How to connect Xiaomi Box S: step-by-step instructions

Modern TVs often have not enough powerful “hardware” for comfortable viewing of content in the Internet. 4K, And it is in such cases that the Xiaomi Mi Box S comes to the rescue. This compact console turns any screen with a different screen. HDMI-Port to a full-fledged media center with support HDR, Dolby Audio and voice control: The installation process is as simple as possible by engineers, but still requires a certain sequence of actions for the correct operation of all functions.

You don't need to be a technician to get the job done, because Android TV has an intuitive interface, but there are nuances about cable selection, screen resolution settings, and peripheral connectivity that can affect picture quality and response speed. In this article, we'll take a look at every step, from unpacking to installing the first apps.

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary components on hand from the box: the console itself, the remote control, the power supply and the HDMI-It is also important to check that your TV is good and free. HDMI-port, and the socket is in the immediate vicinity to connect the power supply without the use of long extension cords, which can cause interference.

Initial connection of equipment

Start with the physical connection of the devices, because that's the foundation of the stable operation of the entire system. HDMI-cable is made from the kit and insert one end into the connector on the back of the Xiaomi Mi Box S and the other into the free port of your TV. Try not to use cheap adapters or extension cables at this stage, as they can cause signal loss or image quality to be reduced to FullHD instead of using the same. 4K.

Once the video cable is connected, you need to power the device. USB-micro-USB cable to the corresponding connector on the console, and the other end (USB-A) insert it into the power supply, which you then need to plug into the socket. USB-port of the TV itself, as the current is often not enough, which leads to constant reboots and failures in the Wi-Fi module.

Turn on the TV and switch the signal source (Source/Input) later HDMI-The port you inserted the cable into should have an Android screensaver on the screen. TV If the image is missing, check the density of the cables and try to switch to the next one. HDMI-port, as some TV models require manual port activation in the settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen flashes or the image twitches, replace HDMI-High Speed certified cables, cheap cables often fail to pass the transmission 4K HDR signaling at high refresh rates.

Remote setting and pairing

Once the start screen is available, the system will ask you to prepare the remote control for the initial setup. Unlike older IR remotes, the Xiaomi Mi Box S uses Bluetooth, allowing you to control the console even if it is closed behind the TV or in another room.

To get started, remove the plastic insulation plug from the battery compartment on the back of the remote, which is usually two AAA batteries. Once the power comes in, the system will automatically start looking for the device. You don't have to press anything, just hold the remote next to the console.

In some cases, if automatic detection does not occur, the system will prompt you to press a combination of buttons. Usually this is the simultaneous clamping of the back and home buttons (house icon) for 5 seconds.

• 🔋 Make sure the batteries are new and are installed in accordance with the polarity indicated inside the compartment.
• 📡 Keep the remote no more at a distance. 10-15 cm from the console at the time of pairing for a better signal.
• 🔄 If the remote doesn’t respond, try removing and inserting the batteries again, then repeat the procedure.

Successful pairing will be confirmed by the audible signal and the appearance of the main menu on the screen, from now on you can control the interface. It is important to note that once the remotes are set up, you can use them up to 10 meters away, but the Bluetooth connection must be installed flawlessly to initial login.

Language selection and network connection

The first step in the software setup is to choose the interface language. Android TV supports many localizations, including Russian, which makes using the console comfortable for the whole family.

This is a critical point, because without a network, you can't activate your device, log into your Google account, or install apps, and it will offer a list of available Wi-Fi networks, and find your home network name on the list, and select it.

When you enter your password, look at the register of letters. Use the on-screen keyboard, switching between lowercase and capital letters with an up arrow or gear icon. If your network is hidden, select Add Network and enter SSID manually.

It is worth considering that Xiaomi Mi Box S supports the bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For viewing heavy 4K content and online games, it is preferable to use a 5 GHz network, as it provides a higher data rate and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring routers and household appliances.

