Transferring images from a smartphone screen to a large screen of a Xiaomi TV is a task that users face when watching photos, presentations or streaming videos. Modern TVs from Xiaomi (Mi TV A Pro series, Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart Fire TV and others) support several wireless and wired technologies for screen duplication, but not all of them are equally convenient. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of image transfer – from standard Miracast to little-known functions like Wi-Fi Direct, and compare them in speed, quality and compatibility with different models of phones.
The main problem faced by users is that Xiaomi TVs often “do not see” a smartphone in the list of available devices for broadcasting, even if both gadgets are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is due to the peculiarities of implementing the DLNA protocol and the limitations in the firmware of MIUI or Android TV. We will not only give step-by-step instructions, but also tell you how to get around typical errors, for example, when the phone screen is displayed with a delay or low resolution.
1. Wireless broadcast on Miracast (Screen Mirroring)
Miracast is a wireless screen standard built into most modern Xiaomi smartphones and TVs. It does not require a router connection: devices connect directly via Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which reduces latency. However, the method has a nuance: on some Xiaomi models (for example, Mi TV 4S 2018-2019), Miracast works unstable due to outdated firmware.
To activate the broadcast:
- 📱 On the phone: open Settings → Connections → Screen broadcast (on iPhone: Control Point) → Screen duplication).
- 📺 On TV: Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Wireless display (or Screen Mirroring).
- 🔄 Select the name of your TV (for example, Xiaomi-MiTV-A2-43). Confirm the connection on both devices.
Turn off the VPN on your phone
Make sure that the TV is on Wi-Fi.
Restart your router if your devices can’t see each other.
Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->
⚠️ Warning: If the image is slowing down or tearing, try reducing the screen resolution on your phone to 720p On the iPhone, you will have to use third-party apps like ApowerMirror, since the regular AirPlay is not supported by Xiaomi TVs without additional adapters.
2. Wi-Fi transmission (DLNA/UPnP)
DLNA allows you to broadcast not the entire screen, but only selected files (photos, videos) over the local network. This is convenient if you do not need to duplicate the interface of the smartphone, but just show specific images. Xiaomi TVs support DLNA through the built-in Gallery or Media Player app.
Instructions for Android:
- Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On the TV, open the Gallery → Network Devices (or Media → DLNA).
- On your phone, use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and select a file → Send → DLNA.
For iPhone will require a third-party application, for example TV Assist or AllConnect. They create virtual experiences. DLNA-server to which the TV is connected.
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)
DLNA (file transfer)
HDMI-cable
USB-cable
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| Method | Delay. | Max, permission. | Compatibility with iPhone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | 100-300 ms. | 1080p (on new TVs – 4K) | ❌ (adapter) |
| DLNA | 500–1000 ms. | Original (no scaling) | ✅ (annexed) |
| HDMI | 0 ms. | 4K@60Hz | ✅ (adapter-wise Lightning/USB-C) |
3. HDMI wired connection
If wireless methods fail, the most reliable way is to connect directly to HDMI.
- 📱 For Android: cable USB-C → HDMI (adapter + standard HDMI-cable).
- 🍎 For iPhone: the official Lightning Digital adapter AV Adapter (around 5000)₽) or certified.
- 📺 On TV: Free port HDMI (preferably supportive ARC sound-wise).
Once connected, the phone will automatically identify the TV as an external display. Android may need to turn on mode USB-debugging (Settings) → The phone. → Assembly number - tap. 7 (a) or select the source of the signal on the TV (HDMI1/HDMI2).
💡
If the audio is not transmitted over HDMI, check the audio output settings on your phone: on Android, these are Settings → Sound → Sound output → HDMI.
4. Use of the USB-cable (MTP/PTP)
A lesser known but working method is to connect your phone to your TV through a phone. USB-port MTP (Media Transfer Protocol: This allows you to view files directly from your smartphone memory, like a flash drive:
- ✅ It works on all Xiaomi TVs with USB-The port (even on older models like the Mi) TV 3S).
- ❌ It does not broadcast the screen, only shows files (photos, videos).
- ⚠️ iPhone doesn’t work without jailbreaking.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to USB-TV port (use cable from charging).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
- On TV, open up Media. → USB-device and select the desired files.
Why can't the TV see the phone on USB?
Broadcasting applications (side of decision)
If the standard methods don't work, specialized applications will help. They often offer additional features, such as broadcasting sound or controlling a TV from a phone.-3 tested:
- 🎮 ApowerMirror - supports Game Mode (low latency for games), works with iPhone and Android.
- 📱 TeamViewer QuickSupport is a non-standard way: it broadcasts the phone screen through the cloud (you need a stable Internet.
- 📺 LocalCast - convenient DLNA-Player with subtitles and playlists, free but with ads.
For Xiaomi TVs on Android TV (such as Mi TV Q1E), Google Home is also available, which allows you to control voice or smartphone broadcasts.
- Install Google Home on your phone.
- Add the TV to the app (it should be on the same Wi-Fi network).
- Select Translate screen → Screen broadcast.
💡
The app side is useful if the standard protocols (Miracast/DLNA) do not work due to outdated TV firmware or incompatibility with the iPhone.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your task:
- 🎮 For games: only HDMI (Minimum latency or ApowerMirror in Game Mode.
- 📸 To view the photo: DLNA or USB (If you need to show files without broadcasting the screen).
- 📱 For screen duplication (social networks, presentations): Miracast or Google Home.
- 🍎 For the iPhone: HDMI-Adapter or application like ApowerMirror.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware older than 2021 (Mi) TV 4A, Mi TV 4C) Miracast may not be supported by current standards, in which case update the software via Settings. → Update the system or use wired methods.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Problem 1: The TV doesn’t appear in the list of broadcast devices.
Decision:
- Restart the router and both devices.
- Turn off the energy saving mode on the phone (it can block background processes).
- Check if the Wireless Display mode is on (Settings → Connection → Screen Mirroring).
Problem 2: The image is slowing down or tearing.
Decision:
- Reduce the broadcast resolution in Miracast settings (on your phone).
- Connect your phone and TV to the router via cable (if supported).
- Close the background apps on your phone (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
Problem 3: There is no sound when broadcasting.
Decision:
- For HDMI: Check that the cable supports audio transmission (HDMI 1.4+ is required).
- For Miracast: on your phone, select Sound Settings → Output via HDMI/Miracast.
- For DLNA: audio is transmitted only with video (separate audio files are not supported).