Xiaomi’s Android TVs have evolved into powerful multimedia centers capable of reproducing high-resolution content. However, many users still struggle to get their images from a smartphone or tablet to the big screen, which may be due to the variety of models, the differences in the versions of MIUI and Android firmware, and the many broadcast protocols that are easy to get confused about.
There are several basic methods of connecting: wireless technologies such as Miracast and Chromecast, wired connection through the Internet. HDMI, use DLNA-The right way to stream files depends on what content you plan to watch and what devices are at hand. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of the options available so you can enjoy your favorite movies and games without delay and loss of quality.
Before you start setting up, it's important to make sure your Xiaomi TV and mobile device work correctly. MIUI TV interface may vary slightly depending on the year the device is released, but the basic principles remain the same across the ecosystem. Let's look at how to quickly and efficiently connect gadgets.
Wireless streaming via built-in Chromecast
One of the most convenient ways that is already integrated into Android TV is Google’s Chromecast built-in technology.This method allows you to stream the contents of a screen or a separate app window directly to your TV using a Wi-Fi network.The key benefit is that you don’t need to buy any additional adapters or consoles.
To get started, make sure your smartphone and Xiaomi TV are connected to the same wireless network.If the router supports dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), it’s better to use 5 GHz, as it provides a more stable data stream and less latency when transmitting high-resolution video.
⚠️ Note: If your router is set up with customer isolation (AP Isolation, devices on the same network will not "see" each other. To broadcast this feature must be disabled in the settings of the router.
The process of launching the broadcast is simple: open a supported app (like YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos) on your phone, click on the icon of the rectangle with waves (Chromecast) and select your TV from the list. Android system automatically finds the available device and establishes a connection. If the icon does not appear, check if the Chromecast feature is enabled in the settings of the TV.
Using Miracast technology (screen translation)
Unlike the Chromecast, which often requires app support, Miracast technology (often called Translation or Wireless Display on Xiaomi devices) allows you to mirror the entire screen of your smartphone, which means that the TV will display absolutely everything that happens on your phone’s display, including the desktop and settings menu.
To activate this mode on a Xiaomi TV, you need to find the corresponding app on the menu, which can be called “Miracast”, “Translation” or “Wireless Display”. Once the app is launched, you will expect a connection on the TV screen. On a smartphone with a MIUI shell, you need to lower the notification curtain, find the “Translation” or “Cast” button and select your TV.
It should be borne in mind that when using Miracast, the load falls on the smartphone processor, which can lead to faster battery discharge.In addition, a stable Wi-Fi signal is required for comfortable operation. If you plan to play dynamic games, there is a slight input lag, so this method is less suitable for gaming than a wired connection.
☑️ Checking before connection
If you're not using a smartphone from Xiaomi, the name of the feature may be different. On Samsung it's "Smart View," on Huawei it's "Screen Projection." The Wi-Fi Direct protocol underlying Miracast is a universal standard, so compatibility between different brands is usually high.
Configure DLNA to play files
If your goal is to play video files or photos stored in your phone's memory without mirroring the entire screen, DLNA technology is perfect. It allows the TV to act as a renderer, receiving a stream of data from the media server running on your smartphone, which frees the phone from constant processing of the video stream.
To implement this method, you will need a third-party DLNA-enabled application, such as VLC for Android or BubbleUPnP. The Xiaomi built-in gallery also knows how to broadcast photos, but for video it is better to use specialized software. Open the video in the application, click the Translation or Caste button and select your Xiaomi TV from the list of available devices.
| Parameter | Miracast | DLNA | Chromecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of transmission | Screen mirroring | Stream reproduction | Stream reproduction |
| Dependence on the phone | High (screen active) | Low (can be rolled) | Low (can be rolled) |
| Quality. | Depends on the signal. | Original file | Adaptive. |
| Battery | Expenditure fast. | Saving. | Saving. |
The main advantage of DLNA is that once you start playing, you can roll the app or even lock the phone screen, and the video on the TV will continue to go. This is especially convenient when watching long movies or listening to music. The transfer speed in this case is limited only by the bandwidth of your Wi-Fi network.
What if the TV can’t see the phone on DLNA?
Connection via HDMI cable and adapters
When wireless methods don’t provide the desired quality or stability, a time-tested cable comes to the rescue. HDMI You will need a special adapter (adapter), as modern phones do not have a full-fledged adapter. HDMI-port.
Owners of USB Type-C devices will need a Type-C to HDMI adapter. It is important to understand that not all smartphones support USB image output. The technology must support the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) or DisplayPort Alt Mode standard. Xiaomi flagship models usually support this feature, while budget devices may not be able to do so.
Checking for HDMI support:
Go to Settings -> About Phone -> MIUI version (click 7 times to log in to Developer Mode).
In the advanced settings, look for the item "HDMI" or "Imagine output".The connection is simple: insert the adapter into the phone, connect it to it. HDMI-The cable, and the second end of the cable, to the free port on the TV, then select the appropriate signal source (for example, the remote control, HDMI 1 HDMI 2) The image should appear automatically. If this does not happen, check the screen resolution settings in the Display section».
⚠️ Note: When using cheap adapters without additional power, the phone may quickly discharge or not “pull” high resolution.
Use of Mi Home and Mi Remote
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers its own management and broadcasting tools, the Mi Home app and the built-in “Mi Remote” feature allow not only control of the TV, but also in some cases broadcast content, but it is worth distinguishing between managing and transferring media files.
To transfer photos and videos from the Xiaomi gallery to the TV, the Translation feature is often used inside the gallery itself. Open a photo or video, click the Share button or TV icon, and the system will offer affordable devices, which works on the principle of DLNA and does not require the installation of additional software.
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Use the Xiaomi TV Assistant app (formerly Mi Remote) to quickly search for content and run it on your TV if both devices are logged in to the same Mi Account.
Also worth mentioning is the possibility of installing third-party launchers or remote management applications that may have built-in streaming features. However, standard MIUI TV tools usually cover all basic user needs. If the built-in methods don't work, move on to installing dedicated players.
Solving Connection and Delay Problems
Even when you set it up properly, you can have technical difficulties, and the most common problem is the unsynchronization of sound and image, or the periodic twitching of the image, which almost always indicates a problem with the Wi-Fi signal, try to move the router closer to the TV or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
Another cause of failure may be outdated software: Check for updates for the Android TV system and the app you're streaming through. Often, security patches and stability improvements come with firmware updates.
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The stability of wireless broadcasting is 90% dependent on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal and the absence of interference in the air. Priority use the 5 GHz band.
If there is an image but no audio, check the audio output settings in the app itself or in the TV system settings. Sometimes you need to manually switch the audio output from the Sound menu to Dynamics TV or External Audio System, depending on your configuration.