Xiaomi TV Stick: What is this device and how it works in 2026

If your TV doesn’t support your smart phone TV, But you want to watch YouTube, Netflix or IPTV on the big screen - Xiaomi TV Stick is the perfect solution. It's a thumb drive-sized media player that plugs in to the next one. HDMI-port of the TV and turns it into a full-fledged smart device with Android TV. Unlike the Mi Box S or the Mi Box S. NVIDIA Shield, a stick from Xiaomi takes up a minimum of space, consumes little energy and is many times cheaper.

But how does this device work? What problems does it solve and what does it not? TV Stick in 2026, when there are alternatives from Amazon, Google and other brands on the market? In this guide, we will go through all the key aspects, from specifications to step-by-step customization, compare models and tell you how to avoid typical errors in use. If you have not yet decided on a choice - by the end of the article you will definitely understand whether this gadget is suitable for you.

What is Xiaomi? TV Stick and what you need it for.

Xiaomi TV Stick is a compact. TV-a stick stick (stick) that connects directly to the HDMI-It's a port of the TV, and it's got a full-fledged Android computer inside it. TV It's got a processor, RAM and built-in storage, and the main advantage over the classic consoles is that there's no extra wires or power supplies (except for the power supply). USB-charging-cable).

The main tasks that the device solves:

• 📺 Turning a “Dumb” TV into a Smart TV TV — Access to YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and other streaming services.
• 🎮 Big screen games – support for emulators (such as RetroArch) and cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.
• 📡 IPTV Digital TV – Watch channels through apps like Lazyman or TiviMate.
• 🔄 Duplicating the screen of a smartphone – streaming content from your phone to TV via Miracast or Google Cast.
• 💾 Media player - playback of films, music and photos with USB-drive-by (DLNA).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi TV Stick is not a replacement for a full Android box; it has more modest hardware, fewer ports, and limited expansion options (e.g., you can’t plug your hard drive directly into it), but it’s cheaper, smaller, and easier to set up.

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models TV Stick's backup 4K-For example, the basic version of Mi. TV Stick (2020) It gives you a maximum of full. HD (1080p), while Mi TV Stick 4K works with permission before 3840×2160. Check the specifications before buying!

Technical characteristics: comparison of models Xiaomi TV Stick

Xiaomi has released several versions so far. TV-Sticks with performance, resolution support and feature set. Below is an up-to-date table with key parameters (data for 2026):

As you can see from the table, the flagship model 4K Max significantly surpasses its predecessors in terms of format support HDR But for most users, the basic version is enough, unless you want to see content in the video. 4K. Note the Bluetooth version: in 4K Max it is updated to 5.2, which improves the stability of wireless headphones and gamepads.

Another important nuance is the operating system. All Xiaomi sticks run on Android. TV 11 (except for the oldest Android 9 models), but with a shell MIUI for TV. It means:

• 🔹 Xiaomi services pre-installed (e.g. Mi Home for smart home).
• 🔹 The ability to install apps from Google Play (but not all – some games and utilities may not support it) TV-Android).
• 🔹 Limited access to settings compared to “pure” Android TV (For example, you can not completely turn off advertising in the launcher).

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

Connecting the stick to the TV takes no more than 5 minutes.

• 📺 Free port TV HDMI (preferably supportive HDMI-CEC single-control).
• 🔌 USB-port (5V/1A) stick-fed.
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (or Ethernet adapter for port models) USB-A).

Follow the instructions:

1. Connect the stick to HDMI-If the port is on the back, use an extension cord. HDMI (It comes with some models).
2. Connect the power cable to USB-port of the stick and insert the second end into USB-port of the TV or to the charger.
3. Turn on the TV and select the corresponding signal source menu HDMI-port.
4. Follow the customization wizard: Choose a language (Russian is available in all models); connect to Wi-Fi (recommended 5 GHz network for stability); log in to Google account (required to access the Play Market); update the software if the system offers.

After the setting is completed, you will be taken to the main screen. MIUI for TV. Here we can:

• 🔍 Use voice search (button with microphone on remote control).
• 📥 Install apps via Google Play or GetApps (branded Xiaomi store).
• ⚙️ Set up screensaver, sound and network in the Settings section.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't recognize the stick, try: Reconnect the device to another HDMI-Use the original power cable (some TVs don't give enough current through the port) USB). Reset the stick settings to factory (Reset button on the case).

Xiaomi. TV Stick is better (and worse) than Amazon, Google and other brands

On the market. TV-Xiaomi is competing with giants like Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Roku Streaming Stick. Let's compare key settings:

The pluses of Xiaomi TV Stick:

• 💰 The lowest price among 4K-Dolby Vision Sticks.
• 🔧 The Android Open Ecosystem TV — install APK-manual files (for example, for IPTV).
• 🎯 Best support for regional services (for example, Kinopoisk, Amediateca).

