Xiaomi TV set-top box for TV: why it is needed and how to squeeze the most out of the device

Are you still watching movies from a flash drive or suffering with a cable remote where half the buttons don't work? Then a Xiaomi set-top box can be your salvation -- and not just for owners of outdated TVs. TV They're often lost to consoles in speed, application numbers, and support for new video formats?

In this article, we’ll break down 7 real reasons to buy a Xiaomi TV set-top box – from the obvious (Netflix and YouTube access in the video). 4K) It's not obvious, like how to use a console as a media server for the whole family, and it's also the Mi Box S, Mi. TV Stick and Mi Box 4K Ultra to let you know which one is right for you. Spoiler: Even if you already have a Smart TV, The console can reveal its hidden potential.

1. Turns any TV into a Smart TV — even 10 years ago.

Xiaomi's main goal is to give a second life to old TVs. CRT-plug-in HDMI Or the 2010 plasma? You just plug in a Mi Box or a Mi. TV Stick – and you will get a full Android interface TV Support for all modern streaming services.

But it's not just a "replacement remote."

• 📺 Access to 5,000+ Google Play apps including Netflix, Disney+, OKKO and KION)
• 🎮 Playing Opportunities – You Can Play Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce NOW or retro console emulators
• 🔍 Voice search via Google Assistant (available on models with a microphone in the remote)
• 📱 Smartphone Control – Mi Remote App Replaces the Remote

You don’t have to buy a new TV for 50-100,000 rubles. TV Stick for 3-4 thousand rubles will transform your old Full HD-TV, and top-end Mi Box 4K Ultra will bring the picture to the level of premium models.

⚠️ If your TV is older than 2008, check for a connector. HDMI. Without it, the console Xiaomi will not connect – you will need an adapter HDMI → AV, But the quality of the picture will fall to 480p.

2. 4K HDR Dolby Vision: Why the console performs better than the built-in Smart TV

Even if you already have a smart one. TV, The firmware is often limited:

• 📉 Samsung and LG Block the installation of third-party applications (no Google Play)
• 🐢 Built-in processors slow down when you run heavy apps (for example, Netflix in the Internet). 4K)
• 🔄 No automatic firmware updates (manufacturers drop support after 2-3 years)

Xiaomi TV sets solve these problems:

• 🚀 Processor Amlogic. S905 (in Mi Box S) or S905X4 (Mi Box 4K Ultra – does not slow down even when you run 5-6 applications simultaneously
• 🔄 Regular updates – Xiaomi supports consoles 5+ Mi Box 3 has been updated until 2023)

Important: The Mi Box 4K Ultra supports AV1 — A new codec that saves traffic when streaming 4K 30-50% compared to H.264. This is critical for owners of slow Internet (up to 50 Mbps).

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If your TV is supported 4K, Netflix is now showing the maximum of Full HD, problem DRM-Xiaomi's prefix bypasses this restriction and gives you a real 4K HDR.

3. Voice control and smart home: console as a control center for technology

Xiaomi TV set-top boxes (starting with the Mi Box S) support Google Assistant, which means you can:

• 🎤 Search for movies with a voice: "OK, Google, turn on Game of Thrones" OKKO"

But there is a caveat: for voice control you need a remote with a microphone (goes with the Mi Box). 4K Ultra, or connected smartphone, if you have a budget model without a microphone, you can buy a remote separately (~1 500 ₽) Or use the Google Home app.

In addition, the console can become the control center of the Xiaomi smart home.

• 🔦 Control the Mi Home Security cameras directly on the TV screen
• 🔌 Manage Mi Smart Plug and Yeelight lights
• 🚪 Receive notifications from motion sensors or door openings

⚠️ Note: Integration with a smart home requires you to link the console and Mi Home devices to one Xiaomi account. If you already have a Mi Gateway hub, you do not need to duplicate its functionality - the console will not replace it completely (for example, does not support the Zigbee protocol).

Game console for 5 thousand rubles: what can be run on the Mi Box

Few people know, but Xiaomi TVs could be a budget gaming console. Of course, they won’t pull Cyberpunk 2077, but there’s enough power for retro games, indie projects and cloud gaming.

