Today’s users often have to stream content from a mobile device to a big screen. Owners of the Apple ecosystem and Xiaomi or Redmi TVs may have some difficulty with operating system differences. However, thanks to the support of AirPlay 2 in new models and the availability of third-party applications, the process has become as simple as possible.
There are several proven ways to connect, from built-in iOS features to using proprietary utilities from a Chinese manufacturer, the choice of the specific method depends on the model of your TV, the version of the MIUI TV or Android TV operating system, and what exactly you want to broadcast: photos, video files or completely duplicate the screen.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current connectivity options, pay special attention to setting up a home Wi-Fi network and consider the typical errors that can occur in the process. Proper equipment preparation is the key to stable operation without delays and desynchronization of sound.
Preparation of equipment and network
Before you start pairing devices, you need to make sure that both gadgets are in the same network conditions. This is a fundamental requirement for most data protocols, including Miracast and AirPlay. If your router is sending out a signal at two frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try to connect both your phone and TV to the same frequency, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
Check the software’s relevance on both devices. On a Xiaomi TV, you can do this by going to the settings menu and selecting Settings → About TV → System Update. On an iPhone, the update is made through Settings → Main → Software Update. Outdated firmware versions may not support the latest codecs or security protocols, which blocks the connection.
☑️ Checking before connection
⚠️ Note: If you use a guest Wi-Fi network or a corporate network with customer isolation, devices can see the Internet but will not “see” each other.
It’s also worth turning off Cellular Data mode on your iPhone to save traffic if you suddenly lose your Wi-Fi signal, although if set up correctly, the stream should go directly through the router. Make sure the TV doesn’t activate the screen’s power saving mode, which can interrupt the process of finding devices.
Using the built-in AirPlay feature on Xiaomi
Most modern Xiaomi and Redmi TVs, running on Android TV or PatchWall’s own system, have built-in support for AirPlay 2 technology. This is Apple’s native protocol that provides the best picture quality and minimal latency. To start working, you do not need to install any additional apps on the TV, just activate the corresponding feature in the menu.
Find the button on the TV remote to call the source menu or go to the network settings. You need to find the wireless projection item. Depending on the firmware version, it can be called Wireless Display, AirPlay or Wireless Monitor. Once activated, the TV will go to standby mode.
What to do if AirPlay is not found?
Now take your iPhone. Open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on Face ID models or swipe up on button models). Click on Screen Replay icon (two rectangles). Your Xiaomi TV should appear on the list of available devices. Click on it and the image from the phone will instantly appear on the big screen.
If the system requests a confirmation code, look at the TV screen, and it's supposed to have a four-digit number, type it on the iPhone, then the connection will be established, and you can flip the phone horizontally, and the picture will take up the entire screen of the TV.
Mi Remote and the Mi Home Ecosystem
If the native AirPlay is unstable for some reason or your TV model does not support it directly, the official Mi Remote app or the more versatile Mi Home comes to the rescue. These utilities allow you not only to control the TV as a remote control, but also to broadcast media content, which is especially true for older Xiaomi TV models.
Download the Mi Home app from the App Store and log in to your Mi Account. Make sure your phone and TV are logged in to the same account. The app automatically identifies your TV. Click on it to open the control panel. Here you will find the Translation button or Cast icon that will allow you to send a photo or video from the app gallery to the TV screen.
| Function | Built-in AirPlay | Mi Home appendix | Third-party annexes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Tall. | Medium | Depends on the software. |
| Delay. | Minimum | Medium | Tall. |
| Quality. | HD / 4K | HD | Depends on the network. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
It’s important to note that the Mi Home app is more commonly used to control a smart home, but the mirroring feature in it is implemented via the DLNA or Cast protocol.This means you can stream video files, but duplicate game or desktop interfaces may not be available or work with a severe latency.
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For the best sound quality when using third-party apps, turn on the “Cinema” or “Standard” mode in your TV settings, turning off automatic audio enhancements that can create echoes.
Broadcasting through third-party applications (Web Video Caster and analogues)
When the regular funds fail, powerful third-party solutions come into the arena, applications like Web Video Caster, Replica, or TV Cast for Xiaomi can work wonders, often breaking through the limitations imposed by TV manufacturers and supporting a wide range of video file formats.
The principle of operation of such programs is simple: you install the receiver app on the TV (via the Google Play Store on the TV). TV) and the sender app on the iPhone, after pairing QR-If you use code or search on a local network, you can open links to videos in your phone's browser, and they'll be played directly by the TV, bypassing the smartphone's processor.
The special feature is the trinulation of the browser tabs, some applications allow you to display the content of the web page directly on the TV, which is convenient for watching videos from sites that do not have official applications for the Internet. TV block Chromecast/AirPlay.
⚠️ Note: When using free versions of third-party apps, you may encounter insertions. Be careful when clicking on the Play or Connect buttons to avoid running ads instead of the desired action.
Some advanced users prefer to install versions of applications with a modified interface on the TV, but this requires a flash drive and the ability to work with the Android file system.
Wired connection via Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter
If wireless connectivity is not possible due to poor Wi-Fi signal or the maximum image quality is required without compression, the only correct solution is cable. For iPhone, you will need a Lightning to HDMI digital adapter (for older models) or USB-C to HDMI (for iPhone 15 and newer).
The connection process is as simple as possible and doesn't require network setup. You plug an adapter into the iPhone charging connector, plug it in. HDMI-You put the second end of the cable into the corresponding port on your Xiaomi TV. Then on the TV remote, click the signal source select button (Input or the arrow square icon) and select the port you stuck the cable into (for example, the port you stuck the cable into, HDMI 1).
The advantage of this method is that the phone charges simultaneously (if the adapter has a charging port), and there is almost no signal delay, which is ideal for games or presentations.
However, there are also disadvantages: the need to buy additional equipment and the presence of wires that can get confused under the feet. HDMI-cables (more than) 3-5 without an active amplifier, it may give an unstable picture.
Solutions (Frequent Problems and Their Resolve)
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical failures. The most common problem is that the TV can't see the iPhone. In 90% of cases, it's solved by rebooting the router. Just turn it off the socket for 10 seconds and turn it back on. Often, routers "clog" the table. MAC-Addresses and stop routing local traffic correctly.
The second common problem is de-synchronizing sound and video. If the actors' lips don't get into the voice, try changing the TV's settings to "Direct" or disabling any surround effects. Also close background apps on your iPhone that may consume CPU resources.
Reset the network settings of the iPhone:
Settings → Main → iPhone transfer or reset → Reset → Network settingsIf nothing works, reset your network settings to your iPhone.This won’t delete your data (photos, contacts), but will forget the Wi-Fi passwords you need to re-enter, an action that often eliminates software conflicts on iOS network modules.
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The main reason for connection problems is the difference in Wi-Fi bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) or the enabled client isolation mode on the router.