Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Android TVs offer users a wide range of media options, allowing them to turn the living room into a real theater. However, embedded applications are not always able to play specific file formats or run content from closed web resources, which forces them to look for alternative ways to output images. Transferring a picture from a laptop to a Xiaomi TV is one of the most popular scenarios for using smart technology, whether it is watching a family archive of photos, presenting a work project or running games on a large screen.
There are several proven methods of connection, each with its own technical features and hardware requirements. Wireless technologies such as Miracast and Chromecast provide high mobility and no unnecessary wires, but can suffer from delays in unstable signal. Wireless connection via HDMI interface guarantees maximum image quality without compression, but requires physical proximity devices and the presence of a free port.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the current broadcast methods, consider the necessary settings of the router and the TV itself, and pay attention to solving common problems with the visibility of devices on the network. You will learn how to adjust the screen resolution so that the picture is not cut off, and what intermediary applications may be needed for older laptop models.
Preparation of equipment and Wi-Fi network
The foundation of successful wireless broadcasting is the right organization of the local network. In order for a Xiaomi laptop and TV to “see” each other, they must be on the same subnet, which usually means connecting to the same router. If your router supports dual-band operation, it is highly desirable to use a 5 GHz frequency, since it provides the bandwidth necessary to transmit high-resolution video stream without jerking.
Check whether DLNA or Media Server is enabled in your router’s settings, although most modern Xiaomi Router models and third-party devices have these settings activated by default. It’s also worth making sure that the TV doesn’t turn on Guest Network mode, which often isolates devices from each other for security purposes, blocking detection.
An important aspect is software updates. Make sure your Xiaomi Mi TV has the latest PatchWall or Android TV firmware installed, as older versions may contain bugs in the wireless display module. It is also recommended that you update your graphics card and network adapter drivers to current versions from the official manufacturers' websites.
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For stable transmission 4K-Wi-Fi content make sure the router supports the standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or newer, and the distance between the TV and the router does not exceed 10 meters without obstacles.
Broadcasting through the built-in Chromecast feature
Google Chromecast is built into most modern Xiaomi TVs running Android TVs, which allows you to stream the contents of the Google Chrome browser tab or the entire desktop directly to the TV screen without installing additional software on TV.
To get started, open the Chrome browser on your laptop, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the menu, and select Translate... (Cast.) In the window that opens, the system will suggest selecting a source: this can be a separate tab, an entire screen or a specific file. After selecting a source, click on the name of your Xiaomi TV in the list of available devices.
- 📺 Broadcast tab: only transmits the contents of one active browser tab, allowing you to work in parallel in other windows on the laptop.
- 💻 Screen broadcast: completely duplicates the desktop, which is convenient for displaying presentations or photo albums stored on the hard disk.
- 🎬 File broadcast: allows you to select a video file directly through the browser file manager for playback.
Note that when broadcasting the whole screen, the load on the laptop processor can increase, and the quality of the picture will depend on the power of the Wi-Fi signal. If you notice a desynchronization of sound and video, try to close the unnecessary tabs or reduce the resolution of the broadcast window.
☑️ Checking before launching Chromecast
Using Miracast technology (Wireless monitor)
Miracast technology (often referred to as Wireless Display Connection on Windows) creates a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection between a laptop and a TV, bypassing the router. This means that the image is transmitted directly, which often reduces latency, especially when playing games or working with a mouse. On Windows 10 and 11, this feature is built-in natively and does not require installing drivers.
To start the connection, press the Win + K keyboard on your laptop keyboard. On the right, the Connect panel will appear, where your Xiaomi TV should be displayed. If the TV is not found, go to the TV settings, find the Wireless Display or Miracast app and launch it, putting the TV in the connection standby mode.
⚠️ Note: When using Miracast, your laptop may stop seeing the Internet if the Wi-Fi module does not support simultaneous client and access point operation. In this case, use an Ethernet cable to access the network on your TV, and leave the laptop connected to the Wi-Fi.
