Why iPhone and Xiaomi TV are not always friends out of the box
Apple smartphones and Xiaomi TVs operate on fundamentally different ecosystems: one on closed iOS with proprietary protocols like AirPlay, the other on open Android TV with universal standards support (Miracast, DLNA), which often causes problems when trying to connect devices, for example, many users are faced with the fact that Xiaomi TVs older than 2020 release do not support AirPlay directly without additional adapters.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways of connecting โ from wireless (via Wi-Fi and specialized applications) to wired (using Lightning-to-HDMI adapters), focusing on solutions for Mi TV 4S/5X, Redmi Smart TV and flagship Xiaomi OLED Vision, where the connection algorithms may differ, and learn how to avoid typical errors such as the absence of sound or lags when streaming video in 4K HDR.
Before you go to the instructions, check two key points:
- ๐ฑ iOS version: your iPhone should be installed firmware not lower than iOS 12.3 (for AirPlay 2) or iOS 14.5 (for full work with Xiaomi) TV via third-party applications).
- ๐บ TV model: specify the year of release of your Xiaomi TV โ This depends on the availability of the built-in AirPlay or Chromecast. TV Q2 2023 supports AirPlay out of the box and Mi TV 4A 2019 - No.
Method 1: Connect via AirPlay (for Xiaomi TVs with support)
The easiest and most reliable method is to use the built-in AirPlay if your TV supports it.This protocol allows you to broadcast the iPhone screen on Xiaomi TV without delay and loss of quality (up to 4K@60Hz). However, there is a caveat: AirPlay is only available on Xiaomi TVs of 2021 and later (Q1/Q2 series, OLED Vision, Redmi Max 100 series).
To check AirPlay support on your Xiaomi TV:
- Open Settings โ Devices and Connections โ AirPlay.
- If the item is missing, your TV is not directly compatible with AirPlay.
Instructions for connection:
- Make sure that your iPhone and Xiaomi TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably 5GHz for stability).
- On the TV, turn on AirPlay in the settings (see above).
- On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Point.
- Click Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring) and select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
- When you first connect to the TV, a code will appear โ enter it on your iPhone for confirmation.
โ๏ธ Checklist for a successful AirPlay connection
If the image is broadcast but there is no sound, check:
- ๐ On iPhone: Go to Control Point โ Playback management and select Xiaomi TV sound-out.
- ๐บ On TV: in sound settings (Settings) โ Sound. โ Output sound) select HDMI ARC Internal dynamics (depending on the model).
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If AirPlay is permanently shutting down, try turning off the energy-saving mode on your TV (Settings โ Energy Saving โ Sleep Mode: Never).
Method 2: Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (for all models)
If you're Xiaomi. TV It does not support AirPlay, the most versatile way is wired connection through the Lightning-to-HDMI adapter. This method works on any iPhone models (starting with the iPhone). 5) and any Xiaomi TVs, including the old Mi TV 3/4. The main plus is the minimum delay (important for games or watching movies), the minus is the need to buy an adapter (the original from Apple is worth it). ~3 500 โฝ, analogues of Baseus or UGREEN โ from 1 200 โฝ).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the Lightning-to-HDMI adapter to your iPhone.
- Connect the adapter to the TV through HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI 2.0 or HDMI ARC support 4K).
- On the TV, select the appropriate signal source (e.g. HDMI 1).
- On the iPhone will be a request for trust in the device โ confirm the connection.
Possible problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No image. | Unoriginal adapter or cable | Use certified accessories (look for MFi labels) |
| Resolution below 1080p | HDMI-The TV port does not support 4K | Connect to the port with the HDMI 2.0/ARC marking |
| Sound goes through the iPhone | Incorrect audio output settings | In the Control Point on iPhone, select Xiaomi TV as the output device |
| The screen flickers. | Disparity in refresh frequency | On the TV, set 60Hz in the image settings |
How to check if you support your HDMI-port 4K?
For games (such as Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact) via HDMI, it is recommended to:
- ๐ฎ Turn on the TV game mode (Settings) โ Picture โ Image mode: Game).
- ๐ฑ On iPhone, turn off automatic brightness (Settings) โ Screen and brightness).
- ๐ Use an externally powered adapter (if it plays the role of recharging the smartphone).
Method 3: Wireless streaming via Miracast (for Android TV)
Miracast is the wireless screen broadcast standard supported by most Xiaomi Android TVs (e.g. Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X). However, the iPhone does not have built-in Miracast support, so a third-party app will be required.
- ๐ฑ ApowerMirror (free but with watermarks in free version).
