You want to quickly show photos from a vacation or family shots on the big screen, but do not know how to connect your smartphone to a Xiaomi TV through a regular one. USB-This task seems simple only at first glance — in practice, users are faced with a lack of signal, connection errors or broken data modes. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to display images from your phone to Xiaomi TV through the Internet. USB, including hidden settings and avoidance of typical problems.
Content from the smartphone screen can be broadcast to the TV in several ways, but USB-Connectivity remains one of the most stable — it doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi quality, doesn’t require additional adapters, and works even on older models. USB, And some smartphones block this mode by default, and we tested all the scenarios on the Mi TVs. TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV Xiaomi TV A, and also on smartphones under control MIUI 12–14 Android 10–14.
You don't need root rights, special apps, or adapters -- a standard USB-TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models) is enough for 5 minutes. If you've tried it before, but it hasn't worked, chances are there's one of three reasons why you're stuck with it: misguided USB On your phone, outdated firmware on your TV, or blocking the transmission of media files in your security settings.
What Xiaomi TVs support image output through USB
Not all Xiaomi models TV They can receive a signal from the phone USB-The feature is only available on TVs with Android operating system TV Google TV (9.0 and above: Here is the full list of supported series:
- 📺 Mi TV 4S/4X/4A (2018–2022 d.) – requires updating the firmware to the latest version.
- 📺 Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro (2020–2023 d.) — out-of-the-box support, but it may be necessary to activate the developer mode.
- 📺 Redmi Smart TV X (all models) – works through the built-in File Manager app.
- 📺 Xiaomi TV A/A Pro (2021–2026 (d) supports MTP and PTP protocol.
- 🚫 Mi TV 3/3S older ones do not support image output through USB, only HDMI Miracast.
To find out if your TV supports this feature, check out the Android version. TV:
- Open the settings → About TV → The version of the software.
- If version 9.0 or higher, the function should work.
- For versions below 8.0, you will need to update your firmware or use alternative methods (e.g. Screen Mirroring over Wi-Fi).
If your TV is on the list but the connection isn’t working, the problem may lie in the settings. USB-Many users forget that ports on the back of TV are often limited in functionality, so it's better to use a tagged port to transmit media. USB 3.0 (usually blue) or port with logo SS (SuperSpeed).
What cable is needed to connect your phone to Xiaomi TV
The type of cable determines 80% of the success of the connection. Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and Mi 9) are equipped with a connector. USB Type-C, but older models (e.g. Redmi 5 or Mi) A2) Xiaomi TVs always have a standard port USB-A (rectangular).
You'll need:
- 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-C — For new smartphones (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 and newer).
- 🔌 Cable USB-A → MicroUSB – for older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi 8 Lite and similar).
- ⚠️ Important: The cable must support data transmission (not all charging cables are suitable!) The package or cable itself must be marked with Data Sync or MTP/PTP.
| Model phone | Type of connector | Recommended cable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Mi 13 | USB-C | USB-A → USB-C (supportive MTP) | It is better to use the original cable from the set |
| Redmi 9, POCO M3, Mi 10T | USB-C | USB-A → USB-C (certified) | Cheap cables may not transmit data |
| Redmi 7, Mi A3, POCO F1 | USB-C | USB-A → USB-C (marked "Data") | Check the integrity of the contacts |
| Redmi 5, Mi 6, POCO F2 | MicroUSB | USB-A → MicroUSB (original or qualitative analogue) | Avoid elongated cables (>1.5 m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m) |
If you do not have a suitable cable, you can use an adapter (for example, the device is not used, USB-C → USB-A), But it's a less reliable option -- adapters often don't provide stable data transfer. Also note the length of the cable: the optimal length is up to 1 meter. Cables longer than 1.5 meters can cause delays or breaks in the connection.
⚠️ Note: Do not use cables with damaged insulation or bent contacts. USB on a TV or phone, especially if the cable supports Quick Charge, in the worst case, it will disable the controller. USB motherboard.
