Mi TV Xiaomi’s Stick: A Complete Review of the 2026 Compact TV Set-top box

Mi TV Xiaomi’s Stick is a miniature device that turns any TV into a new one in minutes. HDMI-The company is positioning it as a budget alternative to full-fledged Android. TV-The boxes, but with the preservation of the basic functions. In this article, we will analyze in detail what is Mi. TV Stick, how it works, how it differs from competitors (like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire) TV Stick, and whether it’s worth buying in 2026.

The device was released in 2020, but still remains relevant due to regular firmware updates and low price, its main advantages are compact (the size of a flash drive), easy connection and support for most popular services: YouTube, Netflix, Disney.+, IVI And others, though, Mi TV Stick has limitations: a weak processor, a small amount of memory and the lack of some “advanced” functions familiar to full Android TV. Next, we will tell you who will suit this console, and who is better to consider alternatives.

What's Mi? TV Stick: technical specifications and equipment

Mi TV Stick is a media player based on Android TV 9.0 (in newer versions – with the PatchWall shell from Xiaomi), which connects to the HDMI-It's basically a simplified version of the Mi Box S, but in a flash drive format with a remote power supply:

• 🔹 Processor: 4-core Cortex-A53 (up to 1.5 GHz – enough to play Full HD, But it can slow down in heavy games.
• 🖥️ Graphics: Mali-450 — maintains the approval 1920×1080 upon 60 Hz.
• 🧠 RAM / ROM: 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory (available to the user) ~5GB).
• 📶 Wireless modules: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (dualband 2.4/5 GHz and Bluetooth 4.2.
• 🎮 Ports: HDMI 2.0 (Male), microUSB for power (included adapter 5V/1A).
• 🔊 Sound: Dolby Audio support and DTS (But without Dolby Atmos).

The complete set includes:

• 📦 The Mi itself. TV Stick (black, size) 87.2×30.2×14.2 mm).
• 🔌 Power adapter with microUSB cable (length) ~1.5 m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m).
• 📝 Short instructions in several languages (Russian is available).
• 🎮 Remote control with buttons Google Assistant, Netflix and Prime Video (powered from 2 batteries) AAA, complete).

Important nuance: Mi TV Stick doesn't have an Ethernet port, so the stability of the operation depends entirely on the quality of the Wi-Fi network. If you have a weak router or thick walls, you may slow down when streaming in the Internet. 4K (And it doesn't support that permission officially, and it doesn't. USB-Ports for external storage – only cloud services or local area network.

What's Mi for? TV Stick: basic functions and capabilities

The Mi's main task TV Stick is to make a regular TV smart with access to Internet content:

• 🎬 Streaming video: playback from YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, IVI, Okko, Kion and other services as before 1080p.
• 🎮 Games: support for Android games from Google Play (but not all due to weak hardware) Popular examples: Asphalt 8, Crossy Road, Minecraft (with lags).
• 🔍 Voice search: built-in Google Assistant (works in Russian) for voice control – you can search for movies, run apps or ask for the weather.
• 📱 Duplex with phone: sync with Mi Home (to control a smart home) and the ability to broadcast the screen of the smartphone on TV via Miracast or Google Cast.
• 📁 Media player: playback of local files (MKV, MP4, AVI) through VLC or a standard player (but without support for some codecs, for example, HEVC 10-bit).

It also supports economical consumption modes (automatic shutdown when inactive) and has parental control (age and time limits).

⚠️ Attention: Mi TV Stick doesn't officially support HDR, Dolby Vision and 4K. If your TV is above full resolution HD, The image will automatically scale, which can worsen the clarity.

How to connect and configure Mi TV Stick: step-by-step instructions

It takes no more than 5 minutes to connect the console. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Connect the console to HDMI-If the ports are in the back and access is restricted, use the HDMI-extensioner (not included in the set).
2. Connect the power supply. The microUSB cable connects to an adapter that plugs into the socket. Don't use smartphone charges, which can cause you to overheat.
3. Turn on the TV and select the source of the signal. On the TV remote, press the Source (or Input) button and select HDMI-port to which Mi is connected TV Stick.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system will prompt you to choose a language (there is Russian), connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Google account (required to access the Play Market).

After initial setup, it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → About the device → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install the necessary applications: YouTube, Netflix, IVI and others through Google Play.
• 🎛️ Set up the remote: in the menu Settings → Remote and accessories can be reassigned buttons (for example, make a quick launch of Prime Video instead of Netflix).

