Why is it so difficult to connect Xiaomi TV to iPhone?
Apple smartphones and Xiaomi TVs operate on different ecosystems: iOS vs Android TV, which creates technical barriers that do not exist when connecting, for example, an iPhone to an Apple TV or a Xiaomi TV to a smartphone of the same brand.
1) Lack of native AirPlay support on most Mi TV/Redmi TV models (except for the flagship series of 2022+ years). 2 Miracast restrictions in iOS - Apple blocks this technology for third-party devices. 3) Different media transfer protocols: iPhone uses HLS/FairPlay, and Xiaomi - DLNA/Google Cast.
However, you can get around these limitations β and weβll go through all the working methods, including hidden settings and workarounds. Importantly, Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV firmware older than 2021 may require manual activation of the developer mode for some ways.
Method 1: Wired connection via HDMI (most stable method)
If you need to mirror your screen without delay (for example, for games or presentations), HDMI-The adapter is the best choice. You'll need an iPhone:
- π Lightning β HDMI Adapter (official from Apple or certified by Apple) Belkin/Anker). For the iPhone. 15 β USB-C β HDMI.
- πΊ HDMI-cable (versions 1.4 or higher for support) 4K).
- β‘ Power supply 5V/1A (Some adapters require additional power).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone and then HDMI-cable to adapter and TV (port) HDMI 1/ARC preferably).
- On the Xiaomi remote, click Source (or INPUT) and select the appropriate HDMI-port.
- The iPhone will be notified βTrust this device?β
- The screen of the smartphone will immediately appear on the TV. For proper zoom, go to Settings β Screen and brightness β screen resolution on the iPhone.
Support HDMI-CEC in Xiaomi settings TV included|The adapter is compatible with your iPhone model|Cable HDMI maintains the required authorization|Port port HDMI It is good on the TV (check on another device)-->
β οΈ Attention: On iPhone 13/14/15 with ProMotion (120 Hz) when connected to a Xiaomi TV with 60 Hz artifacts possible. Solution: In the iPhone screen settings, force the device to install 60 Hz.
| Model iPhone | Required adapter | Max, permission. | Support for HDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 8β12 | Lightning β HDMI (Apple/Belkin) | 1080p | No. |
| iPhone 13β14 | Lightning β HDMI (powered) | 4K @ 30Hz | Yeah (Dolby Vision) |
| iPhone 15/Pro | USB-C β HDMI | 4K @ 60 Hz | Yes (HDR10+) |
Method 2: Wireless Mirroring via AirPlay (for new Xiaomi models)
Xiaomi TV A2 2022, Mi TV Q2 2023 and later officially support AirPlay 2.
- On the Xiaomi remote, click Settings β Devices β Apple AirPlay.
- If you have the option, your TV supports the technology.
How to connect:
- π± On iPhone, swipe down to open Control Point.
- π Click on Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring").
- πΊ In the list, select your Xiaomi TV (the name will be in the format "MiTV-XXXXX").
- π When you first connect, enter a 4-digit code from the TV screen.
β οΈ Note: If the TV is not on the list, check it out:
- Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (5GHz is preferred).
- On the TV in Settings β Network β Additionally enabled βAP Isolation Modeβ (should be turned off).
- Software updates: the iPhone should be iOS 15+, Xiaomi TV β MIUI TV 3.0+.
π‘
If AirPlay is running late, try connecting your iPhone to your TV via a 5GHz hotspot (manually select the network in the Wi-Fi settings on both devices).
Method 3: Use Miracast (AirPlay alternative for older models)
Miracast is a wireless screen standard that all Xiaomi TVs support, but is not directly supported by iOS.
- π² ApowerMirror (free with watermarks, $29.99/year-off).
- π² Screen Mirroring for Xiaomi TV (requires rooting on some firmware).
- π² TV Assist (official Xiaomi app, but it doesnβt work well with iOS).
Instructions for ApowerMirror:
- Install the app on your iPhone and TV (via the App Store and Google Play respectively).
- On your TV, run ApowerMirror and select "Receiving device".
- On the iPhone in the app, press "M" (mirror) and select your TV.
- Confirm the connection on both devices.
β οΈ Note: When using Miracast through third-party apps:
- Image delay can be as long as 1-2 seconds (unsuitable for gaming).
- Video quality is limited 1080p even 4K-TV-set.
- The sound is transmitted only through the TV (on the iPhone will be without sound).
Why Miracast doesnβt work on an iPhone without apps?
Method 4: Transfer media files over DLNA/UPnP
If you donβt need to mirror your screen, just watch your iPhone photo/video on your TV, use DLNA. This protocol supports all Xiaomi TVs and doesnβt require any additional devices.
How to set up:
- On TV: Go to Settings β Network β DLNA. Enable the option "DLNA Server." Remember the device name (e.g., "MiTV-DLNA-1234").
- Install the VLC or nPlayer app.
- In the app, select Local Network β find your TV.
- Select files to play (MP4, MKV, JPG are supported).
DLNA limitations:
- π΅ Sound is transmitted only in format. MP3/AAC (not working FLAC or Dolby Atmos).
- πΉ Video with resolution above 1080p It can slow down (depends on the router).
- π DRM-Secure Content (Netflix, Apple) TV+) will not reproduce.
π‘
DLNA is the only way to transfer files from your iPhone to Xiaomi TV without losing quality (unlike mirroring, where video is transcoded).
Method 5: Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)
If you donβt have a router or want to connect without internet, use Wi-Fi Direct.This method works on all Xiaomi TVs, but requires manual setup.
Step-by-step:
- On TV: Settings β Network β Wi-Fi Direct β Enable Remember the network name (e.g. DIRECT-MiTV-XX:XX) and password.
- On iPhone: Settings β Wi-Fi β Select the network DIRECT-MiTV-XX:XX Enter the password from the TV screen.
- Run a live streaming app (such as LocalCast or AllCast) and select the files to play.
β οΈ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct:
- The data transfer speed will be lower than through the router (maximum ~50 Mbit / s).
- Some apps (such as YouTube) can block playback over a direct connection.
- After connecting the iPhone will lose access to the Internet (you will have to switch back to the main network).
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right connection, there can be problems.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV not visible on AirPlay list | Different Wi-Fi subnets (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) | Connect both devices to the same network manually |
| The mirror works, but without sound. | The wrong HDMI input is selected on the TV. | On Xiaomi remote, press INPUT and select HDMI ARC |
| Video slows down when transferring over Wi-Fi | A weak signal or an overloaded channel | Switch the router to a 5 GHz channel with a width of 80 MHz |
| The Miracast app is giving you an error. | Blocking the TV firewall | In the settings of Xiaomi TV, turn off "Safe Mode" |
If none of these methods work, check:
- π Updates: on the TV settings β On TV. β Updating the system.
- π‘ Router settings: turn off AP Isolation, Client Isolation and IGMP Snooping.
- π Power adapters: some of the HDMI-Adapters require a charging connection.