How to play games on Xiaomi Mi Box S: the full guide 2026

Introduction: Why Mi Box S is suitable for gaming

Xiaomi Mi Box S is not just a movie media player, thanks to the AmLogic processor. S905X 4-core Cortex-A53 (up to 2.0 GHz) and graphics accelerator Mali-450, It can run many mobile games and console emulators up to the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64. Of course, this will not replace a gaming PC or Xbox Series X, but for retro gaming or casual projects from Google Play, there will be enough capacity.

The main advantage of the Mi Box S over smartphones is the ability to connect physical gamepads (including from Xbox or PlayStation via Bluetooth) and display the image on the large screen of the TV. TV 9.0 (with the option to upgrade to Android 10) install games is simplified in a few clicks. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from preparing the device to optimizing performance for smooth gameplay.

It’s important to understand: Mi Box S doesn’t support Google Play Games in its classic form (due to Android limitations). TV), But there are workarounds. We'll show you how to install. APK-manually file, configure emulators, and even stream games from PC via Steam Link or Moonlight.

Step 1: Preparing Xiaomi Mi Box S for Games

Before installing games, you need to optimize the system. Start with freeing up memory: by default, the Mi Box S has only 8 GB of internal storage, of which 4-5 GB is occupied by the system.

• 📁 Clear the app cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Installed apps, select unnecessary programs (such as Netflix or Prime Video if you don’t use) and click Clear Cache» → «Clear the data».
• 🗑️ Remove pre-installed games: Mi Box S often comes with demo versions of games (such as Asphalt 8».
• 🔌 Connect an external drive: if you plan to install a lot of games, use a flash drive (format) FAT32 or exFAT or external SSD through USB-OTG. In the Warehouse settings, select it as the default installation location.

It is also recommended to disable automatic updates of applications so that they do not occupy the Internet channel and memory in the background.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Go to Settings → Auto-Update applications.
3. Choose "Never."

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If the game is not installed after cleaning the memory, try resetting the Mi Box S to factory settings via Settings. → The device → Resetting.It will delete all data but solve the "insufficient space" problem».

Step 2: Install games from Google Play and third-party sources

Android. TV Not all Google Play games are available, but many popular titles (e.g. Minecraft, Brawl Stars, Among Us) can be installed directly:

1. Open the Google Play Store on the Mi Box S.
2. In the search bar, enter the name of the game. If it is not in the results, try to search through the web version of the Play Store on PC, selecting in the filters "Compatible with Android". TV».
3. Click "Install." Some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile) may not be displayed – they will require manual installation APK.

For installation APK-file:

• 📱 Download. APK on PCs from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).
• 📂 Transfer the file to Mi Box S via the cloud (Google Drive), flash drive or Send Files to TV (application).
• 🔧 Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security and limitations → Unknown sources → Turn on the switch for the file manager.
• 🖱️ Install. APK through any file manager (for example, FX File Explorer).

Important: Some games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) don’t officially support Android TV And they might not run or they might work with artifacts, and in those cases, emulating touch controls through applications like Octopus or GameKeyboard would help.

Step 3: Set up a gamepad for Xiaomi Mi Box S

Mi Box S supports the connection of gamepads over Bluetooth and USB. Best perform controllers from Xbox One (models with Bluetooth), PlayStation 4/5 (DualShock 4/DualSense) Specialized gamepads for Android, for example, 8BitDo Pro 2 or GameSir T4.

To connect:

1. Enable pairing mode on the gamepad (usually hold the Share button). + PS DualShock or the Xbox Sync button).
2. On Mi Box S, go to Settings → Devices → Add a Bluetooth device.
3. Select a gamepad from the list. If the device doesn't show up, try connecting it through USB-OTG cable.

Once connected, check the buttons in any game or test application (such as Gamepad Tester).If the buttons are not properly assigned, use Key Mapper or Button Mapper to reassign.

