Modern smart TVs from the Chinese brand Xiaomi offer a wide range of functionality for multimedia entertainment, but embedded applications do not always support all the necessary streaming services or file formats. In such situations, the ability to stream content directly from a mobile device, which has long been the main storage of media files for most users, comes to the rescue.
There are several proven methods of connection, each with its own characteristics depending on the operating system of your gadget and the model of the TV. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to watch a movie from your phone on a Xiaomi TV, using wireless protocols, wired connections and specialized applications for maximum image quality.
Before you start setting up, make sure both devices are on the same local Wi-Fi network, as this is critical to the stable operation of most wireless data technologies. Ignoring this requirement is the most common reason why the phone does not see a Xiaomi TV when trying to start playing.
Wireless streaming via built-in Chromecast
The Android TV operating system, which is installed on most modern Xiaomi models, has built-in support for Google Chromecast technology.This allows you to stream videos from compatible applications such as YouTube, Netflix or VK Video by simply clicking on the appropriate icon in the program interface.
To get started, open the app with a video on your smartphone and find the broadcast icon, usually located in the top corner of the screen. After clicking, the system will prompt you to select the target device where you will need to find the name of your Xiaomi TV from the list of available gadgets.
⚠️ Note: If the broadcast icon does not appear, check if the phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (same Wi-Fi). SSID), The separation of guest and main network blocks detection.
The quality of the image transmitted depends on the speed of your wireless connection and the distance to the router. When using the Chromecast protocol, the load is mainly on the TV, which loads the stream itself, so the battery discharge of the phone is minimal.
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Use the 5GHz Wi-Fi band to stream video in 4K, as a 2.4GHz frequency may not provide enough bandwidth for heavy streaming.
Translation of the screen through the Miracast protocol
Unlike Chromecast, which broadcasts a specific video stream, Miracast (or Screen Mirroring) technology allows you to completely duplicate your smartphone screen on your TV display, a feature that is especially useful when you want to show photos from a gallery, launch a game, or use an application that does not have a built-in casts button.
On Xiaomi TVs, this feature is often called “Wireless Monitor” or “Translation” and is found in the signal source menu or in network settings. On Android smartphones, it can be called “Translation”, “Smart View” or “Screen projection” depending on the device manufacturer.
To activate, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Open the notification curtain on your phone and find the “Translation” button».
- 📺 Enable the search mode on the TV through the App menu → Wireless monitor.
- 🔗 Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list that appeared on the mobile device.
- ✅ Confirm the connection if a permission request appears on the TV screen.
It's important to understand that when using Miracast, the phone encodes the video signal in real time, which can lead to a slight delay in the image and increased battery consumption. This is normal behavior of the technology that provides mirroring.
Using the Mi Remote application for management
The official Mi Remote app (or Mi Home) turns your smartphone into a universal remote control, allowing you not only to switch channels, but also to stream media from your phone to your Xiaomi TV, a method that is especially convenient for owners of devices running MIUI or HyperOS.
After pairing your phone and TV through your Mi Account, you get access to the Media Center feature, which allows you to select videos, music or photos in your smartphone memory and send them to the big screen. The application interface is intuitive and does not require complex network settings.
The main advantages of using official software:
- 🎮 Full control of the TV, including entering text from the phone keyboard.
- 📂 Support for a wide range of video file formats without conversion.
- 🔋 Energy savings compared to a permanent duplication screen.
It is worth noting that for the app to work correctly, you need to allow access to the local network in the Android permissions settings. Without this, Mi Remote will not be able to detect the TV on the network, even if both devices are connected to the same router.
What if Mi Remote can't find TV?
Broadcast from iPhone via AirPlay
Owners of Apple devices may face difficulties, as the iOS ecosystem uses the AirPlay protocol, which is not always natively supported by older Android TV models. However, new Xiaomi TVs often have built-in AirPlay 2 support, which allows you to stream content without installing additional software.
You can check for support in the settings of the TV in the section "Apple AirPlay and HomeKit". If the function is present, just activate "Screen Replay" in the control center of the iPhone and select your Xiaomi Mi TV. The image will appear on the screen almost instantly.
If native support is not available, installing a third-party app on your TV, such as AirScreen or AirPin, emulates the AirPlay receiver, making it possible to connect your iPhone to an Android TV.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications for AirPlay on the TV, sound and video may be desynchronized, which is solved by manually adjusting the delay in the settings of the emulator application.
Connecting via HDMI adapter
If the wireless connection is unstable or you need to transmit video in the maximum quality without compression, the best solution is to use a wired connection. USB-C or lightning on HDMI.
Connecting the cable provides the best picture possible and no delays, which is critical for gaming or viewing. 3D-The TV automatically recognizes the external source of the signal, and you only have to select the appropriate port in the source menu (Input).
Comparison of the characteristics of the wireless and wired method:
| Parameter | Wireless (Wi-Fi) | Wireless (HDMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Image quality | Depends on the network (compression) | Maximum (no loss) |
| Delay (Latency) | High (0.5-2 sec) | Minimum |
| Mobility | Tall. | Limited by cable length |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low (often charging) |
When choosing an adapter, pay attention to its specifications: to display an image in 4K, you need a cable and adapter that supports HDMI 2.0 and higher. Cheap analogues can limit the resolution to 1080p.
☑️ Checking before buying an adapter
Use of DLNA and third-party players
DLNA technology allows you to transfer media files over a local network without duplicating the screen, using the TV as a renderer. To do this, you need to install a player application that supports this feature, for example, VLC for Android or MX Player.
In the player settings, select the "Renderer" or "Cast" option, after which the app will scan the network and find your Xiaomi TV. By selecting a device, you can run any local file, and the TV will play it using its decoders.
This method is ideal for watching "heavy" movies downloaded in high bitrate, which can slow down when broadcasting the screen live.The TV takes over all the work of decoding the video by unloading the phone's processor.
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DLNA is the best choice for viewing heavy files from your phone, as the TV processes the video itself, ensuring smooth playback.
Solution: Why is there no sound or image?
Often users are faced with a situation where there is a picture but no sound, or vice versa, this can be due to the settings of the audio output in the application itself or the system restrictions of DRM (copyright protection).
Some streaming services, such as Netflix or Disney+, block screen streaming through Miracast because of content protection, requiring the use of only the built-in Chromecast.In such cases, screen duplication will result in a black image with working sound.
If the problem persists, try the following:
- 🔄 Restart the router and both devices (phone and TV).
- 📡 Switch Wi-Fi on your router to avoid interference from neighbouring networks.
- 📉 Reduce the quality of video in a source app if the network is congested.