Xiaomi TV set-top box TV Stick (or Mi) TV Stick โ a compact device that turns any TV with a HDMI-port to smart TV. You can use it to watch movies in 4K HDR, Play games, stream services, even run a smart home, but to unlock the full potential of a device, you need to set it up properly.
This article will help you understand all the nuances from the first connection to hidden functions that are not written about in the official instructions. TV Stick (including the Google Assistant version), Mi Box S and other current devices line.
Preparation for the first launch: what to check before connecting
Before connecting Xiaomi TV Stick to the TV, make sure you have everything you need. Often users face problems due to a banal lack of cables or an inappropriate connector.
Here is the minimum set to start:
- ๐บ TV with HDMI-port (preferably version 2.0 or higher for support) 4K). If there are several ports, choose one that is marked as HDMI ARC โ It provides the best sound quality.
- ๐ Xiaomi power supply (included).Do not use smartphone charging - they may not provide the right current (5V/1A or 5V/2And depending on the model).
- ๐ถ Wi-Fi router with support for 5 GHz (for stable streaming) 4K). If the router is old model, the console will "brake" at high resolutions.
- ๐ฎ The remote control (included) If it is lost, you can control the console through the Mi Remote app on your smartphone.
Also check if there is a function on the TV. CEC (It is called Anynet.+, Bravia Sync or Simplink. It lets you control the console from the TV remote. If the function is disabled, turn it on in the settings of the TV, it will save time.
โ ๏ธ Note: If your TV is released before 2012, it may not have enough power to process the signal from the console, in which case the image may "break" or not show at all.
Connecting Xiaomi TV Stick to the TV: step-by-step instructions
The connection process takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow the algorithm.
- Put the console in. HDMI-If the ports are too close to each other, use the port. HDMI-Extensioner (combined with some models).
- Connect the power supply to the console. USB-TV port for power โ this can cause unstable work.
- Turn on the TV and select the signal source that corresponds to the HDMI-port to which the console is connected (usually the Source or Input button on the remote control).
- Wait for the download. The Mi logo will appear on the screen. TV, And then the master of the initial setup.
If the image does not appear:
- ๐ Check if it's tightly inserted HDMI-cable.
- ๐ Try another one. HDMI-TV-port.
- ๐บ Make sure the TV supports you. HDCP 2.2 (without this there will be no reproduction) 4K-content from Netflix, Disney+ and other services).
If the console doesn't turn on at all, check the power supply - it may be faulty. Also try to connect it to another TV to rule out a problem with the port.
โ๏ธ Checklist before first launch
Initial configuration: language, network and account
After the first switch on, the console will offer to pass the initial setup wizard, and it is important to choose the right settings to avoid problems in the future.
Step 1: Choosing a language
- ๐ In the list of languages, find Russian (if not, select English and change the settings later).
- ๐ If the language is not available, check the region of the console. After setting up, go to Settings โ The device โ Region and choose Russia.
Step 2: Connecting to Wi-Fi
- ๐ถ Select your network from the list. If you don't have a network, check if the Wi-Fi on the console is on (sometimes it shuts down by default).
- ๐ Enter your password. If the keyboard on the screen is uncomfortable, use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone to type in.
- ๐ก For better stability, select the 5GHz band (if the router supports it). There may be a separate item on the Wi-Fi menu on the console. 5G Network.
Step 3: Log in to your account
- ๐ค The system will suggest logging into a Google or Mi Account. If you do not have an account, register it on your smartphone in advance, this will speed up the process.
- ๐ If you do not want to link your account, click Skip, but note: without it there will be no access to Google Play and data synchronization.
- ๐ฑ For convenience, you can enter through QR-code (option will appear on the screen) scan it with a smartphone with the Google app installed.
Once the setup wizard is complete, the console will be ready to go, but it's worth taking a few more steps to make it comfortable.
Optimizing Your Image and Sound: How to Get the Most Out of Your Business 4K HDR
The default prefix Xiaomi TV Stick may not be using all the features of your TV, but to make the picture clear and the sound volumetric, you have to manually adjust several settings.
Setting up the screen resolution:
- Go to Settings โ Display and Sound โ Screen Resolution.
- Choose the maximum resolution supported by your TV: ๐บ 3840ร2160 (4K) @60Hz - if the TV supports 4K and HDMI 2.0. ๐ฅ๏ธ 1920ร1080 (Full HD) @60Hz for TVs without TVs 4K.
If the image disappears after changing the resolution, wait 15 seconds - the console will return to the previous settings.
Inclusion HDR Dolby Vision and:
- ๐จ In the same menu (display and sound) find the item HDR If the option is inactive, check if your TV supports it. HDR10.
- ๐ For sound, choose Dolby Digital Plus (if the TV or sound system supports it) to improve the sound quality of the movies.
Colour calibration:
- ๐๏ธ On the display menu. โ Alternatively, find Color Mode. Most TVs are optimal for Standard Mode or Movie Mode.
- ๐ If the colors seem too saturated, try calibrating them manually using test images (you can find YouTube for "TV calibration").
| Parameter | Recommended value | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 3840ร2160 @60Hz | Maximum clarity for 4K-television |
| HDR | On. | Wide dynamic range (bright lights, deep shadows) |
| Color mode | Standard or Cinema | Natural color reproduction without distortion |
| Sound format | Dolby Digital Plus | Volume Sound in Movies and Games |
โ ๏ธ Attention: If, after activation, HDR The image gets too dark, check the brightness settings on the TV. Some models automatically lower the backlight in mode. HDR. Corrected in the TV menu (usually Image Settings) โ Illumination).
Installation and configuration of applications: what you need to know
By default, Xiaomi TV Stick preinstalled basic apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and others, but you'll need to install additional services to make it fully operational.
