Integrating the Apple ecosystem with Android TV devices, such as the modern Xiaomi Mi TV and Xiaomi TV Stick, has become a challenge; just a few years ago, users had to find workarounds or buy expensive adapters to bring the image from the MacBook to the big screen. Today, with built-in support for the AirPlay 2 protocol and a wide range of applications, the process takes minutes.
The main difficulty for many Apple owners is the lack of native support for DLNA or Miracast in macOS, which makes you look for alternatives. However, Xiaomi TVs often run Android TV or Google TV, which opens up wide opportunities for streaming. For stable wireless connection, it is critical that the router supports 5 GHz frequency and both devices are on the same subnet.
In this article, we will take a look at all the current synchronization methods, from wireless technologies to wired solutions, learn how to configure screen broadcast without delay, which applications are best for image duplication and how to solve typical device detection problems on the network.
Wireless connection via AirPlay and built-in features
The most convenient and modern way to stream content is using AirPlay technology. Many Xiaomi TV models (especially global versions with Android TV) have built-in support for this protocol. You do not need to install additional applications if your TV model is in the line of Android TV or Google TV of recent years.
To get started, make sure your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.This is a basic requirement without which devices simply won't "see" each other. The Xiaomi remote often has a separate button to call the broadcast menu, or you need to go to the app section and find the Wireless Display or Cast icon.
If the built-in function is not activated automatically, check your network settings. Sometimes routers with Client Isolation block interaction between devices within the LAN. Turn off this option in your router settings if it is active.
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Use Apple’s standard HDMI cable or a certified USB-C to HDMI adapter for the best picture quality, as cheap counterparts may not support HDCP 2.2.
The activation process is as follows: on a Mac, click on the Control Point icon (two switches in the upper right corner) and select Screen Replay. Your Xiaomi TV should appear in the list of available devices. If the system requests a confirmation code, enter it using the TV remote.
Use of third-party broadcasting applications
When native AirPlay support is not available or is not running smoothly, specialized apps from the Google Play Store on the TV come to the rescue, leading the way in this niche are AirScreen, Receiver for AirPlay, and AnyCast, which emulate Apple’s signal receiver, allowing Macs to connect even to older TV models.
Consider the action algorithm of the popular AirScreen app. After installing it on your Xiaomi TV, launch the program and press the Start button. The app will create a virtual receiver that your Mac will see as a standard AirPlay device.
- 📺 Download the AirScreen app or analogue via Google Play on your Xiaomi TV.
- 📡 Make sure that the Mac and TV Connected to a single Wi-Fi network (preferably 5 GHz).
- 🖥️ On Mac, open System Settings → Displays or use the broadcast menu.
- 🔗 Select the device that appears in the list of available receivers.
It's important to understand that using third-party software can cause a small latency in the transmission of an image. This is not critical for watching movies or presentations, but for dynamic games, this may not be the way to do it. In the settings of the application on the TV, you can try changing the resolution or bitrate to optimize performance.
Wired connection via HDMI and adapters
If the wireless connection causes complaints about quality or stability, HDMI-cable remains the "gold standard": Modern MacBook Air and Pro laptops are equipped with Thunderbolt ports 3/4 (USB-C), You will need an adapter or docking station.
Connect the USB-C to HDMI adapter to your laptop, then connect it with an HDMI cable to your Xiaomi TV. Switch the TV signal source to the appropriate port mode (such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2). macOS automatically recognizes the external display.
To control the modes of operation, use the display settings. You can choose Screen Replay (Cloning) or Desktop Expand using the second monitor as additional space, which is especially convenient for working with documents or displaying content.
| Type of connection | Image quality | Delay (Latency) | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI (Wire) | 4K HDR (maximum) | Minimum (0 ms) | Tall. |
| AirPlay (5GHz) | 1080p / 4K | Low (50-100 ms) | Medium |
| AirScreen (App) | 1080p | Medium (100-200 ms) | Depends on CPU TV |
| Chromecast Built-in | Up to 4K. | Low. | Tall. |
Long cables (over 3 meters) may have problems with signal transmission, especially at high resolution, and it is recommended to use active HDMI cables or fiber optic solutions that support HDMI 2.0 and higher.
Streaming via Google Chrome (Chromecast)
Because Xiaomi TVs are Android-based, they have built-in support for Chromecast technology, which allows you to stream content from your Google Chrome browser or entire Mac screen to your TV without installing any additional software on your TV.
Open the Chrome browser on your Mac. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Translate. (Cast.) In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of available devices. You can choose to stream a particular tab or an entire desktop.
⚠️ Note: Full screen broadcasts via Chrome may be desynchronized, and movies are better served with built-in players or Cast-enabled streaming services inside the app, rather than through the browser.
This method also allows you to use the Mac as a remote control. You can run videos on YouTube or Netflix in the browser and easily control the playback by pausing or changing the volume directly from the laptop keyboard.
Why does the image slow down when broadcasting?
Sound and audio output settings
Often, after connecting a Mac to a Xiaomi TV, users find that the sound continues to go through the speakers of the laptop. To fix this, you need to manually switch the audio output device in the macOS system.
Go to System Settings → Sound → Exit. From the list of available devices, select your TV (it can be displayed as Xiaomi TV, Android or model name) and then all audio stream will go through the home audio system or TV speakers.
If you are using a wired HDMI connection, the sound should switch automatically. However, if this does not happen, check the settings in the Audio MIDI Setup app on your Mac. Make sure the output format matches the TV's capabilities (usually 48 kHz).
Problem Solving and Optimization
Despite the ease of setting, there are sometimes crashes: the TV is not visible in the list, the image is twitching or there is no sound. The first thing you try to reboot both devices is to solve 80% of network protocol problems.
If a Mac doesn’t find a Xiaomi TV, check your firewall settings. Under System Settings → Security & Security → Firewall, make sure that the incoming connection for device discovery services is not blocked.
- 🔄 Update the TV firmware through the Settings menu → On TV. → Updating the system.
- 📶 Check if the router is not enabled mode "Guest network" for one of the devices.
- 🔌 When connecting, try another port. HDMI TV-wise.
☑️ Diagnostics of connection
Also, consider that some antivirus or network utilities on Mac can block the discovery protocols (Bonjour/mDNS).
⚠️ Note: When using cheap HDMI-Chinese Adapters May Not Have Support HDCP. In this case, you’ll see a black screen when you try to run secure content (Netflix, Apple). TV+), Although the desktop will be displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn’t my Mac see a Xiaomi TV on the AirPlay list?
Can I connect a Mac to a Xiaomi TV without Wi-Fi?
How to remove black bars on the edges of the screen when connected?
Does Xiaomi TV support 4K when connecting to a Mac?
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The optimal balance between quality and convenience for everyday use is a bundle of MacBook + Xiaomi TV via native AirPlay on a 5 GHz network.