Modern smart TVs Xiaomi And Redmi offer a variety of ways to connect mobile devices, but one of the most useful and often overlooked remains the technology Wi-Fi DirectThis protocol allows you to stream video and audio directly from your smartphone or tablet to a large screen, eliminating the need for a home router or complex local network setup. For many users, the elimination of the need to find and connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network is the deciding factor when choosing a streaming method.
However, unlike classic TVs, the interface Android TV, on which the models are based Xiaomi, you won't find a separate "Enable Wi-Fi Direct" button in the traditional sense. This feature is deeply integrated into system services and is activated automatically when attempting to mirror your screen. Understanding this nuance will save you from searching for a non-existent switch in the settings menu. Below, we'll discuss how to properly initiate this process and what alternatives exist for different operating systems.
It's worth noting that connection stability directly depends on the firmware version and model of your TV. In some cases, a system software update or the installation of specialized apps may be required for proper operation. Technology operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, providing a high enough data transfer rate for watching high-definition videos without delays.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and how does it work on Android TV?
Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows devices to connect directly to each other without using an access point or router. In the context of televisions Xiaomi with the operating system Android TVThis protocol underlies the "Cast" or "Wireless Display" feature. When you try to display an image from your smartphone, the TV creates a temporary virtual network to which your mobile device connects.
The main advantage of this approach is that it doesn't rely on the signal quality of your home's main internet connection. Even if your router is overloaded or located far away, the direct connection between your phone and TV will remain stable. This is especially important for watching heavy 4K content, where every megabit of bandwidth counts. Protocol provides connection encryption so your personal data remains protected during your session.
It is important to understand the difference between DLNA And Wi-Fi DirectWhile DLNA requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network and is often used to transfer media files through an intermediary app, Direct Connection creates a mirrored copy of the screen in real time. This allows you to display not only photos and videos from your gallery, but also game interfaces, browsers, and any other apps open on your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: On some TV models Xiaomi With older versions of Android TV, the feature may be called "Miracast" or "Wireless Display." If you don't see the casting option, check for system updates in the settings menu.
Technically, the process is as follows: the TV goes into standby mode to search for devices, and the smartphone scans the air for available displays. Once paired, a direct P2P (Point-to-Point) connection is established. Data transfer speeds in this mode can reach 250 Mbps or more, which is sufficient for streaming video.
Preparing your Xiaomi TV for connection
Before attempting to connect your smartphone and TV, you must ensure that the TV box or built-in system Xiaomi Ready to receive a signal. Unlike older models, modern Android devices don't require manual discovery—it's activated by Google Cast services. However, there are some nuances that can block the connection.
First, check that the Wi-Fi module on the TV itself is enabled. Even if you plan to use a direct connection, the radio module must be active. Go to the menu Settings → Network & Internet and make sure the Wi-Fi switch is in the "On" position. Without this step, the TV will not be able to create a hotspot for your phone.
It's also worth paying attention to the Wi-Fi operating mode. Some routers and TVs support frequency splitting. If your smartphone only operates on the 2.4 GHz band, but the TV is attempting to initiate a 5 GHz connection (or vice versa), detection issues may occur. It's recommended to combine networks in your router settings (if you're using it for initial app syncing) or explicitly select a single frequency.
☑️ Check TV readiness
Another important aspect is the presence of a built-in application ChromecastOn TVs Xiaomi It's built into the system by default. If you've removed it or disabled it, the wireless streaming feature won't work. Go to the section Applications and find "Chromecast built-in" or "Cast." Make sure the app isn't disabled and has the necessary permissions.
Instructions: How to start a broadcast from an Android smartphone
The process of connecting an Android smartphone to a TV Xiaomi The system's developers have simplified it as much as possible. Since both devices often run on the same platform, searching and pairing are almost instantaneous. You don't need to enter passwords or IP addresses if the devices are within range.
To begin, pull down the notification shade on your smartphone and find the icon Broadcast, Smart View (on Samsung) or Projection (on Xiaomi/Redmi). Tapping it will cause your phone to search for available displays. Your TV should appear on the list. XiaomiClick on it, and in a few seconds the image from your phone screen will appear on the TV.
If the automatic search does not yield results, you can use the application Google HomeIt's the official tool for managing Chromecast devices. Open the app, click the "Cast Screen" button, and select your TV from the list of devices. This method is often more stable as it uses updated Google protocols.
- 📱 Make sure Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled on your smartphone—this helps you find nearby devices faster.
- 📡 If the TV is not visible, try restarting the Wi-Fi module on your phone (turn it off and on).
- 🔌 Check if your TV is in Energy Saving mode, which may limit the operation of network modules.
- 🔄 Make sure you have the latest version of Google Play services installed on your smartphone.
It is worth considering that when using Wi-Fi Direct Screencasting may drain your smartphone's battery faster than usual. This is due to the high load on the video encoding processor and data transfer module. For extended viewing sessions, it is recommended to keep your phone connected to a charger.
What to do if there is a sound delay?
If you notice audio and video desync, try changing the image quality from "High" to "Standard" in the streaming settings on your phone. This will reduce the load on the channel and reduce buffering, which often eliminates audio lag.
