Modern multimedia systems allow you to turn any TV into a powerful entertainment center, and Xiaomi devices occupy a leading position here. Users often face the need to bring the contents of the smartphone screen to a large diagonal, whether to view photos from a family dinner, present a work project or launch a mobile game. The MIUI ecosystem and the Android TV operating system have many tools to accomplish this task, but they are not always obvious at first glance.
There are several fundamentally different approaches to the broadcast problem, each with its own advantages depending on the use case: you can use Miracast built-in protocols for mirror display, Google Cast technology for streaming content from applications or specialized software like Mi Remote. It is important to understand the difference between simply duplicating a screen and streaming media files, since this directly affects the quality of the picture and the load on the battery of your gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the current connectivity methods, focusing on network configuration and eliminating common synchronization errors. You will learn how to set up a wireless connection without delay, which intermediary applications should be installed as a last resort, and how to ensure maximum signal stability. Deep immersion in technical features will help you avoid common problems with dissynchronization of sound and video.
Preparation of equipment and network infrastructure
The first and most critical step is to ensure that the LAN works properly, as it is through which the main data stream passes. To successfully broadcast, both the smartphone and the Xiaomi TV (or the Mi Box console) are on the same subnet, which means that both devices must be connected to the same router, preferably at 5 GHz, which provides higher bandwidth compared to the 2.4 GHz standard.
Note your router's security settings. Some providers or network administrators use AP Isolation, which prevents devices on the network from communicating with each other. If this feature is activated, the TV will simply not see the phone no matter how much you try to sync them, and it's also worth checking that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, as the latter is often used for initial handshakes and device searches.
⚠️ Note: When using Guest Network (WIFI), broadcasting is often impossible due to security restrictions that isolate guest devices from the main infrastructure.
If you plan to stream content in high resolution, such as 4K or HDR, make sure your router supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX) standards. Older router models may simply not pull the high bitrate data stream, leading to constant buffering and a drop in image quality. Ideally, the distance between the transmitter and the router should not exceed 10 meters with walls.
Use of the built-in Translation (Miracast) function
The most common and native way to duplicate the screen on Xiaomi’s technology is based on Miracast technology (often referred to as simply “Translation” or “Wireless Display”), which allows you to create a direct wireless connection between devices, broadcasting the image in real time without the need for active Internet, although the Wi-Fi network itself is needed to establish a connection.
To start the process on the TV, you need to go to the application menu and find the standard Wireless Broadcast app (or Mi Play on some versions of PatchWall firmware). Once the application is launched, the device's name will appear on the screen. On the smartphone side, the action algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell.
☑️ Pre-broadcast checks
On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, the feature is often put in the notification curtain. You need to unlock the screen, swipe from top to top to open the control center and find the Translation icon. If there is no icon, click on a pencil or three menu editing dots and add it from there. Once turned on, you will start looking for available displays. Select your TV from the list, and in a few seconds the image should appear on the large screen.
It is worth noting that when using Miracast, the phone encodes the video stream in real time, which creates an additional load on the processor and can cause the case to heat up.In addition, in this mode, the smartphone screen does not go out, and any notifications coming to the phone will be visible on the TV, which can be uncomfortable when watching movies.
What to do if the broadcast is lagging?
Google Chromecast technology and streaming from apps
Unlike full screen mirroring, Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) allows content to be streamed directly from source applications, a more energy-efficient method, since the phone acts only as a remote control, and the TV downloads the video stream itself directly from the Internet, which provides better picture quality and no delays typical of Miracast.
Most modern Xiaomi TVs have Chromecast support built in. To take advantage of this feature, open an app with content like YouTube, Netflix or VK Video. In the player interface, find the characteristic rectangle with waves in the corner. When you click on it, you will see a list of available devices. When you select your TV, you will start playing video on it, while being able to fold the application and do other things on the phone.
To manage system sounds and media files that don’t support Cast natively, you can use the Google Home app, which allows you to stream a Chrome browser tab or even the entire screen of your smartphone to your TV if it has a built-in Chromecast, a method that often works more stable than standard Mi-broadcasting, especially on networks with complex configurations.
| Parameter | Miracast (Translation) | Google Cast (Chromecast) | DLNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of transmission | Screen mirroring | Streaming | Translation of files |
| Dependence on the phone | High (screen should be on) | Low (works like a remote) | Low. |
| Image quality | Depends on the Wi-Fi signal. | Maximum (native) | Original |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low. | Medium. |
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To stream the Chrome tab, click three dots in the app menu → Broadcast → Broadcast the screen. This will allow you to show the site or document on your TV.
Mi Remote and the Mi Home Ecosystem
Xiaomi device owners have access to unique management tools through the company’s Mi Remote app (Mi Remote), although its main function is to manage infrared port and Wi-Fi devices, in some versions and for certain TV models, it allows you to access media files of the phone.
The method is to quickly transfer a file (video or photo) from your phone to the built-in memory of your TV or Mi Box. After transfer, the file is opened through a standard video player of the TV. This method is ideal if the Internet channel is weak, but you need to show heavy video in high quality, which cannot be streamed online due to low speed.
Also worth mentioning is the Xiaomi Home app, which serves as the central hub for the smart home, which allows you to control your TV if it's added to the system, and in some scenarios use it as a media receiver. Integrating devices into a single ecosystem allows you to create automation, such as turning off the lights in the room when you start a TV broadcast.
⚠️ Note: Mi Remote requires permission to access geolocation to search for devices on the local network, even if the control is through Wi-Fi. Without this permission, the list of TVs can remain empty.
To set up the transfer via Xiaomi Share, make sure that the TV has the appropriate receiver installed and running (often built into the Android TV system). On the phone, select a file, click "Send" and select the device from the list. Wi-Fi Direct transfer speeds can reach tens of megabytes per second, which is much faster than Bluetooth.
Third-party solutions and alternative methods
If your regular funds don't work or work for some reason, you can always turn to third-party software, and one of the most popular solutions is Web Video Caster, which can pull video streams from sites that don't have official Chromecast support and send them to your TV, and it's an indispensable tool for viewing content from various online cinemas.
Another powerful tool is AirScreen or AirPin, which are typically installed on a TV (via Google Play Store on Android TV).These apps emulate AirPlay receivers (for iPhone owners) and DLNA, making the TV visible to devices that are not normally Android friendly. This is especially true for iOS users who want to stream the screen on Xiaomi TV.
For advanced users with root rights or access to ADB, there are methods of forced activation of hidden debugging functions, but they require caution. The average user just needs to install one of the proven applications from the Google Play store on the TV to expand its capabilities. For example, the LocalCast app is great at playing video files from the phone over the network.
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Third-party apps often address compatibility issues when embedded Mi or Google Cast protocols refuse to work with certain video formats or sites.
Diagnostics of problems and frequently asked questions
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often experience TVs not seeing their phones or communication is interrupted, and the most common reason is Wi-Fi bands: if a router distributes a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network under the same name (Smart Connect), devices can “run” at different frequencies, causing the detection protocol to stop working correctly.
Antivirus and firewalls on smartphones can also cause problems, which block incoming and outgoing connections on the local network. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding a TV to the list of trusted devices. Remember that when using a VPN on your phone, the broadcast will not work, since all traffic goes through a remote server, not a local network.
Here are the answers to the most popular questions that will help you quickly troubleshoot without going to the service center.If neither of the tips helps, try resetting your network settings on both devices.