How to watch video from Xiaomi phone on TV USB-cable: full instruction

You want to stream your favorite Xiaomi movies or videos to the big screen, but don’t know how to do it through the standard screen. USB-Many users have a problem: they connect their smartphone to a TV, but instead of seeing video, they see only a charger or a blank screen. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of transferring content from Redmi, POCO Or Mi on TV through USB — From basic settings to solving typical errors.

It’s important to understand that not all TVs support live streaming over USB due to the limitations of the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) protocol. However, there are workarounds from using built-in MIUI features to third-party applications. We’ve tested all methods on Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5 models with Samsung, LG and Xiaomi TV A2 – and are ready to share working solutions.

If you have already tried to connect and nothing worked out – do not rush to buy. HDMI-Adapter or Chromecast: 80% of the time, the problem is solved by setting up your phone or choosing the right mode. USB. Next, you’ll learn how to make your system recognize your Xiaomi as a media source, not a flash drive.

Why the TV can’t see Xiaomi videos via USB

The main reason is protocol incompatibility. Most TVs today recognize protocols. USB-devices as a drive (Mass Storage), but do not know how to read data using the protocol MTP, And that's a tool that uses Android to transfer files:

• 📱 Xiaomi is connecting to PC/TV by default MTP (for file transfers; or PTP (These modes do not support video streaming.
• 📺 Televisions (except Android) TV) They usually only work with Mass Storage, like a flash drive. MIUI He can't switch to this mode.
• 🔌 The cable must support data transmission (USB 2.0/3.0), Cheap charging cables often don't have contacts to transmit data.

Another common problem is MIUI locking, and since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has restricted access to USB system settings for security, meaning that even if you connect your phone to TV, the system can ignore the request for media transmission.

⚠️ If your TV is older than 2018, the probability of a successful connection is USB Manufacturers stopped updating firmware to support new Android protocols.

Method 1: Use of the regime "USB-“Sharp” (only for old Xiaomi)

This method only works on Xiaomi smartphones until 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 5, Mi 8) with MIUI version below 11. Current models are deprived of this option due to Google's security policy.

If you have an old model, follow the following steps:

1. Connect Xiaomi to the TV through the original USB-cable (important: do not use charging cables!).
2. The phone will be notified "USB for file transfer" - tap it.
3. Select a point "USB-drive (or "Mass Storage").
4. On the TV, open the Sources or USB menu – your phone should appear as a removable drive.

If options "USB-"Drive" is not on the menu, so your Xiaomi model does not support this mode.

Make sure your Xiaomi is released before 2019

Use the original. USB-cable (not charging)

Check out the MIUI version (should be below 11)

Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->

Method 2: Transfer video via the Files app to Android TV

If you have an Android TV (such as Xiaomi Mi TV, Sony Bravia or Philips with Google TV), you can get around the limitations of MTP using the standard Files app:

1. Connect Xiaomi to the TV via USB-cable.
2. On the TV remote, click the Home button and open the Files (or File Commander) app.
3. In the Devices section, select your smartphone (it can appear as “Xiaomi” or “Redmi”).
4. Go to the DCIM, Movies, or Download folder where your videos are stored.
5. Select a file and click "Play" - the video will run through the built-in player of the TV.

This method works consistently, but has limitations:

• 🎬 Video is played only through the TV player - you can not control from the phone.
• 🔄 When scrolling long videos, there may be slowdowns due to restrictions USB 2.0.
• 📂 Not all formats are supported (e.g.,.mkv may not open).

💡

If the video is not playing, try converting it to.mp4 with H.264 codec through the Video Converter app on your phone.

Method 3: Use the Send Files to TV app (for all models)

If previous methods didn’t work, install the free Send Files to app. TV (It's available on Google Play, and it allows you to stream video over a local network, but you need Wi-Fi. USB-cable here plays the role of a trigger for activating the transmission:

1. Install Send Files to TV on your phone and TV (if you have Android TV).
2. Connect Xiaomi to your TV via USB (this is necessary for synchronization of devices).
3. Open the app on your phone, select the video and click "Send".
4. On the TV, confirm the file acceptance - the video will begin to broadcast.

Advantages of this method:

• 📶 It works even without it. USB (It's enough to have a Wi-Fi network).
• 🎥 Supports all video formats (including.mkv and.avi).
• 🔄 You can control playback from the phone (pause, rewind).

⚠️ Note: On TVs without Android TV (for example, Samsung or LG on webOS/Tizen) Send Files app to TV It won't set up. In this case, use it. DLNA (see next method).

Method 4: Activate DLNA/UPnP for USB broadcasting (advanced method)

If your TV supports DLNA (such as Samsung’s Smart Hub or LG’s webOS), you can make it “see” Xiaomi as a media server.

1. Install the BubbleUPnP app on your phone (from Google Play).
2. Connect Xiaomi to your TV via USB (this is necessary to initialize the connection).
3. In BubbleUPnP, go to Settings → Local Renderer and select your TV.
4. In the "Library" section, find the desired video and click "Play on" by selecting TV.

This method works because BubbleUPnP creates a virtual media server that broadcasts content over a local network. USB-The cable is only needed for initial synchronization. IP-address.

Problem Solving: What to Do When Nothing Works

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔌 Cable: Try another USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi or certified) USB Cheap cables often don't transmit data.
• 🔄 Regime. USB: On the phone, when connecting, select "File Transfer (MTP)", Not Charging".
• 📱 Developer settings: Activate "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.
• 📺 TV Update: Check if there are firmware updates for the TV (in the Settings menu) → Support → Update of the PO).

Critical detail: On some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 11), when activated by USB debugging, the TV begins to recognize the phone as a media device, which is because the developer mode unlocks additional data protocols.

If after all the manipulations, the video is not broadcast, there are two options:

1. Use wireless methods (Miracast, Google Cast or AirPlay for Apple TV).
2. Buy a USB-C/HDMI adapter (e.g., Xiaomi USB-C to HDMI) for direct connectivity.

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If your TV doesn’t support you MTP and DLNA, Xiaomi is newer than 2019 – connection through USB You can't broadcast video. Use alternative methods (Wi-Fi, HDMI-adapter).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi to TV via USB