Owners of modern technology often face the need to wirelessly transmit multimedia content to a large screen. The brand's devices Xiaomi, running on the operating system Android TV or firmware PatchWall, the implementation of this feature may differ from the usual standards of other manufacturers. Users looking for a classic menu item Wi-Fi Direct, sometimes find themselves confused, not finding it in its obvious form.
This is due to the fact that in the ecosystem Android Wireless data transfer technologies are often more deeply integrated and don't require separate manual activation for each device. Instead of directly enabling discoverable mode, the system uses background services to discover devices. Understanding the operating architecture Miracast and built-in broadcast protocols will help you avoid unnecessary searches and quickly set up a connection.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at where the necessary settings are hidden, how to properly initiate a connection from a mobile device, and what to do if standard methods don't work. You'll learn the intricacies of how it works. Smart View, Cast and other tools that replace the outdated direct connection approach.
Features of Wi-Fi Direct implementation in the Android TV system
Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows devices to connect to each other directly, without the need for a wireless router. However, in modern Smart TVs based on Android, which include models Xiaomi Mi TVThis protocol is often hidden from the user. The system automatically manages connections when you launch the screencasting feature. This is done to simplify the interface and improve network security.
Unlike older TVs, where you had to manually activate the mode and find a PIN code, this process is completely automated. When you select a device for Casts in the phone menu, the TV Xiaomi creates a temporary direct connection itself or uses a local network to transfer data. Miracast protocolThe underlying technology behind this feature works on top of Wi-Fi Direct, but the user only sees a "Cast" button.
⚠️ Note: The absence of a separate "Wi-Fi Direct" option in the network settings does not indicate a TV malfunction. This is normal operating system behavior. Android TV, where the function is built into the system display services.
It's important to understand the difference between a regular connection to a router and a direct connection. If your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, they can use the router as a bridge. If there's no router, modern implementations Cast can set up their own access point. Wi-Fi drivers The TV switches to the operating mode required to receive a high-definition video stream without delays.
Find the broadcast function in the settings menu
To find the wireless connection settings, you need to go to the system menu. The interface may vary depending on the version. PatchWall or pure Android TVTypically, the required section is located in the general system settings or in a separate section dedicated to network and accounts.
Let's look at the standard algorithm of actions for activating the detection mode:
- 📺 Press the "Settings" button (gear) on the remote control.
- 📡 Go to the section
Network and InternetorNetwork settings. - 📱 Find the item Broadcast, Screen Cast or
Wireless Display. - ✅ Activate the switch to make the TV visible to other devices.
In some firmware versions, this item may be moved to a section Applications -> All applications -> Wireless DisplayIf you don't see it on the home screen, try looking for an app called "Cast" or "Miracast" in the list of all installed programs. Launching this app puts the TV into connection standby mode.
| Interface element | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Display | Settings/Applications | Enabling Miracast signal reception mode |
| Chromecast built-in | System service | Streaming content through Google Home |
| Bluetooth | Network and accessories | Pairing remotes and audio devices |
| Network and Internet | Main settings menu | Managing Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections |
Once the feature is enabled, a message may appear on the screen indicating that the device is ready to connect, or a pairing code may appear. This confirms that the module Wi-Fi Direct is active and waiting for incoming requests from smartphones or tablets.
Using the Chromecast built-in app
Most TVs Xiaomi equipped with built-in technology ChromecastThis is an alternative and often more stable method of image transmission than classic Wi-Fi Direct. It allows you to stream content directly from applications such as YouTube, Netflix or browser Chrome, without the need to duplicate the entire smartphone screen.
This method doesn't require any special settings in the TV menu. Both devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. A casting icon (a rectangle with waves) will appear in the phone app. Tapping it will open a list of available devices. Select yours. Xiaomi TV from the list.
If you want to cast your entire screen (for example, to show presentations or games that don't support Cast):
- 📲 Open the app Google Home on a smartphone.
- 📺 Find your TV in the list of devices.
- 🖥️ Click the button Broadcast your screen (Cast my screen).
- 🔒 Confirm the connection if prompted on the TV screen.
⚠️ Note: When using Chromecast via Google Home, image quality may depend on your local network speed. This method may introduce a slight input lag for fast-paced games.
