How to connect to Xiaomi TV from an iPhone: all working ways

Technology is blurring the lines between devices, turning a smartphone into a universal remote control and media center. Apple ecosystem users often face the desire to stream content from a small iPhone screen to a large display of a Xiaomi TV. This can be watching family videos, presenting working slides or running a mobile game on the whole wall. Fortunately, the operating system MIUI or Android TV installed on the TVs of the Chinese brand provides ample opportunities for integration with iOS.

There are several proven methods of connection, each with its own characteristics and use cases, you can use built-in wireless data protocols such as AirPlay or Miracast, and there is always a reliable option for using a physical cable, and the choice of the specific method depends on the model of your TV, the version of the software and the availability of additional equipment.

In this article, we will take a look at the algorithms for each connection, learn about network configuration, app compatibility, and how to solve common problems, and use the right configuration to allow you to enjoy content in high resolution without delays or image artifacts.

Preparation of equipment and Wi-Fi network

The first and most critical step is to ensure a stable network connection: wireless broadcast protocols require both devices to be on the same local network, which means that your iPhone and Xiaomi TV must be connected to the same router.

Note the signal frequency. For high-resolution video (Full HD or 4K), it is highly recommended to use the 5 GHz band. It provides higher bandwidth and less exposure to interference compared to the 2.4 GHz band.

⚠️ Note: If your router gives away two different networks with the same name (Smart Connect), try temporarily splitting them or force them to connect both gadgets to a 5 GHz network to improve picture quality.

Also worth checking is the software's relevance. On your TV, go to the settings menu and find the About Device β†’ System Update. An outdated firmware version may not support the latest security standards and media transfer protocols.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before connection

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Using AirPlay support on Xiaomi TVs

Many of the current Xiaomi and Redmi TVs running on Android TVs have built-in support for AirPlay 2 technology. This is Apple’s native protocol that allows you to broadcast images and sound without installing additional software on the TV.

To get started, make sure the feature is activated in your TV settings. It's usually in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Embedded Apps β†’ AirPlay. You can turn on automatic connectivity or set an access code for security.

After checking the settings on your TV, take your iPhone. Open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on new models or swipe up on models with a button). Click on the Screen Replay icon (two rectangles). From the list of available devices, select your Xiaomi TV.

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If the TV requests the code the first time you connect, enter it on the iPhone screen. For the home network, you can turn on the "Code Not Required" mode, but this will reduce security.

The connection needs to be set up automatically. You'll see a copy of your smartphone display on your TV screen, you can switch between apps, and the image will be streamed in real time, and the latency in this mode is minimal, allowing you to use the bundle even for dynamic games.

Broadcasting via Mi Remote and Miracast

If the built-in AirPlay doesn’t work or your TV model is older versions with a MIUI TV shell (not Android TV), alternative methods can be used, and often these TVs support the Miracast standard, which in the Apple environment is called β€œTranslation”.

You have to run a wireless app on your TV, which can be called Wireless Display, Cast, or Miracast, and when you run it, you'll have a wait for the connection to come on the screen.

The next step on the iPhone is similar to the previous method, but the system can look for the device as a "Digital AV-compatible receiver." In some cases, the standard iOS interface does not see the TV, then the official Mi Remote app or third-party solutions come to the rescue.

  • πŸ“± Download the Mi Remote app from the App Store and add your TV.
  • πŸ“‘ In the application, find the β€œTranslation” button or screen icon with an arrow.
  • πŸ”— Select a file or media library to display to the big screen.
  • πŸ“Ί Confirm the connection on the TV remote if you receive a request.

This method is often used to mirror the desktop, when you need to show not only video, but also the interface of applications. However, it is worth considering that when using Miracast, the load on the smartphone processor increases, which can lead to heating of the device.

Why does the sound disappear during broadcast?
In some Miracast modes, sound may not be transmitted due to limitations. DRM (copyright protection) in certain applications. HDMI-Adapter for guaranteed audio transmission.