Xiaomi's Cons TV Stick:

• 🛠️ Less streaming optimization compared to Fire TV Stick (sometimes slows down in heavy apps).
• 📦 Advertising in the launcher (you can only partially disable).
• 🔄 Less likely to be updated than Google or Amazon.

If you want maximum performance and stability, fire is better. TV Stick 4K or NVIDIA Shield TV. But if the priority is price/quality ratio, then Xiaomi is out of competition.

💡

If you often watch content with subtitles, in the settings of Xiaomi TV Stick enable the Settings option → Special facilities → Signatures will improve the readability of text on a dark background.

Top.-5 problems with Xiaomi TV Stick and how to solve them

Even the most reliable device can fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Stick not turned on or constantly rebooted Causes: Underpower (use the original adapter); overheating (unplug the device for 10 minutes); firmware failure (reset via Reset).
2. No sound when playing Check: Sound settings in Settings → Sound. → Sound format (select Auto or PCM). Cable HDMI (Sometimes it helps to replace a new port).
3. Apps fly out or slow down Solutions: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Turn off background processes in Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Optimizing the battery.
4. Replace the batteries. Reconnect the remote: press Home + Menu for 5 seconds. Use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone as a backup option.
5. No access to Google Play If the app store doesn't open: Check your internet connection. Update Google services to Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Update. Reset your network settings to Settings. → Network and Internet → Additionally. → Wi-Fi reset.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware, the stick starts to glittle, roll back to the previous version. To do this, download the desired firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware site, write it to a flash drive and update via Settings. → About the device → Updating the system → Local Update.

How to Expand Xiaomi’s Opportunities TV Stick: useful applications and life hacks

The basic functions of the stick are just the tip of the iceberg, and with the right apps and settings, it turns into a multi-functional media center, and here's what you should install first:

📺 Streaming and IPTV

• 🎬 Kodi – media player with support for plugins for torrents and online cinemas.
• 📡 TiviMate is the best app to watch IPTV (Supports playlists in format M3U).
• 🎥 VLC — Universal player for any video formats.

🎮 Games and emulators

• 🕹️ RetroArch – emulator for games with NES, SNES, PlayStation 1 and other retro consoles.
• ☁️ Xbox Cloud Gaming – Cloud Gaming Service (requires a gamepad).
• 🎲 Moonlight - streaming games from your PC (similar to Steam Link).

🔧 Utilities and optimization

• 🧹 SD Maid – cleaning up garbage and cache.
• 🔒 Blokada – an ad blocker (works through ad blocker) VPN).
• 🖥️ Solid Explorer – file manager with cloud storage support.

Life hacks for advanced users:

1. Installation APK without Google Play: Download the file to the flash drive, connect it to the stick through OTG-Adapter and install through any file manager.
2. Changing the region to access foreign services: Use VPN (For example, change the region in your Google account.
3. Voice control without remote: Connect Bluetooth headphones with a microphone to the stick and use voice commands through Google Assistant.

💡

For maximum performance, turn off the interface animation. Go to Settings → About the device → Build number (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then to Developer Settings → Select the scale of animation without animation.

Should I Buy Xiaomi? TV Stick in 2026: pros and cons

Let’s sum up and decide who exactly should buy this device, and who is better to look towards alternatives.

Who will suit Xiaomi? TV Stick:

• 🏠 Owners of old TVs without smart TV, Who wants to watch YouTube and Netflix.
• 🎯 Those looking for a budget solution to look at IPTV orfilm 4K.
• 🎮 Gamers who want to play retro games or cloud projects like Xbox Cloud.
• 🌍 Xiaomi ecosystem users (integration with Mi Home for smart home).

Who better to choose another device:

• 💻 Those who need powerful hardware for heavy gaming or multitasking (better) NVIDIA Shield TV).
• 🔄 Fans of the Apple ecosystem (they are more suitable for Apple) TV 4K).
• 📦 Those who want to connect hard drives (the stick does not have a stick) USB-port, only OTG adapter).

If your budget is limited and your tasks are standard (streaming, IPTV, games, then Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Max is one of the best options on the market. For more demanding users, it's worth looking at Fire. TV Stick 4K Google TV Chromecast.

Official dealers in Russia - Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries and Ozon. Average price for 2026:

• Mi TV Stick (Full HD) — 2 500–3 000 ₽.
• Mi TV Stick 4K — 3 500–4 000 ₽.
• Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Max — 4 500–5 000 ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV Stick