Xiaomi TV: Why you need it and how to use it in 2026

You bought a Xiaomi TV and you thought, do you need an extra set-top box? Or do you have an old TV without Smart features, but you want to watch YouTube, Netflix and IPTV on the big screen? Xiaomi set-top boxes are compact devices that transform even the simplest TV into a modern media center, but not everyone understands why they are really necessary when the TV already has a built-in Smart TV.

In fact, even owners of smart TVs Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV console can come in handy. It solves problems with interface brakes, adds support for new services (for example, Disney+ or Apple TV+, which is not in standard firmware), and allows you to play Android games with a gamepad. And for owners of TVs without Smart TVs, the Mi Box or Mi TV Stick will be a complete replacement for an expensive upgrade.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How Xiaomi is better than the built-in Smart TV (And when you really need it)
• 📺 What are the models of consoles Xiaomi has and how they differ (comparative table)
• 🎮 Can I play on Xiaomi and what games are supported?
• 🔌 How to connect and configure the console in 5 minutes (Step-by-step instructions)
• ⚡ Top.-5 hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions

1.Why do you need a set-top box for a Xiaomi TV if it already has a Smart TV?

Many users mistakenly believe that the console duplicates the features of the built-in Smart TV, in fact it has 5 key advantages that make it useful even for modern TVs:

1. Faster work. The processors in the Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick 4K are often more powerful than in Xiaomi's budget TVs. For example, the Mi Box 4S Pro is equipped with an Amlogic S905X3 chipset with 4 cores, while the Redmi Smart TV X50 has a weak CA53 at 1.5 GHz. The difference in application load speed and interface smoothness is noticeable to the naked eye.
2. Support for new services: TV firmware is less updated than console software, such as Disney+ and Apple TV+ were on the Mi Box a year earlier than on Xiaomi’s 2020-2021 TVs.
3. Gaming. The consoles support Google Play Games and are compatible with Xiaomi Game Controller or Xbox/PS4. You can't run games on a TV without Android TV.
4. IPTV and torrents: The set-top boxes allow you to install specialized applications like TiviMate or Kodi, which are not available in the official TV store.
5. Transfer to another TV. If you change the TV, you can take the set-top box with you, while the Smart TV stays tied to the device.

But there is a downside: the prefix takes HDMI-The port requires a separate remote (although you can control it from your phone) and adds another power source. TV 11+, You probably don’t need the console – the difference in performance will be minimal.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi consoles do not support Chromecast as a source (i.e. you will not be able to stream the screen from your phone to the console if it is already connected to the TV.

2. What are Xiaomi consoles and how do they differ?

For 2026, Xiaomi offers 4 current console models that differ in price, performance and supported features. Below is a comparison table with key parameters:

As you can see from the table, Mi TV Stick is the most budget option, but it is only suitable for watching videos in Full HD. If you have a 4K TV, you should choose Mi TV Stick 4K or Mi Box S. The latter also supports Google Assistant and has more stable software.

For gamers and media enthusiasts, the Mi Box 4S Pro is optimal – it has the most powerful processor and 16 GB of memory, which allows you to install heavy games (for example, Genshin Impact or PS2 emulators).

3.Can I play on the Xiaomi console? Opportunity review

Yes, Xiaomi Android TV-based consoles support games, but with reservations. The official Google Play has thousands of games optimized for remotes and gamepads, but not all of them will work smoothly.

• 🎮 Gamepad support: consoles compatible with Xiaomi Game Controller, Xbox One/Series X, PS4/DualSense (You need to go to Settings to connect. → Input devices.
• 🖥️ Emulators: You can run emulators NES, SNES, PS1, N64 even PS2 (through AetherSX2), But the latter will require a Mi Box. 4S Pro – weak models will “brake".
• 📱 Streaming games: Through NVIDIA GeForce NOW Xbox Cloud Gaming can be played AAA-projects (for example, Cyberpunk 2077), but you need a stable Internet speed of 25 Mbps.
• ⚠️ Limitations: Many mobile games (e.g., mobile games, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile not optimized for Android TV and require a detour (installation through the APK).

For comfortable gaming, it is recommended:

1. Use the Mi Box 4S Pro (due to the powerful processor).
2. Connect the gamepad via cable (less latency than Bluetooth).
3. Disable background applications in Settings → Applications.
4. Use a wired Internet connection (via a USB-Ethernet adapter if there is no built-in port).

4. Step-by-step instruction: how to connect Xiaomi console to the TV

Connecting the console takes no more than 5 minutes. Follow this instruction to avoid typical errors:

1. Connect the console to the TV: Insert the console in free HDMI-port on the TV. If you use Mi TV Stick, insert it directly into the port (without the extension if the TV is hanging on the wall). USB-TV port – may not have enough power!).
2. Select the source of the signal: On the TV remote, press the Source (or Input) button. HDMI-port to which the prefix is connected (for example, HDMI 1).
3. Set up the console: Follow the instructions on the screen: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), log in to your Google account. Update: Settings → About the console → System Update.

Install the necessary applications

• Open Google Play and download the services you need (Netflix, YouTube, Kodi, etc.).
• For IPTV, install TiviMate or Perfect Player.

If the console is not turned on or determined by the TV:

• 🔌 Check that the power supply is connected to the outlet (some models do not work from the power supply). USB-port).
• 🔄 Try another one. HDMI-port.
• 🔄 Reboot the TV and console (remove the plug from the socket for 30 seconds).

💡

If you have a Xiaomi TV, you can set up a single remote control for both the TV and the console. To do this, select Remote → Add device → Android TV and follow the instructions in the settings of the TV.

5. hidden Xiaomi console features that few people know about

Xiaomi consoles are more than just showing videos, here are 5 little-known features that will make it easier to use:

• 🔊 Visually impaired mode: Enables voice interface. Activated in Settings → Special facilities → TalkBack.
• 🎵 Output to Bluetooth headphones: You can listen to movies through wireless headphones without disturbing others. → Sound. → Exit via Bluetooth.
• 🖥️ Developer Mode: Allows you to install APK without restrictions and connect to ADB. It's like this: Settings. → About the prefix → Assembly number (click 7 times).
• 📁 File Manager by default: Built-in Files app can connect to network folders (SMB) It's good for watching movies with clouds. NAS.
• 🔄 Automatic Turn on with TV: If the TV supports CEC, The console will be turned on with it. → Display and sound → HDMI CEC.

Another useful feature is guest mode, where if you have friends, you can temporarily restrict access to your accounts (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)

1. Create a new user: Settings → Accounts → Add a user.
2. Select “Limited Profile” and tick the permitted applications.
3. When switching to this profile, the guest will not see your data.

⚠️ Attention: In Developer Mode, you can accidentally change critical settings (e.g., disable Google Play Services) that will cause crashes. Do not change settings unless you understand their purpose!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with Xiaomi consoles, sometimes there are difficulties.-5 problems and ways to correct them:

If the console is getting stuck and does not respond to the remote:

1. Press and hold the OK button on the remote for 10 seconds (forced reboot).
2. If it doesn’t work, remove the power cable from the socket for 30 seconds.
3. In extreme cases, make a reset: insert the toothpick into the Reset button on the console body (hold 10 seconds).

💡

If the console after reset requires authorization in Google, and you forgot the password – use FRP bypass through the Test DPC application (instructions are on 4PDA).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions