Xiaomi Mi Box S is a compact and powerful device that turns a regular TV into a smart smart smart TV TV Android-accessible TV, But even with such a simple gadget, there can be nuances when you first connect: from choosing the right one. HDMI-In this article, we will discuss all the steps from unpacking the box to the first launches of applications, taking into account typical errors and life hacks that will save you time.
If you have just purchased the Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) or are planning to buy one, this guide will help avoid common problems such as why the device does not turn on from the remote or how to fix the lack of sound via HDMI. We will also compare the ways of connecting to the Internet (Wi-Fi vs Ethernet) and explain why it is sometimes better to use a power adapter from a smartphone instead of the original unit.
1. Preparation for connection: what is included in the kit and what will be needed additionally
Before you start setting up, check the contents of the box. The standard set of Xiaomi Mi Box S includes:
- 📦 The Mi Box S (black glossy case with the Mi logo)
- 🔌 Power supply unit with Micro-USB cable (5V/2A)
- 📺 Cable HDMI 2.0 (usually 1 metre long)
- 🎮 Remote control with batteries AAA (already established)
- 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
However, in some cases, additional equipment may be required:
- 🔄 HDMI-signal extension or repeater if the TV is far from the socket.
- 🔌 USB-Powered hub if you plan to connect external drives or keyboard.
- 📶 Ethernet adapter (e.g. USB-to-Ethernet) for wired internet (there is no built-in port in the Mi Box S).
- 🔋 Replacement batteries for remote control (if the original quickly discharged).
⚠️ Note: Do not use power supply from other devices if it does not meet the parameters 5V/2A. Incorrect voltage can lead to overheating or malfunctioning of the Mi Box S. The original adapter has protection against voltage surges. 2. Connecting Xiaomi Mi Box S to TV: choosing a port and cable The most critical stage is the physical connection of the device to the TV: 🔍 Choice HDMI-If your TV has multiple ports, use one that supports the port. HDMI 2.0 or ARC (This will allow the sound to be transmitted in Dolby Digital format.+. 📏 Cable length: Standard cable included — 1 If you need more, take a certified HDMI High Speed (up to) 3 meters without loss of signal). 🔄 Port on the device: Connector HDMI The Mi Box S is on the back. Don't confuse it with Micro-USB (for power). Step-by-step: Insert one end HDMI-cable to port on Mi Box S. Connect the other end to the free HDMI-Remember the number on the TV port, HDMI 1). Connect the Micro-USB cable to the device and insert it into the power supply. Put the power supply in the socket. The indicator on the Mi Box S should light up red (standby). If the indicator is not burning or flashing orange, check the power cable and the unit. 90% In some cases, a problem with a faulty adapter or poor contact in the socket. ☑️ Check the connection Xiaomi Mi Box S Cable HDMI tightly inserted in both ports The power supply is connected to the socket 220VThe indicator on the device is lit red Television is turned on and the correct signal source is selected: 0 / 4 3. Setting up the TV: Selecting a signal source After connecting the Mi Box S to the TV, you need to switch the signal source. The method depends on the TV model: TV brand Button on the remote Way in the Samsung Source menu or Input menu → Source → HDMI 1/2/3 LG Input or Home Settings → Entrances → HDMI Sony Bravia Input or TV/Video Home. → Sources → HDMI Xiaomi TV Menu Settings → Entrances → HDMI Old models AV/TV or Source Select HDMI hand-button ↑/↓ If, after the choice, HDMI screen stays black: 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S by turning off power 10 seconds. 🔍 Check if the TV is on Game Mode or PC Mode – They can block the signal. 🛠️ Try another one. HDMI-cables (sometimes cheap cables don't support them) HDCP). ⚠️ Note: On Samsung TV series QLED 2020+ You may need to disable the Anynet function.+ (HDMI-CEC) In the settings, if the Mi Box S spontaneously shuts down, this feature conflicts with the protocol. CEC Android TV. 4. After successfully connecting to the TV, the Mi logo will appear on the screen, and then the initial setup wizard. The process takes 3-5 minutes and includes the following steps: Language selection: Russian is available by default. If it's not available, check the region of the device (should be Russia or Europe); Wi-Fi connection: Select your network and enter a password; if Wi-Fi is not working, use an Ethernet adapter. Software update: The system will suggest upgrading to the latest version. Refuse not recommended – in older versions of Android TV (Below 10) key features may not be available, such as Disney support+. Google account setup: You can skip it, but without it, you won't have access to the Play Market and data sync. Voice assistant: Mi Box S supports Google Assistant. If you don't need it, turn it off in the settings. If an error occurs at the Wi-Fi connection stage: "Can't get it". IP-address": 🔄 Reboot the router. 📶 Check if the router is running mode. 802.11r (Fast Roaming – It can conflict with Android TV. 🔧 Manually ask. IP and DNS (For example, 8.8.8.8 from Google in the network settings. 💡If you have a dual-band router, connect the Xiaomi Mi Box S to a 5 GHz network – this will reduce delays when watching videos in the Internet. 