How to set up Mi TV Stick via Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with photos and tips

Connecting the Mi TV Stick to the TV via a Xiaomi smartphone is not only convenient, but also provides additional customization options. Many users face difficulties when starting the device for the first time: the remote is not synchronized, Wi-Fi is not connected, the interface seems too complicated. In fact, the entire process takes no more than 10 minutes, if you know the key points.

In this article, we’ll look at all the steps of setting up, from physically connecting the Mi TV Stick to your TV to fine-tuning through the Mi Remote app or Google Home. We’ll focus on solving typical problems like no sound, network connection errors, or freezes when you upgrade. And if you have a Xiaomi smartphone with MIUI 14/15, you’ll learn how to use its unique features to simplify the process.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned user, there is some useful information for everyone, such as the Xiaomi smartphone that allows you to activate the hidden Game Turbo mode on Mi TV Stick 2nd generation, which reduces game delays by 20-30%, and this is true for those who connect Xiaomi Game Controller gamepads or play cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.

1.What you will need to set up Mi TV Stick via Xiaomi phone

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need, and without some components, the process can be delayed or impossible.

Here is the minimum set for a successful connection:

  • πŸ“Ί TV with HDMI-port (supporting at least the permit) 720p). Any model released after 2010 will be suitable.
  • πŸ”Œ Mi TV Stick (any version: Mi) TV Stick, Mi TV Stick 4K, Mi TV Make sure that the device has not previously been linked to another Xiaomi account.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi smartphone on the MIUI 12 or later (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13.Older versions may not have the right features.
  • πŸ”„ Wi-Fi router with support 2.4 GHz (required!) and 5 GHz (optional for 4K-contents, Mi Mi Mi. TV Stick does not work with mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) directly.
  • ⚑ Charger with a charger USB-port (if the TV does not provide sufficient power through the HDMI). Any power from Xiaomi is suitable 5W higher.

Also check that the latest updates are installed on Xiaomi smartphone. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update. If a new version of MIUI is available, update - this will eliminate possible bugs when setting up.

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours TV Stick was previously linked to another Xiaomi account, it will have to be reset to factory settings. To do this, when connecting to the TV, hold the Back button on the remote for 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears.

πŸ“Š What a Mi you got. TV Stick?
Mi TV Stick (Version 1)
Mi TV Stick 4K
Mi TV Stick 2 (2023)
I haven't bought it yet.
Other

2. Connecting Mi TV Stick to TV: step-by-step instruction

Let's start with the physical connection of the device, and it seems simple, but there are many people who make mistakes that then lead to problems with their work.

Sequence of action:

  1. Put Mi in. TV Stick in HDMI-TV port. Use port. HDMI 1 HDMI 2 (usually they support the CEC, If the ports are on the back, use the remote control. HDMI-extensioner.
  2. Put the power on. Use it. USB-cable from the set and connect it to either USB-port of the TV (if it gives enough power), or to the charger. TV Stick 4K require 1A current.
  3. Turn on the TV and select the signal source that corresponds to the HDMI-port to which Mi is connected TV Stick (for example, HDMI1 or HDMI2).
  4. Wait for the load. The Mi logo will appear on the screen, then the setup wizard, and if the screen is still black, check the power connection, which is the most common cause of the problem.

If the TV doesn’t recognize Mi TV Stick, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the device to another HDMI-port.
  • πŸ”Œ Use another charger (sometimes the TV doesn’t give you enough power).
  • πŸ“Ί Reboot the TV (remove the plug for 30 seconds).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for setup

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Once you've successfully connected, you'll have a customizator, and you can either use the remote from the kit or you can use the Xiaomi smartphone as the remote, and we'll look at both.

3. Set up Mi TV Stick via the Mi Remote app on Xiaomi

If the remote is lost or not working, Xiaomi’s smartphone can completely replace it, installing the official Mi Remote app and following a few simple steps.

Instructions for setting:

  1. Download the Mi Remote app. Open Google Play on a Xiaomi smartphone. Search for Mi Remote and install an app from Xiaomi Inc. Launch the app and provide all the necessary permissions (network access, location, Bluetooth).

