Owners of the Apple ecosystem often face the need to stream content from a smartphone to a big screen. Owners of Xiaomi TVs (based on Android TV or PatchWall) can be pleasantly surprised to learn that integration with iOS is built into the system at the hardware level. Modern Mi TV models support the AirPlay 2 protocol, which allows you to stream videos, photos and even duplicate the screen without buying additional consoles.
The connection process depends on the version of the TV operating system and the region in which the device is purchased. Global firmware versions usually have built-in support for Apple HomeKit and AirPlay, while Chinese versions may require additional software. Understanding which data protocol is used in your case will help to avoid unnecessary actions and quickly configure the wireless network.
This guide covers all the current synchronization methods, from native system tools to the use of specialized applications. We will look at router settings, security parameters and nuances of working with multimedia files of different formats.
Equipment preparation and network infrastructure
The foundation of successful broadcasting is a stable network connection. To properly work the media protocols, it is critical that both devices are on the same local network. This means that the iPhone and Xiaomi TV must be connected to the same router. If your router is giving signals at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with different names (SSID), make sure that the gadgets are connected to one of them.
The 5GHz band is preferable for heavy video content in 4K, as it provides higher bandwidth. However, if the signal is weak, the device can automatically switch to 2.4GHz, which will slow down the picture. Check the signal level in your smartphone settings and, if necessary, move the router closer to the viewing area.
⚠️ Note: If your router uses Guest Network mode, devices may be isolated from each other.In this mode, communication between customers is prohibited by security regulations, and Mi is not allowed to be used. TV You just won't see the iPhone. Use the main Wi-Fi network.
It is also worth updating the software of both devices to the latest versions, and in Android TV this is done through the settings menu, and in iOS it is done through the Main section.Outdated versions of firmware can contain bugs that block device detection on the network.
Use of the built-in AirPlay feature on Xiaomi TV
Most of Xiaomi’s current TVs released after 2019 have built-in support for AirPlay technology, which is Apple’s native protocol that provides the best quality of image and sound transmission. You don’t need to install any third-party apps to get started, just activate the feature in the TV menu.
Find the wireless connectivity section on the TV menu. Depending on the PatchWall or Android TV version, it can be called differently. Usually the path is: Settings → Apps → AirPlay or Settings → Network and Internet → Apple AirPlay. Make sure the switch is in the "On" position.
What to do if AirPlay is not turned on?
Once the function is activated, a confirmation code may appear on the TV screen; when you first connect, the iPhone will request that the code be entered to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your screen, and the devices can then remember each other without re-entering.
To start the broadcast, open the Control Point on your smartphone (swipe down from the top right corner or bottom up, depending on the model). Click on the Screen Replay icon and select your Xiaomi TV from the list of available devices. The image from the smartphone display will instantly appear on the TV.
Broadcasting via Mi Remote and IR port
If wireless protocols are unstable or your TV model doesn't support AirPlay, you can use an infrared port. Many Xiaomi smartphones have an IR blaster built in, but iPhone owners don't have that hardware. However, there is a software solution through the Mi Remote app that runs over Wi-Fi, emulating the remote.
Download the official Mi Remote app from the App Store. Launch it and add a new device by selecting the TV manufacturer and the Xiaomi or Mi brand. The app will guide you through a pairing process that requires you to confirm the TV's response to test signals.
- 📱 Make sure the application has permission to access the local network (the request will appear on the first run).
- 📺 On the TV, the network settings must include the "Network Management" item or «LAN control».
- 🔗 Both devices must be on the same subnet, otherwise the remote will not be able to send commands.
Although primarily designed for control (on, off, volume), this method often helps wake up the TV's network interfaces by making it visible to other broadcast protocols, and some types of media files can be transmitted through the application if you choose the appropriate mode of operation.
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If the standard Mi Remote app doesn’t find a TV, try alternative remote apps like Universal TV Remote or Mi TV Control, which use other device search algorithms on the network.
Third-party screencasting apps: Web Video Caster and analogues
In situations where native AirPlay does not support a certain video format or is running with delays, specialized transmitter applications come to the rescue. One of the most popular solutions is Web Video Caster, which allows you to stream video directly from your browser or local files to your TV using the DLNA and Chromecast protocols.
The principle of the application is that it acts as an intermediary, it reads a link to a video stream or a file and sends a command to the TV to play this content directly from the network, without loading the smartphone processor with constant recoding of the image.
To get started, install the app on your iPhone and, if required, the corresponding receiver app on your TV (although the Cast receiver built into Mi TV is often enough). Open a video file or web page with a movie in the app, click the broadcast button and select your Xiaomi TV.
| Annex | Type of protocol | Support for subtitles | Paid version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Video Caster | DLNA / Chromecast | Yeah (built-in) | Got (Pro) |
| Replica | AirPlay / Mirroring | Depends on the source. | Aye (no watermarks) |
| TV Assist | Own protocol | Partially. | No. |
| BubbleUPnP | DLNA / Chromecast | Yes. | Got it (Premium) |
The use of third-party software is especially important for viewing content from closed resources that block standard screencasting through AirPlay due to HDCP protection. In such cases, transmitter applications can circumvent the restriction by transmitting only the video stream.
☑️ Checking before installing applications
Problems with format and codec compatibility
One of the common reasons for the failure of broadcasting is the incompatibility of audio and video codecs. Xiaomi TV running Android TV supports a wide range of formats, including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP9. However, if you try to stream a file with a specific audio stream (for example, DTS-HD or E-AC3), the TV can play video without sound or refuse to start the file at all.
In such cases, software transling is required on the fly. Some players, such as VLC for Mobile or nPlayer, have built-in codecs and can convert stream before being sent to the TV, which reduces the load on the TV, but increases the load on the smartphone and can lead to increased battery consumption.
If you experience a lack of sound when successfully transferring an image, try changing the audio output settings in the source app. Switching from "Pass-through" to "PCM" or "Stereo" often solves the audio track compatibility problem.
⚠️ Note: When broadcasting heavy 4K-High bitrate content (over 50 Mbps) via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is inevitable buffering and jerking. 4K HDR A stable 5GHz channel or a wired TV connection is required LAN-cable.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting connection
Even with the right setup, there can be crashes.If the iPhone stopped seeing Xiaomi TV, First, you can reboot the router completely. The routers will fill in the table over time. ARP-Addresses and may lose device detection packets.
Check your firewall settings. Some antivirus solutions or router settings (such as ASUS AiProtection or similar features on other routers) may prohibit local device interactions.
Time out of sync for more than a few minutes can cause security certificate errors, causing encryption protocols (WPA2/WPA3) to block connection between devices.
If nothing works, try creating a hotspot on your smartphone and connecting your TV to the Wi-Fi network your phone provides, which will remove the router from the chain and help you understand whether the problem lies in the network equipment or in the gadgets themselves.
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90% of problems with connecting Xiaomi TV to the iPhone are solved by restarting the router or transferring both devices to the same frequency network (5 GHz).