Modern smart TVs allow you to completely eliminate the need for HDMI cables, turning your living room into a real cinema. If you own the equipment Xiaomi Mi TV, then you have several effective ways to stream content directly from your computer's hard drive. This is not only convenient, but also eliminates the need to search for adapters or run wires across the room.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to set up a wireless connection between PC And TV on your local network. You'll learn about the benefits of DLNA technology, the features of Miracast, and the capabilities of third-party apps for high-quality video playback. Proper setup will ensure a stable picture without lag or stuttering.
To get started, you only need a router that supports the standard. Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 and the devices connected to it. It's important that both devices are on the same subnet, which is a prerequisite for them to be able to discover each other. Below, we'll look at a step-by-step algorithm for each data transfer method.
⚠️ Attention: If your router supports the Guest Network feature, make sure your TV and computer are not connected to it, as client isolation can block data transfer between devices.
DLNA Technology: Basic Streaming Setup
The most common and universal way is to use the protocol DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). This technology is built into the Windows operating system and allows you to share folders with media files for access from other devices on the network. TVs Xiaomi Android TV or PatchWall devices have a built-in media player that automatically scans the network for servers.
To activate the feature, go to the Windows Control Panel and find the "Streaming Media Settings" section. Here, enable streaming and select your device from the list. TVOnce access is confirmed, files in the "Videos," "Music," and "Pictures" folders will become available for playback. The system allows flexible access rights configuration for each connected device.
If the standard Windows tools don't detect your TV, the issue may be with your network profile. Make sure your current network is set to "Private" and not "Public," as the latter will block device discovery. You should also check your firewall settings, as this may be blocking incoming connections to the media service.
⚠️ Attention: The Windows Settings interface may differ depending on the version (10 or 11), so the location of menu items may change. Always check your OS's help for up-to-date paths.
Using the built-in Gallery app on Xiaomi
Televisions Xiaomi Mi TV Equipped with their own software, which simplifies searching for content on the local network. The "Gallery" or "Media" app (the name may vary depending on the firmware version) automatically fetches available DLNA servers. You don't need to install any additional software on your TV; simply configure the source correctly.
After enabling streaming on your computer, launch the media viewing app on your TV. Your PC should appear under "Sources" or "Devices." Navigate to it to see the folder structure. Navigation is handled using a standard remote control, making the process as simple and intuitive as possible, even for inexperienced users.
However, please note that the built-in player may not support some rare audio codecs or complex subtitle formats. If the video plays without sound or is out of sync, try adjusting the audio output settings on your computer or using a third-party player on the TV itself, as discussed below.
☑️ Check DLNA settings
Screen projection via Miracast and WiDi
If you need to broadcast not just a file, but the contents of the entire screen, for example, to watch a video in a browser or a presentation, use the technology MiracastIn Windows 10 and 11, it's implemented as the "Connect" feature. TVs Xiaomi support this protocol natively, it is often called "Wireless Monitor" or "Screen Mirroring".
To launch, press the key combination Win + K on the keyboard. The system will begin searching for available displays. Select your TV from the list, and your desktop image will be mirrored on the large screen. Image quality will depend on the strength of your Wi-Fi router and the distance between the devices, as the video stream is transmitted in real time.
This method is convenient because it doesn't require pre-configuring shared folders. You simply see what's happening on the monitor on your TV. However, this method may not be suitable for gaming due to the inevitable input lag, which is noticeable during fast-paced scenes.
| Method | Picture quality | Delay | Subtitle support |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLNA | Maximum (original) | No | Depends on the player |
| Miracast | Compressed (depending on signal) | Yes (0.5-2 sec) | Full (like on PC) |
| HDMI cable | No losses | Minimum | Full |
Installing third-party players: VLC and MX Player
Built-in playback tools are sometimes limited in formats. For enhanced capabilities, it is recommended to install them on a TV. Xiaomi advanced media player, for example, VLC for Android or MX PlayerThese apps are available in the Google Play Store, which is integrated into the Android TV system.
