Modern multimedia systems allow instant content sharing, and the question of how to transfer an image from your phone to a Xiaomi Mi TV becomes relevant for most users. Smart TV owners often want to show photos to friends, run videos from a gallery on a large screen or even demonstrate the workflow in high resolution. Xiaomi ecosystem offers several built-in tools to accomplish this task without requiring the purchase of expensive adapters.
The basic principle of operation is to use wireless data protocols such as Miracast, DLNA or the built-in Chromecast. All these technologies require both devices to be on the same local network, which ensures stable exchange of data packets. Depending on your smartphone operating system (Android or iOS) and the TV model, the algorithm of actions may differ slightly, but the basic logic remains the same.
In this article, we will take a look at all available streaming options, focusing on hidden settings and potential compatibility issues, how to minimize latency when displaying images and what file formats are natively supported, and make your Mi TV a full-fledged entertainment hub.
Preparation of equipment and network for synchronization
Before you start direct data transfer, you need to make sure that the infrastructure is ready to work. The most critical condition is to find a smartphone and a TV in the same Wi-Fi subnet. If your router is sending a signal at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with different network names (SSID), make sure that both devices are connected to one of them, ideally to a 5 GHz network for high bandwidth.
The second important step is software updates. Xiaomi TVs running Android TV or PatchWall’s own shell often come out with patches that improve the stability of broadcast protocols. Check for updates in Settings → About TV → System Update. On your smartphone, you should also make sure that Google Play services and system components are up to date.
⚠️ Note: If you use a guest Wi-Fi network or a client isolation feature on a router, the devices won’t see each other.
It’s also worth checking if the TV is on detection mode. In some Mi TV firmware, this feature can be turned off by default for security or energy saving purposes. Make sure the TV screen is active and is on the main menu or in standby mode with an active Wi-Fi module.
☑️ Checking the broadcast readiness
Broadcasting via built-in Chromecast (Google Cast)
The most versatile and high-quality way to transfer an image is using Google Cast technology, which is built into most Xiaomi TVs with Android TV certification. This method allows you to broadcast not only the content of the screen, but also specific content from applications, which reduces the load on the smartphone and saves battery power.
To get started, make sure your smartphone has Google Play services installed. Open the app you want to show content from (like YouTube, Netflix or Chrome browser). In the app interface, find the broadcast icon, a rectangle with waves in the corner.
Choose your Mi. TV If you can't find the device, check if it's running on the phone. VPN-A service that can change virtual locations and hide local devices, and it’s also worth noting that Chromecast requires a stable Internet connection to work, as the TV will download stream directly from the network, rather than via your phone.
What if the Cast icon doesn’t appear?
The advantage of this method is the ability to control playback from a smartphone: pause, rewind or adjust the volume without getting up from the sofa, the TV in this case acts as a smart client, decollecting the video stream on its own.
Duplication of screen via Miracast and Wi-Fi Display
If your goal is to show exactly what’s happening on your smartphone screen in real time (menu, games, presentations), you’ll need Miracast technology (often labeled as Wireless Display or Wireless Monitor), unlike Chromecast, it directly encodes the video stream by the phone’s processor and transmits it to the TV’s decoder.
On Xiaomi TVs, the Miracast signal reception feature is often built into the system. To activate the standby mode, go to the app menu and find a tile called Wireless Screen or Cast. After you run, a message will appear on the screen about waiting for a connection.
On the smartphone side, the actions depend on the shell:
- 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS): Open the notification curtain, find the Broadcast (or Cast) button, and the system scans the network and prompts you to select a TV.
- 📱 Samsung: Smart View feature available in Quick Settings panel.
- 📱 Pure Android: Look for Broadcast in Settings or through Settings menu → Connected devices → Broadcasting.
It is important to understand that when using Miracast, the phone should not be locked, since the video stream is generated dynamically. the delay (input lag) can be from 0.5 to 2 seconds, which makes this method unsuitable for dynamic games, but it is quite suitable for viewing photos and videos.
Using DLNA to view media files
The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) protocol is the oldest standard for sharing media on a home network, perfect if you just need to open a video file or a photo stored in your phone’s memory on a large screen without duplicating the entire smartphone interface.
