How to turn Miracast on Xiaomi Mi Box S: A Complete Guide to Error Solutions

Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the most popular Android TV- boxes, but many users have difficulty trying to enable wireless screen broadcasting using Miracast technology. Unlike newer models (for example, Mi Box 4S Pro), where the function is activated in two clicks, in Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) it often has to be “mined” through hidden settings. In this article, we will analyze the 3 working way to enable Miracast, compare them with alternatives like Google Cast and the usual menu problems from the lack of the connection.

It's important to understand that Miracast and Google Cast (used in Chromecast) are different protocols. The former is screen-to-screen (like Apple AirPlay), doesn't require internet, but has restrictions on supported devices. The latter depends on Google's cloud services and can lag with a weak connection. The Mi Box S supports both options, but Miracast is hidden by default in firmware older than Android TV 9 (2021) - it needs to be manually enabled.

What is Miracast and why is it necessary for Xiaomi Mi Box S?

Miracast is a wireless screen broadcast standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and unlike Google Cast (which transmits content over the Internet), Miracast creates a direct connection between devices over Wi-Fi Direct.

• ✅ No dependency on the router - they work even without the Internet.
• ✅ Minimum latency (important for high-resolution games and video)
• ✅ Full HD 1080p @60fps support (in theory; in practice, it depends on the smartphone model).
• ❌ Limited compatibility – not all smartphones and laptops support the protocol.

On Xiaomi Mi Box S Miracast is useful for:

• 🎮 Streaming games from a PC or smartphone (e.g., via Steam Link or Moonlight).
• 📱 Duplicate Android screen (if Google Cast doesn't support your app).
• 💻 Connecting a laptop as a second monitor (an alternative to HDMI- cable).

But there's a caveat: in the firmware of the Mi Box S, which is based on Android TV 9 and later, Miracast is often disabled by default, which is due to Google's policy of promoting Google Cast as the main way of broadcasting, but it can be returned - more on that.

Method 1: Enable Miracast through standard settings (if the item is visible)

If your Xiaomi Mi Box S runs on firmware older than 2021, the chance of finding Miracast on the menu is high enough.

1. Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
2. Go to Device and Preferences → Display and Sound → Wireless Display.
3. If you have Miracast or Wireless Display, activate it.

Once enabled, the Mi Box S will be available for connection from other devices.

• 📱 On an Android smartphone: open Settings → Connected devices → Wireless display.
• 💻 On Windows 10/11: press Win + K and select the Mi Box S from the list.

If there is no Wireless Display item, proceed to the following methods.

Method 2: Activate Miracast through a hidden developer menu

If the standard path doesn't work, you'll have to use developer mode, which works on all versions of firmware, but you need to be careful.

Step 1: Enable the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings → Device and Preferences → About the program.
2. Find the line build number and click on it 7 times in a row (the notification will appear "You became a developer").

Step 2. Activate Miracast:

1. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section for developers.
2. Scroll down and find the Wireless Display (Miracast) item.
3. Set the switch to the On position.

Step 3. Reset the device (required!):

• Turn off the Mi Box S for 10 seconds.
• Turn it back on and check for the Wireless Display item in the standard settings.

Important! After Miracast is activated in developer mode, some users face the problem of automatically disabling the feature after rebooting.

⚠️ Warning: If Miracast is lost after restarting the Mi Box S, record it enabled via ADB- command: adb shell settings put global wireless_display_certification on This command must be entered from PC via Android Debug Bridge (instruction below).

Method 3: Update firmware to restore Miracast

If the first two methods fail, the problem may lie in outdated or "cut" firmware. Xiaomi periodically updates the Mi Box S, but not all updates arrive via OTA (over the air).

Step 1. Check the current version of the software:

• Go to Settings → Device and Preferences → About the program.
• Remember the Android TV version bar (e.g., ATV 9.0) and the build number (e.g., MDZ-22-AB_2.0.280).

Step 2. Download the latest firmware:

• The official firmware for the Mi Box S is available on XDA Developers or Xiaomi’s website.
• Look for files with the.zip extension and a name that contains MDZ-22-AB.

Step 3. Manually update:

1. Copy the downloaded.zip to the flash drive (FAT32 format).
2. Connect the flash drive to the Mi Box S via USB-port.
3. Go to Settings → Device and Preferences → Software Update → Local Update.
4. Select a firmware file and wait for the process to be completed (about 5-10 minutes).

Warning: The firmware update will reset some settings (e.g. saved Wi-Fi passwords).If your Android TV version is newer than 10, Miracast can be permanently removed - in which case consider buying an external Miracast adapter (e.g., Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter).

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Before updating your firmware, back up important data (such as an application list) through Settings → Device and Preferences → Backup.

Solving Miracast problems with Xiaomi Mi Box S

Even after Miracast is successfully turned on, users are faced with errors, and here are 5 common problems and solutions:

• 🔴 "No device found": Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if the Miracast runs without internet, initial synchronization requires a shared network). VPN and a smartphone/PC firewall.
• 🟡 Connect but black screen: Try changing the screen resolution at the source (e.g., from 4K to 1080p). On Windows, update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers (especially if you're using Intel Wireless).
• 🔵 Video lags and stutters: Reduce the bitrate of the broadcast (in Miracast settings on your smartphone). Connect the Mi Box S to the router via Ethernet cable (if supported).

Miracast doesn’t work with iPhone/iPad

Apple doesn't support Miracast, but instead uses AirPlay. To stream the screen from your iPhone to the Mi Box S, install the AirScreen app from Google Play:

1. Download AirScreen on the Mi Box S.
2. Open the app and select AirPlay mode.
3. On iPhone, swipe up for Control Point → Screen Duplication → select Mi Box S.

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If Miracast refuses to work, first check your smartphone/PC is compatible with the protocol.For example, the Samsung Galaxy before 2018 often does not support Miracast on newer versions of Android.

Miracast vs Google Cast vs AirPlay: What’s Best for Xiaomi Mi Box S

The choice of broadcast protocol depends on your tasks.

When to choose Miracast:

• 🎮 For games (minimum lags).
• 📶 If there is no stable Internet.
• 🖥️ For Windows PC connectivity (built-in Win+K support).

When to choose Google Cast:

• 📺 For YouTube, Netflix, MovieSearch (optimized for these services).
• 📱 If you have an Android smartphone (easier to connect).

When to choose AirPlay:

• 🍎 If you have an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
• 🎵 For streaming Apple Music or Photos from iCloud.

Frequent questions about Miracast on Xiaomi Mi Box S