Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones boast powerful displays and multimedia capabilities that often make you want to enjoy them on a larger screen. Wi-Fi wireless data transfer technology allows you to transform a regular TV into the center of a home entertainment system without the hassle of cables. This is especially convenient for watching movies, photos from your gallery, or even showing presentations in high definition.
The device synchronization process is based on standard video streaming protocols such as Miracast or Google Cast. If your TV supports Smart TV, setup will only take a few minutes. Owners of standard models shouldn't despair, as there are inexpensive ways to upgrade any device to receive a signal from a mobile device.
In this guide, we'll cover all available connection methods, potential compatibility issues, and solutions. You'll learn how to activate hidden features in MIUI and which apps can improve the quality of your streaming video. Connection stability directly depends on the correctness of the router settings and the software version of both devices.
Technical requirements and equipment preparation
Before beginning setup, ensure your equipment meets the minimum requirements for wireless video streaming. The key requirement is that both devices have Wi-Fi and are on the same local network. Without this basic requirement, any further adjustments to the settings menu will be useless.
Redmi smartphones run the Android operating system with the proprietary MIUI interface, which has built-in screen projection tools. The TV must support Smart TV technologies or be connected to an external media player (set-top box). Android TV, WebOS And Tizen — these are the most common platforms that provide native support for broadcast protocols.
⚠️ Important: Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). If the router broadcasts two different networks with the same name but different frequency bands, the phone and TV may not be able to see each other, even if they're in the same apartment.
The quality of the transmitted image directly depends on the bandwidth of your wireless channel. For viewing video in Full HD or 4K resolution, it is recommended to use the 5 GHz, which provides higher data transfer rates and less interference from neighboring networks.
Using the built-in "Cast" feature in MIUI
The easiest and fastest way to mirror your Redmi smartphone to your TV is to use the system's "Cast" feature. This feature is built into the MIUI interface and doesn't require any additional software. It uses the Miracast protocol, which is supported by most modern TVs.
To activate the mode, unlock your phone and pull down the notification shade. Look for the "Cast" icon among the quick access shortcuts. If it's not in the top menu, tap the pencil icon or the three dots to edit the list and drag the desired item into the visible area.
Once the feature is activated, your phone will begin searching for available devices within range. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen, which you must accept using the remote control. Some TV models require you to launch the app first. Screen Share, Miracast or Wireless Display in the applications menu.
☑️ Pre-broadcast check
It's important to note that when using this method, the TV screen completely mirrors the smartphone screen. This means that any notifications, incoming calls, or messages will be visible to all viewers. For a comfortable movie viewing experience, it's recommended to enable the "Do not disturb" to avoid interruptions in playback.
What should I do if the broadcast is interrupted?
If the image freezes or the connection constantly drops, try rebooting your router. Another possible cause is overheating of the phone's processor while encoding the high-resolution video stream. In this case, you should reduce the output image quality in the streaming settings, if available.
Stream via the Google Home app (Chromecast built-in)
Many modern TVs come with built-in Chromecast technology, which allows you to stream content from apps directly without overloading your smartphone's processor. On Redmi phones that don't have Google services certified out of the box (in some regions), you may need to install an app to control this process. Google Home from the Mi GetApps store or a third-party source.
Chromecast works differently from Miracast in that your phone only acts as a remote control. You send a command to the TV to open a specific video link, and the TV automatically loads the stream. This allows you to minimize an app on your phone, answer a call, or even turn off your smartphone's screen without interrupting playback on the big screen.
The connection algorithm via Google Home is as follows:
- 📲 Open the Google Home app and make sure your Google account is active.
- 📺 Find your TV in the list of devices and click on it.
- 🖥️ Select the "Cast my screen" option for full mirroring or use the cast button inside the YouTube, Netflix, and Kinopoisk apps.
This method provides a more stable image and lower latency, especially when watching online movies. However, for local files stored on the phone's memory, this method may not be suitable without the use of special players that support the Cast protocol.
