Connecting a smartphone to a Xiaomi TV opens up a lot of possibilities, from viewing photos on a large screen to streaming high-resolution videos. However, many users face difficulties in the first attempt to sync devices. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting – from wireless technologies to wired solutions – and help eliminate typical errors.
Feature of Xiaomi TVs (series Mi) TV 4/5/6, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A/Q) It is designed to support proprietary protocols such as Miracast and DLNA, And not all of the methods are universal, like older models that may not support Wi-Fi Direct, but rather for the other two. HDMI-You'll need an adapter, and then you'll have a detailed guide that takes into account all the nuances.
1. Wi-Fi connection (DLNA and Miracast)
Wireless Wi-Fi is the most popular way, as it does not require additional accessories. Xiaomi TVs support two main protocols:
- 📶 DLNA — It works on all models, but without screen duplication.
- 🔄 Miracast, which mirrors the screen of a smartphone on TV in real time, requires support for the technology on both devices.
To activate DLNA, follow the following steps:
- On TV: Go to Settings → Devices and Connections → DLNA and turn on the option.
- On your smartphone: open a gallery or video player, select a file and click “Transmit to your device” (in some MIUI firmware, this item is called “Send to TV”).
For Miracast, the algorithm is different:
- On TV: Settings → Screen → Wireless display (Miracast) → turn on device search.
- On your phone: open Settings → Connections & Sharing → Transfer to Screen (or Wireless Display depending on the version of MIUI).
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
⚠️ Note: If the TV doesn't appear in the Miracast device list, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi). TV 4A) You may need to update the firmware.
The speed of data transfer over Wi-Fi depends on the network standard:
| Wi-Fi standard | Max, speed. | Miracast support | Delay (MS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 802.11n (2.4 GHz) | 150 Mbps | Yes. | 50–100 |
| 802.11ac (5 GHz) | 867 Mbps | Yes. | 20–40 |
| 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 1200 Mbps | Yes. | 10–30 |
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If the video slows down when transferring over Miracast, try to reduce the screen resolution of the smartphone to 720p in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 5 times press to unlock).
2. Wired connection via HDMI
For a stable connection without delay, it is better to use HDMI-This method is suitable for gamers, presentations or viewing content in the 4K HDR. You'll need it:
- 📱 Smartphone with support USB-C → HDMI (Most of Xiaomi’s flagships since the Mi 8).
- 🔌 adapter USB-C to HDMI (For example, original from Xiaomi or certified by Anker).
- 📺 HDMI-cable (usually complete with a TV).
Instructions for connection:
The smartphone supports video output over USB-C
The adapter is compatible with the DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol.
The TV is on and the correct one is selected. HDMI-entrance
The cable and adapter are not damaged.-->
- Connect the adapter to the smartphone, and HDMI-cable to adapter and TV.
- On TV, select the signal source: press Input (or Source) on the remote and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- On the smartphone may appear a request for permission to transfer the image – confirm it.
If the screen is not duplicated:
- Check that the adapter supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (cheap Chinese adapters often only work for charging).
- Update the TV firmware: Settings → About TV → Software update.
- Reboot both devices.
What if the sound is only coming through the phone?
3. Connect via Google Chromecast or Fire TV Stick
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Miracast or you want to use streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+), you can use external devices:
- 📡 Google Chromecast – to stream content from phone to TV over Wi-Fi.
- 🔥 Amazon Fire TV Stick – an alternative with Prime Video and Alexa support.
How to set up Chromecast:
- Connect the device to HDMI-port of the TV and turn it on.
- Download the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- Follow the instructions for setting up the app (select your Wi-Fi network).
- To broadcast, click the Cast icon (📡) in supported applications (for example, YouTube or Google Photos).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Stable operation without delay (unlike Miracast).
- ✅ Support for all popular streaming services.
- ✅ Voice control (via Google Assistant or Alexa).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pro) may have a conflict with the remotes from Fire TV In this case, use the original Xiaomi remote to switch inputs.
4.Use of the Mi Home proprietary application
The Mi Home app not only allows you to manage Xiaomi smart devices, but also to stream content to the Mi TV series (starting in 2018).The feature is called "Mi Share" and works on the principle of DLNA, but with advanced features.
How to connect:
- Install Mi Home from Google Play or AppGallery.
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
- Add the TV to the app: press + → TV → Mi TV and follow the instructions.
- After connecting in the Devices section, the option to Transmit to TV will appear.
What can be transferred through Mi Home:
- 📷 Photo and video from the gallery.
- 🎵 Music from a standard player.
- 📺 Smartphone screen (on some models).
Important: To work the "Mi Share" feature, the TV and phone must be tied to the same Xiaomi account and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise the option will not be available.
5. USB connection (for media files)
If you just need to show photos or videos from your phone, you can use it. USB-This method does not support screen duplication, but is suitable for viewing files without the Internet.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your TV through USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 on TV for better speed).
- On the TV, select the signal source: USB.
- In the menu that appears, select the folder with the desired files (usually DCIM for photos or Movies for videos).
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ No support for streaming services.
- ❌ Not all video formats are playable (e.g.,.mkv may not open).
- ❌ Low speed transmission on older TV models.
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USB-Connectivity is the most reliable way to show photos, but it is not suitable for games or streaming.
6. Solving typical connection problems
Even with the right setup, there can be errors.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV not visible in the device list (Miracast) | Different Wi-Fi networks or Miracast disabled on TV | Check the network and turn on Settings → Screen → Wireless display |
| Screen mirroring lays | Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion | Reconnect to 5GHz or reduce screen resolution |
| No sound in front of you. HDMI-connection | Incompatible adapter or incorrect sound settings | Check the adapter for audio support or select HDMI-entries |
| Mi Home app doesn't find TV | Devices are linked to different accounts | Sign in to one Xiaomi account on both devices |
If none of the methods work:
- Update your TV and smartphone to the latest version.
- Reset your network settings to TV: Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
- Try connecting from another device (like a tablet) to rule out a problem in your phone.
7 What method to choose: comparison of methods
The choice of method depends on your tasks:
- 🎮 For games: only HDMI (minimum delay).
- 📺 For streaming: Chromecast or Miracast (if there is no external device).
- 📷 For photo/video: DLNA or USB.
- 🔄 For screen duplication: Miracast or HDMI.
Model recommendations:
- For Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4A: It is better to use HDMI or Chromecast (Miracast can slow down).
- For Xiaomi Mi TV 5/6 or Redmi Smart TV, Miracast or Mi Home is the best option.
- For older models (until 2018): HDMI or USB only.