The Chinese giantβs modern media centers offer users a wide range of multimedia entertainment options, and one of the most popular features is wireless image transfer. Wireless projection allows you to stream a smartphone, tablet or laptop screen directly onto a large display without using unnecessary cables, which is especially convenient when you need to show photos to guests, launch a presentation or watch a movie from an application that does not have a native version for Android TV.
Owners often face the question of how to find this feature in the menu, since the interface can vary depending on the version of the operating system and regional firmware. The configuration process does not require deep technical knowledge, but it is important to follow a certain procedure to ensure a stable connection. In this article, we will discuss in detail the connection algorithms through the standard Miracast and Google Cast protocols, and also consider the nuances of working with various mobile platforms.
The quality of the data transfer depends on the speed of your Wi-Fi router and the distance between devices. Before setting up, make sure that both gadgets are on the same local network, as this is a critical condition for detecting devices with each other. Ignoring this rule is the cause of 90% of all connection problems reported by users on forums.
Preparation of equipment and network
The first step before activating any streaming feature is to check the network infrastructure. Your router must support 802.11n or higher Wi-Fi standards, preferably in the 5GHz band to minimize delays when transmitting a video stream. If you use a guest network or client isolation on a router, the devices may not "see" each other, so check the router's security settings.
You also need to update your TV software to the latest available version. Manufacturers regularly release patches that fix communication protocol errors. Go to Settings β About TV β System Update and check for new versions of the software. Older versions of MIUI for TV may have conflicts with new versions of Android or iOS.
Make sure your smartphone has wireless modules on. Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct doesn't have to have an active internet connection to work, but the Wi-Fi module needs to be started. In some cases, rebooting the router helps if the network is overloaded with other smart home devices.
Activation of Miracast's built-in feature on Android TV
Most Xiaomi TVs run Android TV or a PatchWall version of it. In these systems, the wireless display function is often built directly into the interface. You don't need to install additional apps to run, just find the corresponding item on the menu.
On the remote, click the app menu button or go to the top status bar. Find an icon called Wireless Display, Translation, or Screen Mirroring. In some firmware, this feature is hidden in the Tools or Apps folder. Once launched, the screen will expect a connection with your TV's name.
If you can't find a feature with standard tools, you can use voice search. Press the microphone button on the remote and say "Wireless display" or "Screen Translation." The system will suggest running the desired system component, which is especially convenient if you're using the TV for the first time and not with the location of the icons.
βοΈ Checking before connection
Itβs important to understand the difference between simply duplicating a screen and running specific content. Miracast mode completely copies the image from your phone, including notifications and desktop. This puts a strain on the smartphone battery, as the video stream is encoded in real time.
β οΈ Note: When using screen duplication, notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) will be visible to all viewers on the large screen. It is recommended to turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode on your smartphone in advance.
Using Google Chromecast built-in technology
Googleβs official ecosystem offers a more advanced method of transferring content, known as Google Cast. Unlike Miracast, where the phone acts as a remote control, and the video is uploaded and played by the TV itself, which significantly reduces the power consumption of the mobile device and allows the phone to be used for other tasks while watching.
To work this method on the TV must be active Chromecast built-in. It is usually enabled by default. Check its status can be in the section Settings β Applications β All applications β Chromecast built-in. Make sure that the application is not disabled and has the necessary permissions.
The process of launching the broadcast depends on the source application. On YouTube, Netflix or Spotify, just click on the broadcast icon (rectangle with waves) that appears in the player interface. The system will automatically find available devices on the network. Select your Xiaomi Mi TV from the list, and the video will begin to play.
Why does the sound disappear during broadcast?
The advantage of this method is to support 4K HDR and surround sound, if content and hardware support it. Google Cast protocol adapts the quality of the flow depending on the speed of the Internet, ensuring smooth play without jerks.
Connecting Apple iOS devices (AirPlay)
iPhone and iPad owners may face difficulties as Appleβs ecosystem uses its own AirPlay protocol, but modern Xiaomi TVs support AirPlay 2 natively or through embedded services, allowing you to stream the image without installing third-party apps.
To activate, make sure AirPlay is enabled in your TV settings. The path can look like Settings β AirPlay or be in the Quick Settings menu. Some models require you to enter a confirmation code that will appear on the TV screen on your iPhone.
On an Apple device, open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner or bottom up, depending on the model). Press Screen Repeat (two rectangles). Select your TV from the list. An image from your iPhone will instantly appear on a large display.
| Protocol | Compatibility | Quality. | Delay. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | Android, Windows | Depends on Wi-Fi. | Medium |
| Google Cast | Android, iOS, Chrome | High (up to 4K) | Low. |
| AirPlay | iOS, macOS | High. | Minimum |
| DLNA | All platforms. | Original file | No (locally) |
It's worth noting that when you first connect, iOS devices can request permission to access, and you'll see a request on your TV screen that needs to be confirmed by the remote, and once you've successfully logged in, the devices will connect automatically when they're on the same network.
Solving Connection and Visibility Problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often face a situation where the TV does not appear in the list of available devices. one common reason is the use of different frequency bands of the router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Although modern routers combine them into a single network, some older smartphones may not see devices in the neighboring range.
Check the firewall settings on the router. AP Isolation prevents devices within the LAN from communicating with each other. If this feature is activated, your phone will not physically be able to send a video stream to the TV, even if both are connected to Wi-Fi.
Another reason could be the outdated cache of Google Play Services on your TV: Try clearing the Chromecast built-in app cache through the app management menu, and completely resetting your network settings on your smartphone helps, which often solves problems with suspended connections.
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If the TV is missing, try temporarily disabling mobile internet (3G/4G/LTE) on your smartphone, sometimes prioritizing mobile data and ignoring the local network to search for devices.
β οΈ Warning: Antivirus apps on a smartphone or PC may block a local network connection, considering an attempt to transfer the screen suspicious activity.
Alternative methods and third-party applications
If the built-in tools are unstable or not supported by your TV model, you can use third-party solutions. The Google Play Store on your TV offers a variety of receiver apps that emulate the operation of standard protocols.
A popular solution is AirScreen, which supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast and DLNA simultaneously, and once installed on the TV and launched, it creates a virtual device that is easily detectable by smartphones, and it's a universal way to bring the projection feature to life on older models.
For Windows 10 and 11 users, there is a built-in Connection feature. To display the PC screen on Xiaomi TV, press the Win + K key combination. The system will start searching for wireless displays. If the TV is not found, make sure that the project settings select the Always Detection Resolution.
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Using a specialized receiver application (such as AirScreen) often solves compatibility problems that cannot be fixed by standard system settings.
There are also wired alternatives, such as HDMI adapters, but they make the wireless projection concept meaningless. However, if you want maximum stability for low-latency games (input lag), cable remains the only option, as no Wi-Fi standard will provide the same response speed.