Modern technologies make it possible to transform an ordinary TV into a full-fledged multimedia center, and the company Xiaomi has succeeded in this, incorporating advanced Smart TV features even into budget models. Users often wonder how to display their smartphone's content on a larger screen to watch movies, photos, or play games with maximum comfort. The process of synchronizing devices via a wireless network Wi-Fi eliminates the need for long HDMI cables and provides flexibility in content management.
There are several basic data transfer protocols that the operating system supports. Android TV or branded shell PatchWall, installed on TVs XiaomiThe choice of a specific method depends on your goals: whether you simply want to stream video from your gallery or need full mirroring of your smartphone's screen in real time. It's important to understand that for all methods to work successfully, both devices must be on the same local network, which is fundamental condition to detect gadgets from each other.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection methods, from built-in system functions to third-party apps. You'll learn how to set up Miracast, use technology Google Cast and organize a media server via the protocol DLNAWe'll also cover common connection issues and how to quickly resolve them without calling a service center.
Preparatory stage: setting up the network and devices
Before pairing your devices, make sure your home network is working properly. Your router should be turned on and stable, as transmitting high-definition video requires significant bandwidth. If your router supports dual-band mode, it's recommended to use the network. 5 GHz, which provides higher speeds and lower signal latency compared to the standard 2.4 GHz band.
Make sure your TV has Xiaomi The latest software version is installed. Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix wireless module bugs and improve compatibility with various smartphone models. You can check for updates in the settings menu by selecting Settings → About TV → System → System update.
⚠️ Attention: Some router models have an AP Isolation feature. When enabled, devices connected to the Wi-Fi network won't be able to see each other, making connection impossible. Disable this feature in your router's settings.
It's also worth checking that Wi-Fi is enabled on your smartphone. Modern versions of Android often require Bluetooth to be enabled for the initial handshake between devices in order for the "Cast" or "Smart View" features to work. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network, especially if you have a guest network or separate SSIDs for different frequency bands.
Using the built-in wireless casting feature (Miracast)
The fastest way to display an image is to use a native function of the smartphone operating system. In the Android environment, this technology is based on the standard Miracast (Wi-Fi Direct), which allows video signals to be transmitted directly, bypassing the router, although initial detection often occurs via a Wi-Fi network. On TVs Xiaomi This feature is usually built into the system and does not require the installation of additional applications.
To begin the process, locate the "INPUT" or "Mi" button on your TV remote control to bring up the source selection menu. From the list of available inputs, select Wireless screen, MiraCast or Wireless DisplayA connection waiting window will appear on the screen with the name of your TV.
The next steps depend on your smartphone model. Device owners Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO, Mi) should open the notification shade and find the "Cast" icon. On smartphones Samsung This function is called Smart View, and on other Android models it may be called "Cast", "Projection" or "Connect".
☑️ Check before connecting Miracast
After you start searching on your smartphone, the name of your TV should appear in the list of available devices. XiaomiClick it, and after a few seconds, the image from your mobile device will appear on the big screen. Please note that when connected this way, your smartphone's screen may turn off to save power, but the broadcast will continue.
It's worth noting that image quality and lag directly depend on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. If you plan to play fast-paced games, input lag may be noticeable. For viewing videos or photos, this method is optimal in terms of simplicity and quality.
Broadcast via the Mi Home app and ecosystem
For smartphone owners Xiaomi and TVs of the same brand, the deepest integration is offered by the proprietary application Mi HomeIt allows you to not only stream content but also control your TV as a fully-fledged smart device. This is especially convenient if you want to use your phone as a remote control or set up complex smart home scenarios.
To get started, you need to download the application. Mi Home from the store Google Play or App Store and log in to your account Mi AccountMake sure the region in the app matches the region set in your TV settings, otherwise the device may not be detected. After adding the TV to the app, a "Cast" button or Cast icon will appear in the control interface.
The app's functionality allows you to broadcast not only the screen content but also specific files from your gallery. When you select a photo or video in the app Mi Home (or in the standard gallery, if integrated) your TV will appear in the "Share" or "Cast" menu. This ensures a more stable connection, as it uses a direct communication protocol within the ecosystem.
⚠️ Attention: When using the Mi Home app for screen mirroring, some phone models may require permission to record the screen. This is a standard Android security procedure.
The advantage of using Mi Home The app offers playback control: pause, rewind, and volume adjustments are all available directly from the smartphone interface. Additionally, the app allows you to stream files to your TV for later viewing using the built-in media player, reducing the load on the phone's processor.
| Characteristic | Miracast (System) | Mi Home (Application) | Google Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Direct (Wi-Fi Direct) | Via the network / Cloud | Via network (Local) |
| Delay | Low / Medium | Average | Minimum |
| Work in the background | The screen is lit (usually) | Possible | Full |
| Compatibility | All Android | Xiaomi / Mi | Android / iOS / Chrome |
Google Chromecast built-in technology
Most modern televisions Xiaomi run on an operating system Android TV, which has built-in support for the technology Google ChromecastThis is one of the most convenient ways to stream content from apps like YouTube, Netflix, IVI or browser Google ChromeUnlike screen mirroring, here the phone acts as a remote control, and the TV automatically downloads the data stream from the internet.