Connect to Mi TV Stick.

  • The confirmation code will appear on the TV screen, and enter it in the Mi Remote app.
  • Now you can use your smartphone as a remote control.

Mi Remote not only supports basic features (volume change, channel switching), but also voice search, fast app launches and even gamepad mode for games. For example, you can assign touch buttons on a smartphone screen to control in NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming.

⚠️ If Mi Remote does not find Mi TV Stick, check that both devices are connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. 5GHz is not supported during the setup phase, but can be used later for streaming 4K-content.

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If you have a Xiaomi smartphone with an IR port (like the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro), you can use it as a universal remote for your TV and Mi TV Stick at the same time. To do this, in Mi Remote, select your TV model (Samsung, LG, etc.) and add it as a second device.

4.Initial setting of Mi TV Stick: language, network, account

After connecting to the TV, the Mi TV Stick will offer you to go through the initial setup, and it is important to choose the right settings to avoid problems in the future.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Language selection. English will be the default. To change: Scroll down and select Russian (or any other language you want). If Russian is not on the list, check the region of the device in the settings (Settings β†’ Device Preferences β†’ Region).
  2. Connecting to Wi-Fi. This is the most important step. If the network doesn't connect, Mi TV Stick won't be able to download apps and content. Select your network from the list. Enter a password. If the keyboard doesn't show up, use Mi Remote on your smartphone to type in. If the 5GHz network doesn't show up, restart the router or temporarily switch to 2.4GHz.
  3. Sign in to Google. Without a Google account, you can't install apps from the Play Market. Enter your account. If you don't, create a new one. If you have a "failed to connect to Google servers" error, check the date and time on Mi TV Stick (Settings β†’ Date & Time).

Voice tuning.

Optional, but useful for voice control.

  • Select Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex (if available in your area).
  • You'll need a microphone to work on your voice, and if the remote doesn't support it, use your smartphone microphone via Mi Remote.

If the sound is late (for example, in movies), try changing the Bluetooth codecs:

  • In the same Bluetooth settings, select Additional β†’ Audio codecs.
  • Mark SBC (minimum latency) or AAC (best quality).
  • For IPTV install an add-on PVR IPTV Simple Client: Kodi Settings β†’ Supplements β†’ My additions. β†’ PVR-clientele β†’ PVR IPTV Simple Client β†’ Set up Add URL yours IPTV-provider (e.g., provider, http://provider.tv/playlist.m3u).

Integration with Xiaomi Smart Home:

  • 🏠 Connect Mi. TV Stick to the Mi Home app on your smartphone.
  • Create scenarios like: When you turn on the TV, the Xiaomi Smart Lamp automatically turns on and the curtains of Xiaomi Curtain Motor close. When you start Netflix, the brightness of the lamps decreases by up to 30%.
  • Use voice commands via Alice or Google Assistant: "Okay, Google, turn on Netflix on Mi TV Stick." "Alice, put the Lord of the Rings movie on TV."

If you’re using Mi TV Stick 4K, you can configure HDR and Dolby Vision to improve picture quality.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Display and Sound β†’ Additional β†’ Color Mode.
  2. Select HDR10 or Dolby Vision (if supported by a TV).
  3. Turn on Automatic HDR Switching so that the device chooses the best mode.

πŸ’‘

The Mi TV Stick can become the center of Xiaomi’s smart home if you connect it to the Mi Home, which allows you to control the technology by voice or on a schedule directly from the TV screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Mi TV Stick without a remote?
Yes, completely. To do this, install Mi Remote or Google TV on your Xiaomi smartphone, you can use any Bluetooth gamepad or keyboard, and a USB-responsive mouse is a last resort (but it's inconvenient).
Why does Mi TV Stick not see a 5GHz Wi-Fi network?
At the initial setup stage, Mi TV Stick only works with 2.4GHz networks. Once setup is complete, you can connect to 5GHz manually: Go to Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Wi-Fi. Select your 5GHz network and enter your password.