How to watch video on TV via Xiaomi phone: full methods

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have evolved into powerful multimedia centers capable of reproducing content in high resolution. However, even with a 6.7-inch screen, the mobile device does not always provide the desired level of immersion when watching movies or family videos. Broadcasting images to a large TV screen becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity for comfortable leisure. Wireless technologies allow you to implement this process in seconds without requiring complex equipment.

There are several basic ways to connect, each with its own advantages depending on your TV model and the interfaces available. You can use built-in Wi-Fi Display protocols, Chromecast technologies, or HDMI physical cables. The choice of the specific method depends on whether your TV is smart (Smart TV) or a regular panel without an operating system. In any case, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem provide all the necessary tools for organizing broadcasts.

In this article, we will take a look at the algorithms for all popular use cases. We will look at both standard system functions and third-party solutions that may be required in specific cases. The key to all wireless methods is to have a smartphone and a TV on the same local Wi-Fi network. Violation of this rule is the most common reason devices β€œdon’t see” each other, so check the router before setting up.

Use of the built-in Translation (Miracast) function

The fastest and most versatile way to display an image on the screen is using Miracast technology. In the shells of MIUI and HyperOS, this feature is called Translation and is built deep into the system, which ensures stable operation without installing additional software. The protocol allows you to duplicate the screen of a smartphone in real time, which is ideal for viewing photo gallery, presentations or videos from applications that do not have a built-in Cast button.

To activate the function, you need to lower the notification curtain and find the Translation icon. If it is not on the first screen, click on a pencil or three menu editing dots and drag the icon to the active area. Once turned on, the phone will start searching for available devices within network range. The TV may also need to activate the signal reception mode, which is often called Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Direct or simply Translation in the signal source menu.

⚠️ Note: When using high-resolution wireless broadcasting (1080p or 4K) It's very latent, and it's critical for dynamic games, but it's pretty much invisible when you're watching movies.

Connection quality is directly dependent on your router’s power and airborne interference. If you notice β€œsuspending” or sound dissynchronization, try bringing the router closer to the TV or switching to the 5GHz band if your equipment supports dual-band operation. 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 will provide enough bandwidth to transmit heavy video stream without compression artifacts.

πŸ“Š What type of connection you use most often?
Wi-Fi (Translation)
HDMI cable
Applications (YouTube)
Chromecast
Not using.

Broadcasting through YouTube and Netflix apps

If your goal is to view content from online cinemas or video hosting sites, using the full-screen Translation feature can be redundant. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, IVI and others support DLNA or Google Cast technology, in which case the phone acts only as a remote control, sending a link to the TV to the video stream that the TV downloads itself, which reduces the load on the smartphone battery and frees the processor.

The algorithm is simple: open the app on your smartphone, make sure you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. In the upper right corner of the video player, find the characteristic Chromecast icon. When you click on it, you'll see a list of available devices. Once you select your TV, the video will run directly on the big screen, and the phone will have volume, pause and rewind buttons.

  • πŸ“Ί Make sure you're on Smart. TV YouTube or Netflix app installed and updated (for native work without a phone).
  • πŸ“Ά Both devices must be connected to the same subnet (sometimes the guest Wi-Fi network blocks detection).
  • πŸ”„ Update the app on your phone to the latest version via Google Play or GetApps.
  • πŸ”Œ For older TVs without Smart TV You can use an external console with Chromecast support.

The advantage of this method is that while the film is on TV, you can safely respond to messages on Telegram, browse through social media feeds or even make a call without interrupting the playback. The phone will not discharge as quickly as when you completely duplicate the screen, because the processor of the TV or console decodes the video.

πŸ’‘

If the broadcast button in the app is gray or inactive, try restarting the router. Often the problem lies in a temporary failure. DHCP-server that does not properly distribute IP-addresses of devices on the local network.

Connection via HDMI cable (wired method)

For users who want maximum picture quality without compression and delays, or for those who do not have stable Wi-Fi, there is a wired option. Xiaomi smartphones with a USB Type-C port often support video output via the MHL or DisplayPort Alt Mode interface. However, not all models of the budget and mid-range segment are equipped with this feature, so before buying an adapter, it is recommended to check the specification of your device on the official website.

To connect, you'll need a USB Type-C to HDMI adapter, one end inserted into the phone's charging connector, and the other end plugged in a standard HDMI cable that goes to the TV, and the TV screen automatically displays a mobile device image, and unlike wireless methods, it doesn't require network setup, making it ideal for displaying content in a non-internet environment.

It's important to consider power consumption. When you're actively transmitting a video, your smartphone can run out quickly. Many high-quality adapters have an additional USB-C port for power connection (Pass-through charging), and it's recommended that you connect the charger to the adapter so that while watching a movie, the phone battery does not run out, but continues to charge.

Type of connectionImage qualityDelay (Latency)Battery consumption
Wi-Fi (Translation)High (compressed)Medium (0.5-2 sec)High-pitched
Chromecast (DLNA)Maximum.MinimumLow.
HDMI CableNo loss (Lossless)Absent.Medium (with charging)
Bluetooth (sound only)N/DTall.Low.

