If you're looking for a way to turn a regular TV into a smart TV without buying an expensive Smart TV, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick might be the perfect solution. This compact, flash drive-sized adapter plugs into the HDMI- port of a TV and turns it into a full-fledged multimedia platform with access to streaming, games and applications. But what exactly does this device do, how does it differ from consoles like Apple TV or NVIDIA Shield, and is it worth buying in 2026? In this guide, we take a look at all the details of the hidden features.
Notice that Mi TV Stick is not just a “replacement of the remote”, but a full-fledged media player based on Android TV (in some models – Google TV), it supports resolution up to 4K HDR, has a built-in Chromecast for broadcasting from the phone and is compatible with the voice assistant Google Assistant, while its price is many times lower than that of the competition, but there are nuances: not all TVs support all functions, and performance depends on the model.
What is Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and how does it work?
The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a miniature TV- dongle-formatted console that connects directly to the HDMI- TV port. Unlike traditional consoles (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Box), it does not require a separate desk seat and is powered by the USB- TV port or via an adapter to the socket. The device runs on the Android TV operating system (or Google ZXPH0004QH0005), which gives access to thousands of new Google PlayXXXXXXXP apps from Google Play Store.
The main tasks that Mi TV Stick solves are:
- 📺 Converting “stupid” TV to Smart TV — adding support for streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.).
- 🎮 Games are the running of mobile games through Google Play Games or emulators (e.g., RetroArch).
- 🔊 Multimedia: Playing movies, music, and photos from USB- drives or over the network (DLNA).
- 📱 Phone Broadcasting – Chromecast allows you to “throw” YouTube or browser videos to the big screen.
It’s important to understand that the Mi TV Stick is not a replacement for a full Android box, it has limited performance (especially in basic models), no Ethernet port, and it doesn’t support all video formats (e.g. DTS sound may not play), but it’s cheaper, smaller and easier to set up.
Technical characteristics: comparison of Mi TV Stick models
Xiaomi has released several versions of the Mi TV Stick, and their capabilities are very different. Below is a comparison table of current models (2026):
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Max, permission. | HDR | Voice assistant | Price (exemplary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Stick (1st generation) | Amlogic S805Y | 1/8 GB | Full HD (1080p) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ~1 500 ₽ |
| Mi TV Stick 4K | Amlogic S905Y4 | 2/8 GB | 4K (3840×2160) | ✅ Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | ✅ Google Assistant | ~3 000 ₽ |
| Mi TV Stick (2023, Google TV) | Amlogic S905W2 | 2/16 GB | 4K (3840×2160) | ✅ HDR10 | ✅ Google Assistant + Alexa | ~3 500 ₽ |
The key difference between the new 2023 model is the Google TV operating system instead of Android TV.This means a more user-friendly interface with personalized recommendations, but some users note that it is "heavier" for weak iron.
How do you choose the right model?
- 📺 If you have a Full HD TV (up to 1080p), the basic version is enough - overpaying for 4K makes no sense.
- 🎬 For 4K HDR- content (e.g. high-quality movies), take the Mi TV Stick 4K or the 2023 model.
- 🎮 If you plan to play, pay attention to the amount of RAM: 2 GB is preferable to 1 GB.
- 🔊 For audiophiles: No model supports DTS:X or Dolby Atmos, just stereo or Dolby Digital.
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For most users, the best choice is Mi TV Stick 4K: it supports modern video formats and has enough performance for streaming.
How to connect Xiaomi Mi TV Stick to the TV: Step-by-step instructions
The Mi TV Stick connection takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are a few nuances you should know about in advance.
- Prepare the TV: make sure it has a free HDMI- port (preferably HDMI 2.0 for 4K) and USB-port for power (or use the power adapter from the kit).
- Insert adapter: connect Mi TV Stick to HDMI- port. If the port is located behind the TV, use the HDMI extension from the kit.
- Connect power: ⚡ Optimally: via the USB- port of the TV (if it gives off enough current). ⚡ Alternatively: via the power adapter to the socket (if the TV does not recognize the device).
Select the source of the signal
Source
Input
Set up the device
☑️ What to check before connecting
Possible problems and solutions:
- 🔴 The device won't turn on: try another USB- port or power adapter. Some TVs don't give out enough current.
- 🔴 No image: check that the right HDMI- input is selected. If you use an extension cord, try without it.
- 🔴 Lags while playing 4K: Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi or use an Ethernet adapter (for models with USB- port).
⚠️ Warning: If your TV is released before 2012, it may not support HDCP 2.2, the content protection standard required to play 4K. In this case, Mi TV Stick 4K will only work in 1080p mode.
