Modern technologies make it possible to transform simple media viewing into a full-fledged home theater experience, and pairing an Apple smartphone with a Xiaomi TV is one of the most popular combinations on the market. Users often wonder how to connect an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV via Wi-Fi to stream photos, videos, or even a game screen to a larger screen without the hassle of wires. The setup process may seem complicated at first, but with the right approach, it only takes a few minutes.
The key here is the use of wireless data transfer protocols such as AirPlay or Miracast, which are built into the iOS operating system and the Android TV shell. TVs of this brand XiaomiAndroid TV devices have built-in support for these standards, making them compatible with Apple products without the need for expensive adapters. All you need is a stable Wi-Fi network and a basic understanding of the settings menus on both devices.
In this article, we'll cover all possible connection methods in detail, from built-in features to third-party apps. We'll also cover common errors that may arise during the syncing process and offer specific solutions. Follow the step-by-step instructions to enjoy high-quality content on the big screen.
Preparing equipment and a Wi-Fi network
Before you start the pairing process, you need to make sure that both devices are in the same network conditions. Wireless connection The Wi-Fi signal is the foundation for a stable video stream, and any interruptions can lead to desynchronization or reduced image quality. Make sure your iPhone and Xiaomi Mi TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, it's best to use the 5 GHz frequency to ensure high data transfer speeds, especially if you plan to watch 4K videos.
Make sure the software is up to date on both devices. On the TV Xiaomi This can be done through the settings menu, by selecting the system section and checking for updates. For iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software UpdateManufacturers regularly release patches to improve the stability of the AirPlay and DLNA protocols, so ignoring updates can cause connection issues.
It's also worth checking your router settings. Some router models have a client isolation feature that prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other. If this feature is enabled, the TV simply won't detect your smartphone. Disable this option in your router's security settings if you suspect this is the problem.
It's important to understand that connection quality directly depends on the distance to the router and the presence of physical obstacles. If the signal is weak, the video stream may be interrupted or buffered. Ideally, the router should be within direct line of sight or in an adjacent room without thick concrete walls between it and the TV.
Using the built-in AirPlay feature on Xiaomi TV
The easiest and most reliable way to connect an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV via Wi-Fi is to use native AirPlay 2 support. Many modern Xiaomi TV models, especially those running stock Android TV or Google TV, have built-in Apple AirPlay. To get started, you don't need to download anything; simply enable this feature in your TV settings.
On your TV remote, press the settings button or go to the main menu. Find a section that may be called Applications, Device Settings or Network and InternetIn the list of available options, find Apple AirPlay and make sure the switch is in the "On" position. Once activated, the TV will begin broadcasting the discovery signal, and your iPhone will be able to see it.
☑️ Check before connection
Now pick up your iPhone. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom on models with a Home button). Tap the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two rectangles). Select your TV from the list that appears. Xiaomi MiIf this is your first connection, a four-digit code may appear on the TV screen, which you must enter on your smartphone for confirmation.
Once paired, your iPhone's full screen will be mirrored on your TV. You can scroll through photos, show presentations, or play videos from your gallery. To stop the stream, open the Control Center again and tap "Stop Mirroring."
⚠️ Attention: On some Xiaomi TV models with localized firmware (Chinese versions without a global firmware update), the AirPlay function may be hidden or unstable. In this case, you will need to install a third-party receiver app.
Broadcast via the Mi Remote or Xiaomi Home app
If built-in methods don't work or your TV model is an older generation, you can use the manufacturer's proprietary utilities. Ecosystem Xiaomi offers several ways to interact, and the app Mi Remote (or its equivalent depending on the region) often becomes a lifesaver in such situations. It allows you to not only control the TV like a remote control but also stream media content.
Download the official app Xiaomi Home or Mi Remote from the App Store. After installation, launch the app and register or sign in to your Mi Account. The app will automatically scan the network and prompt you to add the TV it finds. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the devices.
After adding your TV to the list of devices, open its card in the app. Find the "Cast" button or the icon resembling a screen with an arrow. Select the file you want to play: it can be a video from your phone's memory, a photo, or music. The app will automatically transcode the stream into a format the TV can understand and start playback.
The advantage of this method is that the app often has more flexible video format decoding settings. If the TV's default player doesn't support a certain codec, the app can handle this function for you. However, keep in mind that the app interface may be less responsive than native AirPlay.
