Streaming from your iPhone to a TV box sounds simple. But if you’ve ever tried to cast a video or mirror your screen and hit a dead end, you're not alone. With so many different streaming protocols, device brands, and content restrictions, it’s easy to get confused.

This guide clears things up. Whether you’re using a Xiaomi Mi Box, Nvidia Shield TV, or another Android TV box, here’s what actually works, what doesn’t — and how to avoid wasting your time.

 

Compatible Devices and Why They Matter

Android TV boxes come in different flavors. Xiaomi Mi Box and Nvidia Shield TV are among the most popular, but dozens of others follow the same structure. Most of them support casting via DLNA, Chromecast, or Miracast — and that’s a good starting point.

The iPhone doesn’t support Miracast. It relies on AirPlay, which only works natively with Apple devices. That means for full compatibility, you need a middleman app or solution that bridges the gap between iOS and Android TV.

Some streaming apps help solve that problem by mimicking AirPlay-like behavior or converting content to a TV-friendly format. But remember: it’s not magic — the capabilities depend on both your app and your TV box.

 

What You Can (and Can’t) Stream

Let’s get this straight — not everything can be mirrored or cast from your iPhone.

Here's a breakdown:

Works Great:

  • Personal videos (shot on your iPhone)
  • Photos from your gallery
  • Most MP3 or AAC music files stored locally
  • Non-DRM files downloaded to your device

Won’t Work (Due to DRM or Platform Limits):

  • Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.
  • Apple Fitness+ video sessions
  • Some Apple Music tracks (especially cloud-based or DRM-protected content)

That means if you’re hoping to mirror an Apple TV+ episode or your latest Netflix binge, the TV will stay black. This isn’t a bug — it’s built into how those services protect their content.

And it’s not the app’s fault, either. Even the most capable iPhone video streaming app can’t override DRM protection. Apps like DoCast make it easy to stream your own content, but they play by the rules — and those rules are set by streaming giants.

 

Understanding Screen Mirroring vs. Casting

Here’s where a lot of users get tripped up. Mirroring and casting aren’t the same thing.

  • Screen mirroring duplicates what’s on your iPhone screen in real-time.
  • Casting sends specific media (like a video or song) to play directly on your TV box — without showing your phone’s interface.

Most Android TV boxes prefer casting. But some apps support both. If you’re using a tool like DoCast, you can choose between streaming a photo album or mirroring your entire screen. Just keep in mind that screen mirroring typically requires a paid version — and it won’t stream protected content.

If you’re just sharing vacation pictures or music on the living room speakers, the free version will often be enough.

 

Privacy, Policies, and Brand Affiliations

You might see familiar brand names like Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, or Apple TV when browsing mirroring apps. But pay attention: that doesn’t mean the app is officially tied to those companies.

For example, DoCast is not affiliated with Google, Amazon, or Roku — and it says so clearly. Always read the fine print and terms of use, especially when an app interacts with your personal media.

These policies explain what’s stored, what’s not, and what kind of access the app has to your media. If it’s transparent and easy to find, that’s usually a good sign.

 

A Few Smart Tips Before You Start

Here are some quick, tested suggestions to avoid streaming headaches:

  • Make sure your iPhone and TV box are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Test playback with a local video before trying streaming services.
  • Restart both your iPhone and your Android TV box if casting fails.
  • Use apps that clearly show what’s free and what’s part of a paid tier.
  • Don’t rely on mirroring for workout apps, movies, or anything DRM-heavy.

These tips won’t fix DRM limitations — but they’ll make sure you’re not troubleshooting a simple network glitch for 30 minutes.

 

Conclusion: Know What to Expect and Enjoy the Experience

Casting your iPhone’s content to a Xiaomi Mi Box, Nvidia Shield, or any other Android-based streaming box is easier than ever — as long as you know the limits. Local media? Usually no problem. Protected content from Netflix or Apple TV+? That’s where it stops.

Apps like DoCast offer a user-friendly bridge between iPhone and TV, especially if your goal is to share photos, personal videos, or stream short music sessions. And while the paid version unlocks screen mirroring, most everyday features are accessible for free.

The bottom line? You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need the right tool and realistic expectations.