Owning devices from different ecosystems often forces users to integrate them. When Xiaomi smart TVs and iPhones come into the home, the question arises about how they can work together. Fortunately, modern technology makes it easy to stream content from iOS devices to the big screen, despite the differences in operating systems.
The setup process may seem complicated only at first glance. In fact, there are several proven methods, each with its own advantages depending on your goals: You can use AirPlay's built-in features, third-party apps or wired connectivity to achieve a stable connection.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways so you can choose the most suitable one for your situation. We will look at the nuances of data protocols, possible connection problems and how to solve them. DLNA technology and streaming protocols will become clear even for beginners.
Use of built-in AirPlay support on Xiaomi TV
Many modern models of Xiaomi TVs, running on Android TV or its own PatchWall shell, have built-in support for Apple AirPlay 2 technology. This is the easiest and most reliable way, not requiring additional software to install on the TV.
To get started, you need to make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is a critical point, since when using different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or guest networks, device detection may not be possible. After checking the network, open the Control Point on your iPhone.
⚠️ Warning: If AirPlay is not automatically activated, check the "Apple AirPlay and HomeKit" section of the Xiaomi TV settings. Make sure the switch is activated and the access mode is set to "All" or "No Code Required" if you want to simplify pairing.
In Control Point, click on the Screen Replay icon (two rectangles). In the list of available devices, select your Xiaomi TV. On the TV screen, you may see a request for confirmation of connection or a four-digit code to enter on your iPhone. Once successfully paired, the smartphone screen will fully appear on the TV.
- 📱 Open the “Control Point” swipe down (on new models) or up (on old models).
- 📺 Click the Screen Replay icon and select a Xiaomi TV.
- 🔐 Enter the confirmation code if it appears on the TV screen.
- 🎬 Enjoy the content on the big screen in real time.
It is worth noting that the quality of the image transfer depends on the speed of your Wi-Fi router. To stream video in 1080p or 4K resolution, it is recommended to use the 802.11ac network or later. If you notice delays or image artifacts, try to approach the router or turn off other devices consuming traffic.
Broadcasting via built-in browser and Chromecast
Xiaomi’s TV operating system is based on Android, which means it has built-in support for Google Chromecast technology. While iOS doesn’t have a native “Translate” button for all video files, many apps and browsers are good at running this protocol.
The most convenient way is to use Google Chrome on your iPhone. Open a site with the video content you want to watch. In the address bar or in the browser menu (three dots), find the option "Translate" (Cast), the system will suggest you choose the target device, in this case, your Xiaomi TV.
The alternative is to use the Google Home app, which allows you to control Chromecast-compatible devices. Launch the app, find your TV in the list of devices, and click on Translate screen, which is especially useful if you want to show a presentation or gallery photos that don't support direct sending via AirPlay.
- 🌐 Open the video in the Chrome browser or compatible app on the iPhone.
- 📡 Click the "Translate" icon (rectangle with waves).
- 📺 Select your Xiaomi TV from the list of available devices.
- ▶️ Reproduction control is carried out from the phone.
It's important to understand the difference between screen duplication and streaming. With Chromecast, the phone acts as a remote control, and the TV itself downloads content from the Internet, which reduces the load on the smartphone and saves its battery, but requires that the video source be available online.
Why can video slow down when broadcasting?
Third-party applications for screen duplication
If the built-in techniques don’t work or your Xiaomi TV model doesn’t support AirPlay, third-party apps come to the rescue, install directly on the TV through the Google Play Store and emulate Apple’s protocols on the TV side, which allows you to “deceive” the iPhone, making it think it’s connected to a native Apple device.
One of the most popular solutions is the AirScreen app. Once installed on a Xiaomi TV, you need to launch it and wait for services to initialize. The app will create a virtual device that will be visible in the Screen Replay menu on your iPhone.
Other noteworthy programs include ApowerMirror and Receiver for AirPlay.They often offer advanced functionality such as the ability to control a TV from a phone, record a screen or transmit audio with a delay of less than 100 ms. However, it is worth considering that free versions may have time limits or contain advertising.
| Annex | AirPlay support | Delay (MS) | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirScreen | Yes. | ~50-100 | Got it. |
| ApowerMirror | Yes. | ~80-120 | There's a watermark. |
| Receiver for AirPlay | Yes. | ~60-90 | Minimum |
| Cast to TV - XCast | Partially. | ~150+ | There is. |
When using third-party software, it is important to monitor permissions. the application may need access to the local network, storage and microphone (to transmit sound). APK-Manual files, although not usually required on Google Play.