⚠️ Note: When using dual-band routers with the same network name (SSID) For 2.4 and 5 GHz, the console can choose a less loaded channel. If the speed is low, try splitting networks in the router settings.

Activation of the device and login to Google account

Once the Internet connection is successful, the system will require activation, a standard procedure for all Android devices to link a license and access the Play Market Store, and will display an activation code and instructions to access the site from any other device (smartphone or computer).

You need to open the browser, go to the specified address (usually this is the case). android.com/activate) And you can type in the code that you see on the TV, and then you can ask them to select the Google account that's going to be the primary one for that set-top box, and if you already have an account that has movies or subscriptions you've bought, use that account.

Entering a password directly from the remote can be tedious, and the system will offer a more convenient way: a message will appear on the TV screen that your smartphone (if it is signed into the same Google account) has received a notification, you will only need to confirm the login by pressing the “Yes” button in the notification or pop-up window.

If you don't have a notification, you can use the "Enter TV Code" option on your smartphone, and once you confirm the access rights, you'll start synchronizing your data, and your contacts, settings, and app list will start downloading from the cloud, which can take a few minutes depending on the number of programs you've installed.

• 🔐 Use two-factor authentication to protect your account when you sign in from new devices.
• 📱 Make sure your smartphone is Bluetooth enabled and it is near the console for quick synchronization.
• ☁️ All previously purchased movies in Google Play Movies will automatically appear in the “Buyed” library».

If you have login errors, check the date and time on the console. Incorrect time often causes Google servers to refuse authorization due to desynchronization of security certificates. If time is lost, turn off automatic sync and set the parameters manually.

Setting up the image and sound

Once logged in, make sure the Xiaomi Mi Box S delivers the image in the highest possible quality. By default, the device can choose a standard mode that does not reveal the potential of your 4K TV. To check, go to the settings by selecting the gear in the upper right corner of the main screen.

In the Settings menu, look for the Device Settings (or System) section and select Display and Sound. This displays the current output settings. Make sure the resolution is set to 3840x2160 (or 4K) and the refresh rate matches your screen capabilities (usually 60Hz).

If you have a modern HDR10-enabled TV, make sure that the “Auto” or “4K HDR” option is selected in the “Imagine Format” option, which will allow you to dynamically expand the color range and contrast when viewing compatible content on Netflix, YouTube or Prime Video.

The audio settings can also be optimized. In the same Display and Sound menu, find Volume Sound or Audio Drive. If you have an external speaker system or soundbar connected via optical output (via adapter) or HDMI ARC, select the appropriate format, such as Always or Auto, so that the sound is decoded by an external device rather than the console itself.

Application installation and voice control

The basic functionality of the console is revealed through the apps, which use the built-in Google Play Store to install, find it in the app list or on the home page, and thousands of programs are available here, from popular theaters (Kion, Okko, Netflix) to file managers and games.

To install the app, simply select it and click the “Install” button. Once you have finished downloading, the shortcut will appear in your list. Many users prefer to install third-party file managers, such as X-plore or File Commander, to manage files downloaded from the browser or transferred over the local network.

Voice control is a special mention. The Xiaomi Mi Box S has a button with a microphone on it, and you can press it and you can say a command, and the system will perform an action, and it can be a search for a movie ("Find the action movies with Jackie Chan"), launch an application ("Open YouTube"), or even check the weather.

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Use voice search to quickly type in text, dictating messages and search queries much faster and more accurately than typing them with the remote buttons on the on-screen keyboard.

Voice input is powered by Google technology, so it understands natural speech and context, but for the microphone to work properly on the remote, you need to speak clearly and not to put your fingers over the microphone hole on the top of the device, and also make sure that the account settings allow the use of voice data.

⚠️ Attention: Voice search may not work properly with rare movie titles or specific Russian-language names, in which case use text search or enter the title in English.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Xiaomi Mi Box S is a versatile solution for upgrading an old TV, combining the ease of setting up Android TV with powerful functionality and support for 4K HDR.