How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Box S without remote control: all ways

When a remote control suddenly runs out or loses its ability to transmit signals, it often takes Xiaomi Mi Box S owners by surprise. It seems that the smart console has turned into a useless piece of plastic, since the device itself does not have a physical on button. However, the Android TV system is designed with different use cases, and engineers have provided several workarounds for activating the media center.

Before you panic or search the Internet for a universal remote, you need to understand the logic of the device. DVD-Players, modern boxes often go into deep sleep mode, rather than turning off completely unless the settings are fully powered down, USB-You don't need special programming or soldering skills, you just need to have a smartphone or computer peripherals on hand.

In this article, we will take a look at every method available, from the simplest and fastest to the more complex technical solutions. USB-keyboards, as well as protocol capabilities HDMI-CEC. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you not only to turn the device on, but also to configure it again if you need to pair a new remote control.

Using the IR port of a smartphone to emulate the remote

The most affordable way for owners of Xiaomi, Huawei or other models with built-in infrared emitter is to use the function of “Mi remote” or similar applications. Your phone turns into a universal controller that can send the same signals as the original device, which requires that there is direct visibility between the phone and the console, since the infrared signal does not pass through obstacles.

Run the Mi Remote app on your gadget and select the option to add a new device. Find Xiaomi or Mi Box on the manufacturer list, and then follow the instructions on the button test screen. If the phone does not have an integrated IR port, this method, alas, will not work without buying an external IR nozzle on the 3.5 mm connector or USB-C, which is increasingly rare in modern conditions.

Importantly, for the Bluetooth remote to be set up, you may need this method to get into the pairing menu.The standard IR signal often emulates basic commands such as navigation and confirmation, allowing you to go through the initial system setup.

• 📱 Make sure your smartphone has an IR transmitter activated in settings or through an app.
• 📡 Keep the top of the phone pointed at the receiver of the signal console, usually in front.
• ⚙️ If the standard codebase doesn’t work, try to go through several options for remotes in the app.

⚠️ Attention: The infrared port is only in line of sight, and if you hide your phone behind the couch or unwrap it from the console, the signal won't pass and the device won't react.

The effectiveness of this method depends on the quality of the emulator and model of your phone. Some budget smartphones may have a weak emitter that requires the device to be almost close to the receiver Mi Box S. In such cases, it is worthwhile to be patient and experiment with the angle of inclination.

Connection USB-keyboard

One of the most reliable and “hardened” ways to run the console without the original DU is to use a standard computer peripheral. Xiaomi Mi Box S is equipped with a full-fledged USB-port that supports class input devices HID (Human Interface Device: This means you can simply insert wired or wireless (with a USB-the keyboard or mouse and the system recognizes them instantly.

Once you plug in your mouse, you'll have a cursor on your TV screen that allows you to navigate the Android TV interface. Navigation is also possible with the keyboard, with the arrows moving the focus, and the Enter key performing the confirmation function. This method is especially useful if you need to log into Bluetooth settings urgently to connect a new remote or install a control app.

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Use a wired keyboard for the first turn on, as wireless battery-powered mice can sometimes require more power than the port can give in sleep mode.

If you only have a Bluetooth keyboard, but it's not already paired with a prefix, this method won't work until you plug in a wired device for primary synchronization. However, if the console has already been set up before and just went to sleep, reconnection can happen automatically.

Using a keyboard gives you access to hidden functions, such as keyboard combinations that can quickly search or switch applications, which makes your set-top box look like a minicomputer controlled by familiar tools.

Control via HDMI-CEC from TV

HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology allows devices connected via HDMI to control each other. If your TV supports this feature (Sony calls it Bravia Sync, Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG has SimpLink), then the remote can also control the Mi Box S. This is ideal if the boxing remote is lost, but the TV remote is intact.

To activate this feature, you need it to be enabled in the settings of the TV itself. Often it is activated by default, but some models require manual activation in the HDMI settings menu. Once enabled, by clicking the Home button or navigating on the TV remote, you may find that control has switched to the console interface.

Note that the implementation of the CEC protocol may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and sometimes the TV may include the console with it, but not transmit navigation commands, in which case the remote will work only to turn on / off and adjust the volume, but not to select content.

• 📺 Find the section associated with the TV settings HDMI, and activate device management.
• 🔌 Make sure the cable is HDMI It is tightly inserted into the connectors of both devices.
• 🔄 Try restarting both devices (turning off the socket and turning on again) to install handshake protocol.

If HDMI-CEC is up and running, you get full control of the system, and it also allows voice search through the TV's remote if its microphone supports sending commands to external devices, although this is less common.

Apps-remotes for Android and iOS

If your Xiaomi Mi Box S and smartphone are on the same local Wi-Fi network, you can use software emulators remote. This only works if the console has already been configured, connected to the router and is in active mode (not in deep shutdown).

There are many apps, such as Google Home (formerly Chromecast built-in), Android TV Remote Control, or specialized third-party utilities. Google Home often already has a basic remote for Android TV devices built in. Just open the app, select your console, and click on the remote icon.

To use these applications, it is critical that the console is not completely offline. If it goes into standby mode, the Wi-Fi module can continue to work, waiting for commands, in which case running the application on the phone will wake up the console interface.

⚠️ Note: If you change your Wi-Fi password or router, the console may lose connection and control over the phone will become impossible until access is restored via the device. USB or IR port.

The advantage of digital remotes is that you can type text from a smartphone keyboard, which is much faster than typing search queries with buttons on the screen. Many applications also support voice input by streaming sound from the phone's microphone to the console.

Set up a new remote via the Bluetooth menu

If your old remote is permanently out of order, you'll have to buy a new one. It could be the original Xiaomi remote or a compatible Bluetooth-enabled counterpart. The process of pairing a new device requires you to hit the Bluetooth console menu, which we've already learned to do through the Bluetooth console. USB-mouse.

To start pairing the original Mi Box remote, you need to simultaneously press two buttons: Home (house icon) and Back (left arrow). Hold them for about 5-7 seconds until the LED on the remote starts flashing quickly, which puts the remote into detection mode.

Using your mouse cursor, go to Settings → Controllers & Accessories → Add Accessory. The system will start searching for devices. Once Mi Remote appears on the list, select it to connect. Once you pair successfully, the remote is ready to go and the mouse can be turned off.

For full operation of the Mi Box S, it is still desirable to use a Bluetooth-compatible device that does not require direct vision.

Emergency switching on and resetting settings

In rare cases, the console may freeze in a cyclic reboot or not respond to any of the on-board methods. In such a situation, a hard reset may be required. The Mi Box S case (usually on the back, next to the ports) has a hidden reset hole.

To perform the reset, you need to turn off the power to the console. Then take a thin object (a paper clip or toothpick), insert it into the reset hole and, while holding, connect the power cable. Hold the button for about 10-15 seconds until the indicator lights up or starts the loading process.

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Hard reset deletes all data, accounts and installed applications, returning the device to factory status.

This method should only be used in extreme cases when the software controls are not working. After reset, the console will require an initial setup, for which you will again need the methods of the system. USB-keyboard or IR remote, as the Bluetooth remote will not yet be paired.

• 🛑 Do not turn off power during the reset process, it can damage the file system.
• 🔌 Use only the original power supply or quality analogue with characteristics 5V / 2A.
• ⏳ The process of restoring factory settings can take a few minutes, be patient.

After a successful reset, the system will suggest selecting a language and connecting to Wi-Fi (USB-Mouse is critical because without it you can’t pass the welcome screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)