Welcome to the owners of Xiaomi Mi Box S – one of the most popular Android TV-This compact device makes any TV a smart media center, but without proper remote control, its capabilities are not fully realized. If the buttons don't respond, if voice search doesn't work, if you don't know how to switch between apps, this article will help you understand all the nuances of working with the Mi Box S remote, from basic functions to hidden features.
We'll go into detail on the purpose of each button, learn how to customize the remote to suit your needs, fix typical problems, even use it in non-standard scenarios, and also learn how to replace batteries, reset settings and speed up the reaction of the device, ready to become an expert in managing your console?
Discuss the buttons of the Xiaomi Mi Box S: what is responsible for
The Mi Box S remote looks minimalist, but each button has an important function, so let's take them in order, from the most obvious to the hidden features:
- 🔘 Power button - turns the console on/off. Long press (3-5 (s) calls the reset or off menu.
- 📺 Home – Returns to the main screen of Android TV. Double-click opens up list of recently used apps.
- 🔍 Voice search — activates Google Assistant, works only when you're connected to the Internet and the microphone is turned on.
- ⬅️⬆️➡️⬇️ Navigation joystick: cursor control. Click center. = choice (analogue) OK).
- 🔙 Back: Back takes you back a step in apps. In some games, it acts as Cancel".
- 📛 Menu - opens the context menu (analogue of the right mouse button) in Kodi calls the control panel.
Few people know, but the remote Mi Box S supports button combinations for quick access to functions:
| Combination | Action. |
|---|---|
| Home + Back (3 seconds) | Screenshot of the screen (save in Memory → Screenshots) |
| Menu + Voice Search (5 seconds) | Resetting the remote to factory settings |
| Back + Up (2 seconds) | Quickly switch to the last channel on Live Channels |
An important nuance: the voice search button only works with the original Xiaomi remote. In non-original versions, the microphone is often missing or requires additional customization.
First connection and pairing of the console with the prefix
If you've just unpacked the Mi Box S or bought a new remote, you need to sync it with the console.
- Put the batteries in the remote (includes) and the polarity is indicated in the compartment.
- Connect the Mi Box S to your TV via HDMI and turn on the power.
- Press and hold the Back + Home buttons on the remote for 10 seconds – the indicator should blink.
- Wait for the message on the "Connected" screen.
If the synchronization is not successful:
- 🔋 Check the battery charge (even new ones can be discharged).
- 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the console and the console (maximum distance is 10 m).
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S via the button on the case.
What if the remote does not respond at all?
Modern versions of the Mi Box S support up to 5 remotes at a time, which is convenient if the device is used by several people. To add a second remote, repeat the pairing procedure - previous remotes do not fly.
Setting up the sensitivity and response of the remote
Many people complain that the Mi Box S is "braking" or requires multiple pressing, most often solved by software:
- Go to Settings → Devices → Remote and accessories.
- Select "Configure the Mi Remote remote".
- In the "Sensitivity" section, move the slider to the maximum.
- Activate the Quick Response option (can reduce latency by 30%).
If the problem persists:
- 📡 Check for interference from other wireless devices (routers, wireless headphones).
- 🔋 Replace batteries with alkaline batteries (they last longer).
- 🛠️ Update the console firmware through Settings → About the prefix → Updating the system.
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If the remote only reacts from close range, try flipping the batteries, and sometimes the contacts oxidize on one side, and the flip temporarily restores communication.
For game lovers: in the settings of the remote, you can turn on the "Game Controller" mode, which reduces the input delay to 80 ms.
Voice Search and Google Assistant: How to Configure and Use
One of the features of the Mi Box S is the built-in Google Assistant, to activate it:
- Press the button. 🔍 remote.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to adjust your voice.
- Confirm access to the microphone in the Android TV settings.
After setting up, you can:
- 🎬 Movies: Show the Comedies of 2023".
- 📺 Control TV: "Turn on Netflix" or "Grow Volume".
- 🌡️ Weather: What is the temperature in Moscow tomorrow?".
- 🎵 Start the music: "Play the playlist for training".
If voice search doesn’t work:
⚠️ Note: Google Assistant requires an active Internet connection and the latest firmware. If your Mi Box S is purchased in China, you may need to change your region to "USA" or "Europe" for the full assistant to work.
Microphone not covered with tape (check the hole next to the search button)
The voice language in the settings corresponds to your (Russian/English)
The console is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
System updates installed-->
Troubleshooting: the remote does not work, lags or “gluts”
Even the original Xiaomi remotes sometimes fail, and consider the typical problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote is not responding. | Batteries are dead. | Replace with new (type AAA) |
| The buttons work once in a while. | Contact contamination | Wash the alcohol board and rubber buttons |
| Press delay >1 sec | Bluetooth interference | Reconnect the remote or change the Wi-Fi channel on the router |
| Voice search is not working. | The microphone is off. | Check the permissions in Settings → Privacy |
For a complete reset of the remote:
- Remove the batteries.
- Press and hold any button for 20 seconds.
- Put the batteries back in and repeat the pairing.
If the remote is physically damaged (cracks, buttons are not fixed), consider the options:
- 🛒 Buy the original Xiaomi Mi Remote (article) MDZ-23-AB).
- 📱 Use your smartphone as a remote via the Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS).
- 🎮 Connect a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller).
💡
Before buying a new remote, check it is compatible with your version of the Mi Box S. The remotes from the Mi Box 3/4 do not always work with the Model S.
Hidden functions and life hacks for experienced users
The Mi Box S remote can do more than it looks. Here are some secrets:
- 🔄 Fast-to-switch between apps: Double-click Home opens up list of recent tasks.
- 🎮 Gamepad mode: in games hold Menu 3 SEC to activate virtual buttons A/B/X/Y.
- 📼 Screenshots and Screen Recording: Home Combination + Back takes a picture and Home + Menu starts recording video for up to 3 minutes).
- 🔇 Turning off microphone sound: If you are afraid of eavesdropping, seal the microphone hole with tape or turn off access in the settings.
For customization enthusiasts, you can reflash the remote to work with other devices (for example, Xiaomi TV or Redmi Projector).
- Download the firmware for your model from the site mi.com.
- Connect the remote to the PC via Bluetooth.
- Use Mi Remote Flasher (available on 4PDA forums).
⚠️ Warning: Flashing the remote will void the warranty and may cause it to fail.Do this only if you are confident in your actions and are prepared for risks.
Another life hack: if you have a Xiaomi Home, the Mi Box S can be integrated into scenarios, such as setting up the console to automatically turn on when the projector starts or turning off all devices on the command “Goodnight”.