Connecting Xiaomi TV Box S to TV: a full guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi's console TV Box S is a compact but powerful device that can turn even an old TV into a modern smart TV with support. 4K HDR, Google Play and voice control, but many users are struggling with the connection stage: why there is no image, how to tune the sound through the receiver, or why the remote does not respond to commands. This article will help to avoid typical errors and make the most of the capabilities of the console.

We're going to look at not only the basic steps of connecting, but also the hidden settings that the manufacturer doesn't advertise, like how to turn on the developer mode to install third-party devices. APK, Why the console might be “braking” on some Samsung TVs LG. You will also learn which cables and adapters may be needed for non-standard situations (for example, connecting to a projector or monitor without a computer). HDMI).

If you just unpacked the box with Xiaomi TV Box S — start with the first partition. If you already have problems (no sound, no Wi-Fi, the console does not see the flash drive), immediately go to the appropriate item through the table of contents.

1.Preparation and preparation for connection

Before you start setting up, make sure all components from the box are in place. Xiaomi standard trim TV Box S (MDZ-26-AB) include:

• 📦 The very console Xiaomi TV Box S (black or white)
• 🔌 Power supply with cable (important: original adapter on the 5V/2A)
• 📺 HDMI-cable (usually 2.0 or 2.1 versions)
• 🎮 Remote control with batteries (type) AAA)
• 📄 Short instructions (often in several languages, but without details)

The absence of at least one element is an excuse to go to the store. The original power supply is especially critical: the use of uncertified chargers can lead to overheating or unstable operation of the console.

Also prepare:

• 📺 Free port TV HDMI (preferably 2.0 higher 4K@60Hz)
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (via Wi-Fi 5 GHz or Ethernet cable)
• 🔌 Outlet next to the TV (the console does not have a built-in battery)
• ⚡ If necessary: adapter HDMI → DVI or HDMI → VGA (old-screen)

⚠️ Note: If your TV is released before 2012 and does not support HDMI, Xiaomi connection TV Box S is only possible through the adapter HDMI on AV (RCA). In this case, the maximum permit will be 720p, The sound will have to be output separately through 3.5 mm jack.

2. Connecting the console to the TV: step-by-step instructions

Now, to the process of the connection, follow the instructions in strict order to avoid the typical errors.

1. Step 1. Connect the power supply Insert the power supply plug into the connector DC 5V You can put it on the back of the console and the plug in the socket. Make sure the indicator is on the front of Xiaomi. TV Box S lights up white or blue. red indicator signals power error.
2. Step 2. Connect the set-top box and the TV. HDMI-Connect one end of the cable to the port HDMI OUT on the prefix, and the other to the free HDMI IN Remember the port number (for example, on the TV, HDMI 1 HDMI ARC), You have to choose a TV Later on your TV.
3. Step 3. Turn on the TV and select the signal source On the TV remote, press the Source (or Input) button and select the port HDMI, If the image doesn't appear, try rebooting the console by holding the power button on the case for 10 seconds.
4. Step 4: Set up the remote, Insert the batteries into the remote (if you haven't done it before) and press any button to wake the console. TV.

If something goes wrong at some point, check:

Is it tightly inserted? HDMI-cable?|Is the power supply connected to the socket?|Select the right signal source on the TV?|Does the indicator on the console burn?|Have you tried to reboot the console with a button on the body?-->

If the console is on, but the image is flickering or blurry, the problem may be incompatibility of resolutions.

3. Setting screen resolution and refresh rate

By default, Xiaomi TV The Box S tries to automatically determine the optimal resolution for your TV, but sometimes auto-tuning fails, especially on non-standard TVs (e.g., TVs with non-standard resolutions, 1366×768). In this case, you need to manually set the parameters.

To change the permit:

1. Go to Settings → Display and Sound → Screen Resolution.
2. Choose one of the resolutions you've got. Most of today's TVs are the best. 3840×2160 (4K) @60Hz.
3. If there is no signal after changing the screen, wait 15 seconds - the console will automatically return to the previous settings.

The important thing is that if your TV supports you 4K, not supportive 60 Hz at this resolution (e.g. budget models) TCL or Hisense, select 3840×2160 @30Hz. Otherwise, the image will be slowed down.

Critical point: if after changing the resolution, the screen is out and does not recover, wait 20 seconds - the console should automatically reset. If this does not happen, turn off the power for 1 minute and try again.

💡

If your TV supports Dolby Vision, but in the settings Xiaomi TV Box S is not available, upgrade the console firmware to the latest version. Dolby Vision support only appeared in updates after March 2023.

4. Sound tuning: HDMI, SPDIF Bluetooth

Sound is one of the most common problems when connecting Xiaomi TV Box S. Let’s look at all possible scenarios:

🔊 Option 1: Sound through HDMI (simple)

If the console is connected to the TV or receiver through HDMI, The sound has to be transmitted automatically, but sometimes it can go away:

• 🔄 Switch over. HDMI-TV ports (sometimes one port does not transmit sound).
• 🔊 In the console menu go to Settings → Display and sound → Sound. → Exit HDMI and choose Auto or PCM.
• 🔄 If there is a sound, but it is quiet, turn off the Dynamic Volume or Night Mode function in the settings of the TV.

