How to connect iPhone to Xiaomi TV: all ways + problem solving

Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi TV opens up a lot of possibilities, from viewing photos on a large screen to streaming high-resolution videos. However, users often face difficulties due to the different ecosystems of Apple and Mi TV. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, including wireless protocols and wired adapters, and provide recommendations for correcting common errors.

The feature of Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A series, Mi TV Q, Redmi Smart TV, etc.) is to support both standard protocols (DLNA, Miracast), and proprietary solutions like Mi Home. The iPhone by default uses AirPlay - technology incompatible with most Android-TV. The solution is: from third-party adapters to built-in Mi TV features.

It is important to consider the generation of devices, for example, Xiaomi TVs on Android TV 9+ (released after 2020) support Google Cast, which makes it easier to connect, but for older models (Mi TV 3/4) you may need additional hardware, then a detailed analysis of each method with these nuances.

1. Connect via AirPlay (for Xiaomi TVs with Mi TV OS 3.0+)

Since 2021, Xiaomi has added AirPlay 2 support to the firmware of Mi TV OS 3.0 and later, which means that owners of iPhone 5 and higher (with iOS 12+) can stream content to the TV without additional devices.

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Only models are supported: Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A Pro, Redmi Max 86 and newer.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Requires a shared Wi-Fi network (2.4 or 5 GHz) for iPhone and TV.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Some apps (e.g. Netflix, Disney+) block streaming over AirPlay.

To activate the function:

  1. On your TV, go to Settings โ†’ Connections & Sharing โ†’ AirPlay and turn on the option.
  2. On iPhone, swipe down to call Control Point โ†’ press Screen Duplicate.
  3. In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV (the name will appear as MiTV-[model]).

The TV is updated to Mi TV OS 3.0+

iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network

AirPlay mode is enabled on TV in settings

Unplugged. VPN iPhone-->

Important: Xiaomi TVs with firmware below Mi TV OS 3.0 do not support AirPlay natively โ€“ a workaround will be required (see Section 3).

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the audio is coming after the connection and the video is slowing down, check the network settings. Xiaomi 2.4GHz TVs may limit the bandwidth for AirPlay. Switch the router to 5GHz mode or use the wired connection TV to the router.

2.Using Google Cast (Chromecast) to stream from iPhone

Xiaomi Android TVs (Mi TV P1, Mi TV 5 Pro, etc.) support Google Cast, an AirPlay analog for Googleโ€™s ecosystem. Although the iPhone does not have built-in Cast support, you can get around this with the help of apps:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ YouTube, Google Photos, Spotify โ€” have a built-in Cast button.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Streamer for Chromecast or LocalCast applications for local file broadcasting.
  • ๐ŸŒ Google Chrome browser (via Translate)

Instructions for YouTube:

  1. Make sure that your TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the video in the YouTube app on your iPhone.
  3. Click the Broadcast icon (top right) โ†’ select your Xiaomi TV.
AnnexSupports Cast?Limitations
YouTubeโœ… Yes.Video only (no screen duplication)
Netflixโœ… Yes.Requires a subscription to Ultra HD for 4K
Google Photoโœ… Yes.Max. 1080p resolution.
SafariโŒ No.Requires Chrome or third-party apps

To stream the entire iPhone screen to your TV via Cast, use the LocalCast app:

  1. Download LocalCast from the App Store.
  2. In the app settings, select Google Cast โ†’ Find the TV.
  3. Click Start Mirroring (you may need to buy the Pro version).

AirPlay

Google Cast (Chromecast)

HDMI-adapter

Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast)

Not plugged in.-->

โš ๏ธ Warning: When broadcasting via Cast, audio delays of up to 2 seconds are possible. For games or video chats, this method is not suitable - use the HDMI- adapter (section 4).

3. Wireless connection via Miracast (for older Xiaomi models)

If your Xiaomi TV doesnโ€™t support AirPlay or Cast (like Mi TV 3/4 on Android 6-8), Miracast, a wireless broadcast standard compatible with iPhones via third-party apps, remains.

  • ๐Ÿข Delay of up to 0.5-1 seconds (not suitable for dynamic content).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Fast battery discharge of iPhone (up to 30% per hour).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Requires a stable 5GHz Wi-Fi signal.

Step-by-step:

  1. On Xiaomi TV, activate Miracast: Settings โ†’ Network โ†’ Miracast (or Wireless Display).
  2. On your iPhone, install Miracast Screen Mirroring (or ApowerMirror) app.
  3. Launch the app โ†’ select the TV from the list โ†’ confirm the connection to the TV.

To reduce lags:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Switch the router to 5 GHz (Channel 36-48).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Connect the TV to the router with an Ethernet cable.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Close the background apps on your iPhone.
Why can Miracast not work?
On Xiaomi TVs before the 2018, Miracast is often disabled at the firmware level. Check for a Wireless Display option in the settings. If it's not available, upgrade the TV to the latest version of the software or use the HDMI- adapter. Also, some Miracast apps on iOS require a subscription to run longer than the 10 minutes.

4. Wired connection via HDMI- adapter (most stable method)

For minimum latency and maximum quality (up to 4K@60Hz), use a wired connection via Lightning โ†’ HDMI adapter.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Call of Duty Mobile (Genshin Impact)
  • ๐ŸŽฅ Viewing high-resolution video (no compression).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Charge iPhone during broadcast.

Equipment required:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ The original Apple Lightning Digital adapter AV Adapter (or certified analogue).
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Cable HDMI 2.0 (for 4K) or 1.4 (for Full HD).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Power supply 5V/2A (for stable operation of the adapter).

