How to get the rights to the Xiaomi Mi Box S

Owners of Xiaomi Mi Box S consoles often face the limitations of the standard Android TV shell, which does not allow you to remove system applications or use specific software. Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, opens up limitless possibilities for the device, from deep customization of the interface to installing ad blockers at the system level. However, this process requires care, since interference with the bootloader can lead to a loss of warranty or software errors.

In this article, we will look at the most current and safe method of firmware through a patched image using the Magisk tool. This approach allows not only to get the desired access, but also to preserve the ability to work streaming services, which is critical for media consoles. We will discuss tool preparation, the process of patching the image and the final installation via the computer.

Before you start, you need to be clear about the risks. Any manipulation of the bootloader can theoretically turn the device into a brick if you break the sequence of actions. The procedure for obtaining root rights to the Mi Box S is only possible on the firmware version corresponding to the particular bootloader, so updating the OTA after installing root is prohibited. If you are ready for experiments and have a Windows computer on hand, you can proceed to preparation.

Preparation of tools and files for firmware

The success of the operation depends on the quality of the workplace. You will need a PC with the Windows operating system, a serviceable USB cable like Male-to-Male (both ends of USB-A) and the Xiaomi Mi Box S. You also need to make sure that the computer has the ADB and Fastboot drivers that are usually included in the Android SDK Platform Tools. Without these components, the computer simply will not see the console in bootloader mode.

The key is finding the right firmware file. You need to download the full system image (ROM) for your model and, critically, the same version that is already installed on the device. If the versions do not match, after a patched bootloader, the system may not start or go into a cyclic reboot. You can download current dumps on specialized forums such as 4PDA or XDA Developers, focusing on the MDZ-16-AB or MDZ-22-AB model.

You will need to add Magisk in the format APK. It needs to be downloaded from the official GitHub repository, as third-party versions can be modified and contain malicious code. The firmware file usually has an.img extension or archive containing that image. Unpack the archive into a separate folder with a short path, such as, C:\mibox_root\, Avoiding errors when working with the command line.

Activation of the developer mode and debugging via USB

The first step on the console side is to enable hidden system functions. Standard Android TV hides the developer menu, so you need to activate it manually. To do this, go to the settings menu, select the device settings section, then About the device. Find the Build item and quickly click on it 7 times in a row. The system will notify you that you have become a developer.

Once activated, a new "Developers" option will appear in the settings menu, log in and find the USB Debugging switch. Activate it. When you first connect to your computer, the TV screen will ask for permission to debug with the c-code (RSA fingerprint), you must tick "Always allow from this computer" and confirm the action, otherwise no further instructions will be executed.

⚠️ Note: Do not leave the debugging mode on USB This creates a potential security vulnerability, allowing any device connected to the port to access your console's file system.

Now connect the console and the computer with a USB-A to USB-A cable. Connect the cable to the port closer to the power connector (usually USB 2.0), as it often provides low-level access. Open the command line (CMD) or PowerShell in the folder with ADB tools and enter the command adb devices. If done correctly, you will see the serial number of your device with the status of the device.

Retrieving and patching boot.img image via Magisk

The hardest part is to create a modified bootloader, and if you downloaded the full firmware image, you've got to extract the file from it. boot.img. In some cases, the image may be called boot_mdz16_1234.img Or similarly, but the essence remains the same, which is the core of the system. Copy this file onto a smartphone with Magisk installed or directly onto the console if you can transfer the file.

Run the Magisk app on the device where it is installed. In the main menu, select the Install option next to Magisk. As your installation method, make sure to select and Patch a File. boot.img. The patching process will take a few seconds, after which a file with a name like this will appear in the Download folder. magisk_patched_[random].img.

This patched file must be returned to the computer in the folder with ADB-This is the replacement for the standard bootloader, rename it for convenience. boot.img, Make sure the file size has not changed dramatically, although the presence of magisk prefix in the name indicates a successful implementation of the superuser code.

Unlocking the bootloader and recording a patched image

Now, to directly intervene with the bootloader. In the command line on the PC, type in the command adb reboot bootloader. The console will reboot, and the TV screen (or indicator) will change status. The computer must identify the device in Fastboot mode. Check this with the command fastboot devices. If the device is displayed, you can proceed to unlock.

To unlock the Xiaomi bootloader, use the command fastboot oem unlock. On the console screen, a warning about the loss of warranty and data may appear. Confirm the action with the volume buttons on the remote (if supported) or simply agree to the terms. The unlock process will completely clear user data, so all settings will be reset to the factory.

After successful unlocking (success will be confirmed by the message OKAY in the console), you need to record the patched image.

fastboot flash boot boot.img

Wait until the recording is finished. In some cases, especially on newer versions of Android. TV, You may need to disable bootloader verification. For this, type in the command fastboot flashing. unlock_critical (If supported, or fastboot erase avb_custom_key. After recording the image, run the command fastboot reboot to restart the system.

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Save the original boot.img file in a safe place, and if something goes wrong, it will allow the console to return to its original state without flashing the entire dump.

Root access check and manager installation

After the reboot, the system should boot as usual, but now the Magisk icon will appear in the list of applications. If the icon is not available, but the installation process was successful, perhaps the application is hidden or you need to reinstall it. APK-And when you first run it, Magisk can ask for additional permission to access the files, you'll agree.

Inside the app, you'll see the installation status, and if you see the version number next to the "Magisk" item, you'll see that root rights are active, you can use specialized test apps like Root Checker to check, and you run the test, and if it's successful, you'll get confirmation of full access to the system.

Now you can install modules that change how the system works. TV-The boxes include Systemless Hosts to block ads throughout the system, modules to change the video buffer or force Dolby Vision to be enabled in applications where it is not officially supported.Be careful with installing heavy modifications, as the resources of the Amlogic processor or S905X limited.

⚠️ Note: Some banking apps and streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) may refuse to work on rooted devices due to system integrity checks (SafetyNet/Play Use MagiskHide or Zygisk modules to bypass the fact that root rights are available.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

During the modification process, users often encounter typical errors, one of the most common is “bootloop”, when the console is endlessly rebooted on the Mi or Android logo, this happens if the boot.img version does not match the version of the rest of the firmware or if the image was damaged during recording.

If a cyclic reboot occurs, don’t panic. You’ll need to reset your device to Fastboot mode (usually by holding back and OK buttons when you connect power, or through a power connection). ADB, If it's running, then you have to return the original. boot.img Fastboot Flash Boot Team original_boot.img and unlock the bootloader again if it is locked up.

Another problem is the lack of Internet or unstable operation of Wi-Fi after firmware. This is rare, but possible if the partition persist or factory. If this happens, the only way out is to completely flash the device through the Xiaomi Flash Tool or analogue for the device. TV-boxes, which will require finding a full firmware dump and can take considerable time.

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The main key to success is the exact match of the patchable boot.img version with the installed system version. mismatch versions in 99% of cases leads to the inoperability of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)