Using third-party receiver applications (CastTV, AirScreen)
In cases where native Apple device support is not available on the TV Xiaomi If the receiver is missing or not working properly, third-party receiver apps come to the rescue. The most popular and proven solution is the app AirScreen, which emulates the AirPlay, Google Cast, and Miracast protocols. It turns your Android TV into a fully-fledged iPhone receiver.
To install, go to the Google Play Store on your TV (via the "Apps" tab in the main menu). Search for "AirScreen" and install the app. Once launched, it will prompt you to configure the settings: make sure the box next to it is checked. AirPlayPress the Start button and the TV will enter connection standby mode.
Now, the steps on iPhone are similar to using native AirPlay: open Screen Mirroring and select a device with a name beginning with "AS-" or one you've specified in the app settings. The advantage of such apps often lies in their support for a wider range of formats and the ability to fine-tune image quality.
| Application | Protocol type | Presence of advertising | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirScreen | AirPlay, Cast, Miracast | Yes (in the free version) | High |
| CastTV | DLNA, AirPlay | Eat | Average |
| Web Video Caster | DLNA, Chromecast | No | High |
| Xiaomi Home | Proprietary | No | Depends on the model |
It's worth noting that free versions of these apps may contain ads at launch or limit the resolution of the streamed video. If you plan to stream regularly, it's worth considering premium versions, which eliminate these restrictions and provide a smoother experience.
Streaming content from browsers and streaming services
Video streaming from browsers and streaming service apps deserves special attention. Many users want to know how to connect an iPhone to a TV via Wi-Fi (Xiaomi Mi) to watch YouTube, Netflix, or videos from websites directly. It's important to distinguish between full screen mirroring and intelligent casting.
Apps like YouTube or Netflix have a dedicated cast button (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) in the player interface. Clicking it selects your TV. Xiaomi, and the video starts playing directly on the TV using the streaming link. This is much more efficient than screen mirroring, as the phone doesn't heat up and the battery drain is minimal.
If you use the Safari browser to watch videos on websites that don't have a Cast button, you'll have to use Screen Mirroring. This will cause your phone to encode the image in real time and send it to your TV. The quality may be lower and there's more latency, but this is the only way to display the contents of a browser tab.
Why is there no sound when streaming video from a browser?
Some websites use DRM protection or non-standard codecs that aren't transmitted via the screen mirroring protocol. In these cases, try finding a direct link to the video file or using specialized browser apps with Cast support.
For streaming services, it's critical that accounts are active and that regional restrictions don't block access to content on Android TV devices. Sometimes, a video plays on an iPhone but displays a playback error on the TV due to differences in regional licensing rights.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting connection errors
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where devices cannot see each other or the connection constantly drops. One of the most common causes is desynchronization of IP addresses or the network settings cache. Try a hard reboot of the router by unplugging it for 10-15 seconds. This will clear the ARP table and allow devices to become familiar with the network again.
If the problem persists, check your router's firewall and antivirus settings, if they have these features. They may be blocking ports required for the protocol to work. AirPlay (usually ports 7000, 80, or 443). Also, make sure your TV has the latest Wi-Fi module drivers installed, which often comes with a system update.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary depending on the Android TV version and regional firmware version of your Xiaomi TV. If you can't find the required option, search for it in the settings (magnifying glass icon).
If the video is streaming but there's no sound, check the audio output settings on your iPhone. Sometimes, the sound remains on the phone when connected. Tap the AirPlay icon in Control Center (the triangle in a circle) and make sure the TV is selected, not the iPhone speaker. Also, check the volume levels on both devices.
If nothing helps, you can try resetting the network settings on your iPhone (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings). This will not delete your data, but it will reset your network settings to factory defaults, which often resolves hidden configuration conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't my Xiaomi TV see my iPhone in the AirPlay list?
The most common cause is that the devices are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for example, one to a guest network and one to the main network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check whether the router's antivirus software is blocking local data exchange.
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an old Xiaomi TV without Smart TV?
Without a Smart TV or set-top box, you can't connect directly via WiFi. You'll need to purchase an external set-top box (such as a Xiaomi Mi Box or any Android TV Stick) or use a wired Lightning to HDMI adapter.
Is there any image lag when playing via AirPlay?
Yes, when streaming your screen wirelessly, there's always some input lag, which can range from 0.5 to 2 seconds. This method isn't suitable for fast-paced games; it's better to use a wired connection or play directly on a console/PC connected to the TV.
Is the sound transmitted to external speakers when connected?
If you're using Screen Mirroring, audio will play through the TV. If a Bluetooth headset or soundbar is connected to the TV, audio will play through them. When using the Cast button within apps (like YouTube), audio will also play on the output device (the TV).