Integrating a smartphone into a single smart home ecosystem allows for a significant expansion of media functionality. Users often wonder how to connect Xiaomi to a Mi TV to stream content from a small screen to a large panel. Current technology offers many ways to accomplish this task, from standard protocols to branded solutions of the manufacturer.
The process of synchronizing devices does not require deep technical knowledge, but knowing the nuances will help to avoid typical configuration errors. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of connection, including wired and wireless options, and also consider specific settings for the MIUI operating system and the shell of Android TV.
Before you start setting up, make sure that both devices are working correctly and have up-to-date software versions, and the stability of the connection depends on the quality of the network equipment and the correctness of the configuration parameters entered.
Preparation of equipment and basic requirements
The foundation of successful connectivity is the right organization of the local network. To stream video streams smoothly in high resolution, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi subnet, that is, connected to the same router. The separation of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies on some routers can create virtual subnets, which sometimes leads to the fact that gadgets “do not see” each other.
You need to check the specifications of your Mi TV and smartphone. Older models may not support modern codecs or data protocols such as Miracast or DLNA. In such cases, performance may be reduced, or connection will be impossible without the use of additional adapters.
Note the operating system version. Android 10 and above is considered relevant for smartphones, and Android TV 9.0+ firmware for TVs. Outdated software often contains bugs that block discovery protocols that are responsible for finding devices on the network.
⚠️ Warning: Using Guest Network on a router isolates devices from each other. If your phone is connected to a guest network, it won't physically be able to detect the TV, even if both are connected to the same router.
Also worth mentioning is the importance of a stable signal: If the router is in the next room behind thick walls, the data rate may not be enough to stream video in 4K. In this case, it is recommended to use a wired connection for the TV or move the access point closer.
Wireless connection through the built-in function "Translation"
The easiest and most common way to do this without additional software is to use the native image transfer function, which is called “Cast” on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones and is built into the system menu.
To activate the function, unlock the smartphone screen and swipe from top to bottom to open the notification curtain (Control Panel). In the quick action list, you need to find the Translation icon. If the icon is missing, click on the pencil or menu edit button to add it from the list of available widgets.
Once activated, the phone will search for available devices on the local network. The Mi TV screen may request permission to connect, which must be confirmed by the remote control. Some TV models require the pre-launch of the Wireless Display or Miracast app in the TV app menu.
Image quality and latency depend on the load of the wireless channel. When viewing photos or presentations, the delay of 1-2 seconds is not critical, but for dynamic games this method may not be suitable due to input lags.
☑️ Pre-broadcast checks
It's worth noting that the Miracast protocol used in this method broadcasts exactly what's happening on the screen, rather than triggering a separate stream, which means that if you get a call or a notification, it will also show up on the big screen.
Using Google Chromecast built-in technology
Most modern Mi TVs have built-in Chromecast support, and unlike Miracast, this method allows you to not just duplicate the screen, but to run content directly on the TV, using the smartphone as a remote control.
To take advantage of this method, open an app that supports broadcasting, such as YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos. In the application interface, find the icon of the rectangle with waves in the corner.
Select your Mi TV from the list. The video stream will start playing on the TV, and the phone can be used for other tasks, adjust the volume or pause the video, which saves a lot of battery power on the smartphone, since the TV processor decodes the video.
| Characteristics | Miracast (Translation) | Chromecast (Translation) |
|---|---|---|
| Principle of work | Screen duplication | Starting a TV stream |
| Dependence on the phone | High (screen should be on) | Low (can be rolled) |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low. |
| Image quality | Maximum (up to 4K HDR) |
It's important to understand the difference between these technologies. If you want to show your friends a photo gallery or a game where it's important to see real-time action, Miracast is better. Chromecast is definitely the preferred choice for watching movies and TV shows.
What if Chromecast doesn’t find TV?
Mi Home app and Xiaomi ecosystem
For owners of devices deeply integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Mi Home app will be an indispensable tool, allowing not only to control smart lamps and robot vacuum cleaners, but also to interact with the TV.
Once you install the app and log in to your Mi Account, add your TV to your device list. This usually happens automatically if you're logged in to the same akka aunt on your TV and smartphone. The app interface will show a TV card that you can use to do basic control.