- ๐ฑ Screen Mirroring for Xiaomi TV (Optimized for the Xiaomi ecosystem).
- ๐ฑ LetsView (supports) 1080p lagless).
Instructions for ApowerMirror:
- Install the app on your iPhone and TV (via Google Play on Xiaomi TV).
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Run ApowerMirror on your TV and select the Receiving Device.
- On your iPhone, open the app, tap Mirror and select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
- Confirm the connection on the TV.
Miracast's limitations for iPhone:
- โ ๏ธ Maximum authorization โ 1920ร1080 (Even if the TV is still on 4K).
- โ ๏ธ Sound delay ~200-300 ms (not suitable for games or music).
- โ ๏ธ Screen recording protection apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) will not be broadcast.
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Miracast is the only wireless way for older Xiaomi TV models (until 2020), but itโs not suitable for viewing secure content (DRM).
Method 4: Connect via Chromecast (for TVs with Google TV)
If your Xiaomi TV runs on Google TV (like Mi TV Q1 2022 or Xiaomi OLED Vision), you can use Google Chromecast to stream from your iPhone. Even though Chromecast is a Google product, it is compatible with iOS through apps that support Cast.
List of Chromecast-enabled apps for iPhone:
- ๐ฌ YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ (plug-in).
- ๐ต Spotify, Apple Music (Premium Users Only).
- ๐ฑ Google Home (for broadcast management).
How to broadcast the screen in full (mirroring):
- Install the Google Home app on your iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone and Xiaomi TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google Home, find your TV in the list of devices.
- Click Translate screen โ Screen broadcast.
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To stream local videos from the iPhone, use the VLC application โ it supports Chromecast and works with files of any format.
If Chromecast doesn't find the TV:
โ ๏ธ Note: On some Xiaomi models TV Chromecast is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings. โ Devices and connections โ Chromecast is built-in and activate the option.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (DLNA, USB, consoles)
If none of the above methods are suitable, consider alternatives, which are less convenient but can save you in an emergency.
1. Transfer of files over DLNA
The DLNA protocol allows you to stream media files (photos, videos, music) from your iPhone to Xiaomi TV without duplicating the screen.
- ๐ฑ Install the application on the iPhone DLNA-server, 8player Lite or ARKMC).
- ๐บ On the TV, open the built-in Media Player or Mi Video app.
- ๐ In the list. DLNA-Select your iPhone and play the file.
2. Connection through USB-cable (for media files only)
If you want to show photos or videos from your iPhone on TV:
- Connect iPhone to Xiaomi TV through USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 for fast transmission).
- On the TV, open the Media Player. โ USB-device.
- Select the files to play.
โ ๏ธ Note: This method only works for files that are not protected. DRM (Videos from the Gallery, but not from Netflix).
3. Use of external consoles
If your Xiaomi TV is too old (before 2018), itโs easier to buy an external console:
- ๐ฎ Apple TV 4K (Full support for AirPlay and iOS ecosystem).
- ๐บ Xiaomi Mi Box S (cheap but requires Miracast setup).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ NVIDIA Shield TV (It supports both AirPlay and Chromecast).
Problem Solving: What to Do When Nothing Works
Even with the right connection, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
1.The TV is not displayed in the list of devices to connect
- ๐ Reboot iPhone and Xiaomi TV.
- ๐ถ Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not the guest one!).
- ๐ On the TV, turn off the firewall (Settings) โ Network โ Firewall: Off.).
- ๐ฑ On iPhone, turn on Bluetooth โ it is needed for the initial AirPlay setup.
2. Sound or video delay (lag)
- ๐ถ Switch to 5 GHz (if you use Wi-Fi).
- ๐ For Miracast/Chromecast Reduce the broadcast resolution to 720p appliance.
- ๐ฎ If you play, use a wired connection (HDMI).
3. No sound during broadcast
- ๐ On the iPhone in Control Point, select Xiaomi TV sound-out.
- ๐บ Check on the TV to see what is in the settings โ Sound. โ Output sound selected HDMI ARC or internal dynamics.
- ๐ If you use HDMI-Adapter, try another cable (sometimes the problem is a damaged contact).
4.The broadcast is interrupted or the screen flickers
- ๐ถ Check the distance between the iPhone and the router โ it should not exceed 10 meters.
- ๐ Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi (especially if they download files).
- ๐บ On the TV, turn off energy saving mode (Settings) โ Energy conservation โ Sleep mode: Never).
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If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings on Xiaomi TV (Settings โ System โ Reset โ Reset network settings).