The modern smart home ecosystem is often built on a combination of devices from different manufacturers, which creates certain difficulties when they are synchronized. Apple users often face the question of integrating their smartphones with Xiaomi TVs running the Android TV operating system. Despite the seeming incompatibility, there are many proven ways to organize stable wireless communication between these gadgets.
The basis for video transmission in the Apple environment is the technology AirPlay, which was originally supported only by Apple TV devices. However, the development of the DLNA protocol and the introduction of native support for AirPlay 2 in modern models of Xiaomi TVs has made it much easier.
When setting up, it is important to consider the version of your smartphone’s operating system, as well as the model of the TV released after 2018. A critical condition for most methods to work is that both devices are on the same local Wi-Fi network.
Preparation of equipment and network
Before you start setting up, make sure your hardware is ready to work in live streaming mode, which is a basic step that leads to 90% of all connectivity problems, and make sure that your Xiaomi TV has the latest version of MIUI TV or Android TV firmware installed.
Check the quality of the wireless signal. To transmit a video stream in high resolution 1080p or 4K requires a stable channel with a bandwidth of at least 15-20 Mbps. If the router is far away, the picture can slow down or crumble into artifacts.
- 📡 Make sure that the iPhone and Xiaomi TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network (don’t confuse 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, it’s better to use 5 GHz).
- 📱 Update iOS on your smartphone to the latest available version via Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
- 📺 On your TV, turn on Allow Connections mode in network settings if it is disabled by default.
⚠️ Attention: Use of mobile network 4G/5G on the phone instead of Wi-Fi will make broadcasting impossible, as the devices will be in different subnets.
☑️ Checking the broadcast readiness
Native AirPlay support on Xiaomi TV
Many modern models of Xiaomi and Redmi TVs have built-in support for the AirPlay 2 protocol. This is the easiest and highest quality way to transfer images, without requiring additional software.
To activate the function on the TV, you need to go to the app menu. Usually the AirPlay or Cast icon is on the home screen or in the Tools folder. Once the application is launched, the TV will go to the standby mode and display the code or device name.
On the iPhone side, open Control Point. For Face ID models, swipe down from the top right corner, for Home models, swipe up from the bottom edge. Click Screen Repeat icon (two overlapping rectangles). From the list of available devices, select your Xiaomi TV.
What to do if AirPlay is not found?
Once paired, the smartphone display will appear on the big screen, with minimal latency, allowing you to view photos or present presentations comfortably, but for games, this method may not be suitable because of the residual lag.
- 🖥️ High quality picture without compression artifacts.
- 🔒 Secure connection via local area network.
- ⚡ Quick launch of the broadcast without installing applications.
Use of Mi Remote and MIUI TV
If the native AirPlay doesn’t work or your TV is older, you can use the official application from the manufacturer.Mi Remote app or the Cast system service in the shell of MIUI TV often have their own algorithms for encoding the video stream.
In some regions, Xiaomi TVs pre-installed QuickCast or similar. To work on the iPhone, you need to download the corresponding app from the App Store. Once installed, open the app and follow the instructions on the screen to find the TV.
The connection process is as follows:
- Run a companion app on your TV (if required).
- Open the app on your iPhone.
- Press the connection button and select the code displayed on the TV screen.
This method often allows not only to duplicate the screen, but also to use the phone as a remote control with advanced functions. You can transfer files, run videos from the clipboard and control the media player.
| Method | Delay (Latency) | Quality. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay (Native) | Low. | High (HD/4K) | Low. |
| Mi Remote / Cast | Medium | Average. | Medium |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | Depends on the software. | Tall. |
Third-party broadcast applications
When regular funds fail, third-party solutions come to the rescue, apps like ApowerMirror, AirScreen or LetsView install an AirPlay emulator on the TV, making any Android TV a full-fledged receiver for Apple devices.
To install such software on Xiaomi TV You will need access to the Google Play Store or the ability to install APK-file USB-Once you install the app on your TV, it will create a virtual device that your iPhone will see as a standard Apple. TV.
The setup usually takes a few minutes:
- 📥 Download and install the receiver app on the TV.
- 📱 Download the client app on your iPhone (not always necessary).
- 🔗 Run the scan. QR-code or select the device in the Control Point.
⚠️ Note: Free versions of third-party apps often contain ads or have session time limits.
The advantage of these programs is cross-platform and have additional features such as screen recording or mouse control, but they can consume more of the TV's processor resources, causing the device to heat up.
💡
To reduce latency when using third-party apps, close all background tasks on your iPhone and make sure the TV isn’t overloaded with other running programs.
Wired connection via Lightning-HDMI
If the wireless connection is unstable or requires maximum image quality without compression, use a wired method. This will require a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter (or USB-C to HDMI for new models) and an HDMI cable.
This method allows for 1080p or 4K transmission at 60Hz without any delays. The image appears on the screen instantly after the cable is connected. The Xiaomi TV in this case acts simply as a monitor.
The algorithm of action is simple:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone charging connector.
- Insert the HDMI cable into the adapter and the free port of the TV.
- Switch the signal source to HDMI 1 (or the corresponding port).
The main disadvantage of the method is the binding of the smartphone to a cable-length TV, and Apple adapters are quite expensive, and Chinese analogues can work unstable or require a constant connection to the network for power.
💡
Wired connectivity is the only way to ensure there are no delays and compression artifacts, which is critical for gaming and viewing. HDR-content.
Addressing common problems
Users often encounter common errors during the setup process: If the TV can't see the phone, check the router's firewall settings. Sometimes antivirus software on the router blocks UPnP or mDNS device detection protocols.
Another common problem is desynchronizing audio and video, which can be treated by changing the buffering settings of the broadcast app or switching the audio codec from Dolby Digital to PCM in the TV settings.
The main causes of failures:
- 🚫 Different Wi-Fi subnets (e.g. one network for guests, another for major devices).
- 📡 Weak Wi-Fi signal on one of the devices.
- 🔄 Outdated software on TV or smartphone.