Why to connect a smartphone to a TV and what you need
Do you want to bring the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro screen to a big TV to watch a movie, play mobile games on the wide screen or show photos to friends? HDMI is one of the most stable ways to transfer images with minimal latency. Unlike wireless technologies like Miracast or Google Cast, cable connection ensures no lags and high quality of the picture even in dynamic scenes.
However, the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not have an HDMI port built in, so additional accessories will be needed. In this article, we will discuss all working ways of connecting, including choosing adapters, setting up your smartphone and TV, and solving typical problems.
Before you start, check:
- ๐ฑ Version MIUI on your Redmi Note 8 Pro (relevant to 12-14 versions)
- ๐บ Availability of a free port HDMI on the TV (better to use it) HDMI 2.0 support 4K@30Hz)
- ๐ Type of charging connector on a smartphone (the Note 8 Pro is USB-C)
Method 1: Connect via USB-C โ HDMI adapter (recommended)
The most reliable method is to use a dedicated adapter from USB-C to HDMI. Importantly, the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support the DisplayPort Alt Mode standard, so conventional passive adapters (for example, for Samsung DeX) will not work.
We tested several adapter models and compiled a compatibility table:
| Adapter model | 4K support | Delay (MS) | Price (โ) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseus USB-C to HDMI (with chip) | โ Yes (4K@30Hz) | ~40 ms. | 1 500 โฝ | Requires USB power supply |
| UGREEN USB-C to HDMI 4K | โ Yes (4K@30Hz) | ~35 ms. | 1 800 โฝ | It works without additional food. |
| No-name adapter (AliExpress) | โ No (1080p@60Hz) | ~60 ms. | 500 โฝ | Frequent image artifacts |
Instructions for connection:
- Connect the adapter to the USB-C port on your smartphone.
- Connect the adapter to the TV via an HDMI cable.
- Select the signal source (HDMI 1/2/3) on the TV.
- On the smartphone will appear a notification about the connection of the external display โ confirm the duplicate screen.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the image doesn't appear, check that the adapter is getting enough power.Some models require a charger connection via an additional port. USB-A.
Check the support for the conversion chip (not passive adapter)
Make sure you are compatible with Android 9/10
Note the resolution allowed (minimum 1080p)
Read reviews about the delay (for games critical <50 ms)
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Method 2: Wireless connection via Miracast (alternative to HDMI)
If you donโt want to buy an adapter, you can use Miracast technology, which is built into the Redmi Note 8 Pro. This method is wireless, but has limitations: delays up to 100-150 ms and reduced image quality with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
How to turn on Miracast:
- Open Settings โ Connection and Sharing โ Screen Transfer.
- Activate the feature and select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the connection on the TV (usually input is required) PIN-code).
Advantages of the method:
- ๐ฎ No need to buy adapters
- ๐ถ Works at a distance of up to 10 meters
- ๐ Supports duplication and screen expansion
Disadvantages:
- ๐ข Noticeable delay (not suitable for shooters or racing)
- ๐ Image quality depends on the Wi-Fi network
- ๐ Increased battery consumption of the smartphone
โ ๏ธ Note: Some Samsung TVs and LG The 2018-2020 Miracast feature may be called Screen Mirroring or Smart View. If the TV is not on the list, update the firmware MIUI last-minute.
Method 3: Connect via Smart TV (Xiaomi Mi Box, Apple TV)
If you have a Xiaomi Mi Box S, Apple TV Or a similar device, you can use it as a mediator to output an image, and it's universal, and it works even with televisions without any other media. HDMI-ports (through AV or SCART adapter).
For Xiaomi Mi Box S, the instructions are as follows:
- Connect the set-top box to the TV via HDMI.
- Install the Google Home app (for Apple TV โ AirPlay) on your smartphone.
- In the application, select your console and activate the Transmit screen function.
- On your smartphone, confirm the start of the broadcast.
Comparison with other methods:
| Parameter | HDMI-adapter | Miracast | Smart TV set-top box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delay. | ~30-50 ms | ~100-150 ms | ~60-80 ms. |
| Image quality | โญโญโญโญโญ (4K) | โญโญโญ (1080p) | โญโญโญโญ (4K) |
| Cost | 1 500โ2 000 โฝ | Free of charge. | 3 000โ6 000 โฝ (if there is no prefix) |
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If you already have a prefix Xiaomi Mi Box, this method is optimal for watching movies and TV series โ the delay is minimal, and the quality of the picture is not inferior to direct. HDMI-connection.
Adjusting the sound when connected to the TV
By default, sound can continue to play through the speakers of the smartphone. To redirect it to the TV, follow the following steps:
For HDMI-adapter:
- Connect your smartphone to the TV.
- Open Settings โ Sound and vibration โ Sound output.
- Select HDMI or External Device.
For Miracast:
- Activate the screen transmission.
- In the notification panel, click on the Sound icon.
- Select the Output Device โ [The name of your TV].
If the sound is not transmitted:
- ๐ Check that the TV is not in Mute mode.
- ๐ Restart your smartphone and TV.
- ๐ง Update the firmware MIUI (In some versions there are bugs with sound on HDMI).
โ ๏ธ Note: When connected via cheap adapters, you may experience audio and video desynchronization. In this case, try to reduce the output resolution to 720p screen-setting.
Problem Solving: No image or sound
If the TV screen is black or the sound is not played after you connect, use this instruction:
Problem 1: No image of the image
- ๐ Check that the cable HDMI It is good (try another cable).
- ๐ฑ Reboot your smartphone with a connected adapter.
- ๐บ On the TV, select the right signal source (HDMI 1/2/3).
- ๐ง In the settings of the smartphone, turn on the developer mode and activate debugging by USB (Sometimes it helps with adapters).
Problem 2: No sound.
- ๐ง Make sure that the sound settings are selected HDMI output-wise.
- ๐ Check if the sound on the TV is off.
- ๐ Reconnect the adapter (sometimes physical disconnection/connection helps).
- ๐ฒ Update the firmware MIUI โ In the old versions there were bugs with sound on HDMI.
Problem 3: Image blinks or slows down
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Reduce the withdrawal permission to 1080p screen-setting.
- ๐ Connect the adapter to the charger (some models require additional power).
- ๐ Try another one. HDMI-cable (preferably with high speed support).
What to do if the adapter is warm?
How to play mobile games on TV without lag
If you connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to a gaming TV, itโs important to minimize latency (input lag).
For HDMI-connection:
- ๐ฎ Use an adapter with a delay of no more than 30โ40 ms (see compatibility table above).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Set the withdrawal permission. 1080p@60Hz is the optimal balance between quality and responsiveness.
- ๐ Connect your smartphone to charging while playing to avoid performance drawdowns.
For Miracast:
- ๐ถ Connect your smartphone and TV to a single 5GHz Wi-Fi network (less interference).
- ๐ฎ Play genres with low dependence on delay (strategy, quests).
- ๐ง In the developer settings, turn off window animation (Settings) โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ 5 times to activate the developer mode).
Best games for TV:
- ๐ PUBG Mobile (with gamepad)
- ๐ฎ Call of Duty: Mobile (Controller Mode)
- ๐๏ธ Asphalt 9 (supports gamepads)
- ๐งฉ Minecraft (convenient to play with joystick)
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For minimum delay in games, use only HDMI-Active chip adapter. Wireless technology (Miracast, AirPlay) gives a delay of 100 ms, which is critical for shooters and racing.