If your TV doesn’t support your smart TV Or it runs on an outdated system, and you don't want to buy a new screen -- Xiaomi could be the perfect solution. HDMI-It's a port to a modern media center with access to streaming, games and even voice control, but what exactly is hidden under the Xiaomi brand in the set-top box segment? These are not just smart boxes, but full-fledged Android devices with their own chips, which you should know about before buying.
In this article, we will analyze all current models (from budget Mi). TV Stick to the flagship Mi Box S Pro, compare them with competitors like NVIDIA Shield or built-in Smart TV, We will also answer key questions: whether to buy the Xiaomi console in 2026, how to set it up correctly and what hidden features are available only to owners of devices of this brand. If you are fluctuating between a console and a smart TV, here you will find the arguments for and against each option.
What is Xiaomi TV and how does it work?
Xiaomi TV set-top box is a mini-computer based on Android TV (or a modified version of it), which connects to the TV through the port HDMI And it expands the functionality of the system, and unlike the classic smart TVs, where software is sewn into the hardware, the console allows you to update the interface and the capabilities even on an old resolution TV. 720p.
The main tasks of the device:
- 📺 Video streaming: access to Netflix, YouTube, KinoPoisk HD, IVI and other services in the authorization before 4K HDR (model).
- 🎮 Games: Support for controllers and run games from Google Play or cloud services like GeForce NOW.
- 🔊 Music and podcasts: integration with Spotify, Yandex Music and other audio services.
- 🏠 Smart home: management of Xiaomi Mi Home devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) directly from the TV screen.
Xiaomi consoles run on Amlogic or Rockchip processors, are equipped with RAM from 1 before 4 GB and built-in storage on 8–32 All models support voice control via a remote with a microphone (in some regions, Google Assistant is available), as well as wireless Wi-Fi technologies. 5/6 Bluetooth 4.2/5.0.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi consoles are officially sold with firmware for specific regions. For example, the Mi Box S for Europe may not support some Russian services (for example, OKKO or Wink) without manually installing alternative versions of the software.
Topical models of Xiaomi TV set-top boxes in 2026: a comparison
Xiaomi’s line of consoles includes both budget solutions for basic streaming, and advanced devices for gamers and fans. 4K-Here are the current models that you can buy new in 2026 (obsolete versions like the Mi Box 3 are not considered).
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Max, permission. | Features | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Stick | Amlogic S905Y2 | 1/8 GB | 1080p | Compact, voice-controlled remote, no Ethernet | 2 500 ₽ |
| Mi Box S (2nd Gen) | Amlogic S905X2 | 2/8 GB | 4K HDR | Dolby Vision, Google Assistant, Ethernet port | 4 200 ₽ |
| Mi Box S Pro | Amlogic S905X3 | 4/32GB | 4K HDR+ | Dolby Atmos, game mode, metal body | 6 500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi TV Box 4S Max | Rockchip RK3399 | 4/64 GB | 8K@30fps | Two ports. HDMI (Entry/exit), support AV1, fan-cooling | 9 000 ₽ |
For most users, the best choice is the Mi Box S (2nd Gen – it supports all key services, has an Ethernet port for a stable Internet and is cheaper than flagship models. TV Stick is suitable for a summer cottage or a second TV, where you do not need 4K, 4S Max is useful for enthusiasts who want maximum performance for games or work with the world. 8K-content.
Xiaomi TV set-top box is better (or worse) Smart TV
The main question that customers care about is whether to spend money on a console if the TV is already "smart"? The answer depends on your tasks. TV-platforms (e.g. webOS from the LG or Samsung's Tizen).
The advantages of Xiaomi TV set-top boxes:
- ⚡ Performance: Even budget models run faster than most smarts TV weak-processor.
- 🔄 Updates: Android TV Gets security updates and new features longer than TV firmware (which often stops being supported after 2-3 years).
- 🎛️ Flexibility: You can reset, reflash or even install custom firmware (for example, CoreELEC for media center).
- 💰 Savings: it is cheaper to replace the console in 3-4 years than to buy a new TV due to outdated software.
Cons compared to Smart TV:
- 🔌 Additional wires: the console occupies the port HDMI and requires separate feeding.
- 🎮 Limited Games: Even top-end models won’t pull heavy games (like Genshin Impact) unlike consoles or PCs.
- 🔊 Sound: Some consoles do not support advanced audio formats (e.g., audio formats, DTS:X), The ones that are on premium TVs.
💡
If your TV is older than 5 years, Xiaomi will extend its life by 3-4 years without loss of functionality, LG C2 Samsung QN90C) The console will not give a significant increase in capabilities.
