Modern smart TVs from the company Xiaomi offer users a wide range of multimedia interaction options. One of the key features that enables wireless content transmission is the technology Wi-Fi DirectIt allows you to stream images and sound from your smartphone or tablet directly to a large screen without the need for additional cables or complex router settings.
Enabling this feature may be necessary for displaying photos, watching videos from the gallery, or even playing mobile games on the TV. Despite its apparent simplicity, the setup process varies across different versions of the OS. Android TV or branded PatchWall may have its own nuances that must be taken into account for a successful connection.
In this article, we'll detail the steps required to activate the protocol and explore possible use cases. You'll learn how to properly prepare your devices, which network parameters to check first, and what to do if your TV doesn't detect your mobile device.
What is Wi-Fi Direct technology?
Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows two devices to connect directly to each other, without the need for an access point or wireless router. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, where all devices connect to a central router, here the TV Xiaomi It creates a secure network itself, to which your smartphone connects.
This technology is especially useful in situations where the home network is overloaded or temporarily unavailable. Data transfer speeds in Direct mode are often higher than with a standard router connection, ensuring more stable high-definition video streaming. 4K HDR without delays and buffering.
⚠️ Note: When actively using Wi-Fi Direct, the TV's standard internet connection may be interrupted or limited, as the Wi-Fi module switches to direct mode. Ensure that streaming services do not require an active internet connection during setup.
It is important to understand the difference between Miracast and pure Wi-Fi Direct. While they often share the same hardware components, Miracast is a video streaming protocol that runs on top of Wi-Fi Direct. On TVs Xiaomi These functions are often combined into a single wireless transmission service.
Equipment preparation and preliminary checks
Before you begin setting up your TV menu, you need to make sure both devices are ready. Your smartphone and TV must support wireless data standards no lower than Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), although for comfortable work it is recommended to have modules Wi-Fi 5 or newer.
Make sure that the corresponding communication modules are enabled on both devices. On the TV Xiaomi This is done using the remote control, and on a smartphone, through the quick settings panel. It's also worth making sure the TV's software is updated to the latest version.
☑️ Ready to connect
There's a common misconception that devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for Direct mode to work. This isn't true: a direct connection doesn't require a router; the devices will communicate directly.
Step-by-step instructions for activation on a Xiaomi TV
The activation process may vary slightly depending on your operating system version. Android TV or PatchWall, installed on your device. In most cases, the path to settings is as follows: go to the main menu and select the settings section.
Using your remote control, locate the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Select Settings, then go to the section Network and Internet or Connections. You should find the option here. Wireless display or Screen Mirroring.
After selecting the appropriate option, the system will prompt you to enable the function. Activate the switch by moving it to the position OnThe TV will start searching for available devices or go into connection standby mode.
In some TV models Xiaomi With the PatchWall shell, the settings can be hidden in the section Applications -> Wireless monitorIf the standard path doesn't work, check your list of installed applications for the presence of a system broadcast utility.
The process of connecting a smartphone to a TV
Once the TV has entered standby mode, you will need to perform the following actions on your mobile device. On smartphones running Android The function can be called differently: Broadcast, Smart View, Wireless projector or Cast.
Open the Quick Settings panel on your smartphone (swipe down from the top) and find the corresponding button. Tap it, and the phone will begin searching for available displays. Your TV should appear in the list. Xiaomi with its model or name.
- 📱 Click on the TV's name in the list of available devices on your smartphone.
- 📺 A connection confirmation message may appear on the TV screen. Select "Allow" or "Accept" using the remote.
- 🔗 Wait for the connection to be established, after which the smartphone screen will be duplicated on the TV.
For users iOS (iPhone, iPad) the situation is a little different, since not all models have native AirPlay support XiaomiIf your TV supports AirPlay 2, the process is similar: select "Screen Mirroring" in the iOS Control Center. Otherwise, you'll need to install a third-party app, such as Mi Remote or Web Video Caster.
⚠️ Note: Android and iOS interfaces may be updated, changing menu item names. If you don't see the functions described, check your smartphone manufacturer's official documentation for the current names.
Using built-in apps for broadcasting
In addition to the system screen mirroring function, TVs Xiaomi are often equipped with built-in applications for receiving content. One popular solution is to use the protocol DLNA or proprietary utilities.
You can launch the application on your TV. Mi Media or a similar media player, which will automatically switch to standby mode. In this mode, the TV will be visible in the smartphone's photo gallery or video player as an output device.
Alternative connection methods
If standard methods don't work, you can use Chromecast built-in. To do this, tap the cast icon (the rectangle with waves) in the YouTube or Netflix app on your phone and select your Xiaomi TV. This works even if the devices are on different Wi-Fi networks, but requires internet access.
The advantage of using dedicated apps is the ability to control playback from your phone without interrupting other apps. You can switch between messaging apps or answer calls while the video continues playing on the big screen.
Compatibility and characteristics table
To better understand your device's capabilities, please refer to the table below. It demonstrates the key parameters that affect Wi-Fi Direct connection quality on different TV generations. Xiaomi.
Characteristic
Basic models (Mi TV Stick/32")
Mid-range (Mi TV 4A/4X)
Flagships (Mi TV Q1/Q2)
Wi-Fi Direct support
Yes (720p/1080p)
Yes (1080p/4K)
Yes (4K HDR)
Broadcast protocols
Miracast, DLNA
Miracast, Chromecast
AirPlay 2, Miracast, Chromecast
Latency
High (>200 ms)
Average (~100 ms)
Low (<50 ms)
Signal stability
Depends on interference
Improved antenna
Dual-band module
As the table shows, more expensive models offer better performance and lower latency, which is critical not only for video but also for gaming. However, basic image output functionality is available on all devices in this lineup.
Solving common connection problems and errors
Despite the technology's refinement, users may encounter difficulties. Often, the TV Xiaomi The phone isn't detected, or the connection keeps dropping. The first step in troubleshooting is always to reboot both devices.
If the problem persists, try deleting the device from the list of saved devices on your smartphone and pairing it again. It's also worth checking whether AP Isolation mode is enabled on your router, which can block direct communication between devices, even if they're connected to the same network.
- 🔄 Restart your router, TV, and smartphone.
- 📡 Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices (it is often used for the initial handshake).
- 🛡️ Check your antivirus settings and firewalls that may be blocking local connections.
📊 Have you encountered any connection issues?Everything works perfectly.The TV doesn't see the phone.Frequent connection breaksLow image quality
In some cases, resetting the TV's network settings to factory defaults can help. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often resolves software conflicts between communication modules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play games on TV via Wi-Fi Direct with minimal latency?
For fast-paced games, latency may be noticeable. Wi-Fi Direct technology is not designed for real-time games that require high responsiveness. However, for turn-based strategy or card games, latency of 100-200 ms may be acceptable.
Why did the Internet disappear on my TV when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct?
This is normal behavior. The Wi-Fi module switches to direct connection with the phone and loses the connection with the router. To access the internet on TV during broadcasting, you will need a separate Ethernet cable or a second Wi-Fi module (if supported).
Does Xiaomi support audio transmission to external speakers via this protocol?
Yes, audio is transmitted along with the video stream. If a sound system is connected to the TV via HDMI ARC or optical output, the audio will be output to it. However, the audio compression quality over wireless transmission may be inferior to that of a wired connection.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi Direct in public places?
The connection is secured with WPA2, but the risk of data interception is higher in public places. It is not recommended to transmit confidential information or enter passwords for banking apps while streaming in public places.