To use this method, open the supporting app on your smartphone and look for the casting icon (a rectangle with waves in the corner). It's usually located in the upper-right or lower-right corner of the video player. Tap it and select your TV. Xiaomi from the list of available devices.
The main advantage Chromecast The advantage is that playback quality doesn't depend on the smartphone's performance. The phone simply sends a command to "play the video via the link," and the TV's processor handles all the decoding and buffering. This allows you to watch 4K HDR videos without stuttering, even if your phone is being used for other tasks.
What should I do if the Chromecast button doesn't appear?
If the Cast icon isn't available in the app, make sure it supports this feature. Also, make sure both devices are on the same subnet. Restarting the router can sometimes help. In some cases (especially on iOS), you may need to install the Google Home app to initially set up the Cast device.
For iOS users (iPhone, iPad), this method is essential, as native AirPlay on Xiaomi TVs (without installing additional launchers) may not work or may be unstable. Installing Google apps on iPhone solves the compatibility issue, allowing you to stream content to any Android TV.
If you have a paid mobile internet connection on your router (for example, via a 4G modem), keep an eye on your data usage. This doesn't matter for your home wired internet.
Setting up a DLNA media server for photos and videos
Protocol DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows for the sharing of multimedia content between devices within the same network. Unlike screen sharing, DLNA allows a TV Xiaomi View your smartphone's file system as a network storage device. This is ideal for viewing archives of photos or movies downloaded to your phone's memory.
On TVs Xiaomi A built-in media player capable of working with DLNA servers is already installed. However, for the phone to be visible as a source, the corresponding server application must be launched on it. Popular options include BubbleUPnP, LocalCast or built-in features in some manufacturers' galleries (for example, Samsung Smart View in media library mode).
After launching the server on your smartphone, go to the application on your TV Media player or My Apps → SourceYour phone should appear in the list of available devices. Once you open it, you'll see a folder structure containing photos, videos, and music.
The advantage of this method is the high-quality transmission of the original file without the compression sometimes used in streaming. Furthermore, file navigation can be controlled with the TV remote, making it convenient for shared viewing. However, the interface may be less responsive than native smartphone apps.
⚠️ Attention: When using DLNA, some video file formats (such as rare codecs or containers) may not play if the TV doesn't support them. In this case, you'll need to convert the file or use a third-party player on the TV, such as VLC.
Troubleshooting and connection diagnostics
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter situations where the TV doesn't detect the phone or the connection constantly drops. One of the most common causes is the use of different Wi-Fi frequencies. If the router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under different names (SSIDs), make sure both the phone and TV are connected to the same network. Mixed networks sometimes block device detection.
Another possible cause could be antivirus software or a firewall on your smartphone blocking incoming and outgoing connections on your local network. Try temporarily disabling the protection or adding your home network to the trusted list. It's also worth checking if "Data Saver" mode is enabled on your phone, which can limit background activity for streaming apps.
If there's a picture but no sound, check the audio output settings on your smartphone. In some cases, the sound remains on the phone rather than being transmitted to the TV. Also, make sure the TV isn't set to "Video Only" or a similar setting in the engineering menu (although this is rare for users).
If you experience constant connection drops when streaming heavy 4K content, try lowering the bitrate or resolution in the source app settings. A weak Wi-Fi signal could also be the cause: the distance between the router and TV shouldn't be too great, especially if there are load-bearing walls between them.
For advanced users facing compatibility issues, resetting the TV's network settings may help. Go to Settings → Network → Reset network settingsThis will clear all saved passwords and configurations, which often resolves software conflicts with the Wi-Fi module.
Why doesn't my Xiaomi TV see my phone in the list of devices?
The most common issue is that the devices are on different subnets (for example, one is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network). It's also possible that AP Isolation is enabled on the router, preventing data exchange between clients. Check that Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices and refresh the list of available devices in the streaming menu.
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to a Xiaomi TV via AirPlay?
Most Xiaomi TVs don't natively support AirPlay 2. However, by installing an emulator app (such as AirScreen or AirPin) from the Google Play Store on your TV, you can mirror your iPhone screen as easily as on an Apple TV. Alternatively, you can use the Google Home app for Casting.
Does connecting a phone to a TV affect internet speed?
When using Chromecast (where the TV loads the video automatically), the phone's internet speed isn't affected. When using Miracast (screen mirroring), the phone actively transmits the video stream, which can take up a significant portion of the Wi-Fi channel, especially in the 2.4 GHz band, which can slow down other devices on the network.
How to improve picture quality during broadcasting?
For the best quality, use the 5 GHz band and ensure the router is within line of sight or close to the TV. Close background downloads on other devices. If you use streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix), select maximum quality in the app settings before starting the stream.