How to connect Google Chromecast to Xiaomi Mi Box S: 3 working ways + mistake-making

Why you should connect Chromecast to Mi Box S and what it does

At first glance, the idea of pairing Google Chromecast with Xiaomi Mi Box S seems strange: both devices are designed to stream content, but work differently. First, Chromecast lets you stream content directly from mobile devices to the big screen without installing apps on the Mi Box – this is convenient if the desired application is not available in Google Play for Android. TV Or it works with errors. Second, some services (like Google Stadia or YouTube). TV) Optimized for Chromecast and can offer advanced features.

But here lies the catch: Xiaomi Mi Box S does not support Google Cast technology out of the box, as it is itself a standalone media player. Chromecast connection requires workarounds – from a physical connection through the Internet. HDMI-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including the nuances of network configuration, solving typical errors (for example, "Device not found") and compare the pros/cons of each method.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Your smartphone or tablet has been updated to the current version of Android (at least 8.0) or iOS (at least 12.0).
• 📡 Xiaomi Mi Box S and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or use guest mode if the router supports device isolation).
• 🔌 You have a free one. HDMI-port HDMI-hub (if ports are not enough).

Method 1: Physical connection through HDMI-Splitter (most reliable)

This is a good idea if your TV has only one. HDMI-The port already occupied by the Mi Box S. Chromecast connection will be required HDMI-splitter 4K (for example, OREI HDA-935 or Gana 4K@60Hz). Cheap Splitters without Support HDCP 2.2 They can block the broadcast of protected content (Netflix, Disney)+).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Mi Box S and the TV.
2. Connect the Chromecast to one of the splitter inputs and the Mi Box S to the other.
3. Connect the splitter output to HDMI-port.
4. Turn on the splitter power (if required), then the TV and both devices.
5. On the TV remote, select the source of the signal — HDMI-port to which the splitter is connected.

It has support. 4K@60Hz and HDR10|

Compatible with HDCP 2.2 (for Netflix, Amazon Prime)|

Has an external power supply (passive splitters will not work)|

Supports ARC (If you want to hear through HDMI)-->

⚠️ Note: Some splitters can add up to 50ms of input lag, which is critical for gaming. If you plan to use Google Stadia or cloud gaming, choose low-latency models.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Simultaneous use of Mi Box S and Chromecast without switching cables.
• 🎮 Supports all Chromecast features, including games and screen mirroring.
• 🔒 Stable connection without network-dependent problems.

Method 2: Chromecast software emulation on Mi Box S (without additional hardware)

If you don't want to buy a splitter, you can turn the Xiaomi Mi Box S into a "virtual" Chromecast using the LocalCast app or Web Video Caster, which emulates the Google Cast protocol, allowing you to stream content from mobile devices directly to the Mi Box.

How to set up:

1. Install LocalCast from Google Play on the Mi Box S.
2. Open the app and select “Start broadcast”.
3. On a smartphone in an app that supports Google Cast (like YouTube or Chrome), select the device “Mi Box S” [LocalCast]».

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via LocalCast, the sound can be delayed up to 0.5 seconds. For synchronization, try changing the buffer settings in Settings → Audio Sync».

Pros of the method:

• 💰 No need to purchase additional equipment.
• 📲 It works with most streaming services (except for the DRM-protected, for example, Netflix).

Cons:

• 🐢 High latency – not suitable for playing or watching sports.
• 🔍 Video quality is limited 1080p even 4K-content.
• 🔄 Frequent connection breaks with weak Wi-Fi.

Physically through HDMI-splitter|

Software Emulation (LocalCast)|

Screen Mirroring (Screen Mirroring)|

I haven't decided yet.-->

Method 3: Screen Mirroring (Screen Mirroring) Android/iOS

If your goal is to duplicate your smartphone screen to your TV via the Mi Box S, you can do without the Chromecast using the built-in Screen Mirroring (or Miracast) feature. Xiaomi Mi Box S supports this protocol, but with reservations:

Instructions for Android:

1. On Mi Box S, go to Settings → The device → Screen mirroring.
2. Turn on the "On" option.
3. On your smartphone, open “Quick settings» → «Transfer to the screen (or “Smart View” on Samsung).
4. Select the Mi Box S from the list.

Instructions for iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Make sure that the Mi Box S and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On the Mi Box S, install the AirScreen app from Google Play.
3. Open the “Control Point» → «Screen duplication on iPhone.
4. Select "Mi Box S" [AirScreen]».

💡

If mirroring is lagging, reduce the resolution of the smartphone screen to 720p in the developer settings (Settings) → System system → For developers → Minimum width).

⚠️ Note: When mirroring with an iPhone via AirScreen, sound can only be transmitted via the Mi Box S if the app settings include the option “Audio Passthrough.

Comparison with Chromecast:

• ✅ Pros: no need to buy additional devices, works without the Internet (on a local network).
• ❌ Cons: high latency (up to 1 second), fast-setting smartphone battery, not all applications support sound output.

Solving Typical Errors When Connecting

Even with the right setup, users face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If Chromecast is not defined in Google Home, try resetting it to factory settings:

1. Connect the Chromecast to the TV.
2. Press and hold the button on the device body for 25 seconds (until the indicator flashes).
3. After resetting, repeat the setting from scratch.

Chromecast vs Mi Box S: Which is Best for Streaming?

Before we combine both devices, we need to know if we should do it at all, and we'll compare their key capabilities.

When to use both devices together:

• 🎮 For cloud gaming (Stadia, Xbox Cloud) – Chromecast is optimized better.
• 📺 For streaming from mobile devices without installing apps on the Mi Box S.
• 🔄 To use two services at the same time (e.g. YouTube on Chromecast and IPTV Mi Box).

When one Mi Box S is enough:

• 📺 For IPTV and customization (installation of Kodi, TiviMate).

💡

If your main task is streaming video (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video), then the Xiaomi Mi Box S will cope better than the Chromecast, thanks to a more powerful processor and support for local files.

Additional chips: how to squeeze the most out of tandem

If you still decide to use both devices, here are some life hacks for advanced features:

1. Voice control via Google Assistant:

• 🎤 Set up Google Assistant on the Mi Box S and Chromecast to control both devices with voice. e.g., "OK Google, turn on Netflix on Chromecast" "OK Google, run Kodi on Mi Box»

Automatic switching of inputs:

• 🔄 If your TV is supported CEC (HDMI-CEC), Enable this function in the settings (Settings) → HDMI-CEC). When Chromecast is activated, the TV will automatically switch to the desired input.

PC streaming:

• 💻 Install the Google Cast extension for Chrome to stream your browser tabs or your entire desktop to Chromecast (and through a splitter to the Mi Box S).

4.Use as a second screen:

• 🖥 Windows. 10/11 You can configure the Mi Box S as a second monitor via Miracast (Settings) → System system → Projection on this PC).

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To reduce the delay when mirroring from your PC, in Miracast settings on Windows, select Game mode instead of Video.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Chromecast to Mi Box S