Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs offer users a wide range of multimedia content consumption options, and instead of looking at a small screen, it’s much more convenient to display photos, videos or gameplay on a large display, a feature that’s especially relevant when watching family albums or showing work presentations.
The process of synchronizing devices can be carried out in different ways, each of which has its own characteristics. Wireless technology provides mobility, while wired connection guarantees maximum signal stability. The choice of the particular method depends on your goals and the equipment available.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available streaming options, learn about the nuances of setting up the Mi TV Stick and built-in Android TV modules, and discuss the typical errors that occur when trying to connect between gadgets.
Wireless data transmission technologies
The basis for wireless synchronization is Wi-Fi Direct or LAN, the TV and the signal source must be in the same information space, which means that both devices must be connected to the same router.
There are several protocols for video streaming, the most common being Miracast, which is supported by most Android smartphones, and the Chromecast technology built into the TV's operating system is also heavily used.
- 📡 Miracast – standard for mirroring Android and Windows screens without the need for a router.
- 🌐 Google Cast – a protocol for streaming content from applications over the Internet.
- 🍏 AirPlay – Apple’s technology for streaming from iPhone and iPad to compatible TVs.
⚠️ Note: When using wireless methods, the picture quality depends on the speed of your Wi-Fi router and the distance to it. 4K Recommended frequency of 5 GHz.
It's important to understand the difference between mirroring and streaming, in the first case, everything that happens on the phone screen, including notifications, is displayed on the TV screen, in the second case, the TV independently downloads the video from the network while the phone serves as the control panel.
Broadcast from Android-smartphone
Android device owners have the most tools to control their TVs; the built-in Translation or Wireless Monitor feature allows you to get started quickly; the interface can be called differently depending on the manufacturer’s shell.
To start, you need to activate the Wi-Fi module on both devices, then you should find the corresponding item in the smartphone menu, and the system will automatically start searching for available displays in range.
☑️ Checking before connection
When your Xiaomi Mi TV appears on the list, you click on it, you may see a request on the TV for confirmation of the connection, which should be accepted by the remote, and then the image is duplicated.
If standard means of connecting fail, you can use the Google Home app, which allows you to manage Chromecast devices and broadcast the Chrome tab, which is especially useful if the built-in Translation feature is not stable.
Broadcast from iPhone and iPad (AirPlay)
Users of the Apple ecosystem can take advantage of the proprietary AirPlay 2 technology. Modern Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV often have built-in support for this protocol, which eliminates the need to buy additional Apple TV consoles.
To start the process, open Control Point on your iPhone. For Face ID models, swipe down from the top right corner, for models with a button, from the bottom up. Find the Screen Replay icon.
In the list that appears, select your TV, and if your device is password protected, the code will appear on the big screen and you will need to type it on your smartphone, while the transmission quality remains high, with minimal latency.
What if AirPlay can’t see the TV?
Not all apps support live streaming via AirPlay due to copyright restrictions, and in such cases, the screen will be black, but sound can be transmitted, which is normal for protected content.
Use of Mi Remote and Xiaomi Home
The official utilities from the manufacturer provide advanced functionality. Xiaomi Home app allows you not only to manage a smart home, but also to perform basic actions with media files. It is available for both mobile platforms.
After installing the app and adding the TV to the list of devices, go to the control section. Here you can find the "Screen Throw" function or similar. The interface of the program is intuitive and translated into Russian.
The advantage of using proprietary software is the ability to transfer files from internal memory without creating a mirror copy of the screen. You can choose a specific video or photo gallery and run a slideshow.
| Function | Mi Remote | Xiaomi Home | Built-in broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition management | Yes. | Partially. | No. |
| Transmission of photo | No. | Yes. | Yeah (mirror) |
| Voice input | Yes. | No. | No. |
| Stability | Tall. | Medium | Depends on the network. |
Wired connection via HDMI
When maximum image quality and no delays are required, HDMI-The cable remains the leader, and this method is ideal for games or movies in high bitrate, where compression of video stream over Wi-Fi is not allowed.
You'll need a special adapter to connect your smartphone. Modern phones with USB Type-C port need an HDMI adapter that supports MHL or DisplayPort Alt Mode. Make sure your smartphone supports video output.
Connect the adapter to the phone, then connect it with an HDMI cable to the TV, switch the signal source to the TV to the appropriate port (for example, HDMI 1).
⚠️ Note: Not all budget smartphone models support video output through USB. Before buying an adapter, check your device specification for video output support.
Computers and laptops connect in a similar way. After the connection, you may need to adjust the resolution of the screen in the operating system. It is recommended to set the native resolution of the TV matrix, usually 1920x1080 or 3840x2160.
Broadcasting through DLNA and third-party applications
DLNA allows you to transfer media files over a local network without mirroring. The TV sees the phone as a media server. This is convenient when you want to show a photo album, but you don't want notifications to interfere with viewing.
To implement this method, you can use a built-in file manager or third-party applications, such as BubbleUPnP or VLC for Android. In the VLC player, you just need to open the Rendering menu and select your TV.
Another popular option is using the Cast to TV app, which supports many formats and allows you to stream video files that are not played by standard means.
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To reduce latency when playing cloud services through screen broadcast, turn off Motion Flow modes on your TV, as they add lags.
The advantage of DLNA is that the phone doesn't warm as much as it does with full mirroring, and the battery is more economical. The smartphone's processor doesn't encode the video stream in real time, but only transmits the finished data.
Solving Connection Problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often face difficulties.The problem is that devices can't see each other, and 90% of the time this is because they're connected to different router frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or to a guest network.
It's also worth checking the firewall settings on the router. AP (AP Isolation) prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other, and this feature should be disabled in the router settings.
If the broadcast is coming with jerks, try:
- 📉 Reduce the quality of video in the source application.
- 🔄 Reboot the router and TV.
- 📵 Disable other devices that consume traffic.
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The main cause of the broadcasting problems is the disconnection of the connection between devices due to weak Wi-Fi signal or congestion of the channel.
In some cases, resetting network settings on your smartphone helps, and make sure that the TV has the latest version of MIUI for TV firmware installed. Updates often contain patches for communication protocols.