Modern smartphones of the series Xiaomi And Redmi While many home theaters have powerful screens, viewing content on a large screen often requires displaying the image on a TV. A wireless connection via a local WiFi network is the most convenient option, as it eliminates the need to purchase additional HDMI cables or adapters. Users often encounter difficulties during initial setup, but the process is actually standardized and easy to implement.
There are several streaming methods, each with its own characteristics and software requirements. Built-in function Mi Play or Wireless broadcasting MIUI allows you to mirror your screen without installing third-party apps. Protocols are also actively used. Google Cast And Miracast, which are supported by most modern Smart TVs. The specific method you choose depends on your TV model and Android operating system version.
For a successful connection, it's crucial that both devices are on the same subnet. This means both the smartphone and TV must be connected to the same router. If you have a dual-band router, make sure the devices can see each other, even if one operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency and the other on the 5 GHz frequency. However, in some cases, the router may isolate clients on different frequencies.
Technical requirements and equipment preparation
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements for stable multimedia operation. This primarily concerns TV support for the technology. Smart TVOlder models that do not have their own operating system or internet access will require the purchase of an external set-top box, for example, Android TV Box or Chromecast.
Smartphones Xiaomi And RedmiDevices released in the last five years are equipped with 802.11ac or newer Wi-Fi modules, providing sufficient bandwidth for 4K video streaming. However, data transfer speed directly depends on the router's signal quality and distance. If the signal is weak, the image may stutter or disintegrate into artifacts.
An important aspect is the operating system version. For the protocol to work correctly Miracast or Google Home Android 8.0 or higher is recommended. Older versions may not support the necessary codecs or encryption standards used by modern TVs.
- 📺 The TV must have a Smart TV or an external Android set-top box.
- 📶 Connect both devices to the same WiFi network (same SSID).
- 📱 Activated WiFi and Bluetooth modules on your Xiaomi smartphone.
- 🔄 Updated software on your phone and TV.
⚠️ Attention: Some corporate WiFi networks or guest networks in hotels use client isolation. Under these conditions, a phone physically won't be able to "see" the TV, even if both are connected to the same access point.
Check the list of connected devices in your router's admin panel to ensure that the IP addresses of your TV and smartphone are in the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x). If the addresses differ in the third octet, the devices are on different networks and communication between them is impossible without changing the router's settings.
Using the built-in "Cast" feature in MIUI
shell MIUI, installed on all smartphones Xiaomi And Redmi, has a native image output tool. This method is preferred because it doesn't require any additional software and operates at the system level. The function may be called "Cast," "Wireless Monitor," or Mi Play depending on the firmware version and region.
To activate, pull down the notification shade and find the "Broadcast" icon. If the icon isn't available in the quick access menu, click the edit menu button (usually three dots or a pencil in the corner of the shade) and drag the desired item to the active panel. Once enabled, an automatic search for available devices on the local network will begin.
☑️ Pre-broadcast check
Once your TV appears in the list of available devices, tap its name. A connection permission prompt may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to confirm with the remote. After that, the image from your phone will be fully copied to the big screen. Latency in this mode is minimal, but depends on the quality of the WiFi signal.
Some versions of MIUI use an application Mi Video or Gallery To start broadcasting, open a video or photo, tap the "Broadcast" icon (rectangle with a triangle), and select the target device. This allows you to broadcast only a specific media file, leaving your phone's interface free for other tasks.
Connecting via the Google Home app
If for some reason the built-in Xiaomi tools do not work or your TV is based on Android TV, the best solution would be to use the official app Google HomeThis method is based on the protocol Chromecast built-in, which is supported by a huge number of modern TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and other manufacturers.
First, you need to download and install the Google Home app from the store. Play MarketAfter installation, open the app and sign in to your Google account. The app will automatically scan the network and find connected devices compatible with the Google ecosystem. Your TV must be turned on and connected to the same WiFi network.
| Parameter | Built-in MIUI broadcasting | Google Home | Third-party applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Very high | Average |
| Delay | Low | Minimum | High |
| Quality | Up to 1080p/4K | Up to 4K HDR | Depends on the application |
| Complexity | Low | Average | High |
In the Google Home interface, find your TV card. Tap it, then select "Cast my screen." The system will warn you that all actions on your phone will be visible on the TV. Confirm the action, and mirroring will begin.
The advantage of the Google Home method is the ability to control playback directly from your phone, as well as support for browser tab casting. ChromeYou can open a webpage on your phone, tap the browser menu, and select "Cast" to show the site on the big screen without having to duplicate the entire Android interface.
Streaming via TV manufacturer apps
Major electronics manufacturers often develop their own smartphone apps that provide deeper integration with their TVs. For owners Xiaomi And Redmi This can be an excellent backup option if standard protocols are unstable. Such applications often have advanced management functionality.
For example, for TVs Samsung intended application SmartThings, For LG — LG ThinQ, and for Sony — Video & TV SideViewBy downloading the corresponding app from the Play Market, you can not only stream photos and videos from your gallery but also use your phone as a remote control, which is especially convenient when typing text to search YouTube.
The connection process in such apps is usually standard: launch the app, click "Add Device" or the plus icon, wait for the TV to be detected, and follow the on-screen instructions. Often, you'll need to enter the code displayed on the TV into the pairing field on your smartphone.
Why might a TV brand app work better?
Manufacturer apps often use proprietary data transfer protocols optimized for specific TV hardware. This reduces image transmission latency and ensures a more stable connection, especially in crowded WiFi bands where standard Miracast can falter.
It's worth noting that some features in branded apps may be paid or require a separate account. However, the basic media streaming feature (photos, videos, music) is almost always free. This is a good way to revive an older Smart TV that has stopped receiving system protocol updates.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter situations where their phone can't see the TV or the connection constantly drops. One of the most common causes is network desynchronization. Make sure your router doesn't have AP isolation enabled, which prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other.
Another common issue is outdated WiFi drivers or errors in the Android network service cache. In this case, resetting network settings can help. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset WiFi, Mobile Networks, and BluetoothPlease note that this action will delete saved WiFi network passwords, and you will have to enter them again.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs or firewalls installed on your smartphone may be blocking local connections. If all else fails, try temporarily disabling the protection or adding your TV to the exceptions list.
If the image is transmitted but there is no sound, check your audio output settings. In the notification shade during broadcasting, there's often a button to select the audio output device. Make sure "TV Speaker" or "Bluetooth Device" is selected, not your phone's speaker. Also, check that "Do Not Disturb" mode isn't enabled on your phone, which could block system sounds.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the picture lag when streaming a YouTube video?
Lag may be caused by slow WiFi speeds, especially if the router is far away or the network is congested by neighboring networks. Try switching to the 5 GHz band if your router and TV support it. Also, close any background apps on your phone that are consuming data.
Is it possible to connect a phone to a TV without WiFi?
Yes, some TV models support the technology. WiFi Direct, which creates a direct connection between devices without a router. You can also use a USB-to-HDMI cable (if your phone supports video output) or a physical Chromecast adapter, which creates its own access point.
Is sound transmitted when mirroring the screen?
Yes, when using the built-in Cast feature or Google Home, audio is transmitted along with the video. However, in some third-party apps or when viewing protected content (DRM), audio may remain on the phone due to licensing restrictions.
Does broadcasting affect my phone's battery life?
Absolutely. The WiFi module is in active data transfer mode, which significantly increases power consumption. The screen also remains lit. For longer sessions, it's recommended to connect the phone to a charger.