Modern smart home ecosystems often require the integration of devices from different manufacturers, and the Apple iPhone bundle with Xiaomi TVs is one of the most popular.
Users often face the need to display photos, videos or even the desktop of a smartphone on a large screen using wireless protocols.
AirPlay technology has become the de facto standard for Apple appliance owners, allowing them to stream high-quality content without delay.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure a connection, what nuances exist in the Android TV operating system and how to avoid typical synchronization errors.
Technological features of airplay broadcast on Android TV
Initially, AirPlay was developed by Apple exclusively for its devices, such as Apple TV and TVs with built-in support for HomeKit.
However, the Android TV operating system on which Xiaomi’s modern TVs are based does not have native support for this protocol out of the box in global firmware versions.
To implement the wireless broadcast function, engineers use software emulators or embedded modules in newer TV models.
It is important to understand that the quality of the connection depends on the stability of the Wi-Fi router and the version of the software of your TV.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019 and runs on an older version of Android TV, AirPlay support may not be available and you will need to install a third-party application.
There are two main ways to implement the connection: through the built-in receiver in new models and through the installation of specialized software on older versions.
In the first case, the system itself detects Apple devices in the local network, in the second – requires manual configuration through the Google Play Store.
Compatibility check and equipment preparation
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your equipment meets the minimum technical requirements for stable operation of the protocol.
First of all, check your TV model: AirPlay 2 support is often found in the Mi TV P1, Q1, Q2 and later models.
Also make sure that both your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Using a guest Wi-Fi network or different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with client isolation) can make devices invisible to each other.
- 📱 iPhone is not lower than the 5th model with the current version of iOS.
- 📺 Xiaomi TV with Android support TV 9.0 and above or built-in AirPlay module.
- 📶 Stable connection to a Wi-Fi network with a frequency of 5 GHz for video transmission to 4K.
- 🔌 Active Bluetooth module on TV (required for initial pairing in some cases).
Pay attention to the TV firmware version, as older versions may contain connection-blocking bugs.
To check the version, go to the settings menu and select About the device, which indicates the current system parameters.
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Use a 5GHz network to stream high-resolution video to avoid jerking and buffering images.
Method 1: AirPlay support built-in in new models
Owners of modern Xiaomi TVs can use the native feature, which does not require the installation of additional software.
To activate the standby mode, go to the main menu and find the Apple AirPlay or Wireless Display app.
After the application is launched, a code or message about waiting for a connection will appear on the TV screen.
On your iPhone, open the “Control Point” swipe down (or up, depending on the model) and click the “Screen Replay” button.
Settings → Applications → Apple AirPlay → EnableYour Xiaomi TV should appear on the list of available devices.
When you first connect, the security system will request a four-digit code displayed on the TV screen.
After successful authorization, the smartphone screen will be completely duplicated on a large display.
☑️ Algorithm of connection through the built-in module
Some users note that after the system update, the name of the TV in the list may change or become unreadable.
In this case, it is recommended to rename the device in the network settings for more convenient identification.
Method 2: Install third-party applications (AirScreen, AirPin)
If the built-in feature doesn’t work or isn’t available in your model, the solution is to install an AirPlay emulator from the Google Play store.
The most popular and stable apps are AirScreen and AirPin(PRO), which emulate the Apple TV receiver.
Download the selected application through a search in the TV app menu and launch it.
The program interface will offer to enable the necessary permissions and start the broadcast service.
| Annex | Type of license | 4K support | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirScreen | Freemium | Yes. | Available (in the free version) |
| AirPin(PRO) | Paid | Yes. | No. |
| Receiver for AirPlay | Free. | Limited. | There is. |
| DoCast | Freemium | Yes. | There is. |
Once the app is launched, the TV will be visible to the iPhone as an Apple TV device.
It is important not to close the application completely, but only to fold it, otherwise the broadcast will be interrupted.
In the application settings, you can change the device name and set a password to protect against unauthorized access.
⚠️ Warning: Free emulator versions often have session time limits or display banner ads over the image, which can interfere with viewing.
For permanent use, it is recommended to consider buying a paid version or a lifetime license in emulator applications.
This will ensure stable operation without pop-up windows and restrictions on the bitrate of the video stream.
What to do if the application crashes?
Broadcast content from specific applications (YouTube, Netflix)
Special attention should be paid to the broadcast of videos from streaming services, which works differently than a simple mirror display of the screen.
Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) technology is often more stable and better-quality than AirPlay for services such as YouTube.
To start the video, just click on the broadcast icon (rectangle with waves) inside the application itself on the iPhone.
Select your Xiaomi TV from the list and the video will start playing directly through the TV’s internet channel.
- 🎬 YouTube: Use the Cast button to hand over playback control.
- 🍿 Netflix: Requires Netflix to Install the TV for Live.
- 🎵 Apple Music: AirPlay supports audio output to external TV speakers.
- 📸 Photo: the app “Photo” on iOS allows you to stream albums through AirPlay.
The advantage of this method is that the phone does not consume battery for decoding video and transferring pictures.
The smartphone in this case acts only as a remote control.
The quality of the picture will be maximum, since the TV loads the stream directly.
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To view videos from YouTube and Netflix, use the built-in Cast button rather than the mirror display screen to save battery power and improve picture quality.
Diagnostics and Solving Connection Problems
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter a number of technical problems that prevent the connection.
One of the most common causes is an incorrectly set date and time on the TV, which causes a conflict of security certificates.
Check the time settings in the Settings menu → Device → Date and time and enable automatic synchronization.
Problems can also arise due to router settings, in particular, if AP Isolation is enabled.
adb shell settings put global airplay_enabled 1This command (for advanced users with ADB access) can force the hidden AirPlay services on the system.
If the TV stopped seeing the iPhone after the firmware update, try resetting the network settings on both devices.
In some cases, it helps to remove the emulator application and re-install it with data cleaning.
⚠️ Note: When using public Wi-Fi networks (in hotels, cafes), the AirPlay protocol is often blocked by the network administrator, and connection will become impossible.
Remember to update the app regularly, as Apple changes security protocols frequently.
Outdated versions of emulators may simply stop responding to detection requests from newer versions of iOS.
Secret code to reset network settings
Optimizing the quality of image and sound
For best results, it is important to properly configure the image output settings on the TV.
Turn on the Game or PC mode in the TV image settings to minimize input delay (input lag).
This is especially true if you plan to use AirPlay for games or real-time presentations.
The audio track can be transmitted with a delay if a Bluetooth adapter or external acoustics are used.
- 🖥️ Image Mode: Select "Cinema" or "Standard" for movies, "Game" for low latency.
- 🔊 Audio: Use it. HDMI ARC or optical output for connecting the sound system if the built-in speakers are weak.
- 🌐 Network: Turn off downloading updates on other devices while browsing.
If you notice the sound and video desynchronization, try changing the audio output settings in the emulator app.
Often, switching the audio codec from AAC to PCM or changing buffering helps.
The quality of the wireless network is critical: the distance between the router and the TV should not exceed 10 meters in the presence of concrete walls.