Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi TV opens up new possibilities for viewing content on the big screen, from streaming photos and videos to gaming and streaming. However, many users face difficulties due to the different ecosystems of Apple and Xiaomi. Unlike connecting two devices of the same brand (for example, the iPhone to the Apple TV), it requires considering the characteristics of data protocols and compatibility of software versions.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways of connecting, including wireless technologies (AirPlay, Miracast, Wi-Fi Direct) and wired solutions (HDMI via adapters). Particular attention will be paid to the configuration of Xiaomi TV (Mi TV 4/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV, etc.), since the availability of certain functions depends on the firmware version, and you will find a table comparing methods by speed, transmission quality and hardware requirements.
If you've tried to connect before and you've had errors like, "Device not supported" or "Can't find a TV," there's a problem-solving section at the end of this article, and for those who want maximum picture quality, we've tested 4K HDR video transmission through different interfaces -- the results are in the corresponding section.
1. AirPlay connection (for Xiaomi TV with MIUI TV 3.0 and later)
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary wireless media protocol that supports modern Xiaomi TVs (starting with MIUI TV 3.0) and provides minimal latency and stable connectivity, but requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
To check your Xiaomi TV compatibility, go to Settings → About and see the MIUI TV version. If it is older than 3.0.123, update the firmware via Settings → System Update. For Mi TV 4A (2018) and earlier models, AirPlay may not be supported - in this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 On iPhone, open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on Face models) ID or up on models with the Home button).
- 🔍 Press and hold the playback control unit (with triangle icon).
- 🖥️ In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV (The name is displayed as Mi. TV [model]).
- 🎬 On the TV will appear a request for connection – confirm it from the remote.
⚠️ Attention: If Xiaomi TV Not displayed in the AirPlay list, check if AirPlay and HomeKit mode is enabled in the settings of the TV: Settings → Connections → AirPlay. On some firmware, this item may be called "Apple AirPlay».
Turn on Wi-Fi on your TV | Update MIUI TV to version 3.0+| Activate AirPlay in settings | Make sure that iPhone and TV are on the same network-->
2. Wireless connection via Miracast (AirPlay alternative)
Miracast is a universal wireless screen standard that works on most Xiaomi TVs, including older models (Mi TV 3, Mi Box).Unlike AirPlay, there is no support from Apple, but the transmission quality can be worse due to video compression.
Important: iPhone doesn’t support Miracast natively, so you’ll need a third-party app like Screen Mirroring or ApowerMirror, which creates a bridge between devices, but can delay up to 1-2 seconds, which is critical for games or videos.
Instructions:
- Install an app for Miracast on your iPhone (we recommend ApowerMirror – it’s free for basic features).
- On Xiaomi TV, turn on Miracast: Settings → Connections → Miracast (or Wireless Display).
- Run the app on your iPhone and select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the connection on the TV with the remote control.
| Parameter | AirPlay | Miracast |
|---|---|---|
| Support for iPhone | Native (no attachments) | Third-party software required |
| Delay (latency) | 50-100 ms. | 500–2,000 ms. |
| Max, permission. | 4K HDR (on supported models) | 1080p (compression) |
| Network requirements | 5GHz Wi-Fi is recommended | Any network (but better than 5GHz) |
⚠️ Note: When using Miracast through third-party applications, a watermark or advertisement may appear. To remove them, you will need a paid version of the program (for example, ApowerMirror Premium for the first time). ~$30/year).
AirPlay|Miracast|HDMI-adapter|Wi-Fi Direct|Not plugged in.-->
3. Wired connection via HDMI (maximum quality)
If you want to stream video to 4K@60fps or play mobile games without delay, HDMI is the best choice. You'll need a Lightning → HDMI adapter (official from Apple or certified analogue).
Critical moment: on the iPhone 15 and newer uses the port USB-C, So you need an adapter. USB-C → HDMI (for example, Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. For older models (iPhone 14 and earlier) Lightning is suitable → HDMI.
How to connect:
- 🔌 Connect the adapter to the iPhone and cable HDMI television-to-TV.
- 📺 Xiaomi. TV select the source of the signal HDMI (Usually a source or input button on the remote).
- 🎮 The iPhone screen automatically duplicates to the TV. For games, turn on Low Lag mode in the TV settings (Settings) → Image: → Game mode).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ No delays (ideal for games and videos).
- ✅ Support 4K HDR Dolby Vision (with a compatible adapter).
- ✅ Stable connection without dependence on Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through HDMI iPhone can run out quickly. Use a powered hub (e.g. Anker) USB-C Hub) to charge the phone and transmit video at the same time.
💡
If the image on the TV is cropped at the edges, check the zoom settings in the Settings menu → Image → Screen Mode and select “Just in size”.
4. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (without router)
Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect your iPhone and Xiaomi TV directly, without a router intermediary, which is convenient if you don't have Wi-Fi or Internet speed is low, but it's more complicated than AirPlay and may require additional applications.
For iPhone, you will need an application that supports Wi-Fi Direct, such as LocalCast or AllCast. On Xiaomi TV, the feature is included in the Settings menu → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi Direct. Note: not all Xiaomi models support this protocol (for example, it may not be available on Mi TV Stick).
Step-by-step:
- On Xiaomi TV, activate Wi-Fi Direct and remember the network name (e.g. DIRECT-MiTV-XXXXXX).
- On your iPhone, open a live streaming app (like LocalCast) and select the “Connect to Wi-Fi Direct” option.
- In the network list, find your TV and enter your password (usually 12345678 or an empty field).
- After connecting, select a file for broadcasting (video, photo) in the application.