Modern smartphones, such as Xiaomi Redmi 8have powerful screens and processors, but they are not enough for a full-fledged cinema. Often there is a desire to watch a movie or series on a large TV screen using Internet resources installed on a mobile device. This is convenient when the application does not have a version for Smart TV or you want to save your browsing history only on your phone.
The process of synchronizing Android devices and the television panel may seem complicated due to the abundance of terms, but in practice it all comes down to several standard protocols. In this article, we will look in detail at how to broadcast content from Redmi 8 to a TV screen using both wireless technologies and a wired connection.
You don’t need to be an expert in network settings to configure image output. We will look at methods from the built-in function Mi Cast to the use of external adapters that guarantee a stable picture even with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
Preparing equipment and network
Before starting setup, make sure that both devices are in the same information field. For a wireless connection, it is critical that your Xiaomi Redmi 8 and Smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the router is dual-band, try to use the 5 GHz frequency for lower latency.
Check the software version on your TV. Manufacturers regularly update firmware, adding support for new codecs and data transfer protocols. Go to the TV settings menu and find the item Software update.
⚠️ Attention! If your TV does not support Smart TV or runs on an outdated operating system, wireless connection may not be possible without purchasing an additional set-top box.
It is also worth charging your smartphone to at least 50%, since the process of broadcasting video, especially in high definition, significantly consumes battery power. Redmi 8. Disable the power saving mode during setup so that the system does not limit the operation of network modules.
☑️ Check before connecting
Using the built-in Mi Cast function
The easiest way to duplicate the screen is to use a proprietary utility from Xiaomi. In the shell MIUIinstalled on Redmi 8, this function is called “Broadcast” or “Mi Cast”. It works according to the protocol Miracast, which is supported by most modern TVs.
To start, open the control panel by swiping from top to bottom and find the “Broadcast” icon. If it is not on the main screen of gestures, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Broadcast. Activate the switch and the phone will begin searching for available devices.
You may be asked to confirm the connection on the TV screen. Some models Samsung or LG require manual confirmation via the remote control to avoid unauthorized access to the screen. After confirmation, the image from the phone will appear on TV.
If the TV is not found, try rebooting the router. Sometimes the network table cache interferes with the correct detection of devices on the local network.
It is worth noting that when using this method, absolutely everything that happens on the smartphone screen is broadcast. Notifications, incoming calls and messages will be visible to all viewers in the room. To watch movies privately, it is better to use the built-in functions of specific applications.
Broadcasting through YouTube and Netflix applications
If your goal is to watch movies and not duplicate your desktop, use the built-in function Google Cast. It is available in popular applications such as YouTube, Netflix, IVI and other video services. This method often provides better picture quality than full screen duplication.
Open the application on Redmi 8 and start the video. In the upper right corner of the player, find the rectangle icon with waves - this is the broadcast button. Click on it and select your TV from the list.
Unlike Miracast, here the phone only acts as a control panel. The video stream is downloaded by the TV directly from the Internet, which reduces the load on the smartphone processor and saves battery. You can minimize the application or even lock the screen and the movie will continue to play.
| Method | Image quality | Battery consumption | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cast (Miracast) | Depends on Wi-Fi signal | High | Medium |
| Google Cast (in app) | Maximum (up to 4K) | Low | High |
| HDMI cable | Ideal | Charging in progress | Absolute |
Connecting via HDMI adapter
For users who require maximum quality and no delays, a wired connection is ideal. However, Xiaomi Redmi 8 is equipped with a connector Micro-USBand not a modern USB Type-C, which imposes certain limitations.
You will need a special adapter Micro-USB to HDMI with support for MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) technology. Not all cables support video transmission, so when purchasing, be sure to check compatibility with your phone model.
Connect the adapter to your smartphone, and then connect it with an HDMI cable to your TV. Switch the TV signal source to the appropriate port (for example HDMI 1). The image should appear automatically.
⚠️ Attention! Many budget Micro-USB adapters do not support video output from Redmi 8. Before buying an expensive adapter, check the forums or technical specifications for this particular model.
The advantage of this method is that it does not depend on Internet speed and Wi-Fi channel congestion. This is an ideal option for viewing heavy files at high bitrates, which can slow down during wireless transmission.
Why does the cable not work?
Often the problem lies in the lack of support for the MHL protocol on the part of the smartphone processor or in the use of a cheap cable that is intended only for charging and data transfer, but not for video signal.
Using external TV set-top boxes
If your TV is “stupid” or its built-in Wi-Fi module is unstable, the solution would be to buy an external set-top box. Devices based on Android TV, such as Chromecast, Mi TV Stick or Amazon Fire TV, will turn any screen with HDMI into a full-fledged smart center.
Connect the set-top box to the HDMI port of the TV and configure it according to the instructions. After that, your Redmi 8 will see it as an available device for broadcasting. The functionality will be similar to the built-in Google Cast, but with greater stability.
Some set-top boxes allow you to install applications directly on them, bypassing the phone. For example, you can install Kinopoisk or YouTube directly on the set-top box and control them from your phone like a remote control, without loading your smartphone.
This is also a great way to bypass the limitations of older TVs that do not support modern video codecs. The set-top box will take on all the work of decoding the stream.
An external set-top box is the best solution for older TVs, providing a stable 4K stream without loading the smartphone.
Solving problems with latency and quality
A common problem with wireless broadcasting is desynchronization of sound and image or “squares” on the screen. This usually indicates low bandwidth or interference.
Try moving the router closer to the TV and phone. Walls and household appliances can shield the signal. If possible, switch devices to the 5 GHz band, where there is less interference from neighboring networks.
Close background applications on Redmi 8that may consume traffic, such as torrents or cloud syncing. Freeing up the communication channel often improves the smoothness of the picture.
⚠️ Attention! Menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the MIUI version and TV model. Always check the official documentation for your specific hardware.
If all else fails, try lowering the playback quality in the application itself (for example, from 4K to 1080p). This will reduce data transfer speed requirements and can eliminate stuttering.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't the TV see my Xiaomi phone?
Make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check to see if your router's firewall is blocking local communication between devices. Also try rebooting both gadgets.
Is it possible to play games on TV via Redmi 8?
Yes, using the “Broadcast” function (Miracast). However, input lag can be noticeable, making fast-paced games uncomfortable. For games, it is better to use a wired connection or streaming services.
Does broadcasting spend a lot of internet?
When using Google Cast (via the app), the traffic goes directly to the TV, the phone only controls the process. When mirroring the screen (Miracast), the phone may consume more resources, but the amount of traffic depends on the quality of the video.
Does Redmi 8 support audio output to external TV speakers?
Yes, if the connection is successful, the sound automatically switches to the TV's audio system or the soundbar connected to it. In the phone settings, you can select the audio output device.