Mi TV Xiaomi’s Stick: What is this device and how does it transform a regular TV into a Smart TV? TV

If your TV is already morally outdated, but still perfectly shows the picture, and buy a new model with support for Smart TV No desire or opportunity - Mi TV Xiaomi's Stick could be the perfect solution. This compact flash drive-sized gadget turns any TV into a slick one. HDMI-It's a port to a fully-fledged, smart entertainment center. But what kind of device is it? How does it work, and how is it different from consoles like Apple? TV or NVIDIA Shield?

In this article, we will explain in detail what is Mi. TV Stick, what tasks it solves, what specifications and limitations it has, and give you a step-by-step instruction on how to set up, you will learn whether to buy this model in 2026, when there are already newer versions on the market, and how to choose between Mi and the best model. TV Stick and other Xiaomi devices (e.g. Mi Box S).

What's Mi? TV Stick and what you need it for.

Mi TV Stick is a media player in the format of "stick" that connects directly to the HDMI-Port the TV and turn it into a smart TV TV. It's basically a simplified version of the console, but with a key advantage: it doesn't take up space on a desk or shelf, but it hides behind the back of the TV. It's based on Android. TV (A simplified version of Android for TVs and supports all major services: YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, IVI, KinoPoisk and many others.

Main use cases:

• 📺 Transforming an old TV into a smart TV without buying a new TV.
• 🎮 Games via Google Play (Bluetooth gamepads are supported).
• 🔍 Viewing IPTV through applications like Lazy IPTV or TiviMate.
• 📱 Duplicate the screen of a smartphone on a TV on Miracast or Chromecast.
• 🎵 Music services (Spotify, Yandex Music) with output to TV columns.

It is important to understand that Mi TV Stick is not a full-fledged computer, but a specialized multimedia device. It will not replace the Raspberry Pi for complex tasks, but it will cope with watching movies, TV shows and streaming in resolution up to 4K (model-wise).

Technical characteristics: comparison of Mi TV Stick models

There are several versions of the Mi on the market. TV Stick, and their performance is markedly different. Below is a comparison table of current models (as of 2026):

As you can see from the table, the main difference between the models is support. 4K And the memory capacity. If you have a TV with a full resolution. HD (1080p), overpay 4K-There's no point in the version, but if you're planning to connect to it, 4K-On a modern TV or monitor, it is better to take the Mi. TV Stick 4K — It can decode heavy videos without brakes.

⚠️ Attention: Mi models TV Stick doesn't support AV1 — A modern codec that is used on YouTube for 4K-This means that some high-resolution videos can be played with artifacts or low bitrate.

Than Mi. TV Stick is different from Mi Box and other consoles

Many people confuse Mi. TV Stick with other Xiaomi devices, such as Mi Box S or Xiaomi TV Box. Let's look at the key differences:

• 🔌 Form factor: Mi TV Stick is connected directly to the HDMI-The port does not require a separate space, whereas the Mi Box is a box that takes up space.
• 💪 Performance: Mi Box S is equipped with a more powerful processor (Cortez-A53 vs Amlogic in Stick and better suited for gaming.
• 📶 Networking: The Mi Box has an Ethernet port (via adapter) while the Mi has an Ethernet port (via adapter). TV Stick only works on Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Gaming Opportunities: On Mi TV Stick can only be played with light games (for example, Asphalt 9 will slow down).

Google Chromecast is the main competitor of Mi TV Stick, the main differences:

• 📱 Operating System: Chromecast runs on Google TV (more modern shell), and Mi TV Stick - on Android TV 9/10.
• 🔄 Google keeps its devices longer, while Xiaomi often drops older models.
• 💰 Price: Mi TV Stick is usually cheaper 30-50%.

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If you want the most compact and budget option for watching videos – choose Mi. TV If games, stability and long-term support are important, consider the Mi Box S or the Mi Box S. NVIDIA Shield.

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

Mi connection TV Stick takes no more than 5 minutes. Here's what you'll need:

• 📺 Free port TV HDMI (preferably HDMI 2.0 4K).
• 🔌 Power source: You can use it USB-TV port or smartphone charging adapter.
• 📶 Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• 🎮 Remote from Mi TV Stick (comes complete).

