How to set up Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen: A Detailed Guide from A to Z

Welcome to the owners of Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is a compact but powerful media player that can turn any TV into a smart smart TV. TV! This model, released in 2021, became a logical continuation of the first generation, having received an updated processor Amlogic. S905Y4, support AV1-codec and improved voice control, but even with these advantages, many users have difficulty initially configuring or optimizing the device.

In this article, we will not just go through the basic steps of connecting and connecting to the Internet โ€“ we will dive into hidden settings, understand the features of firmware. MIUI TV, We can learn how to customize the sound for the home theater and even solve typical problems like โ€œhangsโ€ or lack of sound in some applications. And we're going to focus on the unique Global Search feature, which is often ignored by users, but can save you hours of content search. Ready!

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to do before

Before connecting Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen to the TV, do some simple but important things that will save you from the typical mistakes like no image or remote control problems.

First, check the kit. The box should have: a console, a remote control with batteries (usually) 2ร—AAA), HDMI-cable (5V/2A) And the short instructions, the absence of at least one element is an excuse to go to the store. HDMI 2.1 transmit 4K@60Hz.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use the original power supply. Cheap analogues can cause overheating or unstable operation. 5V/2A โ€” nothing more and nothing less.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Check the ports on the TV. If you have an old one. TV without HDMI, You'll need an adapter AV (RCA) or VGA, But the quality will be worse.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Place the console next to the router for stable Wi-Fi. 5GHz (which supports Box S) the distance must not exceed 10 meters without obstacles.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the TV firmware: Outdated models (like the 2016 Samsung) may not display the interface properly. MIUI TV.

If you connect the console to the receiver or sound panel, use the scheme: Xiaomi Box โ†’ HDMI ARC-soundbar โ†’ HDMI-port TV. This will allow you to transmit sound in high quality (including Dolby Digital).+) cableless.

๐Ÿ“Š How do you connect Xiaomi? TV Box to TV?
Po Po Po HDMI directly
Through the receiver/soundbar
Wi-Fi (Miracast)
Another way.

First Enablement and Basic Configuration: Step-by-step

Now, to the setup process itself, turn on the set-top box by connecting it to the TV and the socket, and then the Mi logo will appear on the screen, and then the wizard of the initial setup.

  • โšก Power: The indicator on the console should be blue (work) or red (standby mode).
  • ๐Ÿ” Signal source: remote control TV Choose one HDMI-Port to which the Box is connected (usually) HDMI1 or HDMI2).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Resolution: If the screen is black, try pressing the button. OK Xiaomi remote for 5 seconds โ€“ this will reset the resolution to 720p.

Follow the instructions of the master:

  1. Language selection: Russian is available by default, but if it is not available, check the region (should be "Russia" or "Ukraine").
  2. Wi-Fi Connection: The console supports networks 2.4GHz and 5GHz. For stability, choose. 5GHz, if the router is near.
  3. Signing in to Mi: Without it, Mi Home, Xiaomi Cloud and some apps will not work. If you do not have an account, register it through mi.com.
  4. Voice customization: The remote has a microphone to control via Alice or Google Assistant. Activate this feature if you plan to use voice search.

When you finish the master, you'll be on the main screen.

โ˜‘๏ธ What to do after the first switch on

Done: 0 / 4

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the console is constantly rebooted during the setup phase, this may indicate incompatibility with the TV (especially on Philips models with Ambilight).Solution: connect the Box to another TV For initial setup, then return back.

Customizing the image and sound: optimizing for your TV

By default, Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen displays the image in resolution 1080p@60Hz, But the device supports up to 4K@60Hz s HDR10+ And Dolby Vision. To get the best quality, go to the top of the map:

Settings โ†’ Display and sound โ†’ Screen resolution

Here, select the maximum resolution supported by your TV. If the screen turns black after the change, wait 15 seconds, the console will automatically return to the previous settings.

ParameterRecommended valueWhat do you need?
Permission3840ร—2160 (4K) upon 60 HzMaximum detail for modern TV
Color modeHDR10+ Or Dolby Vision.Wide dynamic range (bright colors, deep shadows)
Relationship of parties16:9 (Auto)Eliminates stretching or cropping of the image
Color temperatureStandard or Warm.Reduces the burden on the eyes during long-term viewing

To adjust the sound, go to Settings โ†’ Display and sound โ†’ Sound:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Select format: If you have a soundbar or receiver, install Auto (Passthrough) to transmit the original sound (Dolby, DTS).
  • ๐ŸŽง Set up the equalizer: Movie mode is suitable for movies, Pop or Jazz mode is suitable for music.
  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Turn off Smart Volume Control โ€“ This feature often distorts the sound when switching channels.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the sound is late when watching movies, turn on the โ€œlip/sound syncโ€ option in the sound settings and manually select the delay (usually 100-300 miss).

Installation and optimization of applications: what can and can not

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen is running on Android TV 10 (with shelling) MIUI TV), And that's what gives you access to the Google Play Market, but not all apps are optimized for the future. TV-That's what you need to consider:

Recommended installation annexes:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Kodi โ€“ media player for local files and streaming.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Peers.TV or Wink โ€“ to watch the air TV via the Internet.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Moonlight โ€“ for streaming games from PC (requires a powerful computer with a computer) NVIDIA).
  • ๐Ÿ” Smart YouTube TV โ€” YouTube alternative client without advertising.