Step-by-step: how to bring a photo from the phone to Xiaomi TV through USB
Now, to the process of connecting, follow the instructions strictly by step, and skipping even one point can cause the TV to fail to see the phone.
☑️ Preparation for connection
- Connect the cable to your phone and TV Insert one end of the cable into the port USB-A on TV (preferably in port) USB 3.0), and the other one is in the phone connector, and the phone screen should display a notification "Charge through" USB".
- Select the data mode on the phone Swipe down the notification panel and click on the notification "Charge through" USB". In the window that opens, select: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — photo-watch. 📷 Image transmission (PTP) — if MTP doesn't work. ⚠️ Do not select "Only Charge" - in this mode, the TV will not see files!
Open the file manager on the TV
On the Xiaomi remote TV Press the Home button, then go to Files or Media (name may vary depending on the model) and your phone should appear on the device list under the name Xiaomi [model] or Android.
Find and open the right photos.
In the TV file manager go to the folder DCIM → Camera (camera photos are stored here) or Pictures (for uploaded images). OK viewer.
If the TV does not show a notification about the connected device, try:
- 🔄 Reconnect the cable (take out and re-insert).
- 🔧 Change of regime USB on the phone (c) MTP on PTP back and forth).
- 📱 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with controller failures USB.
💡
If the TV can’t see the phone, try connecting the cable to another. USB-Ports on the back often have limited functionality – use the port on the side.
What to do if your Xiaomi TV can’t see your phone USB
This is the most common problem, and 90 percent of the time it's solved by settings on your phone or TV, but sometimes it's hardware constraints, and let's look at all the possible causes and ways to fix them.
1. the phone does not go into data transfer mode
If only a “charge” notification appears on the phone when connecting the cable, but there is no option MTP/PTP, The reason may be the following:
- 🔌 Faulty cable – try another cable with data support.
- 📱 Blocking in the developer settings – if you previously enabled Debugging USB, She may be in conflict with MTP.
- 🔒 Limitations MIUI — Some Xiaomi firmware is blocked MTP energy-saving.
Decision:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and find the option "Configuration" USB default".
- Select File Transfer (MTP) and save the settings.
2. The TV does not display the connected device
If the phone is defined as a drive, but the TV file manager does not see it:
- 🔄 Update the TV firmware - old versions of Android TV They may not support new protocols. MTP.
- 📂 Check out the phone’s file system – Xiaomi TV You don’t read exFAT files, just FAT32 or NTFS.
- 🔍 Enable the display of hidden devices – the TV file manager can have a filter by device type.
⚠️ Note: If you connect a phone with encrypted storage (for example, after resetting the encryption settings), the TV will not be able to read the files.
3.Photos are displayed but not opened
If you see a list of files, but when you try to open it, an error appears:
- 🖼️ Unsupported format – Xiaomi TV not working HEIC (Photo format on iPhone and some RAW-file.
- 🔒 Access rights – if the photos are stored in a secure folder (for example, Private in the Xiaomi Gallery), they must first be transferred to the shared folder.
- 📏 Too high resolution – images with higher resolution 8K may not open.
Decision:
- Before connecting, transfer the photo to the folder DCIM/Transfer (It is created automatically when you first connect to a PC).
- If the photo is in format HEIC, convert them into JPEG via the Gallery app on the phone.
How to convert HEIC into JPEG Xiaomi
Alternative ways to transfer photos to Xiaomi TV (if USB doesn't work)
If you connect through USB It never worked, don't despair -- there are at least 3 alternative methods that will work 99 percent of the time:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | What's the matter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Mirroring (Miracast) | 🎯 No wires.🎯 Supports video | ⚠️ Requires Wi-Fi.⚠️ Possible lags | Wi-Fi router or direct access point |
| Google Cast (Chromecast) | 🎯 Stable transmission🎯 Supports 4K | ⚠️ Need to use Google Home app⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models TV support | Google Home app on your phone |
| flash drive or external SSD | 🎯 It works on any TV.🎯 No phone dependency. | ⚠️ You need to copy files.⚠️ Additional devices | USB-accumulator (FAT32/NTFS) |
1. Screen Mirroring (Live Screen Broadcast)
This method allows you to completely duplicate the screen of the phone on the TV without wires.
