Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones feature powerful displays and processors that allow not only text processing but also high-quality content playback. However, watching videos or playing games on a small 6-inch device isn't always convenient, especially when you have a large 4K TV nearby. Wireless WiFi offers a wide range of options for streaming images and audio, eliminating the need for unnecessary cables.
Syncing devices in the Android ecosystem has become incredibly simple, but it often hides nuances depending on the MIUI or HyperOS version. You won't need special HDMI cables if both devices support Miracast or Chromecast. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to set up image output, which system features should be enabled, and what to do if your TV isn't detecting your phone.
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment is ready for use. Modern Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers typically have built-in modules for signal reception. If you have an older TV, special set-top boxes can solve this problem, but in this article, we'll focus on the system's built-in features. Android and wireless protocols.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
The first step is to check the technical feasibility of the connection. Make sure your TV supports the technology. Smart TV or a corresponding set-top box is connected to it. For the Miracast protocol, which is most commonly used by Xiaomi devices, to work successfully, the TV must support Wi-Fi Direct. This standard allows devices to connect directly without a router, although having a router often improves data transfer stability.
Both devices must be on the same local network. This is critical: if your phone is connected to a guest WiFi network or using 4G mobile data, the TV will not be discoverable. In rare cases, if the router does not support multicast packets between clients, the connection may fail, requiring you to use direct connection mode.
Check the operating system version on your Redmi. Menu functionality may vary depending on whether you're running MIUI 12, 13, 14, or the new HyperOS. Also, make sure your TV's firmware is up to date, as older firmware versions may not correctly handle casting requests from newer Android versions.
- 📺 Make sure your Smart TV is turned on and in signal reception mode (often called Screen Share or Miracast).
- 📶 Connect your Xiaomi phone and TV to the same WiFi network (same SSID).
- 🔄 Update the Cast app or Google Play Services system components on your phone.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone's battery to at least 30%, as screen mirroring drains a lot of energy.
⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency (e.g. 5 GHz), although in most cases, modern routers correctly route traffic between 2.4 and 5 GHz within the same network.
On some TV models, the signal reception function must be activated manually through the application menu. Look for the icon with the name Screen Share, Miracast, Wireless Display or simply BroadcastWithout running this service on the TV side, the phone may simply not find the device in the list of available ones.
Using Xiaomi's built-in "Broadcast" feature
In Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, the image display function is built into the system shell and does not require additional software. It is based on the standard Miracast, which provides real-time video streaming with minimal latency. It's ideal for viewing photos, videos from your gallery, or presentations.
To launch the feature, swipe down from the top of the notification shade. Find the "Cast" icon in the quick access panel. If it's not on the first screen, tap the edit icon (usually a pencil or three dots) and drag it to the active area. In older versions of MIUI, this feature might be called "Wireless Monitor."
Once activated, the system will begin searching for available devices. The scanning process may take 5 to 15 seconds. Once your TV's name appears in the list, tap it. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen; accept this using the remote control.
☑️ Connection algorithm via curtain
There is an alternative way through the settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → BroadcastHere you can enable automatic device search and configure additional settings, such as the device name that the TV will see. This is useful if you have multiple smartphones in your home and want to clearly identify your device.
The quality of the transmitted image depends on the WiFi signal strength and channel congestion. When using the Miracast protocol, the image is compressed, which can lead to artifacts in fast-moving images, such as in fast-paced games. However, for static menus and movies with a moderate bitrate, the quality remains high.
Streaming via Google Home (Chromecast built-in)
If your TV supports the technology Google Chromecast built-in (common on Sony, Philips, TCL, and Android TVs), using Xiaomi's built-in streaming may not be the best option. Google's Chromecast protocol provides better stability and allows you to stream content directly from internet servers without straining your phone's processor.
To implement this method you will need an application Google HomeIt's preinstalled on certified devices, but on global Xiaomi devices, you may need to download it separately from the Play Market. After installation, open the app and make sure you're logged in to your Google account.
In the Google Home app's main window, you'll see a card for your TV. Tap it to open the control menu. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a "Cast my screen" button. Tap it, and the image from your Redmi will appear on the big screen. Unlike Miracast, latency may be slightly higher, but the connection is generally more stable.
Chromecast's unique feature is that it allows you to stream content from specific apps. For example, while on YouTube or Netflix, you can tap the cast icon directly in the player. In this case, your phone acts as a remote control, and the TV automatically downloads the video, saving battery life and data.
| Parameter | Miracast (Xiaomi Broadcast) | Chromecast (Google Home) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Direct (Wi-Fi Direct) | Via a router (local network) |
| Phone addiction | High (phone encodes video) | Low (TV loads content itself) |
| Latency | Low (suitable for gaming) | Medium (best for video) |
| Picture quality | Depends on the phone signal | Stable, up to 4K HDR |
Why does Chromecast sometimes not work on Xiaomi?
In some cases, MIUI's power-saving system may aggressively terminate the Google Home process, considering it inactive. To avoid this, go to battery settings, find the Google Home app, and select "No restrictions" mode. It's also helpful to pin the app to memory to prevent it from being unloaded.
