Many users of the Xiaomi ecosystem are wondering how to bring an image from a smartphone to the big screen using purely wireless technology. Often search queries feature the word “Bluetooth”, because it is the most famous wireless protocol. However, technical reality dictates its conditions: standard Bluetooth has too low bandwidth for real-time video streaming.
Instead, modern Mi TVs and smartphones use more powerful protocols like Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct that run on top of Wi-Fi but don’t require a router. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why direct output via classic Bluetooth is impossible, and what alternative methods can achieve the desired result without wires.
You will learn how to set up the connection between your phone and TV, which MIUI or HyperOS system features you need to activate, and how to avoid image delays. Understanding the differences between protocols will help you choose the best way to view photos, videos or games on the big screen.
Bluetooth Technical Limitations for Video Broadcasting
Bluetooth was originally designed to exchange small amounts of data, such as contacts, low-quality audio files or control signals, and the maximum data transfer speeds in current versions of Bluetooth 5.0 and higher are around 2-3 Mbps, which is critically low for a video signal.
Even at 720p, a stable channel at at least 5-10 Mbps is required to transmit an image, and for Full HD or 4K, the requirements increase many times. Trying to stream video via Bluetooth will either result in a complete absence of the image or a slideshow with huge delays.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to find the feature “Screen Translation via Bluetooth” in the phone settings – it does not exist in the standard Android interface and Xiaomi shells due to the physical limitations of the protocol.
But Bluetooth plays an important supporting role, and it's used to pair devices first, transmit remote commands, or connect wireless headphones while video is being transmitted over a different channel, and it's the combination of technology that creates the illusion of a simple wireless connection.
Why don’t manufacturers increase the speed of Bluetooth?
Real alternative: Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct
When users are looking for a way to “output via Bluetooth,” they actually need Miracast technology.This is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance that allows high-definition video and audio to be transmitted directly between devices, bypassing the router.
In Xiaomi devices, this feature is often built into the system and does not require the installation of additional software. The TV creates its own access point to which the smartphone connects, organizing a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection. This provides the necessary bandwidth for a smooth picture.
To activate this feature on Mi TVs, you usually don’t need to manually adjust anything – the wireless display module is active by default. On a smartphone, just open the broadcast menu, and the system will detect available receivers within range.
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Miracast uses the phone’s Wi-Fi module, but works without the internet, creating a direct connection between the smartphone screen and the TV array.
How to turn on the screen broadcast on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones
The process of running the broadcast on devices with shells MIUI and HyperOS is unified, but the names of functions may differ depending on the version of the firmware, most often this option is called “Translation” or “Wireless Monitor”.
First, make sure your Mi TV or third-party Miracast-enabled TV is on and on standby. Then unlock your smartphone and lower the notification curtain to access the quick settings.
Find the Translation icon (may look like a screen with arrows). If the icon is not in the quick menu, go to the main settings: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Broadcast. Activate the switch and wait for the device to be found.
☑️ Checking before connection
Once you find a TV on the list, click on the name of the TV, you may see a request for permission to connect on the TV screen — confirm it with the remote control. From now on, the image from your phone will be duplicated on the large screen.
Using the Mi Home app for a smart TV
If the standard stream is unstable or you need to transfer a specific media file rather than the entire screen, use the official Mi Home app.It is a central hub for managing the entire smart home ecosystem from Xiaomi.
The app not only allows you to control your TV settings, but also broadcast content, and it automatically detects devices on the same local network and suggests suitable ways to interact, especially for older TV models where the built-in Miracast receiver may not work properly.
Run the Mi Home app on your smartphone, making sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Select your TV from the list of devices. In the control menu that opens, look for the Translation button or the Caste icon in the corner of the interface.
⚠️ Warning: To work through the Mi Home app, it is critical that the phone and TV are in the same router subnet. Guest Wi-Fi networks often block interaction between devices.
The app also allows you to transfer photos and videos from the gallery directly, without turning on the full-screen mirroring mode, which is convenient when you need to show photos to guests without being distracted by messenger notifications.
Comparison of connection methods: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand the difference between trying to use Bluetooth (which won’t work) and real working protocols.
| Parameter | Bluetooth | Miracast / Wi-Fi Direct | Mi Home appendix | Chromecast (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video transmission | Impossible. | Yes (high quality) | Yes (depending on format) | Yeah (optimum) |
| I need a router. | No. | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Delay. | N/D | Minimum | Medium | Minimum |
| Battery consumption | Low. | High-pitched | Medium. | Medium. |
As you can see from the table, Miracast is a direct functional substitute for what users mistakenly search for in Bluetooth, providing the required speed and is independent of the availability of Internet, working directly between Wi-Fi modules.
Using intermediary apps like Mi Home or Google Home adds management functionality, but requires a stable local network, depending on your specific task: show a photo or run a game.
Solving Connection Problems
Even with the right protocols, there can be errors, and often the problem is that the Wi-Fi module drivers are outdated or that there is a conflict of software versions. If the TV can't see the phone, try rebooting both devices, which resets the cache of network services.
Another common reason is the use of different Wi-Fi frequencies. Some older TVs only work at 2.4GHz, while modern Xiaomi smartphones can be connected to 5GHz. In Wi-Fi Direct mode, this is usually not important, but for intermediary applications this is critical.
Check the power saving settings. Aggressive MIUI algorithms can turn off the Wi-Fi module to save power if the phone's screen goes out. Add the Translation app or Mi Home to the battery exception list.
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If the broadcast is interrupted, try to turn off mobile Internet (LTE/5G) on your phone, leaving only Wi-Fi.
In rare cases, manual input is required. PIN-Make sure you enter the numbers displayed on the TV screen within 30 seconds, otherwise the security session will expire and you will have to start searching again.