Here's what to really run:

• 🎮 Cloud gaming: NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming (requires a gamepad)
• 🕹️ Emulators: RetroArch (NES, SNES, PS1), PPSSPP (PSP), Dolphin (GameCube) with lags)
• 🎲 Mobile Games: Minecraft, Among Us, Brawl Stars (Gamepad or Smartphone Control)

For a comfortable game you will need:

Connect a gamepad via Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller)

Install Google Stadia or RetroArch from Google Play

Set the permission in Settings → Display. → 1080p 60 Hz (for minimum lags)

Connect an Ethernet adapter (Wi-Fi can slow down in online games)-->

The speed of operation depends on the model:

• Mi TV Stick: only the lungs 2D-Games such as Tetris or Pac-Man)
• Mi Box S: PS1-Emulators and cloud gaming at minimum settings
• Mi Box 4K Ultra: GameCube (with drawdowns) FPS) GeForce NOW into 1080p

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For cloud gaming (GeForce) NOW, Xbox Cloud: The console must be connected via Ethernet cable – Wi-Fi adds latency (~50–100 ms), which is critical in shooters.

5. Media server for the whole family: how to replace the console NAS

Xiaomi TV set-top box can become the central media server for your movies, music and photos. TV, where there is often no normal file manager, there is a:

• 📂 Built-in conductor with support SMB (network-folders), DLNA and FTP
• 🎬 Media Player Apps: Kodi, VLC, MX Player (played) MKV, FLAC, DTS)
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Mega (via apps)

Example of use: you downloaded the film in 4K HDR You want to look at the big screen, but you want to look at the laptop:

1. Connect the console and laptop to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On the laptop, open access to the folder with the movie (PCM) → Properties → Access. → Sharing).
3. On the console Kodi add a network source (Add files) → Protocol SMB).

Critical moment: Xiaomi consoles do not have a microSD slot or external HDD (Except for the Mi Box. 4K Ultra with USB-To store movies locally, you'll need to USB-hub.

6 Hidden functions: what the console does, what is not written in the instructions

In addition to the obvious chips, Xiaomi TV set-top boxes hide several useful features:

1. Guest mode for children or friends

You can create a separate profile with limitations:

Settings → Accounts and access → Add a user → Limited profile

Only the apps you select will be available in this mode (e.g. YouTube Kids and Cartoon Network).

2.Use as a monitor for PC

If you connect the console to the PC USB-C (model OTG), It can be used as an external display with a resolution of up to 1080p. Useful for laptops without HDMI-exit.

3. Screencasting from Android smartphone

Turn on Miracast on your smartphone (Settings) → Connected devices → Broadcast the screen and select the console:

• 📱 Showing photos from your phone on a big screen
• 🎮 Play mobile games on TV (with a gamepad)
• 📹 Stream videos from TikTok or Instagram without restrictions

4. Automatic turn on of the TV

In the settings HDMI-CEC (Settings → Display and sound → Management HDMI) Enable the option "Management" TV". Now the console will turn on the TV at the start and turn it off with you.

⚠️ Attention: Function HDMI-CEC It doesn't work on all TVs. If the option is inactive, check for support. CEC The menu of your TV (usually called Anynet)+ Samsung or Bravia Sync from Sony).

7. Which Xiaomi console to choose in 2026: model comparison

There are 3 current Xiaomi console models on the market, here's how to choose for your tasks:

Selection recommendations:

• 💰 Budget to 3,500 ₽: Mi TV Stick - only if you have full HD-TV and no performance requirements.
• 🎯 Best option: Mi Box S - the best price/quality ratio for the 4K-content.
• 🎮 For gamers and moviegoers: Mi Box 4K Ultra is the only model with Dolby Vision and AV1.

If in doubt, consider the alternatives:

• NVIDIA Shield TV — For advanced gamers (expensive, but supportive) AI-lopscaling)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — If you want to integrate with Alexa
• Apple TV 4K — Apple ecosystem, but no Google Play)

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If your TV is supported 4K, You can choose between the Mi Box S and the Mi Box. 4K Ultra, take the second – the price difference will pay off with support for Dolby Vision and AV1, Which is already becoming the standard for streaming.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi TVs