Application of third-party broadcast applications (Cast-applications)**

When regular funds fail or require advanced functionality, specialized intermediary applications come to the rescue, and they install their own reception server on the TV, which is easily detected by the iPhone.

One of the most popular solutions is the Web Video Caster or Cast to TV app. The principle of their operation is simple: you install the receiver app on the TV (via the Google Play store on TV) and the transmitter application on the iPhone.

Once both apps are launched, they will automatically find each other on the local network. The interface on the smartphone will allow you to select a video file from memory, a link to an online cinema or even a web page to display.

πŸ“Š What kind of connection do you use most often?
Built-in AirPlay
HDMI cable
Third-party applications (Cast)
Mi Remote
Not using.

The advantage of these programs is that they support a huge number of video formats and codecs that may not be played by a standard TV player, and they often have a built-in browser with an ad blocker.

Wired connection via Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter

For users who are critical to image quality and no delays (e.g. gamers or designers), a wired connection is the best choice, requiring the purchase of an additional hardware, an adapter.

You will need an original or certified (MFi) Lightning to Digital adapter. AV for older iPhone models or USB-C to HDMI iPhone 15 and newer, and you need a regular cable HDMI.

The circuitry is simple: the adapter is inserted into the charging connector of the iPhone, the adapter is connected to the HDMI cable, the second end of which goes to the port of the TV, and then on the TV remote you need to select the appropriate HDMI port with the Input or Source button.

Adapter typeiPhone modelsMaximum authorizationDo I need to charge?
Lightning to HDMIiPhone 5 - 141080pDesired.
USB-C to HDMIiPhone 15 / 164K HDRNo.
Chinese analogueAll right.720p / 1080pYes.
The original AppleAll compatible1080p / 4KRecommended

Importantly, when wired, the screen of the smartphone is completely duplicated on the TV, which means that notifications, incoming calls and other actions will be visible to all viewers. Some copyrighted applications (Netflix, Disney+) can block HDMI output by showing a black screen with sound.

⚠️ Caution: Cheap Chinese adapters without an MFi chip often don't work with the latest versions of iOS.The system can issue a warning that the accessory is not certified and block signal transmission.

Solving Connection and Image Quality Issues

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties, and the most common problem is that the TV can't see the iPhone, and 90 percent of the time, it's solved by rebooting the router and reconnecting both devices to the network.

If the image is twitching or low resolution, check the load on the Wi-Fi channel. Perhaps someone in the next apartment has turned on a powerful torrent client, or your router is overloaded with devices, in which case it will help to restart the router or switch to a less loaded channel in the router settings.

Another common problem is desynchronization of sound and video, which is treated by turning off any sound effects on the TV (Movie, Stadium modes) and setting a standard profile "Normal" or "User".

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The stability of the wireless connection depends on the power of the router's signal. If the TV is far away, use a Wi-Fi repeater or connect it to the router with a LAN cable.

In case nothing helps, reset network settings on the iPhone (Settings β†’ Main β†’ Repair or Reset iPhone β†’ Reset β†’ Reset Network Settings) This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords, but often eliminates software driver conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect my iPhone to a Xiaomi TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is only possible with the Lightning/USB-C to HDMI wired adapter. Wireless methods (AirPlay, Miracast) require a local Wi-Fi network, even if the router is not connected to the Internet, devices must β€œsee” each other through the Wi-Fi module.
Why is there a picture on YouTube and no sound?
Chances are that the TV has turned off the sound or the wrong audio source is selected. Check the audio settings in the TV menu. Also make sure that the iPhone itself does not have silent call mode, although for media this rarely affects the output via AirPlay.
Does all Xiaomi TVs support AirPlay?
No, AirPlay 2 support is mostly models running pure Android TV or Google TV (global versions). PatchWall shell TVs or older models may require an additional receiver app from the TV app store.
Does the screen broadcast affect the battery charge of the iPhone?
Yes, active video streaming is a huge energy drain. With wireless connection, the battery can run out in 2-3 hours. When wired through the original adapter, the iPhone can even charge if you connect the power to the adapter.