How to connect a laptop to a Xiaomi TV: all the ways and settings

Introduction: Why Connect a Laptop to a Xiaomi TV

Connecting your laptop to your Xiaomi TV opens up new possibilities for work, entertainment and presentations. You can display images from your laptop screen to the big screen for a comfortable viewing of movies, games or project demonstrations, especially for owners of Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV models, where high resolution and support for modern interfaces make the process as convenient as possible.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to connect, from classic HDMI to wireless technologies like Miracast and DLNA, and learn how to adjust the sound, change the resolution, and fix typical problems, such as when the TV can’t see a laptop or the image is duplicated incorrectly.

Whether you’re using Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux, the instructions below will help you set up a connection in a few minutes, and if you have an old TV model without an HDMI ARC or Wi-Fi 5, we’ll give you workarounds.

Connecting via HDMI: the most reliable way

HDMI cable is the universal and most stable method of connecting a laptop to a Xiaomi TV. It supports video transmission in resolution up to 4K@60Hz (on models with HDMI 2.1) and multi-channel sound without delay.

1. Check the ports on your laptop and TV. Modern laptops often feature HDMI 2.0/2.1 or USB-C with DisplayPort support. Xiaomi TVs typically have 2-3 HDMI connectors labeled HDMI 1/ARC, HDMI 2, etc.
2. Connect the cable to both devices. If you only have a USB-C on your laptop, you'll need an adapter (like a USB-C to HDMI).
3. Select the signal source on the Xiaomi remote: press the Input button (or Source) and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.

If the image does not appear automatically:

• 🔄 On Windows: press Win + P and select Duplicate, Expand, or Second Screen Only.
• 🍎 On macOS: Open System Settings → Monitors and activate Mirror Mode.
• 🐧 On Linux: Use the xrandr command --output HDMI-1 --auto (substitute HDMI-1 port).

HDMI port on TV is good (try another cable)

The laptop supports the desired resolution (for example, 4K)

PC mode is enabled in TV settings (for better color rendering)

The audio is configured to output via HDMI (not laptop speakers)

-->

Important! On some Xiaomi models (such as Mi TV 4A), when connecting via HDMI, you may need to manually enable HDMI 2.0 mode in the TV settings: go to Settings → Display and Sound → Additional → HDMI Mode.

2 Wireless Wi-Fi connection (Miracast and DLNA)

If wires get in the way, you can use wireless technology. Xiaomi TVs support two basic standards:

• Miracast – Screen duplication with minimal latency (ideal for presentations and videos).
• DLNA – transfer of media files (photos, videos, music) without duplication of the desktop.

How to connect via Miracast:

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct).
2. On Xiaomi TV, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wireless display.
3. On a laptop: 🪟 Windows 10/11: Win + K → Choose your TV from the list. 🍎 macOS: Use AirPlay (Apple required) TV or compatible TV). 🐧 Linux: Install gsconnect or scrcpy (for Android) TV).

DLNA for file transfer:

If you just want to show pictures or videos:

1. On your TV, turn DLNA on to Settings → Network and Access → DLNA Server.
2. On your laptop, use programs like VLC, Plex, or Windows Media Player to transfer files.

⚠️ Note: When using Miracast, there may be a delay in sound until 100-200 MS. It is better to use for games or watching movies HDMI.

3. USB-C Connection: Alternative to HDMI

Many modern laptops (especially MacBook, Xiaomi Mi Notebook or Lenovo Yoga) are equipped with a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode support. This allows you to transmit a video signal via a USB-C → HDMI adapter.

Step-by-step:

1. Buy a certified adapter (recommended by Anker or Baseus). Cheap, uncertified adapters may not support 4K.
2. Connect the adapter to the laptop’s USB-C port and then connect it to the TV via HDMI.
3. On the TV, select the appropriate signal source.

💡

If the USB-C → HDMI adapter doesn’t work, try connecting it via an externally powered hub.Some laptops (like the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro) require an additional power source for stable 4K transmission.

4. Adjusting the sound when connected to the TV

One of the most common problems is that the sound keeps going through the speakers on the laptop, not through the TV. Here's how to fix it:

On Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click on the sound icon in the tray → Open the sound parameters.
2. In the Output section, select a device with your TV name (e.g. Mi TV Q1 (NVIDIA High Definition Audio)).
3. If the device is not displayed, update the sound card drivers.

On macOS:

1. Open System Settings → Sound → Output.
2. Select Mi TV or HDMI from the list of devices.

On Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

Use the command to switch the sound output:

pactl list short sinks

Then install the desired device:

pactl set-default-sink <device number>

5. Solving problems with resolution and frequency of updates

Sometimes, when connected, the image on the TV appears blurred, cropped, or in the wrong proportions, due to a resolution mismatch or refresh rate.

How to set up permission:

• 🪟 On Windows: Right Click on the Desktop → Select the TV from the list of displays. In the section "Resolution" set the recommended (for example, 3840 × 2160 for 4K).

macOS

1. Open System settings → Monitors.
2. Hold on to Option (⌥) and click on Scale to see all available permissions.

Setting the refresh rate:

For smooth video (especially in games), refresh rates are important. Xiaomi HDMI 2.1 TVs support 120Hz, but you need to:

1. On the laptop in the display settings select 120 Hz (if supported).
2. On TV in Settings → Display and Sound → Additional → HDMI Update Frequency to install Auto or 120 Hz.

⚠️ Note: If you connect a laptop with Intel UHD Graphics for Xiaomi TV 4K@120Hz, You may need a cable HDMI 2.1 and manual setting in the Intel graphics control panel.

6. Connection through special applications (for Android TV)

Xiaomi TVs are based on Android TV, which allows you to use specialized applications for streaming and control from a laptop.

Popular applications:

• 📱 ApowerMirror – Duplication of screen with low latency (supports) Windows/macOS).
• 🎮 Steam Link – for streaming games from PC to TV.
• 📺 LocalCast – Transfer of media files over a local network.
• 🖥️ TeamViewer QuickSupport - Remote control of the TV from the laptop.

How to set up ApowerMirror:

1. Install the app on your laptop (official website) and on your TV (Google Play).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your laptop, launch ApowerMirror, select Phone/Tablet → TV, and follow the instructions.

Important: For Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9 and below may require manual installation APK-ApowerMirror file via file manager (e.g. X-Plore).

7. Alternative ways: Chromecast and Apple AirPlay

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Miracast or you want to use the Google/Apple ecosystem, you can use external devices:

Google Chromecast:

• Connect the Chromecast to the HDMI port of your TV.
• On your laptop, install the Google Cast extension for the Chrome browser.
• Open the video on YouTube or Netflix and click the Cast icon.

Apple AirPlay (for macOS/iPhone):

• Buy an Apple TV and connect it to your TV.
• On MacBook, open Control Center → Screen Mirror and select Apple TV.

⚠️ Note: When using Chromecast or AirPlay through third-party apps (e.g. AirServer on Android) TV) There may be a delay before 1-2 It's not good for games and real-time video.

FAQ: Frequent Questions and Answers

💡

For maximum performance (4K, 120Hz, low latency), always use a wired HDMI 2.1 connection. Wireless technologies are only suitable for media files and presentations.