Modern Xiaomi smartphones and Samsung TVs are equipped with a variety of wireless technologies for transmitting content to the big screen, from classic HDMI to advanced protocols like Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct. However, in practice, users often face a situation where devices “can’t see” each other or the connection is interrupted after a few seconds, the reasons can be due to software conflicts between the MIUI and Tizen ecosystems, and hardware limitations of specific models.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible scenarios why Xiaomi (whether it’s the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi’s flagship 14) refuses to connect to a Samsung TV (the QLED series, the Crystal UHD or The Frame) and pays special attention to the hidden settings that manufacturers don’t advertise but which often become the key to solving the problem. You’ll also learn how to circumvent the Wi-Fi Direct protocol limitations in Samsung 2020-2023 TVs that block the connection of devices based on MIUI 14+.
Before you proceed to the diagnostics, make sure that both devices meet the minimum requirements for wireless data transmission:
1. Protocol incompatibility: Miracast vs. Screen Mirroring
The main reason for the problems is the different wireless standards from Xiaomi and Samsung. Xiaomi smartphones by default use Miracast (based on Wi-Fi Direct), while Samsung TVs in recent years have been actively promoting its own Screen Mirroring protocol (formerly known as Smart View), these technologies are not always compatible at the firmware level.
For example, Samsung QN90C (2023) and newer TVs block devices from connecting via Wi-Fi Direct by default if they are not certified by Samsung. This is done to promote the branded SmartThings solution. As a result, the Xiaomi smartphone can “see” the TV in the list of available devices, but when you try to connect, it emits an error: It failed to connect or the device is not supported.
How to get around it:
- 🔄 Enable compatibility mode on your TV: go to Settings → General → External Devices → Device Settings → Miracast Mode (not available on all models).
- 📱 Use alternative apps: instead of standard Screen Mirroring, install ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport on your smartphone – they work through cloud servers and bypass protocol limitations.
- 🔧 Update TV firmware: In some cases, Samsung is adding Miracast support in new software versions (relevant to 2021-2022 models).
⚠️ Warning: Samsung’s J series (2015–2017) TVs don’t physically support Miracast because of an outdated Wi-Fi module, and their only option is to connect via a HDMI- adapter (e.g., Xiaomi Mi TV Stick).
2. Wi-Fi problems: dual networks and router limitations
If the connection is interrupted during the “Device Search” stage or the Samsung TV is not displayed in the list of available screens on Xiaomi, the Wi-Fi network configuration is to blame.
1. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz separation: Many modern routers broadcast two networks with the same name (SSID), but at different frequencies. Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct only work in the 2.4 GHz band. If your smartphone is connected to 5 GHz and your TV is connected to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa), the connection will be impossible.
2 Filtering MAC- Addresses: Some routers (especially those with ISP firmware) block direct connections between devices on the same network (Client Isolation).
3. WPA3 encryption: Samsung TVs do not support WPA3 until 2022. If your router is configured to only this standard, the connection will not be possible.
What to do:
Turn off the "Smart Connect" function (2.4/5 GHz connection) in the router |
Connect both devices to a 2.4 GHz network|
Turn off "Client Isolation" in router settings|
Set Wi-Fi compatibility mode: WPA2-PSK (AES) |
Restart the router and both devices-->
| Problem. | Symptoms | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Different Wi-Fi ranges (2.4/5 GHz) | TV not visible on the list of devices | Manually connect both devices to 2.4 GHz |
| Client Isolation included | Connection is terminated at the “Conjugation” stage | Disable in router settings |
| WPA3 encryption | Error “I failed to connect to the network” | Switch the router to WPA2 |
| Weak Wi-Fi signal | Lags, cliffs during broadcast | Use a repeater or connect via cable |
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If your router does not support network splitting, temporarily disable 5GHz in its settings. To do this, go to the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section "Wireless" or "Wireless network".
3. MIUI Limitations: Why Xiaomi 'can't see' Samsung TV
MIUI firmware (especially version 14+) actively filters devices for Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, which is done to save power and protect against vulnerabilities, and as a result, Samsung TV may simply not appear in the Settings menu → Connections and Sharing → Screen Transfer.
How to Forcedly enable display of all devices:
- Activate the developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable the option Debugging over Wi-Fi.
- In the same menu, find the Wireless Display item (reset settings) and click on it.
- Restart your smartphone and re-start your device search.
If that doesn’t work, try an alternative way to connect via Google Cast (if your TV supports Chromecast):
- 📺 Install the Google Home app from the Samsung App Store on your Samsung TV.
