How to display images from a Xiaomi device on a TV via Wi-Fi

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have powerful displays, but sometimes you want to enjoy content on a larger screen. Owners often wonder how to display their phone's content on a TV via Wi-Fi so they can watch movies, photos, or presentations in high quality without the hassle of wires. This is especially relevant for the Xiaomi ecosystem. Android, where wireless data transmission technologies are implemented in the most flexible and convenient way.

There are several proven ways to accomplish this task, each of which has its own characteristics depending on the model of your TV and the version of the operating system. MIUIWe'll cover standard system tools, third-party apps, and specific features available specifically for Chinese brand devices. Understanding the differences between protocols will help avoid delays and audio desynchronization.

Before you begin setup, make sure both devices—your smartphone and TV—are connected to the same wireless network. This is a fundamental requirement for stable operation. Miracast And DLNA, which underlie most streaming methods. If your router supports dual-band mode, it's best to use the 5 GHz network for transmitting high-definition video.

Using the built-in "Cast" feature in MIUI

The easiest and fastest way, which doesn't require installing any additional software, is to use the system utility "Broadcast" (or "Cast"). This tool is built into the shell. MIUI and is based on the protocol Miracast, which is supported by most modern Smart TVs. To get started, pull down the notification shade and look for the icon depicting a screen with arrows or a rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal.

Once enabled, your phone will begin searching for available devices on your local network. The list will display compatible TVs that are waiting to connect. Select the desired model, and your smartphone's content will instantly appear on the big screen. It's worth noting that in this mode, the content displayed on your phone's screen is exactly what's happening, including notifications and system sounds.

Picture quality directly depends on the Wi-Fi signal strength and distance from the router. If you notice lag or artifacts, try moving closer to the access point or disabling background downloads on other devices. It's also important to enable the wireless signal reception feature on your TV, which may be called "Wi-Fi" on different models. Screen Share, Miracast or "Wireless Monitor".

⚠️ Note: Some older TV models may not support the Miracast standard directly. In this case, the built-in "Cast" feature will not detect the device, and external adapters will be required.

Setup via the Google Home app

If the built-in tools do not work or your TV is based on an operating system Android TV or Google TV, the ideal solution would be the official application Google HomeIt comes pre-installed on most certified Xiaomi devices, but if you don't have it, you can download it from the store. Play MarketThis method uses technology Chromecast built-in, ensuring high stability.

Launch the app and sign in to your Google account. The program will automatically scan the network and find connected smart devices. Select your TV from the list of available devices. In the control menu that opens, click "Cast my screen." The system will notify you that the audio and video from your phone will be broadcast to the TV.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to stream content from apps that don't have their own Cast button directly from your home screen. Google Home also lets you control the volume and pause the stream directly from your smartphone's lock screen. This is especially convenient for quickly showing photos to guests or playing a video from your browser.

Streaming videos via YouTube and streaming services

Often, users don't need a full copy of their smartphone's screen, but rather the ability to play a movie or music video on their TV. There's technology for this. DIAL, which is built into popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, IVI and others. This is the most energy-efficient method, since the phone in this case only serves as a remote control, and the video stream is downloaded directly from the internet by the TV.

To use this feature, open an app, such as YouTube, on your Xiaomi device. Make sure you're logged in to the same Google account as your TV (although this isn't always necessary; the key is to be on the same Wi-Fi network). Tap the cast icon (the rectangle with waves) in the corner of the video or at the top of the interface.

Select your TV from the list. The video will start playing on the big screen, and a control panel will appear on your phone where you can adjust the volume, move the play bar, or pause. Once the video starts playing, you can minimize the app or even turn off your phone's screen—playback on your TV will continue.

⚠️ Note: For the "Cast" feature to work in apps, the app versions on your phone and TV must be relatively recent. Outdated software may prevent the devices from recognizing each other.

This method also allows you to create playback queues and manage playlists. If you have a subscription YouTube Premium, you can continue watching videos on your TV even if you receive an incoming call or notification on your phone, which would interrupt a normal mirroring broadcast.