To implement this method, Xiaomi TV must run a media player with DLNA support. Often it is built into the system (Gallery or Video app), or you can install a third-party player, such as VLC for Android or Soreg. In the TV app you need to select the source of the DLNA signal or the Network.
On your smartphone, open a gallery or file manager. Select the photo or video you want, click the menu (three dots), and select Translate, Cast, or Transfer to your device. Your TV will appear in the list. Once you select, the file will start to buffer and play on TV.
| Characteristics | Miracast (Translation) | DLNA (Media) | Chromecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of content | Whole screen (clone) | Files only (photo/video) | Streaming video from apps |
| Delay. | High (0.5-2 sec) | Absent. | Minimum |
| Working in the background | No (screen active) | Yeah (can roll) | Yeah (can roll) |
| Quality. | Depends on the Wi-Fi signal. | Original (without compression) | Adaptive (up to 4K) |
The main advantage of DLNA is that the phone can be locked or used for other tasks during playback, and the TV itself reads the file over the network, acting as a client.
Broadcast from iPhone and iPad (AirPlay on Xiaomi)
Apple device owners often face the issue of compatibility, as the native AirPlay protocol was originally developed for Apple equipment. However, modern Xiaomi TVs with an Android TV shell often have built-in AirPlay 2 support or compatible certificates.
Check if AirPlay is supported in your TV settings. Go to Settings → Add your device or find the Apple AirPlay app in the list of programs. If this option is not available, you can easily add it by installing an emulator app from the Google Play Store on your TV, such as AirScreen or Receiver for AirPlay.
Once you install and run the emulator on your TV, open the control point on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right corner or up from the bottom). Press the Repeat screen button (two rectangles).
⚠️ Note: When you first connect, your iPhone may request a confirmation code that will appear on your TV screen. Enter it on your smartphone to pair. Make sure the TV allows access for new devices.
AirPlay transmission quality is usually higher than Miracast due to the optimization of Apple codecs. However, the load on the Wi-Fi network remains high, so for comfortable viewing in 4K, it is recommended to use a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX).
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To reduce delay when streaming from your iPhone, try not to run heavy app updates in the background while watching videos.
Wired connection via USB-C to HDMI
Wireless technology is convenient, but it doesn't always provide perfect stability, especially in apartments with dense buildings and lots of neighborhood Wi-Fi networks. If you want maximum picture quality without compression artifacts or you want to play games, the only surefire solution is wired connectivity.
To do this, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Importantly, your smartphone must support video output through a charging port (MHL or DisplayPort Alt Mode protocols), flagship models of Xiaomi, Samsung and other top-end devices usually support this feature, while budget segments do not always.
Connect the adapter to the phone, and to it is an HDMI cable that goes to the TV. Switch the signal source to the TV (Input button on the remote) to the appropriate HDMI port. The image will appear instantly, without delay and the need to configure the network.
This method also allows you to charge your smartphone while in use if the adapter has an additional power port, which turns the phone + TV bundle into a full-fledged multimedia station.
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Wired connectivity is the only way to get a 4K HDR image without compression and delay, which is critical for gaming and showcasing professional content.
Solving problems and malfunctions
Even with the right setup, users can face difficulties, and one of the most common problems is that the TV is not visible on the list of available devices, and 90% of the time it is because the devices are connected to different frequencies on the router (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), or because the isolation of access points is enabled.
Another common situation is the desynchronization of sound and image or periodic twitching of the image, which indicates a lack of channel bandwidth or interference. Try to turn off other devices that consume traffic for a while, or move the router closer to the viewing area.
If the image is transmitted but the audio is not available, check the audio output settings in the source app itself or in the Bluetooth/TV Sound settings. Sometimes the system defaults to output the audio to the phone instead of the TV speakers.
Why does Xiaomi TV not see the phone when trying to stream?
Can you transfer the screen if there is no Internet, only a local network?
Slow down video when broadcasting from the phone, what to do?
Following these guidelines will make it easy and quick to enjoy content on the big screen. Xiaomi’s technology provides flexible tools for any use case, whether it’s a family viewing of a photo album or a work project presentation.