How to connect:

  1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
  2. Connect. HDMI-cable to adapter and TV (port) HDMI 1/ARC preferably).
  3. On the TV, select the signal source: HDMI โ†’ wait for the automatic resolution setting.
adapterMax, permission.Sound supportPrice (roughly)
Apple Lightning Digital AV1080p@60Hzโœ… Yes (HDMI)~3 500 โ‚ฝ
Baseus Lightning to HDMI4K@30Hzโœ… Yes.~2 000 โ‚ฝ
UGREEN Lightning to HDMI4K@60HzโŒ No, only video)~2 500 โ‚ฝ

๐Ÿ’ก

If the image on the TV is cropped at the edges, on your iPhone go to Settings โ†’ Screen and Brightness โ†’ Screen Settings and select Standard (not Scaled) mode.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Cheap, uncertified adapters can cause image artifacts or overheating. Check for MFi (Made for iPhone) labeling on the package.

5. Alternative ways: DLNA and Xiaomi apps

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider:

5.1 Broadcast via DLNA

The DLNA protocol allows you to transfer media files (photos, videos, music) from your iPhone to your TV without duplicating the screen.

  1. On Xiaomi TV, turn DLNA on to Settings โ†’ Network โ†’ Sharing Media.
  2. On your iPhone, install the DLNA Streamer or BubbleUPnP app.
  3. In the application, select file โ†’ specify the TV as the output device.

Mi Home app (for smart TVs)

If your Xiaomi TV is integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem:

  1. Download the Mi Home app on your iPhone.
  2. Add the TV to the list of devices (via Add the device โ†’ TV).
  3. Use the screen display function in the device menu.

Limitations:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Only photos and videos are supported (no screen duplication).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ A Xiaomi account is required.

๐Ÿ’ก

DLNA and Mi Home are only suitable for media files. To duplicate screen, games or stream services (Netflix, Twitch) use AirPlay, Cast or HDMI.

6. Solving typical connection problems

Even with the right setup, there can be errors.

6.1 The TV is not displayed in the list of devices

Causes and solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Different Wi-Fi networks: Connect both devices to the same network (check the name SSID).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Outdated firmware: Update your TV through Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ System Update.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Router Firewall: In the router settings, allow multicast traffic (port 1900/UDP).

Sound/image delay

Ways to reduce lags:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi (or use a wired connection TV).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ For games, use the HDMI- adapter (latency <50 ms).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š In the TV settings, turn off the sound processing: Settings โ†’ Sound โ†’ Effects โ†’ Off.

No sound during broadcast

Check it out.

  • ๐Ÿ”ˆ Loudness on TV and iPhone (sometimes only sounding through one device).
  • ๐ŸŽง At the iPhone Control Point, click on the AirPlay icon โ†’ select the TV [name] as the audio output device.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ For HDMI-Adapters: Use a Cable with Support ARC (Audio Return Channel).
What to do if Xiaomi TV does not support AirPlay?
If your model is older than 2021, update your firmware manually: 1. Download the latest version of the software from the Xiaomi Support website (select the TV model). 2. Write a file to the flash drive in FAT32. 3. Connect the flash drive to TV โ†’ Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ Update via USB. After the update, check for the AirPlay option in the menu.

7. Comparison of methods of connection: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your tasks and equipment. Below is a table with a comparison of key parameters:

MethodDelay.Quality.DifficultyWhen to use
AirPlay~100 ms.Up to 4K HDRโ˜…โ˜†โ˜†Movies, music, photos
Google Cast~500 ms.Up to 1080p.โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†YouTube, Netflix
Miracast~300 ms.Up to 1080p.โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†Old TV models
HDMI-adapter<50 msUp to 4K@60Hzโ˜…โ˜†โ˜†Games, high quality videos
DLNAโ€”Up to 1080p.โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…Local media files

Selection recommendations:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ For movies and TV series: AirPlay (if supported) or HDMI.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ For games: HDMI- adapter only (minimum latency).
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ For photo and music: DLNA or Mi Home.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ For older models TV: Miracast or adapter.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I connect my iPhone to a Xiaomi TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, but only through a HDMI- adapter or Wi-Fi Direct (if the TV supports creating your own network). For Wi-Fi Direct: On TV: Settings โ†’ Network โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct โ†’ enable the option. On iPhone: connect to a network created by TV (the name will be DIRECT-xx-MiTV). Use the Miracast app for broadcast. Limit: data speed is lower, lags are possible.
Why is there no sound on your TV when connected via HDMI?
Problematic for non-original adapters Solutions: Check if the adapter supports sound transmission (the package should indicate the sound transmission). HDMI + On your iPhone at Control Point, click on the AirPlay icon. โ†’ Select the TV as the audio output device. On the TV in the audio settings (Settings) โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Exit, select HDMI ARC.
How to stream your iPhone screen on Xiaomi TV via USB?
Live streaming via USB-C/Lightning โ†’ USB is not possible โ€“ Xiaomi TVs do not support the MHL protocol for iPhone. Alternatives: Use the HDMI- adapter (4 section). To transfer files (photo, video) connect your iPhone to TV via USB- cable and select File Transfer mode (File Explorer application is required on ZXXXXX0007).
Can I connect an iPhone to Xiaomi TV via Bluetooth?
Bluetooth on Xiaomi TVs is only for audio devices (headphones, speakers). Screen or video broadcast over Bluetooth is not possible due to low bandwidth. Except for audio only: On TV: Settings โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ Device Search. On iPhone: Settings โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ Select TV. At Control Point, click on AirPlay icon โ†’ select TV as audio output device.
Which Xiaomi TVs support AirPlay?
AirPlay 2 is available on the following models (with the firmware Mi TV OS 3.0+): Mi TV Q1 (2021) and later; Mi TV Q2 (2022); Mi TV A Pro (2021-2023); Redmi Smart TV X (2021+); Xiaomi TV 6 OLED. To check the firmware version: Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ Mi TV OS version.