☑️ Checking before installing applications
Connection via Lightning to HDMI
When the wireless connection is unstable or requires maximum image quality without compression, the only right solution is cable. HDMI (for older iPhone models, or USB-C to HDMI (iPhone 15 and newer, and the regular HDMI-cable.
This is a method that allows you to transmit digitally without loss of quality or delay. Xiaomi TV is just a monitor. You don't have to set up Wi-Fi or install applications. Just plug the adapter into your smartphone, plug in. HDMI-cable to adapter and TV port.
After the physical connection, switch the signal source on the TV. Use the remote control, press the Input button or the arrow square icon, and select the appropriate HDMI port 1, HDMI 2, etc. The image from the iPhone should appear instantly.
- 🔌 Connect the adapter. Lightning/USB-C iPhone.
- 📺 Put it in. HDMI-cable to adapter and TV port.
- 🔘 Switch the signal source to the TV to the appropriate HDMI.
- 🎮 The phone screen will instantly appear on the TV.
Note that when wired, the iPhone screen does not always scale automatically. If the image proportions do not match the TV matrix, black bars on the sides may appear, in which case you can try changing the display settings in the screen and brightness section on the iPhone itself, if the application allows.
⚠️ Note: Use only certified adapters (MFi - Made for iPhone) Cheap Chinese counterparts often do not support transmission HDCP-content, which is why the video from Netflix, Apple TV+ The movie will be displayed with a black screen, although the phone menu will be visible.
Video streaming via DLNA and media servers
The DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol is a standard that allows devices to share multimedia content within a single network. Xiaomi TVs work well with this protocol, perceiving the iPhone as a source of media files, which is ideal for viewing personal video archives, photos and listening to music.
To implement this method, you need to install a media server application on your iPhone. A popular option is the VLC for Mobile or Infuse application. Upload video files to the application memory (via Wi-Fi transmission or the cloud), then open the Network or Devices tab.
Your Xiaomi TV should appear on the list of devices, and by clicking on it, you can access the folders of the TV or, conversely, you can send a file from your phone to TV. In some cases, the TV will find the running server on the iPhone and offer to play the content.
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For a comfortable viewing of photos, use the slideshow mode in the Photos app on your iPhone, choosing the TV as an AirPlay device. This will create the effect of a digital photo frame with music.
The advantage of DLNA is that the TV takes over video decoding, which means that even heavy 4K HDR files will play smoothly without loading the smartphone’s processor, but navigating the file system may be less convenient than using modern streaming apps.
Solving Connection and Sound Problems
Despite the simplicity of technology, users often face problems: the TV is not visible in the list, there is no sound or the image twitches.The first step in diagnosis should always be to check the network. Make sure that the router does not include the AP Customer Isolation feature, which prevents devices from seeing each other inside the LAN.
If you have a sound problem (video is coming and audio is not), check the audio output settings on your iPhone. Sometimes the system mistakenly tries to output the sound to the phone speaker, even if the video is streaming on TV. Also try changing the sampling rate in the Universal Access settings, although this is rare.
If you have a permanent connection break, try restarting your router. Long-term networking equipment overflows your memory buffer and reduces the performance of your Wi-Fi module, and it’s worth checking if someone on your network is using torrents or other heavy loads.
- 🔄 Reboot your router, TV and iPhone.
- 📡 Make sure all devices are on the same subnet (the same) IP-prefix).
- 🔇 Check if the phone is silent (may affect some apps).
- 📶 Update the firmware of the Xiaomi TV through the settings menu.
If nothing helps, reset your network settings on your iPhone (Settings) → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset your network settings. This won't delete your data, but it will return your network settings to factory settings, which often solves device detection problems.
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The stability of the connection is 90% dependent on the quality of the Wi-Fi router and the absence of interference in the air, not on the power of the transmitter of the TV or phone.