Why Xiaomi is needed and how it transforms your TV
Xiaomi set-top boxes are compact devices that turn a regular TV into a smart TV with access to streaming services, games and applications. Even if your TV was released 10 years ago, the Mi Box or Mi TV Stick will add functionality to a modern smart TV with the Android TV or Google TV operating system (in new models). But how exactly does this device work? Why is it better than Apple or Amazon?
In this article, we’ll break down Xiaomi’s console architecture, from hardware to image optimization software algorithms, learn how the device decodes 4K video, why it sometimes slows down the interface, and how to use hidden engineering settings to improve performance, and compare the Mi Box S, Mi Box 4, and Mi TV Stick 4K models in key terms.
Important: If you’re just planning to buy, look at the Android TV version, which is what makes it so much more support for new apps, like the Mi Box S (2018) running Android 8.1, and the Mi TV Stick 4K (2023) running Android 11 with Google TV.
Hardware platform: what is inside the console Xiaomi
Xiaomi is all based on chipsets from Amlogic or Rockchip that are optimized for multimedia tasks. For example, the Mi Box S uses an Amlogic S905X processor with four Cortex-A53 cores and a Mali-450 graphics accelerator. This is a budget solution, but it copes with 4K@60fps video playback thanks to the VP9 and H.265 hardware decoder.
Newer models like the Mi TV Stick 4K feature an Amlogic S905Y4 chipset with improved energy efficiency and support for AV1, a modern codec that YouTube and Netflix use to compress video without loss of quality: RAM in consoles is usually 2 GB, and built-in storage is 8-16 GB (of which about 5-12 GB are available to the user after installation).
- 🔧 Processor: Amlogic S905X/Y4 or Rockchip RK3328 (model-wise)
- 🖥️ Graphics: Mali-450 or Mali-G31 (processing 3D-games and interfaces)
- 📶 Network: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4/5 GHz) + Bluetooth 4.2/5.0
- 🔌 Ports: HDMI 2.0a/2.1, USB 2.0, audio 3.5 mm (in some models)
Xiaomi’s consoles use Dolby Audio and DTS to improve sound, but not all models support Dolby Vision (e.g. Mi Box S doesn’t have it, and Mi TV Stick 4K supports it), which is important to consider when choosing if you’re watching HDR content.
How the console connects to the TV and network: a step-by-step scheme
The process of connecting the Xiaomi console to the TV takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are nuances that affect the quality of work.
- Power connection: Use only the original power supply (5V/2A for most models), cheap ones can cause overheating.
- Connect to the TV. Insert it. HDMI-port HDMI 2.0 to TV (preferably supportive HDCP 2.2 4K).
- Select the source of the signal. On the TV remote, press Source or Input and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- Connect to Wi-Fi (recommended 5 GHz for stable 4K) or use an Ethernet adapter (sold separately).
If the TV doesn't recognize the console, check:
- ⚡ Permission compatibility: on the menu TV set the mode HDMI 2.0 or Enhanced HDMI.
- 🔄 Cable HDMI: Cheap cables may not support 4K@60Hz.
- 🔋 Nutrition: some USB-port TV Not giving out enough current – use the socket.
☑️ Pre-introducement check
Once connected, the console will automatically trigger the setup wizard. Here, it is important to choose the right region (affects the available applications) and screen resolution. If the image is “trimmed” or blurred, go to Settings → Display and sound → Resolution and set 1920×1080@60Hz (even for 4K-TV, if there are artifacts).
Software Platform: Android TV vs Google TV
Xiaomi’s consoles run on two platforms: Android TV (old models) and Google TV (new ones starting in 2022), the difference between them is fundamental:
| Characteristics | Android TV | Google TV |
|---|---|---|
| Interface. | List of applications in grid form | Personalized tape with recommendations |
| Search for content | Search by name on Google | Universal search across all services (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) |
| Support for applications | Limited set (TV only) | More apps, including mobile (via sideload) |
| Updates | Rare, often stop in 2-3 years | Long-term support (up to 5 years) |
For example, in Mi TV Stick 4K with Google TV, you can:
- 🎬 See movie recommendations from all connected services on the home screen.