- On TV: Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring (or Miracast).
- On the phone: Settings → Connections → Screenplay (or Wireless Display).
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
The downside is possible delays when scrolling photos (especially if the router is running at 2.4 GHz). For stable operation, use 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
2. Google Cast (for Android models) TV 10+)
If your TV supports Google Cast (check for the Cast icon in the notification bar), do the following:
- Install the Google Photos or Gallery app on your phone.
- Open the photo, click Share. → Broadcasting.
- Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list.
This method is better than Screen Mirroring, as it only transmits the image, not the entire screen, which reduces the load on the network.
3. Use of a flash drive or external disk
The most reliable, but the longest way:
- Connect the flash drive to the phone via the adapter OTG.
- Copy the photo to the root folder of the drive (not nested folders!).
- Insert the flash drive into the TV and open through the File Manager.
For large collections of photos (for example, from vacation) this is the best option - there is no dependence on Internet speed or protocol compatibility.
💡
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support you USB-Connecting your phone, the most versatile way is to use a flash drive. It works on 100 percent of models, including the oldest ones.
How to speed up the transfer of photos through USB Xiaomi TV
If the connection is working, but the photos are loaded too long or hang when scrolling, the problem may be in the settings of the phone, TV or cable.
1. Optimize your phone settings
- 🚀 Turn off the energy saving for USB: Go to Settings. → Battery → Energy saving and add "USB-plug-in.
- 📱 Use Performance Mode: In Settings → Special facilities → Performance mode select High Performance mode.
- 🗃️ Transfer the photo to the memory card: Reading with SD-Cards are often faster than internal phone memory.
2.Tune in the TV for quick operation
- 🔧 Turn off image processing: In Settings → Picture → Additional settings turn off Noise Reduction and Autobrightness.
- 🖥️ Use Game Mode: This Mode Reduces Delays: Settings → Picture → Image mode → Game.
- 🔄 Clear the media player cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Media player → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
3.Check the cable and port
- 🔌 Use the cable. USB 3.0 (blue connector) – it provides transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps.
- 🔄 Connect the cable to the back port of the TV – it is often faster than the front.
- ⚡ Turn off the others. USB-devices (such as a keyboard or mouse) to free up port bandwidth.
If you've been doing all the manipulations, you still load slowly, try converting them to lower resolution. 4K (3840×2160) can be reduced to full HD (1920×1080) Using Google Photos or Lightroom.
Security: How to protect data when connecting your phone to TV
Connecting the phone to the TV through USB — It's not just a convenience, it's also a potential risk of data breach, especially if you're connecting in public places (like a hotel or an office:
1. Limit access to personal data
- 🔐 Use the mode. PTP instead MTP: PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol only allows access to photos and videos, not other files on your phone.
- 📁 Create a separate folder for transfer: Transfer the desired photos to the Transfer folder and connect only it.
- 🚫 Disable Auto Connection: In Developer Settings (Settings) → For developers) disable "Allow debugging by USB plug-in".
2. Protect your phone from viruses
- 🛡️ Install an antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan your phone before connecting.
- 🔄 Turn off automatic file execution in security settings MIUI.
- 📱 Do not connect your phone to unknown TV sets (such as hotels or co-working rooms).
⚠️ Warning: If you connect your phone to a public TV (such as a waiting room or shopping mall), always use guest mode on the TV (if any) to prevent your data from being stored in your device history.
3 What to do after the shutdown
- 🧹 Clear your connection history on your TV: Settings → Devices → History USB → Clean up.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone to reset temporary files MTP.
- 🔒 Check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → USB Revoke access to unnecessary applications.
If you frequently connect your phone to different devices, consider using secure storage (such as a Private folder). MIUI) But remember, encrypted files will not be available for viewing on TV.