4K. 5. Remote control remote from Xiaomi Mi Box S works on Bluetooth protocol, so it does not need to be pointed directly to the device: 🔋 Batteries: Batteries are included AAA, But they can be discharged. Try replacing them with new ones. 🔄 Reset remote: Press the Menu buttons + Back for 5 seconds – the indicator should flash twice. 📱 Remote app: If the original remote is broken, use Google TV App (available for Android and iOS). Remote buttons and their functions: Button Microphone Activation Google Assistant (hold on) 2 seconds) Netflix/Prime Quickly launch the corresponding Menu app Opening the Android main menu TV Back to the previous screen (similar to Esc) Home Return to the main screen (holding – list of applications) ⚠️ Note: If the remote stopped working after updating the firmware, try reconnecting it: go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and remove the remote from the list, then press any button to re-synchronize. 6. Optimizing sound and image for better quality Xiaomi Mi Box S supports video output in resolution 4K HDR upon 60 Hz, but the default mode can be set 1080p. To change this: Go to Settings → Display and sound → Screen resolution. Choose. 4K 60Hz (if the TV supports). HDR In the Sound section, set the Auto (Passthrough) format for Dolby Digital to work correctly. If the image is slowing down or artifacts appear: 🔍 Check if the TV is running Post-Processing (e.g. Motion Smoothing on Samsung). 🎮 In the Mi Box S settings, disable UI animation (Settings) → The device → Developer options). 🔧 Set a fixed resolution instead of Auto if the TV doesn't correctly define settings.How to turn on developer mode on Xiaomi Mi Box S?Go to Settings → The device → About the device. Click 7 times in a row on the line Build Number. After that, the main menu will appear item for developers, where you can turn off animations and enable debugging on the USB. 7. By default, the Mi Box S pre-installed Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Google Play Movies. However, many popular services (for example, IVI Or Okko, you'll have to manually install it through the Play Market, if you don't have the right app in the Play Market: 🌐 Use alternative stores, such as Aptoide TV (set up APK via Send Files to TV). 📁 Download. APK-file on the flash drive and install through the File Manager. 🖥️ Connect your mouse via Bluetooth or USB navigationally. List of useful applications for Mi Box S: Application Appointment Link Kodi Media Player for local files and IPTV Play Market Smart YouTube TV YouTube without ads with background playback GitHub TVirl IPTV-playlist-enabled.m3u Play Market Send Files to TV Transfer files from phone to Mi Box S via Wi-Fi Play Market ⚠️ Note: When installing applications from unknown sources (APK) Turn off the Google Play option Protection in security settings, otherwise the system may block installation. 8 Solve common problems after connecting Even after setting up correctly, problems may occur. Here are the most common ways to fix them: Problem Cause Solution No image, but the indicator is burning Wrong resolution or damaged HDMI-Cover the cable OK Replace the batteries or synchronization failure Replace the batteries or reconnect the remote via Bluetooth No sound through HDMI Incorrect audio settings on the TV or in the Mi Box S Set the Auto or PCM in the Application settings, a memory shortage or outdated firmware Clear the cache or update the software through Settings → About Device Slow operation of the interface Background processes or overheating Turn off animation in the developer settings and check the ventilation If the Mi Box S overheats (the body becomes hot): 🔥 Make sure the device is on a flat surface with a gap of at least 5 cm from the walls. 💨 Do not cover it with other devices (for example, a console or router). 🔄 Reboot your device every 2-3 days to clear the cache. 💡If the Xiaomi Mi Box S does not turn on after the update, try resetting to factory settings: press the button OK on the remote when connecting the power and hold for 10 seconds. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Box S Can you connect Xiaomi Mi Box S to an old TV without a TV? HDMI? No, the Mi Box S doesn't have analog outputs (AV, SCART). The only option is to use an HDMI-to-AV converter (e.g. Portta). PET0301S), The quality of the image is low (maximum) 720p). How to connect a hard drive or flash drive to Xiaomi Mi Box S? The device supports external drives through the USB (need OTG-Micro-USB adapter USB-A). The formatting should be in FAT32 or NTFS. To play movies from the disc, use Kodi or VLC. Why Xiaomi Mi Box S is slowing down when viewing 4K? The reasons can be different: Weak Wi-Fi signal (switch to 5GHz or use Ethernet) CPU overload (close background apps via Settings → Applications) Suboptimal video settings (turn off) HDR, How do you reset the Xiaomi Mi Box S to factory settings? There are two ways: Through the menu: Settings → The device → Reset. Hardware reset: press the button OK You can play games on the Xiaomi Mi Box S, and you can hold it for 10 to 15 seconds, and then you can delete all the data and applications, and you can play games on the Xiaomi Mi Box S, but with reservations, and it's got a processor. Cortex-A53 graphical Mali-450, It allows you to run simple games (like Asphalt 8 or Minecraft). For gameplay, connect a Bluetooth gamepad (like Xiaomi Game Controller). 3D-games can slow down.