Xiaomi Mi 4: how to connect to Wi-Fi, PC, TV and other devices

The Xiaomi Mi 4, launched in 2014, is still popular with users due to its reliability and custom firmware installation. However, many owners face difficulties connecting the device to modern networks or other gadgets. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect the Mi 4, from basic Wi-Fi settings to advanced methods like ADB and Miracast.

The model is based on Android 4.4 KitKat (upgradable to MIUI 8/9), which puts restrictions on compatibility with new protocols. For example, Wi-Fi 5 GHz may not be supported, and some TVs will require adapters to connect to, and we took all these nuances into account and prepared step-by-step instructions for the specifics of the device.

If your Mi 4 has not been used before or has been reset to factory settings, start with the Wi-Fi connection section. ADB and Fastboot sections will be helpful for power users to unlock hidden features or flash the device.

1. Connecting Xiaomi Mi 4 to Wi-Fi: step-by-step instructions

The first thing you need after buying or dumping a smartphone is an internet connection. On the Xiaomi Mi 4, this process has several features due to the outdated version of Android and limited support for modern Wi-Fi standards.

To connect to the network:

1. Open the Settings menu (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Wi-Fi section and activate the switch in the upper right corner.
3. Select your network from the list. If it's not available, click Update or check if the router is on.
4. Enter the password (registration is important!) and click Connect.

If the network is not displayed or the connection is constantly reset, try the following solutions:

• 🔄 Change the router mode to 802.11n (Mi 4 does not support 5 GHz and new standards like Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔒 Check the encryption type. The device is compatible with WPA2-PSK, but it may not work with WPA3.
• 📡 Reduce the channel width in the router settings to 20 MHz (instead of automatic mode).

⚠️ Note: If after entering the password there is an error "Authentication failed", try to delete the network from the saved ones (hold the network name with your finger). → "Remove") and reconnect. Sometimes it helps to reboot the router.

To speed up your connection in the future, turn on the option of Auto Connection in Wi-Fi settings. We also recommend turning off Network Search in power saving mode, as this may interfere with a stable connection.

2. Connection to a computer via USB: data transfer modes

The Xiaomi Mi 4 supports multiple PC connection modes, but can be defined by default as a Charger. To access files or use ADB, you need to manually change mode.

Instructions for connection:

1. Connect your smartphone and computer with the original USB-cable (faulty cables often cause errors).
2. The Mi 4 will show a notification "USB to charge."
3. Select a mode: 📁 File transfer (MTP) — phone-memory. 🖥️ USB-modem – for distribution of the Internet from PC (requires drivers). 🔧 PTP — for the transfer of photos (less often used).

If the computer does not see the device:

• 🔌 Check the port. USB — Try another connector or cable.
• 🖥️ Install drivers for Xiaomi Mi 4 (you can download on the official website).
• 🔄 Put the debugging on. USB (on this below in the section ADB).

⚠️ Attention: On Windows 10/11 You may need to disable the driver digital signature when installing. To do this, restart your PC in Diagnostic Mode (click Win). + R, enter msconfig, select the Download tab → Safe regime → Network).

For convenience, create a shortcut on the desktop with the team:

explorer.exe shell:::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{B3690E58-E961-423B-B687-386EBFD83239}

This command will open a Device Manager where you can check the Mi 4 connection status.

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Install drivers for Xiaomi Mi 4

Use the original USB-cable

Try another USB port on your PC

Reboot your smartphone and computer-->

Connection to TV: Miracast, HDMI and alternative methods

Transferring a screen from Xiaomi Mi 4 to a TV is possible in several ways, but not all of them will work consistently due to the limitations of the hardware.

Method 1: Miracast (wireless transmission)

• 📺 Requirements: TV must support Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔗 How to connect: On Mi 4 go to Settings → Screen. → Wireless display. Turn on device search, and select your TV from the list. Confirm both devices.

Method 2: via HDMI (with adapter)

The Mi 4 does not have an HDMI port, but you can use a USB Type-C → HDMI adapter (for example, from Baseus or UGREEN).

• ⚡ Support is required MHL The Mi 4 only supports SlimPort, so conventional adapters won’t work.
• 💡 We need extra power. USB-port.

⚠️ Note: Miracast may cause delay (lag) before 1-2 For games or videos, it's critical -- better to use it. HDMI-adapter.

💡

If Miracast doesn’t find a TV, try temporarily turning off the firewall on the router or changing the Wi-Fi channel to the 6th (in router settings).

4. Connection via Bluetooth: Headphones, keyboards and other devices

Xiaomi Mi 4 is equipped with a Bluetooth 4.0 module, which supports connection to most wireless accessories.

• 🎧 Audio: only profiles are working A2DP (stereo HSP (Codecs like aptX or LDAC unsupported.
• ⌨️ Keyboards/mouse: only devices with profiles are compatible HID.
• 📱 File transfer: possible, but slower than Wi-Fi.