How to install applications:
- Open the Google Play Store (the icon on the home screen).
- In the search bar, enter the name of the desired application (for example, Kodi, Twitch, IVI).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
Installation problems and their solutions:
- ๐ซ "Device not certified" - an error occurs if the console has not passed Google certification. Solution: go to Settings โ The device โ Certification and follow the instructions on the screen.
- ๐ The application is not installed - check the free space (minimum 500 MB). Uninstall unnecessary programs in Settings โ Annexes.
- ๐ No access to Google Play โ if you missed logging into your Google account when setting up, go to Settings โ Accounts and login and add it.
Hidden Application Opportunities:
- ๐ฌ YouTube can enable cinema mode (in playback settings) to remove recommendations and leave only videos.
- ๐ฎ Google Play Games have cloud games that donโt require powerful hardware โ perfect for consoles.
- ๐ In Kodi, you can configure access to local files over the network (SMB), if you have NAS or a computer with shared folders.
If the application is not available in Google Play, it can be installed manually through the APK-- For that, file:
- Download. APK on USB-cloud-storage.
- Connect the flash drive to the console (through OTG-cable if not USB-port).
- Open the File Manager (if not, install it). FX File Explorer, find it. APK and start the installation.
- In the security settings, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings โ Security โ Unknown sources).
๐ก
If the console is slowing down when you start applications, clear the cache: Settings โ Annexes โ [programme] โ Clear the cache. It'll speed up the work without deleting the data.
Remote setting and alternative control methods
Standard remote from Xiaomi TV Stick is convenient, but not always at hand. Luckily, there are several ways to operate the console without it.
Configuring the standard remote:
- ๐ If the remote doesnโt work, check the batteries (they come with a kit, but quickly sit down).
- ๐ To reset the remote, press and hold the Home buttons. + Back in 5 seconds.
- ๐ค If you have a microphone on the remote (models with Google Assistant), set up voice search in Settings. โ The device โ Voice search.
Alternative management options:
- ๐ฑ Mi Remote (available for Android and iOS) is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and has a virtual keyboard and touchpad.
- ๐ฎ Gamepads (e.g. Xbox Controller or DualShock) are connected via Bluetooth in the Settings menu โ Devices โ Bluetooth.
- ๐ฑ๏ธ Mouse and keyboard (via Bluetooth or USB-OTG). Convenient for text input and working with Kodi.
Setting up CEC (remote control):
- Turn it on. CEC in the settings of the TV (the name of the function is different: Anynet)+ For Samsung, Bravia Sync for Sony).
- On the console, go to Settings โ Display and sound โ HDMI CEC and turn on the option.
- Now the buttons Up/down/OK on the remote from the TV will work with the console.
If the remote is lost and the Mi Remote app is not connected, you can use it. USB-keyboard for navigation. Connect it through OTG-cable and use arrow keys to control.
How to connect the DualShock 4 gamepad to Xiaomi TV Stick
Additional settings for experienced users
If you want to get out of Xiaomi TV Stick is a maximum, it is worth digging into the hidden settings and developer mode, which will speed up the work, change animations and even install custom firmware.
Initiation of the developer mode:
- Go to Settings โ Device โ About the device.
- Find the Build Number and click on it 7 times in a row. You will be a developer!
- Return to the main settings menu โ there will be a new item for developers.
Useful options in the developer mode:
- ๐ Debugging by USB โ You need to connect to the PC through ADB (For example, for the installation of custom launchers).
- ๐ Donโt turn off the screen โ itโs helpful if youโre using a digital signboard.
- โก Speed up animation - setting values Animation windows: 0.5x and Transition animation: 0.5x Make the interface faster.
Installation of an alternative launcher:
Standard Mi launcher TV It's not always convenient. It can be replaced by ATV Launcher, HalLauncher or Wolf Launcher:
- Download. APK pick-up USB-accumulator.
- Install it through the File Manager.
- In the settings (For developers), select the new launcher as the default App.
Optimizing productivity:
- ๐งน Regularly clean the app cache in Settings โ Annexes.
- ๐๏ธ Remove unnecessary pre-installed programs (e.g. Mi Game Center if you are not playing).
- ๐ Turn off background activity to save resources: Settings โ Annexes โ [name] โ Battery โ Optimization.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Installing custom firmware (such as LineageOS) is warranty-free and can lead to a device blink.
Solving common problems
Even after setting up Xiaomi correctly TV Stick can be unstable. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The prefix is off. | Failed power supply or HDMI-port | Try another power supply and HDMI-Check if the light on the console is on. |
| No image, but there's sound. | Incorrect resolution or problem with HDMI-cable | Connect the set-top box to another TV and change the permission to 1080p. |
| Apps fly out or slow down | Lack of memory or outdated firmware | Clear the cache and update the software in Settings โ The device โ Updating the system. |
| Not connected to Wi-Fi. | Incorrect router settings or a failure in the console | Reset the router and console, see if the mode is on. 802.11ac router. |
| The remote is down. | Settled batteries or synchronization failure | Replace the batteries. To reset the remote, press Home. + Back to 5 seconds. |
If the console is too hot:
- ๐ฅ Check if the vent is closed (if you have one in your model).
- ๐ Reduce the permit to 1080p, if you use 4K โ It's gonna reduce the load.
- ๐ง Use a cooling stand (sold for mini PCs and consoles).
If there's no sound through HDMI:
- ๐ Check if the right sound source is selected on the TV (HDMI ARC or PCM).
- ๐ Go to Settings. โ Display and sound โ Digital audio and select Auto or PCM.
- ๐ง If you use a sound bar, connect it directly to the console via an optical output (if any).
๐ก
If the console began to work slowly, first of all try to reset it to the factory settings: โ The device โ Reset. It'll delete all the data, but it'll bring back the original performance.