Technology allows for a single entertainment ecosystem, bringing together devices from different manufacturers, which was a challenge until recently. Apple smartphone owners often face the desire to bring content to the big screen of Xiaomi TV using a wireless WiFi connection, which is convenient for viewing photos, videos or presentations without the need to connect cables.
The process of synchronizing devices is based on support for wireless media standards such as AirPlay and Miracast. Despite belonging to different ecosystems, gadgets successfully find common ground thanks to built-in operating system features and third-party applications. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail so that you can enjoy content at maximum resolution.
The main advantage of using a wireless protocol is that there are no physical limitations on the length of the cable and the ability to manage content directly from your smartphone. The stability of the connection depends on the quality of your home network and the distance between the router and the signal receiver.
Technical requirements and preparation of WiFi network
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements for streaming to work properly. The fundamental condition is that both devices are on the same LAN, which often causes problems for inexperienced users. If your router distributes two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure that both your iPhone and TV are connected to the same frequency.
Data speed is critical, especially if you plan to stream video in high resolution 4K or HDR. For comfortable viewing, it is recommended to use a router that supports the 802.11ac standard or later, as older models may not cope with the flow of data.
⚠️ Note: Using a guest WiFi network or enabling customer isolation on the router completely blocks the ability to detect devices with each other.
It is also worth updating the software of both gadgets to current versions. iPhone owners need to check for updates in iOS settings, and for Xiaomi TVs this is done through the system menu. Outdated versions of firmware may contain errors in the operation of network modules that are fixed in new releases.
Built-in Screen Mirroring and AirPlay protocol
The preferred method for Apple users is to use the native Screen Replay feature, which is based on AirPlay technology. Many modern Xiaomi TV models, especially those running Android TV or having an Apple AirPlay 2 built-in module, support this protocol out of the box. You do not need to install additional software if your TV model is in the new series.
To activate the mode on the Xiaomi TV, you need to go to the application menu and find the shortcut Wireless Display or Miracast. After launching this application, the TV will go into standby mode and display the name of the device, which will soon appear in the list of available on the iPhone. On the smartphone, you should open the “Control Point” and click the “Screen Replay” button.
- 📱 Make sure the TV is running a wireless connection app.
- 📡 Check that the iPhone and Xiaomi TV connected to the same WiFi network.
- 🔍 In the list of available devices on iPhone, select the name of your TV.
- ✅ Confirm the connection if a code or permission request appears on the TV screen.
If the app list on your TV doesn't have an AirPlay receiver built in, your model may require manual activation of the feature in the settings. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Screen Mirroring and make sure the switch is activated. Some TV release regions may have limitations, so checking for system updates is especially important here.
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Native AirPlay 2 support provides the best picture quality and minimal latency, but is only available on newer Xiaomi TV models.
Using the Mi Remote app and the Mi Home ecosystem
The official Mi Remote app or the more comprehensive Mi Home is often underestimated as a broadcasting tool, but it provides a user-friendly interface for content management. While live screen translation (mirroring) through these apps may be limited, they do a great job of sending media files from the phone gallery to the TV, ideal for viewing photos or short videos.
To get started, you need to download the app from the App Store and add your TV to the list of devices. Once you have successfully logged in and linked your TV to your account, you will have access to advanced functionality. The app interface often has a Translation button or screen icon that allows you to select a photo or video to display on the big screen.
Importantly, this method works more consistently if both devices are authorized in the same Mi Account, which allows you to synchronize settings and makes it easier to find devices on the local network, and the application can offer a firmware update for the TV if a new version of the software is available.
Why does the Mi Home app not see TV?
Third-party broadcasting apps: DoCast, Replica and analogues
In situations where built-in techniques don’t work or the TV model doesn’t support AirPlay, specialized apps from the App Store come to the rescue, with DoCast, Replica and Web Video Caster leading the niche, creating a virtual bridge between Apple and Android protocols, allowing you to stream almost any content.
The principle of operation of such applications is to install the server part on the TV (if required) or use embedded TV protocols. DLNA/Chromecast. You run an app on your iPhone, you pick the target device, you start streaming, and some apps allow you to stream not only media files, but the entire screen of your smartphone in real time.
⚠️ Warning: Free versions of popular broadcast apps often contain intrusive advertising or have a time limit on the communication session.
When choosing an app, consider codec support. If you plan to watch HEVC (H.265) video, make sure the app you choose can recode the stream on the fly or transmit it directly without loss of quality.
☑️ Criteria for choosing an application for broadcasting
Broadcasting via Google Chromecast built-in
Most Xiaomi TVs feature Google Chromecast technology, which opens up another reliable communication channel with the iPhone. While iOS does not have a native Chromecast button on the system menu, many content aggregator apps (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify) have built-in support for this protocol.
To use this method, open a supported app on your iPhone, find a broadcast icon (a rectangle with waves in the corner), and select your Xiaomi TV from the list. The video stream will be transmitted directly from the server to the TV, which unloads the smartphone processor and saves battery life.
If the app doesn’t have a built-in Cast button, you can use intermediary apps like Google Home. Once you install this app, you can stream the Chrome browser tab or phone screen to your TV. To activate the feature in Google Home, click on the device icon and select Translate screen.
Comparison of methods and troubleshooting
The best way to broadcast depends on your specific tasks and equipment model, and below is a comparison table that will help you determine the method of connection for different use cases.
| Method | Delay (Latency) | Quality. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native AirPlay 2 | Minimum | High (4K HDR) | Low. |
| Google Chromecast | Low. | High (depending on service) | Low. |
| Third-party Apps | Medium | Medium/High | Medium |
| Mi Remote | Tall. | Depends on the file. | Low. |
If you're experiencing connectivity issues, the first thing you should do is try rebooting your router. Often, the network module of the TV can freeze and stop responding to search queries. Also, an effective method is to reset your network settings on your iPhone through the main menus. → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings.
In some cases, router antivirus or complex firewall settings can block ports required for AirPlay or Miracast to work. Try temporarily disabling traffic filtering or creating a guest network with no restrictions to test the hypothesis. If the problem persists, check if the router is in AP Isolation mode.
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For games from phone to TV, use a wired connection or router with WiFi 6 support, as wireless broadcast always introduces input delay (input lag).