- 🔍 Search content via voice control (e.g.: Show the 2023 comedies with Rachel McAdams").
- 📱 Install APK-Files with Send Files to TV (appendix).
However, Android TV has its advantages: it is less hardware-intensive and faster on weak consoles (such as the Mi Box S). If your model is older than 2021, it most likely has Android 8-9, and upgrading to Google TV is impossible.
How to find out the version of Android on Xiaomi?
Hidden functions and engineering settings
Xiaomi consoles have hidden menus for fine-tuning that are not documented in the official instructions.
- Enable Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Device and 7 times click on Build Number. After that, the Developer Mode will appear on the menu, where you can activate USB Debugging or Secondary Display Imitation.
- Change the DNS to bypass locks. In Settings → Network → Additional specify DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). This will help if some services do not work.
- Speed up the animation of the interface. In the developer menu, turn off Windows Animation and Transition Animation, the console will work faster.
Another useful feature is USB flashing, where if the console freezes, you can install custom firmware (like ATVXperience) that adds support for new codecs and removes ads, but it requires unlocking the bootloader:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data and may take away warranties.On Google models TV (Like Mi. TV Stick 4K) This process is more difficult due to protection AVB 2.0.
For experienced users, root access is available, which allows:
- 🚀 Remove system applications (e.g. Mi Home if you don’t use them).
- 🔧 Change the processor frequency to reduce heat.
- 📁 Connect external drives in format NTFS (by default, only supported FAT32).
💡
If the console is slowing down, try turning off automatic app updates in Google Play. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Auto Update and select Never.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even the most reliable Xiaomi consoles sometimes fail, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The prefix is off. | Power failure or firmware | Try another power supply. If it doesn't work, run it through the USB Burning Tool. |
| No sound through HDMI. | Incompatibility with TV or downed settings | Settings → Display and Sound → Sound Choose HDMI or PCM instead of Auto. |
| Lags when playing 4K | Weak Wi-Fi or overheating | Connect to the cable or use the cooling stand. Turn off the background apps. |
| The remote is down. | Batteries are out or synchronization failure | Press Home + Menu for 5 seconds to reset. Replace the batteries with new ones. |
If the console is stuck on the logo, it most often means damage to the /system partition, in which case only flashing through the PC will help. For models on Amlogic, use the USB Burning Tool utility, and for Rockchip, use RKBatchTool.
⚠️ Note: When you are running through USB Burning Tool: Never turn off the cable until the process is complete (about 5-10 minutes".
To diagnose problems, it is useful to look at the system logs. Connect the console to the PC via ADB and execute the command:
adb logcat > xiaomi_log.txtIn the file you receive, look for E/ tag errors (e.g. E/HDMI: failed to set mode).
Comparison with competitors: why Xiaomi is better (or worse) Apple TV and Fire Stick
Xiaomi consoles occupy a niche between the budget Amazon Fire Stick and premium Apple TV 4K. Here are the key differences:
- 💰 Price: Mi TV Stick is 2-3 times cheaper than Apple TV, It offers similar functionality (except for Apple’s exclusive services).
- 🎮 Games: On Android TV You can install emulators (like RetroArch) and games from Google Play, while Fire Stick is limited to Amazon Appstore.
- 🔄 Updates: Apple TV Getting updates 5+ Xiaomi is usually 2-3 years old (except for flagship models).
- 📺 Support for formats: only Xiaomi and Nvidia Shield support AV1 Dolby Vision in the budget segment.
Xiaomi's main disadvantage is the in-front advertising (in Chinese firmware), but it can be turned off:
- Install ADB AppControl on your PC.
- Connect to the console on ADB.
- Run the command: pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
Compared to Fire Stick, Xiaomi is winning by:
- 🔌 Ethernet support (via adapter).
- 🖥️ Possibility to connect mouse/keyboard via Bluetooth.
- 📁 Work with external drives (up to 2 TB in) NTFS root-access).
💡
Xiaomi consoles are the best choice for those who want the flexibility of Android TV at a price lower than that of Apple TV or Nvidia Shield. However, for long-term support, it is better to consider alternatives.