Connecting via the Mi TV+ app (Mi Remote)
Xiaomi has developed its own app Mi Remote (or Mi TV+), which serves as a universal remote control and multimedia tool. While its primary function is to control the IR port and Bluetooth, it can also stream media files to TVs that support the DLNA or Mi TV protocol.
Launch the app and go to the "TV" or "Devices" section. If your TV is on the same network, it should appear in the list. Select it. Unlike full screen mirroring, this method usually only allows you to transfer specific files: videos, photos, or music stored on your phone.
This solution is convenient if you want to share vacation photos with friends or watch a downloaded movie without using the TV's built-in apps. The app's interface allows you to create playlists and manage the playback queue directly from your smartphone.
- 📂 Select a file in the gallery or video player.
- ▶️ Click the "Broadcast" button or the TV icon.
- 📺 Select the target device from the list.
- ⏯️ Control playback via your phone.
It's worth noting that Mi Remote doesn't mirror the entire Android interface. You can't use it to launch games or browsers on your TV. This tool is exclusively for media content. For full screen cloning, it's better to use the methods described in the previous sections.
Third-party applications for complex cases
Sometimes, built-in tools fail, especially if the TV isn't smart or has a specific protocol implementation. In such cases, third-party apps from Google Play come to the rescue. One of the most popular and functional solutions is Web Video Caster or TV Cast.
These apps work by intercepting the video stream. You open the video in a browser or app, share the link with the streaming app, and it sends the stream to your TV. This bypasses many DRM restrictions that can block standard screen sharing in paid online cinemas.
Another powerful tool is the app AirScreen or LetsViewThey are often used to connect a phone not only to a Smart TV but also to Apple TV or Amazon Fire Stick devices, emulating the necessary protocols. Installing such software on the TV itself may also be necessary if it runs Android TV.
When using third-party software, pay attention to permissions. To function correctly, they require access to the local network and, if screencasting, permission to record screen contents. Without these permissions, the app will display a black screen or a connection error.
⚠️ Note: Free versions of third-party apps often contain ads that may obscure the image or interrupt playback. For consistent use, consider purchasing the premium version or using an open-source alternative.
Troubleshooting and eliminating delays
Even with ideal settings, users may experience audio and video desync or image flickering. The main cause is a congested WiFi channel. If there are many neighboring networks nearby, the signal may be distorted. Try switching your router to a less congested channel or using the 5 GHz band, which is less susceptible to interference.
Another common issue is poor phone performance when encoding high-resolution video. If the smartphone's processor gets hot, the system may experience a drop in frame rate. Close background apps before starting a stream to free up resources. RAM and processor time.
If the sound comes through your phone's speaker but the picture is on your TV, check your audio output settings. There's often a toggle in the notification shade or the "Cast" menu that allows you to route the sound to an external device. In some cases, you may need to manually select the output device in the Android volume mixer.
In rare cases, resetting network settings helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset WiFi, Mobile Networks, and BluetoothThis action will delete saved passwords, but may fix wireless module driver errors that prevent Miracast from working correctly.
Comparison of wired and wireless connections
Despite the convenience of WiFi, a wired connection via a USB-C to HDMI adapter remains the benchmark for quality. It delivers uncompressed, latency-free signal transmission, and is unaffected by interference. However, wireless technology has advanced so much that for most everyday tasks, the difference is now imperceptible.
The wireless method has the advantage of mobility. You can walk around the room with your phone in hand, answering messages or taking photos while a movie plays on TV. A wire, on the other hand, ties you to a specific location. Furthermore, using adapters requires purchasing additional equipment, which isn't always included.
On the other hand, WiFi may not be sufficient for eSports or professional graphics work. A latency of 100-200 milliseconds, unnoticeable when watching a movie, becomes critical in shooters. Therefore, the choice of method depends on your specific needs: WiFi for entertainment, cable for gaming.
Why doesn't the TV detect my Xiaomi phone?
Most often, the problem stems from different Wi-Fi networks. Check that your phone and TV are connected to the same router. It's also possible that the signal reception service (Screen Share) isn't running on the TV. Try rebooting the router, as this updates the routing tables.
Is it possible to screencast from a locked phone?
No, for security reasons, Android doesn't allow screen mirroring if the device is locked with a password or fingerprint. The phone's screen must be active. Some apps allow you to turn off the phone's screen while mirroring, but this doesn't work with all TV models.
Does broadcasting affect internet speed?
When using Miracast (direct connection), the internet may not be used at all, as the data is transferred locally. However, when using Chromecast or online video, the data usage is significant, and the overall bandwidth speed may decrease, leading to buffering on other devices.
How do I turn off the broadcast?
The fastest way is to pull down the notification shade again and press the "Stop" or "Dismiss" button in the casting widget. You can also turn off your phone's screen or exit the Google Home app. On a TV, sometimes pressing the "Back" or "Exit" button on the remote is enough.