- 📱 On a Xiaomi smartphone, open Google Home (or YouTube) and select the Translation option.
- 🔗 If the TV is not displayed, check if UPnP is enabled in the router settings.
⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13 and older, the Miracast feature may conflict with Bluetooth. Before connecting, turn off Bluetooth in the notification curtain.
4.HDMI problems: adapters, cables and resolutions
If you are trying to connect via HDMI (for example, using a USB-C to HDMI adapter), but the TV screen remains black or gives an error No signal, check the following points:
1. Adapter type: not all adapters support video output. For example, cheap Chinese adapters often work only for charging. Xiaomi recommends original adapters or certified models from Anker, Baseus.
2. Screen resolution: Samsung TVs may not support the non-standard resolutions that a smartphone transmits. For example, the Redmi Note 11 defaults to 2340×1080, and older Samsung models (until 2019) only work from 1920×1080.
3 Mode HDMI: The correct signal source must be selected on the TV (e.g., HDMI1 (ARC) or HDMI2). Also check if the HDMI-CEC mode (in Samsung it is called Anynet+) is enabled.
Instructions for setting:
- Connect the adapter to your smartphone and the HDMI cable to your TV.
- On the TV, press the Source button on the remote and select the corresponding HDMI-port.
- On Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Display → HDMI output mode and set 1920×1080@60Hz.
- If the image doesn’t appear, try another cable or adapter.
How to check the adapter for performance?
5. Firmware conflicts: updates that break compatibility
One of the most insidious obstacles is firmware updates that suddenly break compatibility.
- MIUI 14.0.5 (released in March 2023) has been affected by a bug that prevented Xiaomi smartphones from connecting to Samsung TVs via Wi-Fi Direct due to a security change.
- Samsung’s QLED 2022 TV series (firmware 1403.5) has disabled Miracast support for devices without Samsung Knox certification.
How to check and correct:
- Check out the firmware version on your smartphone: Settings → About phone → MIUI version.
- For TV: Settings → Support → About TV.
- Check the table of known bugs:
| The device | Firmware version | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | MIUI 14.0.5–14.0.8 | Wi-Fi Direct is not working. | Reverse to MIUI 14.0.4 or upgrade to 14.0.9+ |
| Samsung QN90B | 1403.5–1410.2 | Miracast lockdown | Enable the developer mode and reset network settings |
| Redmi Note 12 | MIUI 13.0.12 | Lags during broadcast | Turn off “Adaptive Brightness” in the screen settings |
If your device makes it to the list, try:
- 🔄 Reverse to the previous firmware version (for Xiaomi, this can be done via Fastboot or Recovery).
- 📥 Install beta software (sometimes bugs are fixed before the official release).
- ⚙️ Reset network settings on both devices.
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Before rolling back the firmware, back up your data! On Xiaomi smartphones, you can do this through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
6. Alternative ways of connecting: if nothing helps
If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:
1.Using DLNA (UPnP)
DLNA technology allows you to broadcast media files (photos, videos, music) without direct screen connection.
- 📱 Install BubbleUPnP or LocalCast on your smartphone.
- 📺 On a Samsung TV, turn DLNA on Settings → General → External Devices → Device Management.
- 🔗 In the smartphone app, select a file and send it to the TV.
2. Connect via Steam Link (for gamers)
If you need to stream games from your smartphone to the big screen:
- 🎮 Install Steam Link on your TV via the Samsung App Store.
- 📱 On a Xiaomi smartphone, turn on Game Turbo Mode and connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 🔗 Launch Steam Link and follow the instructions on the screen.
3.Wired connection via USB-C to HDMI powered
If the adapter doesn't work, it might be power-strapped.
- 🔌 Use an adapter with an additional port USB-A to connect charging.
- 🔋 Connect your smartphone to charging during broadcast.
7. Diagnostics of hardware problems
If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the hardware:
For the Xiaomi smartphone:
For Samsung TV:
- 🔌 Check HDMI- ports: connect another device (e.g., a console) and make sure the port is running.
If you suspect a hardware malfunction:
- Try connecting your smartphone to another TV (or a TV to another smartphone).
- If the problem recurs, one of the devices malfunctions.
⚠️ Warning: Samsung’s QLED 2020-2023 TVs have a known problem with overheating the Wi-Fi module, which causes it to shut down during long broadcasts. If the connection stops after 10-15 minutes, let the TV cool down or use a wired connection.