After installing VLC, launch the application and go to the "Local Network" or "UPnP/DLNA" tab. The player will automatically detect shared folders on your computer. Its main advantage is built-in support for virtually all existing codecs and the ability to load external subtitle files stored in the same folder as the movie.
VLC also lets you control playback from your smartphone using a dedicated remote app. This eliminates the need to constantly hold the TV's remote and search for the right button on the screen. The app's functionality allows you to create playlists and adjust the equalizer.
What to do if VLC doesn't detect your computer?
Make sure VLC media player is allowed to access both private and public networks in Windows Firewall. Also, check that the Function Discovery Resource Publishing service is enabled in Windows Services.
Organizing your media library with Kodi
For true home theater enthusiasts, installing a media center is the ideal solution. KodiThis is a powerful platform that doesn't just play files but also creates a beautiful library with posters, cast descriptions, and ratings. Installation is via Google Play or by downloading the APK file.
Kodi allows you to add your computer as a media source (SMB or UPnP). After scanning, the program will automatically download movie covers and organize them. The interface is fully adapted for remote control, and the audio and video customization options are virtually limitless.
A unique feature of Kodi is its support for add-ons that can download movie information from online databases. This transforms a simple file list into a fully-fledged streaming service interface. However, initial setup can take some time and require careful exploration of the menu.
⚠️ Attention: When using the SMB protocol to connect to a PC, make sure that SMB 1.0 support is enabled on the computer (if the router or TV is old) or, conversely, disabled if modern SMB 2/3 security standards are required.
Solving buffering and quality issues
A common issue with wireless streaming is intermittent buffering or a drop in image quality. This is often due to Wi-Fi congestion or a weak signal. If your router is far from your TV, try using a Wi-Fi repeater or reconfiguring your access point.
It's also worth checking if anyone on the network is downloading torrents or large files, which could clog up the bandwidth. For viewing 4K video, it's recommended to use the following range: 5 GHz, which provides higher throughput compared to 2.4 GHzMake sure your router supports this standard.
If problems persist, try lowering the bitrate of the streamed video or re-encoding the file to a lighter format. Sometimes, rebooting the router, which may have accumulated errors in its network tables, helps. Regularly updating your TV's firmware can also improve connection stability.
Why is 4K video lagging?
Your Wi-Fi connection may not be fast enough to stream high-bitrate videos (over 50 Mbps). In this case, use a LAN cable or stream the file in Full HD.
Comparison of connection methods
The connection method you choose depends on your goals. If you need to quickly share a photo or document, Miracast is suitable. For watching a movie in the evening, it's better to set up DLNA or use Kodi for maximum convenience. Each method has its advantages for specific use cases.
Remember that a quality Wi-Fi network is the foundation for all wireless methods. Investing in a good router often solves 90% of connectivity issues with smart devices. Modern standards allow for lossless content transmission, comparable to a wired connection.
Experiment with different players and settings to find the perfect balance between image quality and ease of use. Xiaomi provides a wide range of tools for this, while remaining one of the most flexible platforms on the market.
Why doesn't the computer see the TV in the list of devices?
Most often, the problem lies in different networks. Make sure both devices are connected to the same router (not a guest network). Also, make sure the SSDP service is enabled on your PC and network discovery is enabled in the "Private Network" profile.
Is it possible to transmit sound to external speakers via Wi-Fi?
Yes, if you use Miracast, the audio will be transmitted along with the video. When using DLNA, the audio is decoded by the TV. To output audio to an external system via Wi-Fi (such as AirPlay 2 or Chromecast built-in), the TV must support these features.
What video format is best for Xiaomi TV?
The optimal formats are MKV and MP4 with the H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) video codec and AAC or AC3 audio. These formats are supported by the hardware and play without additional load on the processor.
Is internet required for DLNA to work?
No, internet access is not required. It's enough for the router to create a local network to which the computer and TV are connected. Even without internet access, the devices will find each other using their local IP addresses.