Use of Chromecast or Android TV Box

Owners of TVs that are not Smart TVs or whose operating system is slow can significantly expand functionality with external consoles. Android TV devices or Google Chromecast whistles turn any HDMI screen into a full-fledged media center. Connecting a Xiaomi smartphone to such devices is seamlessly thanks to the integration of Google services.

The setup process usually takes a few minutes. Once you connect the set-top box to your TV and Wi-Fi network, launch the Google Home app on your smartphone. It automatically detects the new device and prompts you to perform the initial configuration. Once you have a Google account, your phone can stream content to TV as easily as it does to embedded Smart systems, but often at a faster interface.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party consoles, make sure they are connected to the port HDMI supportive HDCP 2.2 (usually a port) HDMI 1 or marked as ARC), content 4K Some streaming services may not be reproduced.

A particular advantage of these consoles is the ability to control the TV directly from the lock screen Xiaomi widgets system often appears button control media player on the connected device, and many consoles support voice search through Google Assistant, commands for which can be given from a smartphone, anywhere in the apartment.

What to do if the console is warm?
Some compact Chromecast or Mi models TV Sticks can overheat during long-term work in the 4K. It is recommended to provide good ventilation behind the TV or use it. HDMI-extender to remove the device from a closed niche.

Customizing the sound and fixing connection problems

A common problem with streaming video is that the TV doesn't have sound on it or plays it on both devices at the same time. In Android, routing the audio stream can get lost. To fix this, go to Bluetooth settings and connect the TV as an audio device if wireless video broadcasting doesn't capture sound automatically. In some cases, you need to manually select the output device in the Sound menu during broadcasting.

If the TV isn't on the list of available devices, check the firewall settings on the router. Sometimes, AP Isolation prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other. This feature is designed to be safe in public places, but it only interferes at home. Turn it off in the router settings in the Wireless Settings section.

  • πŸ” Reboot both devices: Turn off and turn on the TV and smartphone.
  • πŸ“‘ Check if you are using a guest Wi-Fi network on one of your devices.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Temporarily shut down. VPN on a smartphone, as it changes virtual location and hides local devices.
  • πŸ”„ Remove the Translation app from memory and run again.

You can use debugging mode to diagnose problems, but that requires a PC connection. The easiest way is to reset the network settings on the phone. Go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This will return the network modules to factory settings, which often resolves detection protocol conflicts.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist of diagnostics

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Specifics of working with different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The interface and layout of features may vary depending on the firmware version. In newer versions of HyperOS, the control center has been redesigned, and the broadcast icon could move to the upper right corner or be hidden in the panel editing menu. Users of older versions of MIUI 12/13 should look for the feature in the Tools folder on the desktop, where it can be called "Mi Drop" (although it's more about files) or simply "Translation".

Global firmware owners may be facing the lack of some regional streaming services available in Chinese versions, which are being used by Google Play Store apps like Caste to TV or Web Video Caster, which emulate the system function and often run even more than the standard means, allowing you to stream video from your browser directly to your TV.

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party broadcast apps, read permissions carefully. Don't give access to contacts or microphones unless the video app needs it.

Also worth remembering about codecs: If you’re trying to stream high-quality local video (like a 50Mbps MKV), the TV’s built-in player may not be able to handle the format, in which case wired HDMI connectivity or a powerful media player like VLC with render function will be the only working option.

πŸ’‘

The stability of wireless broadcasting is 90% dependent on the quality of the router and the absence of interference in the 2.4 GHz channel. For 4K content, the 5 GHz band is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does Xiaomi phone not see a Samsung or LG TV?
The most common problem is different Wi-Fi networks. Make sure both devices are connected to the same router rather than different ones (for example, one to the main one and the other to the repeater with another name). Also check if the router is not enabled with the β€œGuest Network” mode, which isolates the devices from each other.
Can I get the image through USB-cable-less HDMI adapter?
A typical USB cable (Type-C to USB-A) cannot directly display video to the TV, as the data protocols differ, requiring either an active HDMI adapter or a network connection (DLNA/Chromecast). Some TVs allow you to open files from your phone via USB, but this will not be a live screen broadcast.
It's just a picture, and there's no sound. What do you do?
This is a problem with codecs or Bluetooth settings. Try in the app you're streaming from (like YouTube) click on the device icon and select "Dinaki Phone" or "Dinaki TV." If it doesn't work, connect your phone to your TV via Bluetooth separately as an audio device.
The phone warms up when broadcasting. Is that normal?
Yes, when the Wi-Fi module is actively working to transfer a large amount of data and the screen is working, the processor heats up, it is recommended to remove the case for better heat sink or connect the phone to charging if you use a wired method or there is a possibility.
Does the broadcast work without the internet?
Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct do not require Internet, but a local network between the router and devices (or a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection) is enough, but for streaming online video (YouTube, Netflix), the Internet is necessary to receive the content itself.