Apple smartphone owners often face the desire to show photos, videos or presentations on the big screen, and Xiaomi TVs with Android TV shell or PatchWall are a popular choice for this. However, direct support for AirPlay technology in Xiaomi TVs is not present in all models and regions, which requires understanding the specifics of the configuration of both devices. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from built-in features to third-party applications that will help you stream the image without delay and artifacts.
The synchronization process may seem complicated due to the differences in iOS and Android TV operating systems, but modern standards make it easy to establish communication. You won’t need complex cables or adapters if both devices support the same Wi-Fi network. We’ll look at both the standard tools and time-tested third-party solutions that turn your TV into a full-fledged monitor for a gadget.
Before you get to the specific steps, it is important to make sure that your router is stable, since wireless transmission of high-definition video stream requires a significant channel bandwidth. If the network is congested, you may encounter desynchronization of sound and picture. Let's start with the simplest and most reliable method that does not require the installation of additional software.
Set up built-in AirPlay support on Xiaomi TVs
Many modern Xiaomi TVs, especially those running Android TV or Google certified, already have AirPlay 2 built-in, as it provides native integration without the need for crutchy. First, make sure that the feature is activated on the TV system, usually in the system settings section or in the connection menu.
On the remote, click the settings button and find Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. If you don’t have one right away, try searching for it in the Apps or Connections section. Once activated, the TV will be visible to all Apple devices on the same local network. In some PatchWall firmware, this feature may be hidden in the Signal Source Selection Menu (Input).
💡
Make sure your iPhone is Bluetooth enabled, as it is used to initially detect and pair devices before you start transmitting a video stream over Wi-Fi.
If the built-in feature is not working or missing, this may be due to regional firmware restrictions, in which case the system may require updating or switching the region, which is not always safe for the stability of the Smart TV. Check the version of the software in the About TV menu → System Update.
☑️ AirPlay Readiness Check
Using the Mi Home app for broadcasting
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers its own Mi Home app, which serves as a central hub for managing smart homes, including TVs. Although the app’s main function is control, it also allows for mirroring of the screen. This method is especially useful if the built-in AirPlay is unstable or absent from your model.
To get started, install the Mi Home app from the App Store on your iPhone. After you sign in to your Mi Account, add your TV to your device list if you haven't done it before. In the TV control interface, find the broadcast icon or Cast button, which is usually located at the top corner of the screen.
⚠️ Note: The Mi Home app may not support high-quality audio transmission when broadcasting the entire screen, limited to video streaming only.
The advantage of this method is that you can control your TV directly from the iPhone interface, you can use your phone as a remote, adjust the volume and brightness without interrupting the broadcast, but you should note that latency when using Mi Home can be higher than with native AirPlay, which makes this method less suitable for dynamic games.
Third-party repetitive applications: AirScreen and analogues
If regular funds have failed to meet expectations, specialized repetitive apps that emulate AirPlay reception on the TV side come to the rescue. One of the most popular and stable solutions is AirScreen, available from the Google Play store on the TV.
The installation process is simple: open the Google Play Store on a Xiaomi TV, search for AirScreen and install. Once launched, the app will ask you to confirm some permissions and start the service. The TV screen will show the code or device name you want to select from the screen repeat menu on your iPhone.
- 📺 AirScreen is a market leader, supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast and DLNA.
- 📱 Receiver for AirPlay – a lightweight alternative with a minimalist interface.
- 🎮 ApowerMirror – a powerful solution with the ability to control the iPhone from the remote (requires additional settings).
It is important to note that free versions of such apps often contain ads that may overlap the image or appear when launched.For ongoing use, it is recommended to consider paid versions or open source alternatives, if any are available in your area.
Why is advertising important in free versions?
Broadcasting via Google Home and Chromecast
Because Xiaomi TVs run on Android, they often have built-in support for Chromecast built-in technology. Although the iPhone does not have a native Chromecast screen button in the control center, the Google Home app solves this problem.
Install the Google Home app on your iPhone and log in to the same Google account as your TV. Select your Xiaomi TV from the device list. In the control menu that opens, click Cast my screen. The system will warn you of the possible impact on battery consumption and request permission to record the screen.
This method provides good connection stability, because it uses Google's infrastructure. However, the image quality may be slightly inferior to native AirPlay due to the peculiarities of converting the video stream on the fly. 1-2 seconds.
Comparison of methods of connecting iPhone to Xiaomi TV
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have prepared a summary table comparing the main characteristics of each method, pay attention to the latency and quality parameters, as they are critical for different use cases.
| Method | Image quality | Delay (Latency) | Sound transmission | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in AirPlay | High (4K HDR) | Minimum | Yes (Multichannel) | Low. |
| Mi Home | Average. | Medium | Limited. | Low. |
| AirScreen | High. | Low. | Yes. | Medium |
| Google Home | Medium/High | Medium | Yes. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, the built-in AirPlay remains the leader in terms of parameters, but if your TV does not support it out of the box, the AirScreen application becomes the best alternative, almost equal in quality.
💡
To watch movies in 4K HDR, only use the built-in AirPlay or wired connection, as third-party apps can compress the stream.
Removal: problems and solutions
Even with the right setup, there can be technical difficulties. Most people are faced with a situation where the TV is simply not visible in the list of available devices on the iPhone. First of all, check if your network is isolated. Many routers have AP Isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other on the local network.
If the router isn't the problem, try restarting both devices. Sometimes the network services cache on Android TV overflows and the detection service stops responding. Also make sure the TV has the current date and time set, as AirPlay security certificates are sensitive to clock desynchronization.
⚠️ Note: If you use a guest Wi-Fi network, devices can be physically separated by the router's software, making broadcasting impossible.
If you have a picture but no audio, check the audio output settings in the app you use to broadcast. Sometimes iOS will default to direct the audio to the phone speaker, especially if you use third-party software. In Control Point settings on your iPhone, make sure that the audio output is correct.
Wired connection via Lightning/MHL adapter
For situations where Wi-Fi is unstable or requires maximum quality without compression, there is always the option of a wired connection. You will need the original Lightning to Digital AV Adapter (or USB-C for new iPhone models) and an HDMI cable.
Connect the adapter to your iPhone, and connect the HDMI cable to the adapter and TV. Switch the signal source on your Xiaomi TV to the appropriate HDMI port. This method ensures that you transmit a signal in 1080p or 4K resolution at 60 frames per second without any delay.
- 🔌 Stability – no interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks and microwave ovens.
- 🔋 Charging – Adapter allows you to charge your iPhone while you’re viewing.
- 🎮 Gaming is the perfect solution for games where every millisecond of response is important.
The only downside is the need to buy additional hardware and wires, which may be unaesthetic, and some cheap Chinese adapters don’t support HDCP, which will make it black when you run secure content from Netflix or Apple TV+.