How to set up a Xiaomi TV set-top box after purchase: step-by-step instructions
The first launch takes 10-15 minutes, but the speed and availability of content depend on the right setup. Follow this algorithm to avoid common mistakes:
- Connect to the TV: Use the port HDMI 2.0/2.1 (usually signed "ARC" or "HDMI 1"). If the TV is old, you may need an adapter to HDMI → AV.
- Power: Use the original power supply (5V/2A). Cheap charging can cause overheating.
- Network: for 4K-Streaming connect via Ethernet cable (if there is a port) or to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network.
- First setup: select a language, connect a Google account (required to access the Play Market) and update the firmware in the Settings menu → About the prefix → Updating the system.
After the basic setting, we recommend:
- 📱 Install Send Files to applications TV (for transferring files from the phone) and Mouse Toggle (for controlling the cursor from the remote control).
- 🔒 Enable Developer Mode (in Settings) → About the console, click 7 times on "Build Number") and disable animations to speed up the interface.
- 🎯 Configure voice search: in the remote settings, activate Google Assistant (works only with official firmware).
☑️ Checklist before first inclusion
⚠️ Note: If the console does not find a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, check the regional settings in the Settings menu → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Some models are limited by default to the 2.4 GHz range for Russia.
Hidden features of Xiaomi TV set-top boxes that you didn’t know about
Xiaomi consoles on Android TV They hide some useful things that are not mentioned in the official instructions:
Screen mirror mode without lags
You can stream your smartphone screen to your TV via Miracast or Google Cast, but Xiaomi has a hidden mode with minimal latency:
- Activate Developer Mode (as described above).
- Enable the debugging option USB Secure File Transfers.
- Install Scrcpy app on PC and connect the console on USB (need to OTG-adapter).
This method gives a latency of less than 50 ms, ideal for mobile games with a gamepad.
2. Alternative launchers
Standard Android Interface TV It's not always convenient. ATV A launcher or Wolf Launcher from the Play Market:
- 📌 Fix your favorite apps on the main screen.
- 🔍 Remove Advertising and Unnecessary Widgets.
- 🎨 Set up transparency and design themes.
3. Game mode for controllers
The Mi Box S Pro and 4S Max supports low latency mode for gamepads:
Settings → Display and sound → Image mode → GameIn this mode, post-processing of video is turned off, which reduces input lag to 20-30 ms (important for fighting games or shooters).
How to enable root access on Xiaomi TV Box
Top.-5 Xiaomi TV problems and how to solve them
Even the most reliable devices sometimes get bugged, and here are the typical faults and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The prefix is off. | Faulty power supply or overheating | Check the power supply with a tester. If the console is hot, let it cool for 30 minutes. |
| Brake the interface | Memory Lack or Background Processes | Clear the cache in Settings → Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications. |
| No sound through HDMI. | Incorrect audio output settings | Go to Settings. → Display and sound → Sound. → Digital audio format and select Auto. |
| The remote is down. | Batteries are out or synchronization is out. | Press the Home buttons + OK 5 seconds to reset the communications. |
| No. 4K-permitting | Obsolete. HDMI-cable | Use the cable. HDMI 2.0. Turn on the TV menu. HDMI UHD Color. |
If the console hangs on the Xiaomi logo or cyclically reboots, try resetting it to factory settings:
- On the console off, press the button. OK remote.
- Holding it, plug in the power.
- Through 5–10 A recovery menu will appear where you need to select Wipe. data/factory reset.
💡
If the console overheats, put it on an open surface (not in a closed cabinet) and use a cooling stand for laptops. Temperature above 70.°C can cause processor trottling.
Should you buy a Xiaomi TV set-top box in 2026: conclusions
Xiaomi consoles remain one of the best solutions for upgrading an old TV or adding smart TV features to a new one.
- What permission do you need? HD Enough. TV Stick, for 4K HDR — Mi Box S or higher.
- Do you need Ethernet? If the Internet is unstable, choose a port model. RJ-45 (for example, 4S Max).
- Are you planning to play? For games, a console with 4 GB of RAM and support for gamepads (for example, the Mi Box S Pro) will be useful.
When Xiaomi is a bad choice:
- 📺 You already have an Android TV. TV Google TV (Like Sony. X90J or TCL Android 11+).
- 🎮 You want to play AAA-Projects are better to consider NVIDIA Shield or connect PC.
- 💰 Budget allows you to buy a TV with webOS or Tizen – their interfaces are optimized better than Android TV.
If you want maximum flexibility for minimal money, Xiaomi is a great option. It's cheaper than a smart TV, it's easy to transfer to another screen, and thanks to Android, it's a great option. TV You will get access to thousands of apps that are not in the branded stores. LG Samsung.
💡
In 2026, the best price/quality ratio among Xiaomi consoles is the Mi Box S model (2nd Gen. It covers 90% of the average user’s tasks and costs 2-3 times less than competitors like Apple. TV 4K or NVIDIA Shield.