Xiaomi Mi Box S – popular Android TV-A console that requires proper handling to last, and many users make the mistake of simply pulling out the power cord or using a button on the remote without preparation, which can damage the file system, lose settings, or even "brick" the device. In this article, we’ll break down all the safe ways to turn off the Mi Box S, including hidden features and nuances that aren’t written in the official manual.
Feature of Android TV-The thing about these devices is that they don't always turn off completely when you press the power button, and often they go into sleep mode, continuing to consume energy and maintaining the background. If you need to completely shut down a device — for example, to move or to keep it for long periods — you need a special procedure. We will look at all scenarios, from a routine shutdown to forced reset in critical situations.
Why you can't just pull the power cord out
The main problem with abrupt power outage is the risk of damage to the file system. The Mi Box S uses eMMC flash memory, which is sensitive to sudden recording interruptions. If the device is updating applications, cacheting data or writing log files at the time of the outage, the probability is high:
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot – the console will be turned on and off immediately
- 📁 Losses of user data – reset Wi-Fi settings, accounts, saves in games
- 🚨 bootloader failures – you will need to flash through ADB service-centre
The Mi Box S doesn’t have a battery like smartphones, so even a brief power outage can interrupt critical processes, especially when updating a firmware, which causes a brick to occur in 80% of cases.
⚠️ Warning: If the console is getting stuck during the update and does not respond for more than 20 minutes, do not turn off the power - first try to hold the button OK It's a 10 second remote control, and 60 percent of the time, it helps unlock the system without any consequences.
Method 1: Standard shutdown via menu
The safest method is to use the built-in Android TV features, which are suitable for daily shutdown and ensures that all processes are completed correctly:
- Press the Settings button on the remote
- Go to Settings → Device → Sleeping Mode
- Select Turn Off (not to be confused with Sleeping!)
- Confirm the action by pressing OK
The console will shut down in 15-30 seconds, and the dead indicator (if you have one in your model) signals a complete shutdown, and it is safe even when you are actively downloading or playing content, the system will first close all applications.
Close all applications (double pressing Home)
Disable external drives (flash drives, hard drives)
Make sure that there is no software update.
Wait 10 seconds after pressing “Switch off” before physically shutting down the power supply-->
If the button “Stop” is not in the menu (this happens after resetting the settings), update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About the device → System Update.
Method 2: Forced shutdown by button on the body
The back of the Mi Box S has a physical reset button (marked with a dot or RESET) that can be used for emergency shutdowns, but with caution:
| Action. | Effects of consequences | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Short press (1 sec) | Restart without losing data | When the interface freezes |
| Long (5 seconds) | Forced shutdown, possible loss of cache | If the console does not respond to the remote |
| Long-term (10+sec) | Reset to factory settings | Only in critical failures! |
Holding the reset button for more than 10 seconds will result in a complete reset and deletion of all data, including apps and accounts installed, and should only be used if the console does not respond to other shutdown methods within 5+ minutes.
Every day.
1-2 times a week
Only before a long break.
Never turn it off.-->
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If you have access to the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can turn the console off by command, which is useful for automation or when the remote is lost:
adb connect [IP- to Mi Box S
adb shell reboot -pTo find out IP-prefix:
- Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi
- Select your network – IP will appear at the bottom of the screen
⚠️ Attention: Before use ADB set up the debugging USB In Settings → About the device → Build number (click 7 times) and then in Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB.
This is the most secure way to go about the system, because the reboot-p command initializes the correct termination of all services, but requires pre-configuration, which is not always convenient for ordinary users.
What to do if ADB is not connected?
Method 4: Automatic timer shutdown
The Mi Box S supports automatic shutdown, which is useful for saving energy.
- Open Settings → Device → Sleeping Mode
- Select the Turn Off Timer
- Set a time (15 minutes to 6 hours)
- Activate the option.
The console will shut down at a specified time, after all the processes have been completed, and this method is ideal for:
- 🛌 Night viewing (you fall asleep under the movie)
- 👶 Childhood regime (limitation of time of use)
- ⚡ Savings in electricity
Important: The timer resets after each reboot. If you want to permanently auto-turn off, consider using third-party apps like Google Play's Auto Shutdown.
💡
To turn off regularly on a schedule (for example, every day at 23:00), use the Tasker app with the AutoInput plugin, which will allow you to configure flexible rules even without root rights.
Method 5: Completely shut down (when necessary)
Sometimes you need to completely disconnect the console from the network - for example, when:
- ⚡ Thunderstorm (protection against surges of tension)
- 🔧 Repair or cleaning of the device
- 📦 Long-term storage (more than 1 month)
For this:
- First, turn off the console in any of the above methods.
- Wait 30 seconds (to discharge the capacitors)
- Carefully remove the power cord from the socket
Never pull the cable out of the connector on the console itself, which can damage the power socket. Always unplug the cord from the socket or the network filter.
💡
If you de-energize the console for a long time (more than 3 months), store it in a dry place at a temperature of 10-30 ° C and a humidity of not more than 60%.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when turning off the Mi Box S. Here are the most common ways to prevent:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Shutting down during the update | Firmware damage (brick) | Wait until it is completed (even if it takes an hour) |
| Use "sleep mode" instead of completely shutting down | Discharge of condensers, overheating during storage | For long periods of time, select "Switch off" |
| Power outage when connected external disk | Data loss on the drive | Remove it first. USB-device |
Pay special attention to the activity indicator (if you have one in your model), a flashing LED signals background processes, in which case the shutdown is not safe. Wait until the indicator burns flat or goes out.