⚠️ Please note: App and TV interfaces are subject to update. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always consult the latest documentation from your TV manufacturer.
Third-party apps for advanced streaming
If the system's default tools aren't working properly, or your TV is an older model without Smart TV, third-party apps can help. They allow you to implement DLNA technology or create your own server on your phone for streaming media files. One of the most popular solutions is the app Web Video Caster or LocalCast.
These programs scan the network for compatible receivers and allow you to select files from any folder on your phone's memory. A key feature of these apps is the ability to stream video files in various formats that your TV's native player may not support. The app handles the task of transcoding the stream on the fly.
Benefits of using third-party software:
- 🎬 Support for a wide range of video formats (MKV, AVI, MOV).
- 📂 Ability to navigate your phone's file system and cloud storage.
- ⚙️ Flexible stream quality and buffering settings.
You can install these apps through the official Google Play store or alternative directories. When you first launch the app, it will ask for local network access permission, which must be granted to detect the TV. Local area network must be configured correctly, otherwise the application will show an empty list of devices.
Connecting to a regular TV via adapters
Owners of non-Smart TVs can also enjoy Redmi content using special adapters. The most popular solutions are HDMI dongles powered by Android TV, such as Google's Chromecast, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, or similar products available from AliExpress. These devices plug into the HDMI port and transform a regular screen into a fully-fledged smart system.
Connecting the device is extremely simple: plug the device into the HDMI port, connect it to power via USB, and select the appropriate signal source (Source/Input) on the TV remote. Then, setup is the same as with a built-in Smart TV—via Wi-Fi.
Comparison of popular connection methods:
| Method | Necessary equipment | Image quality | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast (Broadcast) | Smart TV | High | Average |
| Google Chromecast | Smart TV / Stick | Maximum | Low |
| HDMI cable | USB-C to HDMI cable | No losses | Absent |
| DLNA (Players) | Smart TV | Depends on the file | High |
When choosing an adapter, pay attention to support for 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, if your TV has these specifications. Cheaper models may limit image output to Full HD, which will be noticeable on larger screens.
Solutions to common problems and malfunctions
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may encounter a number of difficulties. It often happens that the phone sees the network but not the TV. First, check whether the AP Isolation feature is enabled on the router. This security feature prevents devices within the same network from communicating with each other.
Another common issue is audio and video desynchronization. This often occurs when the Wi-Fi channel is overloaded or the signal is weak. In this case, move closer to the router or turn off other devices consuming bandwidth (torrents, downloads). The 5 GHz protocol is significantly less susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices than 2.4 GHz.
If the image is choppy or has low resolution:
- 📉 Check your internet speed (although for local streaming, only the router is important).
- 🔄 Restart the Wi-Fi module on both devices.
- 🛡️ Disable your VPN on your smartphone, as it may redirect traffic through external servers, blocking local detection.
In rare cases, the problem stems from outdated TV firmware. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve compatibility with new versions of Android and data transfer protocols. Checking for updates in the TV menu can take time, but often resolves the issue of devices being "invisible."
Why doesn't the TV detect the Redmi phone?
Most often, the cause is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest network, the other to the main network) or different router frequencies. Also, check whether your antivirus or firewall software is blocking local connections.
Can you play games on TV via Wi-Fi?
Technically, it's possible using screen mirroring. However, due to input lag, this is only suitable for turn-based strategy games or card games. For fast-paced shooters or racing games, a wired HDMI connection is recommended.
Does broadcasting use up mobile data?
If you're watching an online movie (YouTube, Netflix), your data usage is used because the content is downloaded from the internet. If you're streaming photos or videos saved on your phone, your internet connection isn't used; data transfer is limited to your home network via your router.
How to improve picture quality with poor signal?
Try lowering the output resolution in the streaming settings (if available), disabling background downloads on other devices, or moving the router closer to the viewing area. Using a Wi-Fi extender can also help boost the signal.