Today's users rarely limit themselves to watching content on a smartphone screen, wanting to broadcast the image on a large display. Connecting an Android device to a Xiaomi TV opens up the multimedia capabilities of a smart home. This allows you to turn a regular evening into a movie theater or a presentation room right in your living room. The process of synchronizing devices has become much easier thanks to the development of wireless protocols.
Xiaomi and Redmi owners can use the built-in Android TV or MIUI for TV features to get off the ground instantly. You don't need complex cables or expensive adapters if both are on the same network. However, it's important to consider technical nuances to maximize signal stability and image quality. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to connect.
The main goal is to ensure that video streams are streamed seamlessly in high resolution. Wireless technologies are convenient but sensitive to router interference. Wireless connections ensure no delays, which is critical for gaming. The choice of the specific method depends on your goals and the TV model. Let's look at each option in detail so that you can choose the best one.
Wireless connection via built-in Chromecast
The most popular and convenient way to stream content is using Google Cast technology. Most modern Xiaomi TVs have built-in support for this protocol, which eliminates the need to buy separate consoles. You do not need to search for hidden menus, since the feature is activated automatically when there is shared Wi-Fi. This is the de facto standard for the Android ecosystem.
To get started, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same wireless network. Open the app you want to show content from, like YouTube or Netflix. Find a stream icon that usually looks like a rectangle with waves in the corner.
Select your Xiaomi Mi TV from the list, and the image will instantly appear on the big screen. Playback control remains on your smartphone, allowing you to switch videos or pause without getting off the couch. Cast protocol supports 4K video and surround sound. Picture quality depends on your Internet speed.
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If the stream icon doesn’t appear, check to see if Google Play Services and YouTube apps on your smartphone are updated to the latest version.
It's important to note that not all applications support this feature natively. In these cases, you can use full-screen mirroring, but it will require more CPU resources. Connection stability is directly dependent on the power of your router. With 5 GHz, there will be significantly less interference.
Screen broadcasting via Miracast (Mi Share)
If you want to show the entire screen content, including a smartphone menu or a game that doesn’t have a Cast button, use Miracast. In Xiaomi TVs, this feature is often called “Wireless Display” or integrated into the Mi Share system. The technology allows you to create a direct connection between devices without the involvement of a router, although working over a shared network is also possible.
To activate signal reception on your TV, go to the signal sources menu or find the Wireless Display app on the main Android TV panel. On your smartphone, go to the settings, select Connection and Sharing, and find Translation or Wireless Monitor. The phone will start searching for available devices.
Once you find a Xiaomi TV, click on its name to pair. The TV screen may have a request for confirmation of connection, which you need to accept by the remote. Signal latency with this method is minimal, but can vary depending on the load of the Wi-Fi channel. For games, this method is better than other wireless analogues.
What to do if your phone can’t see TV?
The quality of the image you transmit can be adjusted in the phone settings. Often, the default balance between quality and performance is set; to view the photo, you better choose the maximum resolution; for dynamic scenes, high frame rates are priority.
Using the Mi Remote app and the Mi Home ecosystem
Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners have the advantage of pre-installed Mi Remote. While its main function is to control the TV as a remote, it also allows you to quickly open media content. Deep integration with the shell of MIUI or HyperOS makes it easier to interact between gadgets of the same brand.
To make the most of the smart home, we recommend installing Mi Home, which allows you to not only control your TV, but also create scripts, for example, when you run a movie on your phone, the light in the room can automatically dim, which requires additional adjustment, but greatly improves comfort.
The Mi Drop feature (now part of Mi Share) allows you to instantly transfer heavy video files from your phone to your TV without losing quality. Wi-Fi Direct can transfer speeds up to tens of megabytes per second. It is the perfect way to watch video captured on a large screen without compression.
Remember, for all the smart home features to work, both devices must be authorized under the same Mi Account, which provides data synchronization and quick access. If the accounts are different, some features may not be available. Check the account region, it should match.
Connecting through DLNA and third-party applications
The DLNA standard remains relevant for playing the media library stored in the memory of a smartphone. Xiaomi TVs work perfectly with this protocol, allowing you to see the phone as network storage. You do not need to broadcast the entire screen, just select a file in a gallery or video player.
This method often requires third-party player apps such as VLC or MX Player. Select the Renderer or Play on Device option from the player menu. The system will find your Xiaomi TV on the local network. This method is less demanding of the phone's resources, since it is only a controller.
The advantage of DLNA is that you can control the playback queue, you can make a playlist of video and photos, you can run it, you can use the phone for other tasks, and the image on the TV will play itself, and this is convenient when you show the photo archives.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party players, make sure that the application has permission to access the local network. In new versions of Android, this permission must be given manually when you first start.
If standard tools can't see the TV, try restarting the router. Sometimes the DNS cache prevents devices from being found on the LAN. Also check if the antivirus on the phone is blocking network connections. The firewall may consider the data flow suspicious.
Wired connection via HDMI and USB-C
For users who are critically important to stability and lack of compression, wired connectivity is ideal. Most modern smartphones support the MHL or DisplayPort Alt Mode standard via a USB-C connector.
You'll need a special USB-C to HDMI adapter. Connect the HDMI cable from the adapter to the Xiaomi TV, and the adapter itself to the smartphone. The TV automatically determines the new signal source. You only have to select the appropriate input (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) in the source menu.
This method ensures no delays, making it the only true choice for cloud gaming or phone games. The image is transmitted in the original bitrate without compression artifacts. The sound is also transmitted over a digital channel without loss.
☑️ Checking before buying the cable
Note that not all mid-range smartphones support USB-C video output. This feature is usually available in flagship models and upper-middle-range devices. Check the specifications of your phone on the manufacturer's website. If there is no support, the cable will not work.
Comparison of methods and elimination of problems
The way you connect depends on your current tasks and network conditions, and to organize the information, we've developed a basic characteristics comparison table that will help you navigate the situation quickly.
| Method | Quality. | Delay. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast | High (up to 4K) | Low. | Minimum |
| Miracast | Medium/High | Medium | Low. |
| HDMI Cable | Maximum. | Absent. | Medium |
| DLNA | Depends on the file. | Low. | Low. |
A common problem is desynchronizing sound and image. This is usually treated by restarting the router or switching the Wi-Fi frequency. If the Xiaomi TV doesn't see the phone, try temporarily turning off mobile internet on your smartphone. Sometimes the priority of mobile data interferes with local search.
If you have HDCP (black screen with protected content) errors, try changing the screen resolution in your phone settings. Some older HDMI cables don't support modern security standards, and only replacing the cable with a certified one will help.
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For wireless methods to work consistently, it is critical that the router supports 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or newer and runs in the 5GHz band.
Don’t ignore the TV firmware updates. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that improve compatibility with new versions of Android. Check for updates in Settings → About TV → System Update. The process can take several minutes.