Once you pair the laptop image successfully, it will appear on the TV screen, and you can change the projector mode by pressing Win+P again, and select "Duplicate" (a copy of the screen) or "Expand" (a second monitor), and the expansion mode allows you to use the TV as an additional workspace, dragging and dropping windows with photos or videos.
What to do if the connection is constantly broken?
Connection via HDMI cable
The most reliable way to ensure that images are transmitted in maximum quality without compression is using an HDMI cable. This method is indispensable if you want to transmit a picture in 4K resolution at a high frame rate or if the wireless network is overloaded. Xiaomi TVs usually come with several HDMI ports, one of which is often marked as (ARC), which is important for audio systems, but any one will do.
To connect, simply connect the HDMI output on your laptop to the input on your TV with a cable. Then, on the Xiaomi remote control, click the source selection button (usually the arrow square icon or the Input button) and select the appropriate port, such as HDMI 1. The image should appear automatically.
| Type of cable | Maximum authorization | Frequency of update | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | 4K (30 Hz) / 1080p | 30-60 Hz | Basic standard, suitable for most laptops |
| HDMI 2.0 | 4K (60 Hz) | 60 Hz | Required for HDR and Fluent 4K Video |
| HDMI 2.1 | 8K (60 Hz) / 4K (120 Hz) | 120 Hz+ | VRR and eARC support, ideal for gaming |
| Mini/Micro HDMI | Depends on the version. | Depends on the version. | Requires an adapter for a standard cable |
If the image on the TV is not full screen or looks stretched, you need to adjust the zoom. On the Xiaomi TV, click the menu button (three bars) and in the Image Settings section, find the option “Screen shape” or “Shape ratio.” Select the Just Scan value, Screen size or 16:9 to remove the black bezels.
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HDMI 2.0 and higher cables are required to transmit 4K HDR content at 60 frames per second; older cables can limit the resolution to 1080p or 30Hz.
Broadcasting through third-party applications
When embedded features are not working properly or you need to transfer specific content (such as macOS screen on Android TV), third-party applications come to the rescue. One of the most popular solutions is a bunch of applications running on the AirPlay protocol or proprietary synchronization algorithms.
For Apple laptop (MacBook) owners, Xiaomi TVs don’t have native AirPlay 2 support in the base firmware (depending on region and version), so you’ll need to install a receiver app. On your TV through the Google Play Store or the built-in GetApps, download the AirScreen or AirPin app. Once launched, the app emulates an Apple receiver and your MacBook will see the TV in the Screen Replay menu.
- 📱 LetsView: universal free application for mirror display screen between PC and TV, supports control from the phone.
- 🍏 AirScreen: the best AirPlay emulator for Android TV, Google Cast and Miracast also support.
- 🖥️ TeamViewer / AnyDesk: Allows you to broadcast the screen remotely, but have a high latency, suitable only for static images.
Installing such applications may require additional permissions on the Android system TV. When you first start up, the security system may alert you to download from unknown sources if you are using the system. APK-Flash drive files, but versions from the official Play Market store are safe.
⚠️ Warning: Free versions of translation apps often contain ads that may overlap part of the image. For continued use, consider buying a premium version or using built-in OS features.
Set up the resolution and fix problems
Often, users are faced with a situation where the picture is transmitted, but looks fuzzy or does not occupy the entire screen. This is due to a mismatch between the output resolution of the laptop and the native resolution of the TV matrix. Most modern Xiaomi Mi TVs have matrices with a resolution of 3840x2160 (4K) or 1920x1080 (Full HD). Go to the screen settings on the laptop and set the recommended (labeled as “Recommended”) resolution.
If you see constant buffering when wirelessly connected, check the Wi-Fi channel boot. Using USB 3.0 devices (external hard drives) next to the laptop or router's Wi-Fi antenna can cause interference in the 2.4 GHz range. Try to tear these devices apart or switch to 5 GHz.
In some cases, antivirus software or Windows firewall can block incoming connections from the TV. If the laptop does not see the TV, try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding an exception for Projector and Network Detection in the security settings.