Modern smartphones have powerful cameras that can capture video in 4K and even 8K resolution, but watching footage on a small screen of a mobile device is not always convenient. It is much more pleasant to share the experience with family by bringing the image to the big screen Xiaomi TV or Redmi Smart TV. Fortunately, the ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer provides many ways to achieve this task, from wireless technologies to classic wired connections.
In this article, we will discuss in detail each method available, explaining the difference between Miracast and the DLNA, We also look at the nuances of file transfer through USB-You will learn to avoid common errors when pairing devices and be able to enjoy content in the maximum quality without delays and artifacts.
Before you start setting up, make sure your TV is running on Android TV or PatchWall, as the algorithms for how to do things can vary slightly. Regardless of the model, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Mi TV, the basic principles of data transfer remain similar.
Wireless streaming via built-in Chromecast
The most popular and convenient way to stream content to Xiaomi smart TVs is to use Google Chromecast technology, which is built directly into the operating system of most modern models, which saves the user from having to install additional applications.
The process of launching the broadcast begins with opening an application that supports the Chromecast standard, such as YouTube, Netflix or the standard Google Photo Gallery. In the player interface, you need to find a special icon that usually looks like a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner, and after clicking on it, the system will offer a list of available devices, among which you need to choose your Xiaomi TV.
Note that when using Chromecast, the smartphone acts only as a control panel, and the video stream is transmitted directly from the server to the TV, which saves the battery of the phone. However, if you want to stream local video from the memory of the device, you will need an intermediary application or a built-in screen Translation feature.
There are certain limitations on file formats that can be played directly through a browser or third-party services without first converting. Some rare codecs may not be supported by the TV's built-in decoder, resulting in no image when audio is present.
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For stable Chromecast operation, make sure the router distributes a 5GHz network, as streaming high-resolution video requires a wide data channel.
Miracast technology and screen duplication
If your goal is not to show a specific video file, but to fully stream everything that happens on the smartphone screen, including menus and games, then you will need Miracast technology. In Xiaomi TVs, this feature is often called Wireless Monitor or Screen Mirroring. Unlike Chromecast, it transmits real-time video streaming, which creates minimal but noticeable latency.
To activate the mode on the TV, you need to go to the signal sources menu and select the item corresponding to the wireless connection. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, the feature is called Translation and is located in the notification curtain or in the connection settings. Devices on pure Android can call this Translation or Smart View depending on the manufacturer.
Once you find a TV in the list of available devices, you'll see a connection request on your smartphone screen, and when you take it, you'll see an exact copy of the phone's interface on the big screen, which is ideal for showing presentations or games that don't support image output in other ways.
Why can the image slow down?
It is important to understand that when you duplicate the screen, the phone actively uses the resources of the processor and Wi-Fi module, which leads to a quick discharge of the battery and heating of the case. It is recommended to keep the device connected to charging during long sessions.
- 📱 Android: Settings → Connected devices → Broadcasting.
- 📱 iPhone (via apps): Requires third-party software installation, as AirPlay works natively only with Apple support.
- 📺 Xiaomi TV: Mainstream → Annexes → Wireless monitor.
- 🔌 Requirements: Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Use of the DLNA-media-storage
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology is a standard that allows devices to share media content within a home network. Unlike Miracast, DLNA does not broadcast the screen, but only transmits the video or audio file itself, which is then decoded by the TV, which ensures higher image quality and no delays typical of screen streaming.
To implement this method on the smartphone you need to install the application server, for example, BubbleUPnP, LocalCast or use the built-in functions of the file manager MIUI. After launching the application, select a video file in the memory of the phone and click the button "Play on the device" (Cast), selecting your Xiaomi TV in the list.
The advantage of DLNA is the ability to control playback (pause, rewind) from the phone, while the phone itself can be used for other tasks without interrupting the viewing. The TV itself buffers the flow, reducing the load on the network after the initial stage of transmission.
However, this method requires that the video file be stored in the device’s memory rather than being stored in the cloud without first downloading, and it can also be difficult to play back high-bitrate files if the router is not coping with the amount of data being transferred.
⚠️ Attention: When in use DLNA Make sure that the firewall or antivirus settings on your smartphone do not block access to the local network, otherwise the TV will not see the server.
Connection through USB-cable OTG
The most reliable, though wired, method is to connect your smartphone directly to your TV via a USB interface. To do this, your phone must support USB OTG (On-The-Go) technology and a video mode known as MHL or Slimport. Not all Xiaomi budget models support video output via a charging port, so this point is worth checking in the device specification.
If you have support, you will need a special adapter (adapter) USB Type-C on-- HDMI. One end of the adapter connects to the smartphone, the second to the free port HDMI In some cases, additional power is required for the adapter, which can be fed through the second. USB-port.
Once connected, the TV automatically detects a new signal source and switches to the appropriate HDMI input, and the phone will display a full-resolution image, ideal for viewing video in maximum quality without the compression that wireless methods inevitably provide.
It should be borne in mind that with such a connection, the phone may not charge, but on the contrary, spend a charge on the power of the image output module if the adapter does not have external power.
☑️ Checking readiness HDMI-connection
Transfer of files to the flash drive for playback
The most versatile way that works even without the presence of a Wi-Fi network and complex settings is to transfer video files to an external drive. USB-flash drive or external hard drive using OTG-cable, and then connect the drive directly to the Xiaomi TV.
Modern Xiaomi TVs are equipped with USB 3.0 ports, which provides high data read speed and smooth playback of heavy files in 4K. The built-in media player supports most popular formats such as MKV, MP4, AVI and TS.
For file organization, it is recommended to use the NTFS or exFAT file system, since standard FAT32 does not support files larger than 4 GB, which is critical for high-quality video. Once the flash drive is connected to the TV, the system will offer to open the media player or you can manually run it through the application menu.
This method completely eliminates the dependence on Internet speed and wireless network stability, ensuring that there is no buffering even when watching high-bitrate movies, and it makes it easy to share content with friends just by passing them a flash drive.
| Method | Quality. | Delay. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast | High. | Minimum | Low. |
| Miracast | Average. | Got it (0.5-2 sec) | Medium |
| HDMI Cable | Maximum. | No. | Low. |
| USB Storage | Maximum. | No. | Medium |
Solving Common Connection Problems
Despite the ease of settings, users may encounter various difficulties when trying to connect their phone and TV. One of the common problems is when devices simply do not see each other on the list of available, most often due to the fact that they are connected to different networks (for example, one to the guest Wi-Fi, the other to the main) or the isolation of customers on the router is turned on.
Another common problem is desynchronization of sound and image or periodic twitching of the image. This may indicate an overload of Wi-Fi channels by neighbouring routers or insufficient network bandwidth to transfer video to 4K HDR. In such cases, rebooting the router or switching to a less busy frequency helps.
If there is no image when connecting via HDMI, although the sound is coming, check the screen resolution settings on the phone.Perhaps the phone is trying to output a signal in a resolution that is not supported by the TV at this HDMI input.Resetting screen settings or reconnecting the cable often solves the problem.
⚠️ Note: When using cheap HDMI-cables or adapters without shielding may interfere with and short-term signal loss, especially at lengths of more than 2 meters.
In some cases, TV software updates are required. Manufacturers regularly release patches that improve compatibility with new Android versions and data protocols. You can check for updates in Settings → About TV → System Update.