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If the console doesn't turn on, check if the power supply is enough. USB-The TV ports may not be producing the right current (1A), in which case use the original adapter from the kit.

Comparison of Mi TV Stick with competitors: what is better to choose?

Main competitors of the Mi TV Stick is Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick and Xiaomi Mi Box S. Compare them by key parameters:

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Mi TV Stick wins in price/function ratio if you don't need to 4K Or advanced games. For high-quality streaming, you'd better consider Fire. TV Stick 4K or Mi Box S.

Also worth mentioning is the Mi. TV Stick 4K — Updated version with support for Ultra HD, But it's not officially sold in Russia (you can order from AliExpress). 4K, Better get the fire. TV Stick 4K Mi Box S – these are optimized for this resolution and have more powerful iron.

Frequent problems with Mi TV Stick and how to solve them

Despite the simplicity, the Mi TV Sticks are bad. Here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The console does not turn on: Check the power supply connection (use only the original adapter). HDMI-Or try another port on your TV. Reset through the Reset button. HDMI-plug-in).
• 📶 Wi-Fi is permanently turned off: Switch to 5GHz (if the router supports). Reduce the distance between the console and the router, or use Wi-Fi repeater. Turn off energy saving mode in Wi-Fi settings (Settings) → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Additionally).
• 🎮 Remote remote does not work: Replace the batteries (even if they are new - sometimes factory defects). Reconnect the remote: press the Home buttons + Back for 5 seconds. Check if there is interference from other IR devices (e.g. air conditioning).
• 🐢 Lags and brakes: Clear the app cache in Settings → Disable auto-run of unnecessary programs (Settings) → Annexes → Autostart. Reset the console to factory settings (Settings) → The device → Reset).

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Mi TV Stick with TV older than 2010, may not have support HDMI-CEC. In this case, the remote from the TV will not control the console, and you will have to use two remotes.

How to expand Mi's capabilities TV Stick: useful life hacks

Even with limited features, the Mi TV Stick can be made more functional. Here are some proven ways to do this:

• 📁 Memory enhancement: Connect OTG-cable (microUSB) → USB-A) and flash drive (up to 64 GB) in storage settings (Settings) → Memory) select it as an external drive. Move the applications to the flash drive through Settings. → Annexes → [Select an application] → Warehouse → Change.
• 🎯 Installation of informal applications: Download APK-file on a flash drive and install through any file manager (for example, FX File Explorer. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security and limitations → Unknown sources.
• 🖥️ Use as a second screen for PC: Through Miracast (in Windows: Win) + P → Connect to a wireless display. Or via Steam Link to stream games from your computer.
• 🔒 Ad Blocking: Install Blokada or AdGuard via APK (It requires root, but it works in limited mode without it. DNS-Ad-blocked servers (e.g., 1.1.1.3 from Cloudflare).

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To speed up the console, turn off the animation interface. → About the device and 7 times click on "Build Number." Then go back to "Settings" → System system → For developers" and disable "Window animation" and "transition animation».

Should I buy the Mi? TV Stick in 2026: pros and cons

Let's take stock and decide who will be the right Mi. TV Stick, and who better to look for an alternative.

Pros:

• ✅ Price: One of the cheapest ways to make a TV smart».
• ✅ Compact: does not take up space, you can take with you on a trip.
• ✅ Easy to set up: connect and use - no need to understand complex menus.
• ✅ Support for popular services: Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ And others work without problems.
• ✅ Google Assistant: Google Assistant understands Russian.

Cons:

• ❌ Weak iron: Can slow down in heavy games or when multitasking.
• ❌ No. 4K and HDR: If you have a TV with a resolution higher than Full HD, potential will not be revealed.
• ❌ Small memory: 8GB quickly run out if you install a lot of apps.
• ❌ No Ethernet: Wi-Fi addiction can be a problem in poor signal conditions.
• ❌ Obsolete firmware: Updates are rare and some new apps may not be supported.

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Mi TV Stick is perfect for giving, second TV in the bedroom or traveling. 4K and games - consider the Mi Box S or NVIDIA Shield.

If you choose between Mi TV Stick and Chromecast, the first one is for those who want a full interface with the remote, and the second one is for those who plan to broadcast content only from the phone. 4K It is better to look at the direction of the fire. TV Stick 4K Apple TV 4K.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Mi TV Stick