The Mi Home functionality includes:
- 📱 Using a smartphone as a touchscreen remote with a keyboard for text input.
- 📂 Broadcasting photos and videos from the phone gallery to the TV screen.
- ⚙️ Access to TV system settings if the model supports a deep level of integration.
Special attention should be paid to the “Mi Drop” feature (now known as “ShareMe” or built into Mi Share), which allows you to transfer heavy files from your phone to your TV over Wi-Fi Direct at high speed, bypassing the limitations of cloud storage.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Home, make sure that the region in the app settings matches the region set on the TV. Disambiguation of regions (e.g. Russia and China) can hide some devices from displaying in the list.
This app is especially useful when a standard remote is lost or its batteries are out of order. The virtual remote in Mi Home fully emulates all the buttons of the physical device, including voice input.
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For maximum file transfer speeds through Mi Share, turn off the router's client isolation mode (AP Isolation) if activated, allowing devices to communicate directly without the router's limitations.
Wired connection: HDMI and USB
When wireless connectivity is unstable or requires maximum video transmission without compression, the best solution is cable. For Xiaomi smartphones with USB Type-C port, there is the ability to output images through the adapter cable.
It’s important to know that not all phones support USB video output. This feature (DisplayPort Alt Mode) is predominantly featured by the flagship Mi series models and some Redmi Note models with Snapdragon processors. Budget models often lack this capability at the hardware level.
To connect, you'll need a USB Type-C to HDMI adapter. One end is inserted into the phone, the other is inserted into the free HDMI port of the TV. After connecting, you need to switch the signal source to the TV by pressing the Input or Sources button on the remote and selecting the appropriate port.
Advantages of wired connection:
- 🎮 No delay (input lag), which is critical for cloud gaming.
- 📺 Stable picture without compression and buffering artifacts.
- 🔋 The ability to simultaneously charge the smartphone (if the adapter has a power port).
There is also the possibility of connecting via USB-You can put a movie or a photo on a flash drive, connect it to your phone (via a phone). OTG), And then, if you have a file manager on TV, you can access network resources, although this method is less convenient for live broadcasting.
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Wired connection through HDMI-Adapter is the only way to get an honest 60. FPS Minimum response in games on a mobile device.
Third-party applications for extended functionality
If standard tools don’t work well or are not working well, third-party apps available in the Google Play Market often offer more flexible customizations and support for older protocols.
One of the most popular solutions is the Web Video Caster app, which can pull a video stream from your browser and send it to your TV, even if the site itself does not support Chromecast, and is ideal for watching videos from various online cinemas.
Another powerful tool is LocalCast or BubbleUPnP. These programs specialize in working with home media servers (DLNA/UPnP). You can run a server on your computer or NAS, Television and telephone will act as clients, reproducing content from the shared library.
For advanced users who want to stream a screen with minimal latency for games, there are specialized applications that use the H.265 codec. However, their configuration may require debugging over USB and installing the server part on a PC, which is beyond the basic instruction.
⚠️ Attention: Many free broadcast apps contain intrusive advertising. Be careful when pressing buttons in the interface, so as not to accidentally install excess software on your smartphone.
Using third-party software also allows you to bypass the regional restrictions of some services, since the application can mask requests or use its own proxy servers to transfer data.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even if all instructions are followed, there can be situations where devices can't see each other or the connection is constantly interrupted. The first step in diagnosis is always to restart the router. The cache of network equipment can overflow, causing errors in the ARP table.
If the problem persists, check the firewall or antivirus settings on the router. Sometimes Child Protection or Network Security functions block local interaction between devices as suspicious.
A common mistake is to use different DNS-Make sure that the Wi-Fi settings on your phone and TV are automatic. IP and DNS, or the same static addresses are provided (for example, DNS Google 8.8.8.8).
If there is an image but no sound, check the audio output settings in the app from which the broadcast is coming. Sometimes the sound stays on the phone if you select Video Only or No Sound Mirror mode.
The secret method of resetting network settings
Remember, the refresh rate of your phone and TV screen may vary. If you're on TV with 60 Hz content and your phone is 30 Hz (or vice versa), you might get jerks. In your Android developer settings, you might want to try changing the priority of the codec.