The advantage of this method is that you can use your phone for other tasks while watching video. The TV decodes the video stream itself, offloading the smartphone's processor. This is especially important for models with 4K HDR support, where direct screen mirroring would place a significant strain on the mobile device.
Why is Chromecast better than Miracast?
Chromecast uses cloud services and streams content directly to the TV, reducing the load on the phone and saving battery life. Miracast, on the other hand, simply copies the video stream from the phone's screen in real time, which requires more resources.
Connecting via third-party apps and Miracast
In situations where built-in tools don't work or specific functionality is required, third-party solutions can be used. Store Google Play Store on TV Xiaomi offers a variety of repeater and receiver apps that emulate the protocol's operation. Miracast, making your TV visible to devices that don't support Chromecast.
A popular solution is the app AirScreen or Receiver for MiracastAfter installing and launching such an app, the TV begins broadcasting a signal that is detected by the "Wireless Monitor" feature in Windows or "Smart View" in Samsung. This is essentially a software implementation of Wi-Fi Direct.
Procedure when using third-party software:
- Go to Google Play Store on TV.
- Enter in the search
AirScreenor a similar name. - Install and run the application.
- Click Start to start the reception service.
It's important to note that using third-party apps can consume additional system resources. If your TV starts to run slowly or the video is choppy, try closing background processes. RAM In budget TV box models, the bandwidth may be limited, so heavy repeater apps sometimes work unstably.
☑️ Connection diagnostics
Compatibility with devices of different brands
One of the main challenges when setting up a wireless connection is the heterogeneity of ecosystems. Devices Xiaomi are good "friends" with gadgets on Android, but may require additional actions to work with the products Apple or laptops on WindowsProtocol AirPlay 2 It's often built into newer TV models, making life easier for iPhone owners.
For Windows 10 and 11 users, the "Projection" feature works via the Miracast protocol. If the TV Xiaomi If your display isn't showing up in the list of available displays, the problem may be with your computer's Wi-Fi adapter drivers. Make sure your network adapter supports Wi-Fi in Device Manager. Wi-Fi Direct.
For equipment owners Apple you should look for the section in the TV settings Apple AirPlayIt must be enabled manually:
- 🍏 Go to
Settings->Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. - 🔓 Set a password requirement or allow connection for all devices on the same network.
- 📱 On iPhone, open Control center and select Screen mirroring.
Sometimes, for stable operation, it's necessary for Wi-Fi frequency bands to match. If your router broadcasts the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under different names, connect both your phone and TV to the 5 GHz network. This will ensure the necessary bandwidth for streaming high-resolution video without artifacts.
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where devices cannot see each other or the connection constantly drops. Most often, this is due to the router's power-saving settings or wireless client isolation. If the router prohibits data exchange between connected devices (AP Isolation), broadcasting will be impossible.
Another common cause is outdated software. Check for updates to your TV system. Go to Settings -> About TV -> System updateNew firmware versions PatchWall often contain fixes for Wi-Fi module bugs.
If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings:
Settings -> Network & Internet -> Reset network settingsAfter this, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password. A complete router reboot is also effective, as its DHCP server may be frozen and unable to assign correct IP addresses to new devices.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary depending on the software version. If you don't find an exact match for the item names, look for equivalent names in the "Connections," "Screen," or "System" sections.
In rare cases, the problem may be caused by antivirus software on the connecting computer or phone, which blocks local connections. Try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding the TV to the list of trusted devices. Network protocol must have permission to pass traffic on the local network.
Why doesn't my Xiaomi TV detect my phone even though Wi-Fi is on?
Most often, the devices are on different subnets (for example, one network is a guest network, the other is the main network) or access point isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if the router has any MAC address restrictions.
Is it possible to connect Wi-Fi Direct without a router?
Yes, Wi-Fi Direct technology allows for a direct connection. However, initial setup and authorization often require at least temporary network availability or the use of the WPS function. In "Broadcast" mode, the TV automatically creates the network to which the phone connects.
How to improve picture quality during wireless broadcasting?
Use the 5 GHz band, close unnecessary apps on your phone, and move the router closer to your TV. For 4K content, it's better to use a wired HDMI connection or built-in Smart TV apps rather than screen mirroring.
Does Mi TV Stick support Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, a prefix Mi TV Stick Supports the same streaming protocols (Chromecast, Miracast) as full-fledged Xiaomi TVs. The setup process is identical.