Modern smartphones Xiaomi And Redmi They have powerful displays and the performance to run demanding games and view high-resolution content. However, sometimes a 6-inch diagonal isn't enough, and there's an urgent need to display images on a larger monitor or laptop screen. Wireless Wi-Fi technology makes this possible without unnecessary cables, keeping the device mobile and the workspace tidy.
Process screen broadcasts Screen mirroring is based on Miracast protocols or proprietary solutions from the manufacturer. For this scenario to work successfully, it's crucial that both devices are on the same local network. In this article, we'll cover in detail the native MIUI methods, Windows 10/11 capabilities, and third-party solutions for situations where standard methods fail.
It is worth noting that the quality of the transmitted image directly depends on throughput Your router and the current radio channel load. Using the 5 GHz band provides a significant increase in stability and reduces latency, which is especially important for gamers. Next, we'll move on to practical setup steps.
Preparing equipment and network
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your home network infrastructure is ready to transmit a live video stream. The main requirement is finding a smartphone. Xiaomi and the computer on the same subnet. This means both devices must be connected to the same router.
- 📡 Router: It is recommended to use a dual-band router that supports 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or later.
- 💻 Computer: Must support wireless display reception (Wi-Fi Direct/Miracast technology) or have receiver software installed.
- 📱 Smartphone: Make sure that on Xiaomi The Wi-Fi module is turned on and active.
⚠️ Attention: If your router broadcasts two separate networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with different names, make sure your PC and phone are connected to the same one. Different frequencies can create client isolation in some router firmware settings.
It's also worth checking the wireless adapter drivers on your computer. In the Windows Device Manager, the Wi-Fi module's properties should have a "Miracast" tab or support information. Wi-Fi DirectIf the adapter is old, it may not support image reception, and then you will have to use software emulators.
The native "Cast" function in MIUI
shell MIUI and her successors (HyperOS) have a built-in wireless image output function. This method is preferable, as it doesn't require installing additional software on the smartphone and minimizes latency. The procedure is simple and standardized for most models.
To launch, open the notification shade and find the "Cast" icon. If it's not on the first screen, click the editing pencil and drag the icon to the active area. The system will search for available devices in the menu that opens. If your computer is running Windows 10 or 11, it may be detected automatically.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the menu may be called "Wireless Monitor" or "Wireless Display." After selecting your PC, a connection confirmation prompt will appear on your phone's screen. A window may pop up on your computer asking for permission to connect—accept it.
☑️ Connection algorithm via MIUI
If the built-in search doesn't detect your computer, it's possible that the receiving service isn't running. In Windows, this can be resolved through the Connect app, which must be activated manually or the corresponding system component must be added. Image quality in native mode is usually high, but may suffer from compression artifacts if the signal is poor.
Setting up broadcast reception in Windows
The Windows operating system has built-in functionality for receiving Miracast signals, but it may be disabled or not installed by default. To turn your laptop or PC into a wireless monitor, you need to enable the appropriate component.
Go to "Settings" → "System" → "Projecting to this PC." If the options are grayed out or indicate that the feature is not installed, click "Add optional features." Find "Wireless Display" in the list that appears and install it. The feature will be available after a reboot.
| Setting parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Projecting to this PC | Always on | Allows incoming connections |
| Require a PIN code | First time only | Protection against accidental connections |
| Request connection | Only in secure networks | Increases security |
Once set up, launch the "Connectivity" app by searching in the Start menu. The screen will turn black with a message saying "Ready to connect." Now, by searching on Xiaomi, you'll see your computer. Latency in this mode typically ranges from 100 to 300 ms, which is acceptable for video but can be disruptive in fast-paced shooters.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs or firewalls may block incoming Miracast connections. If the connection fails, temporarily disable your third-party antivirus or create an exception rule for the wireless display service.
Using third-party software: ApowerMirror and similar
When native tools are unstable or advanced features are required (screen recording, PC control), specialized programs come to the rescue. The leader in this segment is ApowerMirror, are also popular LetsView And TeamViewerThese solutions often use their own compression codecs, which can improve image quality.
To work, you need to install the client part on your computer and the application on your smartphone. XiaomiOnce launched, both devices should find each other on the local network. The advantage of such programs is their cross-platform compatibility and the ability to fine-tune the bitrate and resolution.
Why can third-party programs slow down?
Third-party apps often use software encoding of video streams, which puts a strain on the smartphone's processor. Unlike hardware encoding in native Miracast, this can cause the device to overheat and reduce FPS in games. However, they often handle unstable Wi-Fi better.
Some programs offer a USB cable connection in conjunction with Wi-Fi to transmit audio or reduce latency. This hybrid method allows you to use your phone as a full-fledged controller. It's important to choose program versions that support the protocol. ADB for complete control.
Streaming via Chromecast and Google Home
Google's ecosystem offers its perspective on the problem through technology Chromecast built-inIf you have a browser installed on your computer Google Chrome, you can broadcast a browser tab or the entire screen to a phone, and vice versa, although the "Phone -> PC" scenario is more difficult to implement here and requires intermediaries.
However, a more relevant scenario is the use of intermediary applications that emulate Chromecast on a PC, such as AirServer or ReflectorThey create a virtual Chromecast receiver that can see the phone. XiaomiA new device will appear in the "Broadcast" menu on your smartphone.
This method is good for displaying content from apps designed for the Cast protocol (YouTube, Netflix, browser). Image quality is often higher than with Miracast due to more efficient compression, but input lag may be higher due to stream buffering.
Resolving issues with latency and artifacts
Even with an ideal setup, users may experience audio and video desync or blocky images. The main enemies of wireless streaming are signal interference and bandwidth constraints. If you're streaming in 1080p or 4K, network demands increase exponentially.
- 📉 Reduce resolution: In the broadcast settings on Xiaomi Try reducing the resolution or frame rate (FPS) from 60 to 30.
- 🔌 Disable background downloads: Torrents or Steam downloads on PC can choke the bandwidth needed for video streaming.
- 📶 Bring devices closer: Make sure there are no thick concrete walls or metal structures between the router, phone and PC.
It's also worth checking if AP Isolation mode is enabled on your router, which prevents devices within the network from seeing each other. This feature is often enabled on guest Wi-Fi networks. It must be disabled for broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to stream Xiaomi screen to a computer without Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is possible via a USB cable. You'll need programs like Scrcpy or ApowerMirror in USB mode. This method ensures minimal latency and avoids compression artifacts, as data is transferred directly over the cable, bypassing the wireless interface.
Why doesn't the computer see the phone in the list of devices for streaming?
Most often, the cause is that the devices are on different networks (for example, one on 2.4 GHz, the other on 5 GHz with different SSIDs) or client isolation is enabled on the router. It's also worth checking whether the receiver app is running on the computer itself.
Does broadcasting affect my phone's battery life?
Yes, it does. Video stream encoding and the constant Wi-Fi connection drain the battery quickly. It's recommended to keep your smartphone charged during long streaming sessions.
Is there a difference in quality between HDMI cable and Wi-Fi?
Absolutely. HDMI transmits an uncompressed digital signal with zero latency. Wi-Fi always introduces compression (H.264/H.265 codec) and latency due to the nature of wireless transmission. For gaming, a cable is essential, but for viewing photos or videos, the difference may be imperceptible.