Enjoy the modern Apple ecosystem with an affordable and functional Smart TV from Xiaomi opens up a wide range of multimedia possibilities for the user. However, despite the popularity of both brands, the initial wireless connection setup process often raises questions among iPhone owners. The problem lies in the difference between the operating systems: iOS uses a proprietary protocol. AirPlay, which is not always supported out of the box by the Android TV or PatchWall shell.
However, there is a solution, and it doesn't require purchasing an expensive Apple TV. Modern Chinese TVs powered by Android TV or Google TV, allow you to stream content reliably using only a local Wi-Fi network. You won't need HDMI cables or complicated adapters if you properly configure the software environments of both devices.
In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods, from built-in features to specialized software. You'll learn how to avoid image lag, why your phone doesn't see your TV, and how to turn yours into a Xiaomi Mi TV into a full-fledged entertainment center for the whole family.
Basic requirements and Wi-Fi network preparation
The foundation of successful wireless broadcasting is a properly organized local network. The first and most critical condition is that both devices are on the same subnet. This means that your iPhone and TV Xiaomi must be connected to the same router.
A common mistake users make is using guest networks or separating the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies into different SSIDs without properly configuring routing. If your router broadcasts two different networks (for example, "Home_2.4" and "Home_5G"), make sure both devices are connected to one of them, preferably the 2.4 GHz band. 5 GHz for transmitting high-definition video.
- 📶 Make sure that AP Isolation is not enabled on your router, which prevents devices from seeing each other within the network.
- 🔌 Check signal stability: 4K video streaming requires a speed of at least 25 Mbps.
- 🔄 Restart your router if you experience constant connection drops or high ping.
It's also worth paying attention to the date and time settings. If the clocks on your phone and TV show different times, the security certificates may fail verification, and the devices simply won't see each other in the list of available devices.
⚠️ Note: Some providers use CGNAT technology, which can limit direct connections between devices within the local network. If standard methods don't work, try temporarily disabling the VPN on your smartphone.
Using built-in AirPlay 2 support on Xiaomi
Many modern TV models Xiaomi (especially the Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S series and new lines of TVs with Android TV 9.0 and above) have built-in support for the technology AirPlay 2This is a native Apple protocol that allows you to stream content to your TV without installing additional software.
To activate this feature, you need to go to your TV settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell. PatchWall or pure Android TV. Usually you need to go to the menu Settings → Apps → Chromecast Built-in or find a separate item "Apple AirPlay" in the general system settings.
After enabling this feature, a verification code may appear on your TV screen. You'll need to enter this code on your iPhone when the system asks for permission to connect. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your screen.
If the built-in feature is working correctly, you can cast videos from your gallery, YouTube, or any other Cast-enabled app by simply tapping the cast icon. Image quality in this mode is typically the best, as the decoding is handled by the TV.
Broadcast via the Mi Home and Xiaomi Home app
If native AirPlay doesn't work or your TV model is an earlier generation, a proprietary app will come to the rescue. Xiaomi Home (formerly Mi Home). This is a universal remote control for the smart home ecosystem that can also stream content.
To get started, you need to install the app on your iPhone from the App Store and register an account. Mi AccountAfter adding your TV to the list of devices, open the TV card in the app. The control menu often includes a "Cast" button, which initiates screen mirroring.
This method has the advantage of being less demanding on firmware versions than native AirPlay. However, it can have slightly higher latency, making it unsuitable for fast-paced games, but perfectly suitable for viewing photos or presentations.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
It's worth noting that some of the app's features require Bluetooth to be enabled on your smartphone, as it's used for initial device discovery and quick transfer of Wi-Fi encryption keys.
Third-party receiver apps: WhenAir and AirScreen
When standard methods prove ineffective, powerful third-party solutions exist on the market that transform any Android TV into a fully-fledged AirPlay receiver. The leaders in this niche are apps AirScreen And WhenAir, available in the Google Play Store on your TV.
The principle of their operation is based on emulation of the reception protocol on the TV side. You install the application on Xiaomi TV, launch it, and the TV begins to "pretend" to be an Apple TV. The iPhone sees it as a native device and allows screen mirroring.
| Application | AirPlay support | Advertising in | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirScreen | Full | Yes (on screen) | High |
| WhenAir | Full | Minimum | Average |
| ApowerMirror | Via PC/Agent | Time limits | High |
| Cast to TV | Basic | Eat | Low |
When using the free versions of these programs, an advertising banner or watermark may appear on the TV screen. For regular family use, it's worth considering purchasing the premium version, which also provides access to resolution and bitrate settings.
⚠️ Note: Third-party receiver apps consume Android TV RAM. If your TV starts to run slowly, close unnecessary background processes using the developer menu or task manager.
Screen Mirroring vs. DLNA
It's important to understand the difference between the two main types of content transfer, as this affects image quality and the load on your iPhone's battery. DLNA (or Cast) involves transmitting a link to a media file. The TV downloads and plays the video itself, and the phone acts only as a remote control.
In DLNA mode, you can minimize an app on your iPhone, answer a call, or even turn off your smartphone's screen—and playback on your TV won't be interrupted. This is ideal for watching movies from your gallery or online cinemas.
In contrast, Screen Mirroring Mirroring broadcasts a live video stream of everything happening on your phone's screen. The phone encodes the image and sends it to the TV. Any notifications that pop up on your iPhone will be visible on the big screen.
Battery impact when mirroring
When actively mirroring your iPhone, it may become hotter and drain faster than usual, as the processor and Wi-Fi module are under increased strain. It's recommended to keep your phone close to a charger or use a wireless charger during extended sessions.
The choice of method depends on your task: mirroring is necessary for demonstrating the interface of applications or games, while for watching movies, it is better to use built-in players with DLNA or Cast support.
Solution: Delays and no sound
One of the most common issues with wireless streaming is audio and video desync or a complete lack of audio. This is often due to the audio output settings on the iPhone itself. When connected to an external display, the audio may remain on the phone or switch to a Bluetooth headset if it was previously paired.
To fix this, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner or up from the bottom, depending on your model). Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle in a circle) in the music controls and make sure the checkbox next to your TV is checked. Xiaomi, not "iPhone".
If you experience noticeable image lag, try lowering the resolution of the streamed content in the receiver app settings on your TV. Disabling other devices that actively consume Wi-Fi data, such as pausing downloads on your PC, can also help.
In some cases, forcibly changing the DNS server in the Wi-Fi router settings to public addresses (for example, from Google) helps. 8.8.8.8), which can speed up the handshake process between devices of different ecosystems.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my Xiaomi TV showing up in the AirPlay list on my iPhone?
Most likely, the devices are on different Wi-Fi networks or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if the router's firewall is blocking local connections. Try rebooting both devices.
Is it possible to stream DRM-protected content (Netflix, Kinopoisk) via mirroring?
Many services with protected content block image output through third-party mirroring apps due to copyright protection policies. In such cases, you should use the built-in "Cast" button within the video service app itself, rather than system screen mirroring.
Does broadcasting affect internet speed?
When using DLNA (where the TV downloads the video itself), internet speed is consumed only once per stream. When mirroring, the iPhone first receives the data and then transmits it to the TV, which can double the load on the Wi-Fi channel and reduce overall network speed.