Modern multimedia capabilities make it easy to transform your living room into a real cinema using a laptop-TV combination. If you own a smart TV Xiaomi Mi TV or Xiaomi TV Stick, then transferring video files or streaming content from a personal computer becomes a trivial task, without requiring complex cables.
There are several proven methods for synchronizing devices, each with its own specific features depending on your PC's operating system and TV software version. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at these technologies. Miracast, DLNA And Chromecastso you can choose the option that is most convenient for you.
The main requirement for successfully implementing any of the described methods is that both devices are on the same local network. This means your laptop and TV Xiaomi must be connected to the same router, whether wired or Wi-Fi.
Preparatory stage: setting up the network and devices
Before starting streaming, you need to make sure both devices can see each other on your home network. Often, problems arise because the laptop is connected to the router's guest band while the TV is on the main band, or because client isolation is enabled.
Check your router settings and make sure the protocol is activated for both devices. UPnP or DMP (Digital Media Player). These settings are responsible for detecting multimedia devices on the local network and allow for smooth streaming of data.
⚠️ Important: If you're using a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure both devices are on the same subnet, even if the frequencies are different. Some routers isolate clients on different bands by default.
For TVs Xiaomi with the operating system Android TV or PatchWall It is also recommended to check for system updates. Go to the menu Settings → About TV → System Update and install the latest available software version for stable operation of wireless modules.
Make sure your laptop's network adapter isn't in power-saving mode, as it may interrupt large data transfers while watching a movie. Open Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, and enable it at full power in its properties.
Miracast Method: Wireless Display in Windows
The fastest way to display your entire laptop screen on your TV Xiaomi - use the built-in Windows "Connect" function, based on the standard MiracastThis technology allows you to broadcast video and audio in real time without the need to install additional software.
To get started, turn on your TV and go to the main menu. Find the app. Wireless Display or "Wireless Monitor." On some models Xiaomi It may be simply called "Miracast" or be built into the Start screen as a "Cast" widget.
Click the app on the TV screen, and the TV will go into connection standby mode. Now, on your Windows 10 or 11 laptop keyboard, press the key combination Win + KA "Connection" panel will appear on the right side of the screen, and after a few seconds, your TV's name should appear there.
- 📺 Choose yours Xiaomi TV from the list of available devices to start pairing.
- 🖥️ Once connected, the desktop image will be copied completely to the big screen.
- 🔊 The sound will also be redirected to the TV's audio system automatically.
- ⚙️ To change the display mode (duplicate or extend the screen), use the menu
Win + P.
Miracast technology creates a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection between devices, which minimizes the load on the router, but may slightly reduce overall internet speed when actively transmitting high-definition video.
⚠️ Please note: When using Miracast for gaming or using a mouse, you may notice a slight delay (latency) between your actions and the on-screen response. This isn't critical for watching movies, but it's not suitable for fast-paced shooters.
Streaming via Google Chrome and Chromecast
TV operating system Xiaomi It is based on Android, which means it has built-in support for the technology. Google Cast (Chromecast built-in). This is one of the most stable ways to stream content from a browser or compatible apps.
You will need a browser Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (based on Chromium) on a laptop. Open a video tab (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, or a local file opened in the browser) and click the "Cast" icon in the upper right corner or via the three-dot menu.
Unlike Miracast, you can choose what exactly to stream: a single browser tab, the entire desktop, or a specific media file. This gives you flexibility: you can close your laptop or switch to other tasks without interrupting playback.
To improve the quality of streaming through Chrome, you can run the browser with optimization flags, although in most cases the default settings are sufficient. Make sure the extension Google Cast activated and has access to the local network.
If you're watching a video on a website that doesn't support the native Cast button, use the "Cast Desktop" feature. This will create a virtual window that will be sent to Xiaomi TV, allowing you to watch any content available on your PC screen.
Using DLNA to play local files
If your goal is to play a heavy video file (for example, a 4K movie) stored on your laptop's hard drive, then the technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) will be the most optimal. It allows the TV to act as a renderer, reading data directly from the PC's storage.
To use this method, you must have "Media Streaming" enabled on your computer. In Windows 10/11, this can be done through "Media Streaming Settings" in Control Panel or through the Media Center.
On TV Xiaomi You'll need a media player that supports DLNA. A great choice is the app VLC for Android or built-in player MI VideoOpen the app, go to the "Local Network" or "SMB/UPnP" section, and you'll see your computer.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | UPnP / DLNA | Enable in router settings |
| Video formats | MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV | Use MKV for high quality |
| Audio codec | AC3, DTS, AAC | Check TV support for DTS |
| Network speed | Depends on Wi-Fi | 5 GHz is preferred for 4K |
The advantage of DLNA is that the TV itself, rather than the laptop, handles video decoding. This saves PC resources and avoids image stuttering caused by insufficient processor power.
☑️ Pre-launch DLNA check
However, please note that some specific codecs or subtitles may not display correctly. In such cases, it's better to use third-party Android TV players with their own codec libraries.
Third-party apps for advanced synchronization
The built-in tools of Windows and Android TV are good, but sometimes you need more flexible tools. Apps like LocalCast, BubbleUPnP or AllConnect provide advanced playback control functionality.
These programs can often automatically select optimal buffering settings, which is critical when the Wi-Fi signal is unstable. They also allow you to control playback from your smartphone, using it as a remote control if your laptop keyboard is far away.
For users who require maximum control over the video stream, you can consider installing server software on a laptop, for example, Plex or JellyfinThese systems create a beautiful library with posters and descriptions, turning your drive into a personal Netflix.
Setting up such servers requires initial database setup, but in the long run, it is the most convenient way to store and view your movie collection. TV Xiaomi has a native app for Plex, making integration easy.
Solution: Delays, desynchronization and quality
Wireless data transfers often encounter technical issues. The most common is audio-video desynchronization. If the audio lags behind or precedes the image, try lowering the video bitrate or switching the audio output in the player settings to PCM instead of Passthrough.
Another common problem is low resolution or pixelation of the image. This is a clear sign of insufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth. In this case, you need to move the router closer to the TV or change the frequency. 5 GHz, which is less congested and provides speeds.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and app names on Xiaomi TVs may vary depending on the region (Global, CN, EU) and PatchWall firmware version. If you don't see this option, check the official documentation for your model.
It's also worth checking that your laptop isn't running background downloads (torrents, Steam updates), which could clog up the bandwidth. For comfortable viewing of 4K content over Wi-Fi, a stable speed of at least 25-30 Mbps to the router is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to stream videos from a MacBook to a Xiaomi TV?
Yes, it's possible. macOS doesn't have built-in Miracast support, but you can use the Chrome browser to cast tabs or install third-party AirPlay emulator apps on your TV (such as AirScreen) to mirror your Mac's screen via Apple's AirPlay protocol.
Why can't the TV see the laptop on the network?
Most often, the problem lies with the network type. Make sure the network in Windows is marked as "Private" and not "Public." On a public network, Windows blocks device discovery. Also, check your antivirus software, as it may be blocking incoming connections.
Does video streaming affect internet speed?
When using DLNA, traffic flows within the local network and doesn't consume internet bandwidth. However, when using Miracast or Chromecast (for online video), traffic flows through the router but typically doesn't consume 100% of the bandwidth, leaving room for other devices.
How to improve the quality of a picture if it is blurry?
Make sure the laptop's output resolution matches the TV's native display resolution (usually 1920x1080 or 3840x2160). Also, enable "Game" or "PC" mode in your Xiaomi TV's settings to disable unnecessary image post-processing.