Using third-party apps for broadcasting

In situations where standard methods fail or advanced functionality is required, third-party solutions from the store come to the rescue. Google PlayThe leaders in this niche are applications Web Video Caster, TV Cast And BubbleUPnPThey are especially useful for streaming video files stored on your phone's memory or streaming from browsers that don't support Chromecast.

Let's consider the operating principle using the example of a popular Web Video CasterAfter installing the app on your Xiaomi, you'll need to install the companion app (plugin) on your TV if it supports apps, or use the app's built-in browser to search for videos. Once connected via Wi-Fi, you can open webpages with videos within the app, and it will automatically detect the video stream and offer to send it to your TV.

A key feature of such programs is support for a huge number of video and audio codec formats that may not be readable by standard system tools. You can stream files .mkv, .avi or .mov Directly from the internal memory or a flash drive connected via OTG. Subtitles are also available, with customizable size and color right within the app interface.

Why do third-party apps sometimes work better than system apps?

System protocols are often limited by security and compatibility standards. Third-party applications can use their own on-the-fly stream transcoding algorithms, allowing them to bypass format or TV firmware version restrictions.

Some apps allow you to stream not only videos but also documents, presentations, and even browser tabs with full formatting. This makes them an indispensable tool for business meetings or training sessions when you don't have a laptop at hand and need to share information from your phone urgently.

Comparison of connection methods and their characteristics

To help you choose the best option for your situation, we've prepared a comparison chart of the main methods. It will help you quickly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option depending on your goals—whether it's watching a movie, playing a game, or giving a presentation.

As the table shows, the built-in "Broadcast" feature is best for gaming and interactive tasks, as it ensures minimal input lag. However, it also drains the most battery, as the processor and Wi-Fi module are working in overdrive, encoding the image in real time.

For watching movies from online cinemas, native integration via apps (YouTube, Netflix) is the clear winner. This minimizes the phone's heat and battery drain, as the entire load is handled by the TV's processor. Third-party apps occupy the niche of universal processors for specific tasks.

Troubleshooting and connection optimization

Even with proper setup, users may encounter issues: the image flickers, the audio lags behind the video, or the phone doesn't detect the TV at all. Most often, the cause is an overloaded Wi-Fi channel. If your apartment has a lot of neighboring networks, the signal may be unstable. Try changing the broadcast channel to a less congested one in your router settings.

Another common issue is the separation of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency. Mixed mode (one device on 2.4, the other on 5 GHz) sometimes works correctly, but for the technology Wi-Fi Direct, used in mirroring, a single environment is preferred.

If the problem persists, try rebooting your router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 10-15 seconds. It's also worth checking if "AP Isolation" mode is enabled on your router. This security feature prevents devices on your local network from seeing each other, making broadcasting impossible.

⚠️ Note: Router and TV settings interfaces may vary depending on the manufacturer and model year. If you don't find the specified option, check the official documentation for your equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to display a Xiaomi screen on a TV without a Wi-Fi router?

Yes, it is possible if your TV supports the technology. Wi-Fi Direct or has a built-in module MiracastIn this case, the phone creates a direct connection to the TV, bypassing the router. However, the phone's internet connection may not work at this point or may switch to the mobile network, as the Wi-Fi module is busy transmitting the image.

Why is there no sound on the TV during broadcasting?

Check the audio settings in the app you're streaming from. Sometimes the audio remains on your phone. Also, make sure your phone isn't connected to wireless headphones in your Bluetooth settings, as the system may be redirecting the audio there. Restarting the Broadcast app can sometimes help.

Does screencasting affect mobile internet speed?

The actual process of transmitting images to the TV is done via the local Wi-Fi network and doesn't use mobile data. However, if you're streaming online videos (such as YouTube), your data plan will be used. If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, your mobile data plan won't be used at all.

Does Xiaomi support 4K streaming?

Yes, modern Xiaomi models with Snapdragon processors and MIUI 12/13/14 shell support image output in resolution 3840×2160 (4K), provided that your TV also supports this standard and has a sufficiently powerful Wi-Fi module (preferably 5 GHz).