Connecting Apple devices (iPhone and iPad) to Xiaomi TV
Equipment owners Apple can also take advantage of the capabilities of their televisions Xiaomi, however, the situation here is Wi-Fi Direct It looks different. The AirPlay protocol, used by default in iOS, isn't a direct analogue of Miracast, but modern Xiaomi TVs often have built-in AirPlay 2 support. If your model supports this feature, connecting is just as easy as with Android.
Check your TV's specifications or settings for AirPlay support. If it doesn't support AirPlay built-in, you'll need to install a dedicated app from the Google Play Store on your TV, such as AirScreen or AirPinThese programs emulate an AirPlay receiver, making the iPhone think it's connecting to an Apple device.
After installing the emulator app on your TV, open "Screen Mirroring" in the Control Center on your iPhone. The name of your TV or the currently running app will appear in the list of available devices. Tap it to start casting. Image quality will depend on the power of your TV's processor, as it will be decoding the AirPlay stream using software.
| Parameter | Android (Miracast/Cast) | Apple (AirPlay) | DLNA (All OS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need a router | No (Direct) / Yes (Cast) | Yes (usually) | Yes |
| Delay | Minimum | Average | High |
| Quality | Up to 1080p/4K | Up to 4K HDR | Depends on the file |
| Battery charge | High consumption | Average consumption | Low consumption |
For example, Dolby Atmos audio may not work, or you may experience intermittent connection drops due to a poor signal. Native AirPlay 2 support is only available on new Xiaomi TV models with Android TV 9.0 and above.
Using third-party apps for broadcasting
If the system's standard tools aren't up to the task or you want more advanced functionality, third-party apps can help. Google Play on TV Xiaomi offers a variety of solutions that can improve connection stability or add support for specific file formats. This is especially relevant for older TV models, where standard protocols don't work correctly.
One of the most popular solutions is the application AirScreenIt's universal and supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast, and DLNA protocols simultaneously. Once installed on your TV, it creates a virtual receiver that's visible to all devices within range. This turns your Xiaomi TV into a full-fledged media hub, compatible with almost any gadget.
Another powerful tool is the app Web Video CasterIt allows you to stream video directly from your phone's browser to your TV, bypassing buffering on the phone. In this case, the phone acts only as a remote control, while the TV downloads and plays the stream itself, significantly saving battery life and reducing the load on the smartphone's Wi-Fi module.
- 📺 LocalCast - great for playing video files stored in your phone's memory, with subtitle support.
- 🎮 ApowerMirror — allows you to not only broadcast your screen, but also control your phone with the TV remote, which is convenient for gaming.
- 📂 X-plore File Manager — has a built-in DLNA server function, allowing you to open files from your phone directly on the TV.
When installing third-party software, pay attention to the permissions it requests. Apps require access to the local network and microphone (for voice search in some cases), but requests for access to contacts or SMS should raise red flags. Always download apps only from the official Google Play store to avoid malware.
⚠️ Note: The interface and feature availability in emulator apps may change after developer updates. If a feature stops working after an update, try clearing the app cache in your TV settings.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often face difficulties when setting it up Wi-Fi Direct or broadcast on Xiaomi TVThe most common problem is that the TV simply doesn't detect the phone or the connection keeps dropping. In most cases, this can be resolved by checking the basic network settings and rebooting the devices.
If your devices are on the same network but can't see each other, try temporarily disabling the "AP Isolation" feature on your router. This feature is designed for security on public networks and prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other. In home environments, it often interferes with broadcast protocols.
It's also worth checking your date and time settings. If the time on your TV and smartphone differs by more than a few minutes, security certificates may be blocking the connection. Set up automatic time synchronization via the internet in both devices' settings (Settings → Date & Time → Automatically adjust).
In some cases, resetting the network settings on your TV can help. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Reset network settingsThis will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often resolves issues with frozen network services. After the reset, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TV without internet?
Yes, Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast) technology does not require an active internet connection via a router. The TV and smartphone create a direct wireless network between each other. However, if you use the Chromecast feature through the Google Home app, initial setup and device discovery may require a shared Wi-Fi network.
Why is there sound but no image (black screen) when streaming video from a phone?
This often happens when trying to stream protected content (DRM) from apps like Netflix or IVI using the "Screen Mirroring" feature. Only the app on the TV has the rights to display the video. In this case, you need to launch the app directly on the Smart TV and use your phone as a remote, or use the built-in "Cast" feature within the player itself, rather than the entire screen.
Does Wi-Fi Direct affect the speed of the main internet?
When using pure Wi-Fi Direct mode (without a router), home internet speeds aren't affected because traffic flows directly between devices. However, if streaming is done through a router (Cast), the channel may become overloaded, especially when streaming 4K video. In this case, internet speeds on other devices may temporarily decrease.
How to improve image quality during broadcasting?
Quality depends on signal strength and channel congestion. Try moving your smartphone closer to the TV. If you're using the 2.4 GHz band, switch to 5 GHz if both devices support it. Also, close any unnecessary apps on your phone that could be consuming background data.