Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is a popular model with support for Smart TV, but many users have difficulty trying to stream content from a smartphone. The problem is not the lack of features, but the variety of protocols: it works here and Miracast, DLNA, and branded solutions from Xiaomi. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring the screen, from wireless to wired, taking into account the features of both Android and iPhone.
It is important to understand that the Mi TV 4S (unlike the newer Mi TV 5 or Mi TV Q series models) has hardware limitations, such as the built-in Wi-Fi module only supports 802.11n (2.4 GHz), which can affect the stability of high-resolution broadcasting. We tested all methods on the firmware of MIUI TV 3.0+ - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.
1. Wireless broadcast on Miracast (without router)
Miracast protocol is the most versatile way for Android smartphones, as it does not require connection to the same network with the TV. On Xiaomi Mi TV 4S it works through the built-in feature “Miracast” (Miracast), but there are nuances:
- 📱 On the phone: must be enabled screen transfer (in Android) 10+ is in the settings → Connected devices → Screen transmission. Xiaomi/Redmi — In Settings → Connection and sharing → Screen transmission.
If the TV doesn’t find the phone, try:
- Reboot both devices.
- Disable VPN or proxy on your smartphone (they block local connections).
- Make sure the TV is enabled in the Allow Connection mode in Miracast settings.
Telephone and TV are charged at more than 30 times%|Power-saving modes are turned off|Wi-Fi on your phone is turned on (even if there is no network)|The correct device name for the connection is selected on TV-->
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV 4S Firmware older than 2022 may not support Miracast in 5 GHz mode. Forced to switch the TV Wi-Fi module to 2.4 GHz in network settings if the connection fails.
2. Broadcasting via DLNA (for media files)
If you only need to transfer photos, videos or music (not the entire screen), DLNA is the best solution, it works over a local network and is supported by most Android applications, such as Gallery or MX Player.
Instructions for Xiaomi Mi TV 4S:
- On your TV, turn on DLNA in the Settings menu → Network and Access → Remote Access (DLNA).
- On your smartphone, open an app that supports DLNA (such as Xiaomi Files or VLC).
- Select file → Send to device → Select Mi TV 4S from the list.
An iPhone will require a third-party app, such as AllConnect or 8player, that lets you stream content from iTunes or cloud storage directly to your TV.
| Protocol | Android support | Support for iOS | Router required | Max, permission. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | ✅ (naturally) | ❌ | ❌ | 1080p@30fps |
| DLNA | ✅ (applications) | ✅ (apps-side) | ✅ | 4K@24fps |
| AirPlay | ❌ | ✅ (naturally) | ✅ | 1080p@60fps |
| HDMI (wire) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | 4K@60fps |
3. AirPlay for iPhone (with limitations)
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S doesn’t support AirPlay out of the box, but there’s a workaround: using third-party apps like AirScreen or ApowerMirror, which emulate the AirPlay receiver on your TV, allowing you to stream the screen from your iPhone or iPad.
Step-by-step:
- Install AirScreen on your TV via Google Play on MIUI TV (if the store is not available, download APK from the official website and install via File Manager).
- Launch the app and select AirPlay mode.
- On iPhone, swipe up to open Control Point → press Screen Duplicate → select Mi TV 4S.
Important: When using AirScreen on the Mi TV 4S, there will be a noticeable audio delay (up to 200 ms) due to the hardware limitations of the Amlogic S905 processor. This is not critical for watching movies, but only a wired connection will be suitable for games or video calls.
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If the image on the TV is displayed with artifacts, reduce the broadcast resolution in the AirScreen settings to 720p - this will reduce the load on the TV processor.
4. Wired connection via HDMI (for minimum delays)
The most stable method is to use an HDMI cable with an adapter for your phone.
- 📱 For Android with USB-C: adapter USB-C → HDMI (for example, Xiaomi USB-C to HDMI).
- 🍎 For iPhone with Lightning: the official adapter Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
- 🔌 For Mi. TV 4S: anyone HDMI-cable (ports are located on the back panel).
Connection:
- Put the adapter in the phone and HDMI-cable - in adapter and TV.
- On the TV, select the signal source: press Input on the remote → HDMI 1/2 (port-by-port).
- On the smartphone, you may need to allow the transfer of the image in the notification that appears.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI TV when connected through HDMI The Game Mode mode is automatically activated, which disables post-processing of the image. If the colors appear to be faded, check the settings of the image in the Image menu. → Screen mode.
Why is the sound not working at all? HDMI-connection?
5. Broadcast via Google Cast (Chromecast)
Although the Mi TV 4S doesn’t have a built-in Google Cast (unlike the Mi TV 5), it can be emulated using the LocalCast app or BubbleUPnP. This method is suitable for streaming from YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos.
Instructions:
- Install LocalCast on your TV via Google Play (or APK).
- On a smartphone in the app (such as YouTube) click the Cast icon (📡) → Choose Mi. TV 4S.
- If the device is not displayed, make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Limitations:
- ❌ Full screen duplication is not supported (only individual applications).
- ❌ Netflix may need manual authorization through code on TV.
6. Solving broadcasting problems
If none of the methods work, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV can't find the phone | Wi-Fi Direct is disabled on TV | Reboot TV and turn on Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct |
| Lags during broadcast | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Connect your router closer to your TV or use 5GHz (if supported) |
| No sound at HDMI. | Incompatible adapter | Use the original adapter USB-C/Lightning → HDMI |
| Applications are not displayed in Cast | Outdated TV firmware | Update the software through Settings → About TV → Update |
Diagnosing network problems on Mi TV 4S Go to Settings. → Network → Diagnostics of the network. If the test shows an error IP-conflict, assign a static television set IP router-setting.
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The most stable ways for Mi TV 4S are wired HDMI (for games/video) and DLNA (for media files). Miracast and AirPlay can slow down due to a weak TV processor.
7. Alternative methods: via router or Smart Things
If standard methods do not work, consider:
- 🌐 Through the router with USB: Connect the flash drive to the router (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) and broadcast files to TV via the router. DLNA.
- 🤖 Google Home: Add your TV to the Google Home app as a Chromecast device (not working on all firmware).
- 📱 Mi Home: In some regions, Xiaomi smart home integration is available, but requires a Mi Gateway hub.
For Samsung smartphone owners, there is another option – using Samsung SmartThings. the application can detect the Mi TV 4S as a compatible device and offer the Screen Mirroring option, but the stability of this connection depends on the firmware version of the TV.
Comparison of methods: what to choose?
The choice of method depends on your tasks:
- 🎮 For games: only HDMI (minimum-lag).
- 🎬 For movies: DLNA Google Cast (if supported).
- 📱 For screen duplication (Android): Miracast.
- 🍎 For iPhone: AirPlay via AirScreen or HDMI.
If you need to stream content frequently, consider buying an external Chromecast or Fire TV Stick – these provide more stable performance than the built-in features of the Mi TV 4S.
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To improve the quality of broadcast over Wi-Fi, turn off background processes on the TV: go to Settings → Applications → Autostart and prohibit autostart of unnecessary programs.