Apple ecosystem owners often face the desire to bring content from a smartphone to the big screen, but Xiaomi devices running on Android TV or MIUI for TV, initially do not have built-in support for the AirPlay protocol. This creates the illusion of incompatibility, although in practice there are many effective methods of synchronization.
The choice of the specific method depends on your TV model, the version of the operating system and the type of content you plan to watch. You can use both built-in operating system features and third-party apps from the official Google Play Store. Below we will discuss in detail all the current ways that will allow you to enjoy photos, movies and games with your iPhone on a large display.
You'll need a stable Wi-Fi connection to get started, because high-quality video streaming requires a lot of network bandwidth. Make sure your router supports 5GHz, which will significantly reduce the likelihood of artifacts or sound desynchronization. Proper network configuration is the foundation of high-quality wireless broadcasting.
There are several basic data protocols, each with its own advantages: AirPlay is native to Apple's technology and provides the best picture quality, while DLNA is more suitable for transferring static files. Understanding the difference between these technologies will help you choose the best use case for your situation.
Using the built-in AirPlay feature on new models
Modern Xiaomi TVs released in the last couple of years often feature built-in support for the AirPlay 2 protocol at the system level.This means that you do not need to install additional programs, just activate the appropriate option in the settings. Check the availability of the feature in the Settings menu → Network and Connections → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
If the option is active, your iPhone and TV should be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Point on your smartphone, select Screen Replay and find your TV in the list. The wireless connection will be set up automatically, and the image from the phone's display will appear on the large screen.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have AirPlay hidden or require a region change in TV settings to China or India, where this option is implemented deeper.
The quality of the transmission depends on the power of the Wi-Fi module in the TV. If you notice a slowdown, try to move the router closer to the receiver or switch to a less loaded channel. The built-in method is the most stable, since it does not require the installation of third-party software.
Installation of AirPlay emulator apps from Google Play
If your TV model doesn't support AirPlay natively, installing a dedicated emulator will solve the problem. The most popular and proven solution is AirScreen, which creates a virtual receiver that is understandable for Apple devices.
After installation, launch the application and press the "Start" button. QR-The code and device name you want to select from the iPhone Screen Replay menu, a method that allows you to stream not only the video, but also the entire screen of your smartphone, including the iOS interface.
☑️ Installation of AirPlay emulator
It's important to note that free versions of these apps can contain ads that will be displayed on the TV screen. For complete comfort and no session time restrictions, developers offer premium versions. There are alternatives like ApowerMirror or LetsView that have their own interface features.
When emulators are used, the load on the TV's processor increases as software decodes the video stream, which can cause the device to heat up over long periods of use, and monitor the temperature of the electronics if you plan to watch movies longer than two hours.
Broadcasting through the Mi Home and Chromecast ecosystem
Xiaomi TVs often have built-in support for Google Chromecast technology, which allows you to stream content from apps that support the feature, such as YouTube, Netflix or VLC. Unlike full screen cloning, only a link to the video stream is transmitted here, which reduces the load on the network.
You can also use the Mi Home app on your iPhone to control your TV, and while it's primarily designed to control your smart home, in some regions it lets you open files from your phone on your TV, go to the settings of your TV in the app and find the Media or Gallery section.
| Method | Delay. | Quality. | Dependence on the phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay (Native) | Minimum | High. | Low. |
| AirScreen (Emulator) | Medium | Average. | Tall. |
| Chromecast | Absent. | Maximum. | No (after launch) |
| DLNA | No. | Depends on the file. | No. |
Using Chromecast is especially convenient for watching videos from the Internet, since the phone acts only as a remote control. You can turn the application on your iPhone, respond to messages or even turn off the lock screen, and playback on the TV will not interrupt.
Why is Chromecast better for YouTube?
Transfer of media files via DLNA protocol
To view photos or videos stored in the memory of the iPhone, the DLNA protocol is ideal. This standard allows you to transfer media files over a local network without the need to clone the entire screen. The TV should be running a media player that supports data reception, for example, built-in Media Player or a third-party VLC for Android.
On the iPhone, you need to use a server app that will make files available to the network. A popular option is the VLC for Mobile app. Open a video or photo in the app, click on the "Cast" or "DLNA" button, and select your Xiaomi TV from the list of available devices.
The good thing about this method is that it doesn't require a constant connection to the screen, which saves battery power on your smartphone. However, it's not suitable for gaming or showing the application interface, because it only transmits a particular media file. The speed of the transfer depends on the speed of your router.
⚠️ Note: When transferring large files (4K video DLNA Buffering pauses may occur if the Wi-Fi signal is unstable.
Connecting to the Lightning to HDMI adapter
If wireless connectivity is not possible or signal quality is poor, you can use a wired method, and you will need a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter (or USB-C for new iPhone models) and a regular HDMI cable to ensure maximum stability and no delays.
Connect the adapter to your iPhone, insert the HDMI cable into the adapter and into the free port of your TV, switch the signal source on your TV to HDMI mode corresponding to the port you are using, and the image will appear instantly as you use a direct digital connection.
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Use original Apple adapters or certified analogues (MFi), as cheap Chinese copies often don’t support output. HDCP-Content from Secure Streaming Services.
The main advantage of this method is that it does not compress video stream, which is critical for watching high-quality video, and that wired connection eliminates interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks, and that is the only way to ensure zero latency when playing mobile games on a large screen.
However, this option is debilitating, as the phone is tethered to the TV by a cable, and it is also worth considering that the adapter occupies the charging port, so for long sessions, you may need a model adapter with an additional connector to connect the power.
Solving problems with delays and image quality
A common problem with wireless broadcasting is to desynchronize audio and video or the appearance of compression artifacts. First of all, you need to check the load on the Wi-Fi channel. If there are many devices connected to the network, try to disable the unnecessary or reconfigure the router to work in the 5 GHz band.
Problems can also arise from outdated software. Check for updates to the TV operating system in the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. Developers regularly release patches that improve the stability of network modules.
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The stability of the broadcast depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal and the absence of physical obstacles between the router and the TV.
If you use AirPlay emulators, try changing the resolution settings in the app itself on your TV. Decreasing the quality from 4K to 1080p can significantly improve the smoothness of the picture. Remember to periodically clear the cache of the applications used for broadcasting.