🎵 Option 2: Sound through SPDIF (optic)

If you connect the console to the audio system or sound panel through SPDIF:

1. Connect the optical cable to the port SPDIF OUT prefixed.
2. In the sound settings, select Exit SPDIF → Auto or PCM (If your audio system does not support Dolby Digital).
3. Make sure the correct signal source is on at the other end of the cable.

📱 Option 3: Wireless audio via Bluetooth

Xiaomi's console TV Box S supports audio output to Bluetooth headphones or speakers:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the search mode and select your device from the list.
3. After connecting in the audio settings, select Bluetooth Output.

⚠️ Note: When using Bluetooth headphones, there may be a delay in sound (lag) to 200-300 This is critical for games or movies with fast dialogue. To solve the problem, try using headphones that support aptX Low Latency codecs or LC3.

5. Internet connection: Wi-Fi or Ethernet?

Xiaomi TV Box S supports two ways to connect to the network: over Wi-Fi (dual range). 2.4/5 GHz) and via Ethernet cable (connector) RJ-45 What's the option to choose?

To connect to Wi-Fi:

1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Select your network from the list and enter your password.
3. If the 5GHz network is not displayed, make sure your router supports this range.

To connect via cable, simply insert the Ethernet cable into the appropriate port. The console will automatically determine your network settings (if you have one). DHCP).

⚠️ Note: If you are watching the video in 4K on YouTube or Netflix there are slowdowns, but the Internet speed is high, try in the settings of the console to disable the option Hardware acceleration of video (Settings) → Annexes → Special facilities → Disable hardware acceleration. This could solve the codec driver problem.

6. First setup and account login

Once connected to the Internet, the console will prompt the initial setup, which involves:

1. Language selection – we recommend you to choose Russian (if it is not in the list, update the firmware).
2. Connect to the network – if you haven’t done it before.
3. Signing into a Google account is a must-have step to access Google Play.
4. Setting up a voice assistant – you can skip it if you don’t plan on using Google Assistant.
5. System Update – It is highly recommended to install all available updates.

If you don't have a Google account, you can create it right on the console, but it's more convenient to do it in advance on your computer or smartphone, and once you log in, you'll have access to install apps from Google Play.

The important point: if you use VPN on a router or console, some services (for example, Netflix or Disney)+) They can block access. VPN or set exceptions for these applications.

💡

Without a Google account, you can't install apps from the official store, but you can get around that by installing a Google account. APK-files manually through a file manager or ADB.

7. Application Installation and Performance Optimization

One of the main reasons for buying Xiaomi TV Box S is a huge number of apps that you can access through Google Play, but not all apps are optimized for TV, and some apps can run unstable:

📥 Installation of applications

• 🎬 For video: YouTube, Netflix, Kodi, TVZavr (for Russian channels).
• 🎮 For games: NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, RetroArch (emulators).
• 📺 For IPTV: TiviMate, Perfect Player, Lazyman (for satellite TV).

To install the application:

1. Open Google Play on the main screen.
2. Enter the name of the application in the search.
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.

⚡ Optimizing productivity

Xiaomi TV Box S is equipped with an Amlogic processor S905X3 And 2GB of RAM, which is enough for most tasks, but over time, the console can start to brake:

• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly: Settings → Annexes → Select the application → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary apps (especially those that work in the background).
• 🔄 Reload the console once in a while. 2-3 daytime).
• 🛠️ Turn off auto-run of unnecessary services: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

If the console is very warm, make sure it is on a level surface with good ventilation. Avoid placing in closed cabinets or near heat sources.

8. Solving typical problems

Even after you've set it up properly, you can have problems.

🖥️ No picture on the TV.

• Check that you have chosen the right one. HDMI-TV-in.
• Try another one. HDMI-cables (sometimes cheap cables don't support them) 4K).
• Turn off the console from power for 1 minute, then turn it on again.
• If a receiver is used or AV-receiver, make sure it is on and configured to the correct input.

🔇 No sound.

• Check the sound settings in Settings → Display and sound → Sound.
• If you use HDMI ARC, Make sure this feature is enabled in the TV settings.
• Try to switch the exit. HDMI auto-on PCM.

🌐 Wi-Fi or Internet is not working

• Reboot the router.
• Check if the router is not enabled client isolation mode (it can block the connection of the console).
• If you use 5 GHz, try switching to 2.4 GHz (sometimes more stable).
• Update the router's firmware.

🎮 The remote is down.

• Check the batteries (even if they are new, they may be discharged).
• Make sure there are no obstacles between the console and the console (glass, metal).
• Reconnect the remote: press the Menu buttons + OK 5 seconds.
• If the remote is damaged, you can use the remote app on your smartphone (for example, Mi Remote).

If none of the methods helped, try to reset the console to the factory settings: → The device → Reset settings. Remember, this will delete all installed apps and account data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV Box S