What apps and services are available on Mi TV Stick?
One of the main advantages of Mi TV Stick is access to the Google Play Store ecosystem, which means you can install almost any Android TV app, including:
- 🎬 Streaming services: Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, OKKO, Kion, Wink, IVI.
- 🎵 Music services: Spotify, Yandex Music, Apple Music (via browser).
- 🎮 Games: Asphalt 9, Minecraft, Among Us (with support for gamepads).
- 📺 IPTV: Lazy IPTV, TiviMate, SS IPTV (for viewing TV channels).
- 🔧 Utility: Kodi (media center), Solid Explorer (file manager), Mouse Toggle (mouse control).
However, there are limitations:
- ❌ Not all apps are optimized for Android TV (e.g., TikTok or VK might not work properly).
- ❌ Some services (e.g. Prime Video) require manual installation of APK due to regional restrictions.
- ❌ No official Apple support TV+ — you’ll have to use workarounds (like streaming from an iPhone).
How to install apps not from Google Play?
Gamer tip: If you want to play Mi TV Stick, connect a Bluetooth gamepad (for example, Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock 4). Performance is enough for light games, but do not expect high FPS in PUBG Mobile - the iron is not designed for such loads.
Hidden features and life hacks for Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
Many users use the Mi TV Stick only to watch YouTube and Netflix, but the device does much more.
- 🔄 Developer Mode: Enable it in Settings → About Device → Build Number (click 7 times) This will give you access to debugging on ADB, custom firmware installation and system setting changes.
- 🖥️ Use as a mini PC: Connect a wireless keyboard and mouse (via Bluetooth or USB- hub) and you’ll have a near-full computer for surfing the internet or working with documents.
- 📡 Ethernet via USB: If Wi-Fi is slowing down, buy a USB-Ethernet adapter (e.g. TP-Link UE300) and connect the cable directly. This is especially true for 4K- content.
- 🔊 Speaker output: In the audio settings (Settings → Sound → Output), you can select HDMI, Bluetooth, or SPDIF (if the receiver is connected).
- 📱 Phone Control: Install the Google TV or Mi Remote app on your smartphone, and it will replace the remote.
Lifehack to save traffic: If you have limited Internet, Settings → Network → Data can be enabled to save traffic. This will reduce the quality of video in background applications (for example, in Netflix previews).
⚠️ Warning: When you use developer mode and install third-party firmware (like LineageOS), you lose your warranty. Also, not all custom firmware supports Widevine L1 — without it, Netflix and Disney+ will run in low resolution.
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If the Mi TV Stick starts to slow down, reset it to factory settings: Settings → Device → Reset. This will remove unnecessary apps and cache.
Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them
Despite its simplicity, Mi TV Stick sometimes behaves in an unstable way, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device overheats and turns off. | Poor ventilation (especially if the adapter is inserted into the rear HDMI-port) | Use the HDMI extender from the kit to improve air circulation. |
| No sound when playing video | Incompatible audio codec (e.g. DTS) | Install Kodi or VLC – they support more formats. |
| Apps are out or not installed | Lack of memory (especially on models with 8 GB ROM) | Clear the cache (Settings → Applications → Clear the cache) or use the USB- drive as an additional storage. |
| The remote is down. | Batteries or interference from other devices are discharged | Replace the batteries or reconnect the remote (press Home + Back for 5 seconds). |
If none of these methods helped, try updating the firmware:
- Go to Settings → About the device → System update.
- If the update is not available, download the latest version from the official Xiaomi website and install it manually through Local Update.
What to do if the Mi TV Stick is not turned on?
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi TV Stick in 2026?
Let's figure out who's going to do this, and who's going to do it better than to look at alternatives.
Buy a Mi TV Stick if:
- 📺 You have a Full HD or 4K- TV without Smart features.
Do not buy if:
- 🎮 You plan to play heavy games - performance will not be enough.
- 🔊 You want high-quality sound (DTS:X, Dolby Atmos).
- 📁 You're storing a large media library -- there's not much internal memory.
- 🛠️ You need advanced settings (e.g., connecting to NAS or working with Docker).
Alternatives:
- Xiaomi Mi Box S is more powerful, there is an Ethernet port, but more expensive (~5000 ₽).
- NVIDIA Shield TV is a top-end console for gamers and moviegoers (~15 000 ₽).
- Amazon Fire TV Stick is a similar adapter, but with a different ecosystem (Alexa instead of Google Assistant).
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Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is the best choice for a budget TV upgrade, but not for advanced users who need maximum performance or advanced features.