How to connect iPhone to Xiaomi TV: all the ways

Apple owners often face the desire to broadcast content from a smartphone to a big screen, but the ecosystem of iOS and Android TV (on which Xiaomi TVs are based) have historically evolved along different vectors. Despite this, modern technology allows you to establish a stable connection without unnecessary wires and complex equipment. The process of synchronizing iPhone and Xiaomi TV can range from simple “mirroring” the screen to full management of multimedia through built-in protocols.

The key here is to support wireless standards, particularly AirPlay 2, which has been available in recent years on many Android TVs. If your device doesn't support Apple's native protocol, third-party solutions and physical cables come to the rescue. Understanding how your local Wi-Fi network works will be the foundation for successful customization, as most methods rely on it.

In this article, we will take a look at all the options available, from free software solutions to buying specialized adapters, how to avoid image delays and desynchronization of sound, as well as what nuances are hidden in the settings of the router. Competent configuration will turn your TV into a full-fledged media center for content from iOS.

Before you start any manipulation, make sure that both devices are on the same network, a basic requirement that leads to 90% of all connection errors, and check the connection status in your router settings or through the TV menu.

Use the built-in AirPlay 2 feature on Xiaomi TV

Modern models of Xiaomi and Redmi TVs running Android TV often have built-in support for AirPlay 2 technology. This is the most convenient way, since it does not require installing additional software on the smartphone.

To get started, you need to go to the TV settings menu. Find the connection or external device section. Depending on the version of the MIUI for TV shell, the path may vary, but it's usually hidden in the back of the menu. Activate the switch that receives the signal from Apple devices.

Once activated, a confirmation code may appear on your TV screen. Take your iPhone, open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on new models or bottom up on old ones). Click on Screen Replay icon and select your TV from the list. If the system requests the code, enter the numbers displayed on the big screen.

⚠️ Note: If the TV requires code every time you connect, it can be annoying to use frequently.In the AirPlay settings on the TV, you can change the security setting to "First Time" or disable the code request if you are on a secure home network.

The quality of the image transfer depends on the bandwidth of your wireless network. To broadcast video in high resolution 4K or HDR, it is recommended to use routers operating in the 5 GHz band. 2.4 GHz frequency may not cope with streaming video, causing jerks and buffering.

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For maximum stability, connect the TV to the router via an Ethernet cable, even if the smartphone uses Wi-Fi. This will reduce the load on the wireless channel and reduce delays.

Broadcasting through repetitive applications (Mi Remote and analogues)

When native AirPlay support is not available or is not running smoothly, specialized repetitive apps come to the rescue, installing them on a TV and emulating an Apple signal receiver, and one of the most popular solutions is the official Xiaomi Mi Remote app or third-party counterparts like Receiver for AirPlay.

The installation process requires access to the Google Play Store on your TV, find the app by name, download it, and install it. Once it's launched, it will create a virtual receiver that will be visible to your iPhone in the list of available devices for broadcasting.

Using third-party apps gives you more flexibility in settings, you can adjust video compression quality, select screen orientation mode, and set up automatic connectivity, but it’s worth remembering that free versions of these programs often contain ads that can overlap part of the image.

Some apps allow you to stream not only the screen, but also specific media files from the gallery, which is convenient when you need to show photos to friends or run a video file, the format of which is not supported by the built-in player of the TV, the interface of such programs is usually adapted for control from the remote.

Physical connection via Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter

When wireless connectivity is not possible or maximum picture quality is required without compression, the only correct solution is a wired connection, which requires a special Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones) or USB-C to HDMI (for iPhone 15 and newer), which guarantees the signal transmission in its original quality.

The connection scheme is extremely simple: the adapter is inserted into the charging connector of the smartphone, and the cable is connected to the adapter itself. HDMI. Second end of the cable HDMI inserted into the appropriate port on the back or side panel of the Xiaomi TV, after which you need to switch the signal source on the TV to the appropriate port (for example, switch the signal source on the TV, HDMI 1).

The main advantage of this method is that it has no latency, which is critical if you plan to use the TV as a monitor for games on your iPhone or for presentations, and the cable provides a steady flow of data that will not be interrupted by interference on the air.

It should be borne in mind that when wired, the smartphone may not charge if the adapter does not have an additional port for power. In long sessions, it is recommended to use adapters with the ability to connect the charger so that the iPhone battery does not run down at the most inopportune moment.

Configure DLNA and Local Media Server

If your goal is not to duplicate the screen, but to watch movies or photos stored in the memory of your smartphone, the best solution is DLNA technology, which allows you to transfer media content over a local network to the built-in player of the TV, which relieves the smartphone from the load of encoding the video stream.

Xiaomi TVs usually already have a DLNA-enabled media player preinstalled (often called Media or Gallery) and the iPhone side will require a server application, such as VLC for Mobile or Photo & Video Cast. The app will need to select files to play and click the broadcast button.

The TV will be displayed as an available device, and then you'll start streaming, and the advantage of the method is that you can control playback (pause, rewind) directly from your phone while the TV plays the file itself, saving you battery power.

This method is ideal for viewing videos in formats that are out of the box not supported by standard iOS tools when broadcasting via AirPlay.

Solving Connection and Delay Problems

Even if you set up the right way, users can run into problems: black screen instead of image, no sound, or constant buffering. Most often, the reason lies in the router settings. Make sure the router turns off client isolation (AP Isolation), which prevents devices from seeing each other on the network.

Another common reason is the use of a guest Wi-Fi network. If the phone is connected to the main network and the TV is connected to the guest (or vice versa), they will not be able to find each other. Also check if the mode is not on "Traffic Saving" on the smartphone, which can block local connections.

If the image is transmitted but the sound is only coming from the phone, check the audio output settings in the iPhone's Control Point. Sometimes the system defaults to the smartphone speaker over the TV speakers. Switch output to Xiaomi TV manually.

In some cases, resetting network settings on both devices helps, which is a radical but effective method if software failures accumulate over time, and you have to reset your Wi-Fi password after the reset, but the communication channel will clear the errors.

Comparison of connection methods and characteristics table

The best way to do this depends on your specific tasks: Minimal ping is important for games, stability is important for watching movies, and simplicity is important for showing photos. Below is a comparison table that will help you decide on the method.

Note that support for Dolby Vision resolution when broadcasting wirelessly is only possible through native AirPlay 2 on compatible TV models.Cable adapters can also support this format, but require expensive certified peripherals.

HDMI cables are preferred in office settings or lectures where reliability is more important than convenience, and wireless methods dominate home use due to the lack of extra wires and the ability to control voice via Siri.

⚠️ Note: When using cheap HDMI-In cables over 3 meters long, the signal from the iPhone may disappear or flicker.Use high-quality shielded cables of the High Speed standard with support for Ethernet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Native AirPlay 2 delivers a better balance between quality and convenience, but for older TV models, the only reliable option is the best. HDMI-cable.