Now we move on to the setting:

1. Connect the stick to HDMI-If the port is on the side, use the port. HDMI-extender from the kit to avoid overheating.
2. Connect the power through USB-cable (can be accessed by TV or socket).
3. Turn on the TV and select as the source of the signal HDMI-port to which the stitch is connected.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Google account (optional but recommended for access to the Play Market).

Select the correct resolution in Settings → Display and sound → Permission

Update the firmware in Settings → About the device → Updating the system

Install the necessary applications (YouTube, Netflix, etc.)

Set up voice search (if needed)

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Once you have completed the setup, you can start using it. If you have problems with the connection, check:

• ⚡ Is there enough power? USB-TV port (sometimes the stick is not turned on due to lack of current).
• 📶 Wi-Fi signal: If router is far away, use Wi-Fi repeater.
• 🔄 Is the signal source on the TV correctly chosen.

⚠️ Note: If the image is blurry after connecting or does not occupy the entire screen, go to Settings → Display and sound → Regime. HDMI and choose the Auto or PCM (depending on the TV).

What applications can be installed on Mi TV Stick

Since Mi TV Stick works on Android TV, You can install almost any application from Google Play, but with reservations:

• 📱 Not all apps are optimized for TVs, like Instagram or TikTok will work, but it's not easy to manage them from the remote.
• 🎬 Streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+, OKKO) They usually have special versions for Android. TV customized.
• 🎮 Google Play Games Are Launching, But Most Need a Mouse or Gamepad.

Here is a list of useful apps that should be installed first:

• 🎥 Kodi is a media player for local files and IPTV.

To install an app that is not available in the Play Market for Android TV (for example, 1xBet or IPTV-Players, please:

1. Download APK-computer-file.
2. Upload it to Google Drive or flash drive.
3. On Mi. TV Open File Commander and install the Stick APK manually (in settings you need to allow installation from unknown sources).

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When You Are Mi TV Stick's not working.

Like any electronic device, the Mi TV Stick can crash. Let's look at the most common problems and how to solve them:

If Mi TV Stick is starting to warm up a lot, it could be related to:

• 🔥 Poor ventilation (if the stick is inserted into a narrow HDMI-port).
• 📶 Load (e.g. reproduction) 4K HDR low-processor).
• 🔄 Outdated firmware (check the updates in Settings) → About the device).

⚠️ Warning: If the stick overheats and turns off, try using HDMI-an extension cord to improve air circulation, and avoid placing the device near heat sources (for example, behind a TV that warms itself).

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If Mi TV Stick started "glutching" (spontaneously reboot, brake), perform a reset to factory settings: Settings → About the device → Reset settings. Before you do that, remember to save your Google account details and passwords from the services!

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

Even though newer devices are coming (e.g. Xiaomi) TV Stick 4K 2023), Mi TV Stick remains a viable solution for many users. Let's look at its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• ✅ Price: One of the most budget-friendly solutions for converting a TV to a Smart TV.
• ✅ Compact: Does not take up space, unlike consoles.
• ✅ Easy to set up: Connected and forgotten – does not require complex manipulations.
• ✅ Support for popular services: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video work without problems.

Cons:

• ❌ Weak processor: does not pull heavy games and some 4K-video.
• ❌ Lack of Ethernet: Only works on Wi-Fi, which can be a problem with weak signal.
• ❌ Previous articleOld firmware: Xiaomi does not always quickly release updates for older models.
• ❌ Limited memory: The base model has only 8 GB, of which the user can access it ~5GB.

So, should I buy the Mi? TV Stick today:

• 📺 You have an old TV and you want to save money on buying a new one.
• 💰 Budget limited to 4,000 ₽).
• 🎬 You only need basic features: watching movies, YouTube, IPTV.

Not if:

• 🎮 You are planning to play demanding games.
• 📀 You need a device with Ethernet or USB-port.
• 🔄 Long-term support and regular updates are important.

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For most users, Mi TV Stick is the optimal balance of price and functionality. If you want more performance, consider the Mi Box S or the Mi Box S. NVIDIA Shield TV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)