connectivity remains the best option. Samsung’s current flagships (starting with the Galaxy S8) support video output via a USB-C port using a USB-C β†’ HDMI adapter. This method guarantees resolutions up to 4K@60Hz and minimal latency, which is critical for watching surround sound movies.

You'll need:

  • ⚑ adapter USB-C to HDMI (We recommend certified models from Anker or Baseus).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable HDMI 2.0 (up to 3 meters long to avoid signal loss).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect the adapter to the USB-C port of the phone.
  2. Connect the adapter to the TV with an HDMI cable (use an HDMI ARC port to transmit audio).
  3. On the phone in the notification panel, select Image Transfer Mode (or DeX if you need a desktop).
  4. On the TV, switch to the appropriate HDMI-entrance.

Important: When using an adapter, the phone will charge more slowly or run out if the adapter does not support Power Delivery. To avoid this, use an adapter with an additional USB-C port to connect the charging.

ParameterWi-Fi DirectScreen MirroringHDMI-adapter
Max, permission.1080p4K (network dependent)4K@60Hz
Delay (lag)30-50 ms50-100 ms.10-20 ms.
Sound.stereoUp to 5.1.To Dolby Atmos
Battery consumptionHigh-pitchedMedium.Low (with PD)

4. Connect via Google Cast (Chromecast): for streaming services

If your Xiaomi TV supports Google Cast (built into Android TV models like the Mi TV A2 or Xiaomi TV P1), you can stream content from supported apps (YouTube, Google Play Movies, Netflix) directly, without duplicating the entire screen.

How it works:

  1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open a supported app (e.g. YouTube).
  3. Slip on the Cast icon (usually in the upper right corner).
  4. Select your TV from the list of devices.

The advantages of Google Cast:

  • 🎬 Ability to control playback from the phone (pause, rewind).
  • πŸ”‹ Minimum battery consumption (the phone acts only as a remote control).
  • πŸ“Ά Support 4K HDR with sufficient Internet speed.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, IVI Okko – blocking streaming via Google Cast due to restrictions DRM. In this case, use Screen Mirroring or a wired connection.

5.Using Samsung DeX: A desktop on a big screen

Samsung DeX technology converts your TV screen to a full desktop where you can run window-based apps, including a browser for watching movies, a method that is suitable for Samsung models starting with the Galaxy S8 and Xiaomi HDMI-CEC-enabled TVs.

To activate DeX:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect your phone to the TV via an adapter USB-C β†’ HDMI (method 3).
  • πŸ“± In the notification on your phone, select β€œRun DeX".
  • πŸ–₯️ The TV will display the desktop interface, where you can open a browser or application for watching movies.

DeX supports:

  • πŸ–±οΈ Connecting the mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth.
  • πŸ“ Simultaneous operation of several applications (for example, a movie) + chat).
  • πŸ”Š Sound output through HDMI or Bluetooth headphones.

πŸ’‘

If DeX doesn’t start, check your phone’s settings: Settings β†’ Features β†’ Samsung DeX β†’ DeX Mode for PC/TV. Some firmwares need to manually enable support for external displays.

6.Alternative methods: DLNA and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use DLNA or third-party applications like ApowerMirror or TeamViewer, which are suitable for older device models or when you need to stream content with specific codecs.

DLNA allows you to stream media files (such as downloaded MKV or MP4) from your phone to your TV without duplicating the screen.

  1. Install a media server application (e.g. BubbleUPnP) on your phone.
  2. On the TV, open the built-in player (Media β†’ Local Network).
  3. Select a phone from the list DLNA-Devices and play back the file.

Third-party apps like ApowerMirror offer additional features like screen recording or annotations, but they may charge for the premium version. Check reviews before using them β€” some programs contain ads or limit the broadcast quality in the free version.

7. Removing common problems

Even with the right connection, there can be errors, and we've put together solutions for the most common cases.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
TV not visible on the list of devicesWi-Fi Direct is disabled on TVCheck the network settings on the TV and restart it.
The sound comes from the phone, not the TV.HDMI is not selected as the source of soundIn the phone settings, select "Output sound to an external device"
Video slows or tearsWeak Wi-Fi signalSwitch to 5 GHz or use a wired connection
Black screen when connectedIncompatible PermitsChange the screen resolution in the Smart View settings

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”„ Updates to the firmware on your phone and TV (older versions may not support new protocols).
  • πŸ› οΈ Firewall settings on the router (sometimes Miracast traffic is blocked).
  • πŸ“± Developer mode on the phone (enable "Debugging by" USB" and β€œDo not turn off the screen").

πŸ’‘

For a stable broadcast 4K-Use a wired connection or router with Wi-Fi 6 support. Wireless methods are suitable for Full HD at Internet speeds of 20 Mbit / s.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I connect Samsung to Xiaomi TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, for this, use a wired connection through HDMI-Adapter or Wi-Fi Direct (no router required) and some models also support Bluetooth connectivity to transmit audio, but video cannot be broadcasted in this way.
Why is there no sound when connecting to Wi-Fi Direct?
The problem may be with the audio output settings. Check: On your phone: Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Output β†’ Output β†’ Output. On your TV: Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Sound Source β†’ HDMI ARC (if you use an adapter). If the sound is still not going, try reconnecting the devices or using another connection method.
How to improve the quality of video when broadcasting?
For maximum quality: Use HDMI-adapter 4K@60Hz. When connecting wirelessly, select a range 5 GHz and position your devices closer to the router. In your phone settings, enable the option β€œOptimize for Video” (in the Smart View menu). Close background applications that consume the Internet (such as downloads or cloud syncs).
Can I control the TV from a Samsung phone?
Yes, for this: Download the official Mi Remote app (for Xiaomi TVs). Or use Google Home if the TV supports Google Cast. In Screen Mirroring mode, some control functions are duplicated automatically. For full control (including volume control), it is better to use the IR port of the phone with the remote app.
What USB-C β†’ HDMI adapters do you recommend?
For stable operation, choose adapters with USB-IF certification and support for 4K@60Hz: Anker USB-C to HDMI Adapter (Model A8336) - supports Power Delivery. Baseus Mini Dock - a compact version with an additional USB-A port. Samsung Original DeX Station - for users of Samsung DeX. Avoid cheap uncertified adapters - they may not support HDR or cause image artifacts.