What NOT to set:

  • โŒ APK-Files from unknown sources - high risk of viruses. Use only Google Play or Mi App Store.
  • โŒ Smartphone apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) โ€“ they are not adapted to control from the remote.
  • โŒ Fashion launchers like Nova Launcher โ€“ they conflict with the shell MIUI TV.

To install applications:

  1. Open the Google Play Market (the icon in the app menu).
  2. Sign in to your Google account (if you didnโ€™t do so when you set up).
  3. Find the right application and click Install.
  4. After installation, the application will appear in the My Applications section.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) Cannot be launched due to lack of Widevine certification L1 Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version or use your browser to view it.

How to install apps without Google Play?
1. Download. APK-file on the flash drive (for example, from the site apkmirror.com). 2. Connect the flash drive to the Xiaomi Box. 3. Open the "File Manager" โ†’ find APK โ†’ In the security settings, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Special access).

Network settings: Wi-Fi, Ethernet and remote access

Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen supports Internet connectivity via Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Ethernet (up to 100 Mbps) for stable streaming (especially 4K) We recommend using a wired connection if possible.

How to connect via Ethernet:

  1. Connect the cable from the router to the port LAN prefixed.
  2. Go to Settings. โ†’ The Internet and the Internet โ†’ Ethernet.
  3. Select DHCP (Automatic IP Receiving) or enter the settings manually if you have a static IP.

Optimizing Wi-Fi:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Choose a range 5GHz, If the router supports it, less interference, higher speed.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Use it. WPA3 (If you have a router for better protection.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Turn off Traffic Savings in Network Settings โ€“ This Can Decrease Streaming Video Quality.

For remote console management (for example, to install applications from your phone):

  1. Install the Mi Remote Controller app on your smartphone (available from Google Play and the App Store).
  2. Connect your phone and console to a single Wi-Fi network.
  3. In the app, select Xiaomi TV Box and follow the instructions on the screen.

๐Ÿ’ก

Wireless connection (Ethernet) is always preferred over Wi-Fi for the Internet. 4K-content, as it eliminates delays and "hanging" images.

Advanced settings: for experienced users

If you want to get out of Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen maximum, pay attention to these "hidden" features:

1. Developer mode

Activates additional options, such as the ability to install applications through ADB Or change the animation of the interface:

Settings โ†’ About the prefix โ†’ Version. MIUI TV (Click 7 times in a row)

After that, a new section for developers will appear in the Settings menu.

2.Amendment DNS block-by-lock

If you have some services (such as Disney)+ or HBO Max is not available in your area, change DNS:

Settings โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ [Your Network] โ†’ Change the Network โ†’ Show additional settings โ†’ DNS

Enter, for example, 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

3. Kodi setup for IPTV

If you use Kodi to watch TV:

  • Install the addition PVR IPTV Simple Client.
  • Add in the settings URL Playlist from your provider IPTV (format.m3u).
  • Turn on Auto Update. EPG gear-loader.

โš ๏ธ Note: Modifying system files through ADB or root access may cause a loss of warranty and unstable performance of the console!

Typical Problems: What to Do When You...

Even with the right setup Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen can fail. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
No image when turned onIncompatible permissionHold it. OK 5 seconds to reset the permit
The console is slowing down.Overloading cache or background processesClear the cache in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ [Select the application] โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Clear the cache
No sound in some applicationsIncorrect settings of the sound formatSet it in Settings. โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Sound format value Auto (PCM)
The remote is down.Batteries are out or synchronization is out.Replace the batteries and reconnect the remote by clamping the Back + Home for 5 seconds

If the console does not turn on at all (the indicator does not burn), check:

  • โšก Power supply โ€“ try another cable or socket.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Port port HDMI On the TV, connect to another port.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Hard reset: Press and hold the Reset button (on the back of the console) for 10 seconds.

For reset to factory settings (if the console is glitchy):

Settings โ†’ About the console โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Erase everything

This will remove all installed apps and account data!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I connect a hard drive to Xiaomi? TV Box S 2nd Gen?
Yes, the console supports external drives through USB 2.0 (up to 2TB). For this: Format the disk into FAT32 exFAT (NTFS It's not supported! USB-Open the file manager. โ†’ USB-To play movies from the disc, use Kodi or built-in player.
How to update the firmware if the console is not connected to the Internet?
Download the latest firmware from the official Xiaomi website (section) TV Box S 2nd Save the.zip file to the flash drive, connect it to the console and update via: Settings โ†’ About the prefix โ†’ Updating the system โ†’ Update locally Do not turn off the console during the process!
Why Netflix is not working in the 4K?
Netflix requires Widevine certification L1 and reproduction license 4K. Xiaomi. TV Box S 2nd Gen doesn't always work. Solutions: Update the Netflix app to the latest version. Check the quality settings in your Netflix profile (should be High). Use your browser (e.g. Chrome) to view through the web version.
How to set up voice search on the remote?
On the Xiaomi remote TV Box S 2nd Gen is a microphone button. To make it work: Connect the console to the Internet. Press the microphone button and say a command (for example, "Open YouTube"). If it doesn't work, check the voice settings in Settings. โ†’ Devices โ†’ Voice assistant. Supported commands in Russian for Alice or English for Google Assistant.
Can I play games on this console?
Yes, but with reservations. TV Box S 2nd Gen is not designed for gaming, but supports: Emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP for PS1/PSP). Simple games from Google Play (like Asphalt) 9 Streaming games from PC via Moonlight or Steam Link. For full-fledged gaming, it is better to consider NVIDIA Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box 4S Pro with a more powerful processor.