⚠️ Note: DualSense gamepads (from PS5) It may not work properly on Android. TV 9.0 due to lack of drivers. In this case, use the app DS4Windows (via PC streaming or connect the controller in compatibility mode with PS4 (hold on to Share + PS switch-on).

Step 4: Retro console emulators on the Mi Box S

Xiaomi Mi Box S does a great job of emulating consoles to the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64, PS2 The power may not be enough, the games will slow down or fly out. Below is a table of compatibility of popular emulators:

For emulator installation:

1. Download. APK from the official website (links in the table).
2. Move the file to Mi Box S and install (as described in Step 2).
3. Download. BIOS and ROM-Games (legally for your own discs only!).
4. In the emulator settings, choose the path to BIOS and ROM, and also set up control under the gamepad.

To improve performance in emulators:

• 🔧 Turn off anti-aliasing and texture filters.
• 🖼️ Reduce the resolution of the render (for example, with 1080p before 720p).
• ⚡ Enable Performance Mode in Android Settings TV: Settings → The device → Performance mode.

Step 5: Optimizing Performance for Smooth Gameplay

Xiaomi Mi Box S is not a gaming device, so to play comfortably you need to minimize the load on the system.

• 🔄 Turn off background processes: go to Settings → Annexes → Run apps and forcefully stop unnecessary services (e.g. Google Play Services or YouTube).
• 📶 Use a wired Internet connection (via USB-Ethernet adapter) if you play online games, this will reduce delays (ping) and eliminate lags.
• 🔋 Connect the device to a power source during the game – this will prevent the processor from trottling due to overheating.

You can use SetCPU (root rights required) to overclock, but it's risky, it can overheat. Without root, the alternative is to turn on developer mode and activate the "Do not turn off screen" option:

1. Go to Settings. → The device → Version information.
2. Click 7 times on “Build Number” to unlock Developer Mode.
3. Return to Settings → Device → Developer settings.
4. Turn on “Do not turn off the screen” and “Debugging by” USB» (If you plan to connect the gamepad via cable).

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Even with the optimization of the Mi Box S will not pull the modern 3D-games at maximum settings. The priority is retro emulators and 2D-project.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Box S starts to brake or reboot spontaneously after a long game, this is a sign of overheating.Let the device cool for 10-15 minutes.It is recommended to install additional cooling for continuous use (for example, for continuous use, USB-fan-box).

Step 6: Streaming PC games on Xiaomi Mi Box S

If the built-in power of the Mi Box S is not enough for modern games, you can stream them from a gaming PC.

• 🎮 Steam Link – the official app from Valve for streaming games from the Steam library.
• 🌕 Moonlight is an open client for NVIDIA GameStream (video card required) NVIDIA and included GeForce Experience).
• 🖥️ Rainway – an alternative for streaming from PC to any device.

To set up the Steam Link:

1. Install Steam Link from Google Play on the Mi Box S.
2. On PC, launch Steam, go to Settings → Remote Play and turn on the option.
3. Connect the gamepad to the Mi Box S (as described in Step 3).
4. In the Steam Link app, select your PC and start streaming.

For Moonlight:

1. Download. APK From the official website and install on the Mi Box S.
2. On PC, add the Mi Box S to the list of devices in GeForce Experience (Settings) → Shield).
3. Run Moonlight on the box and connect to the PC.

For smooth streaming:

• 📶 Use a wired connection (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
• 🎚️ In the Steam Link or Moonlight settings, select the bitrate 15–20 Mbps and resolution 1080p.
• 🔌 Close background programs on your PC (such as Discord or Chrome).

Step 7: Solving Common Problems

Mi Box S can cause errors, and here's how to fix them:

If the game crashes with the error "App not installed", try:

• Delete the previous version of the game.
• Clear the Google Play Store cache.
• Install APK through ADB (command: adb install path/to/file.apk).

To resolve the problems with the gamepad:

• Update the controller firmware (for example, for 8BitDo via Ultimate Software).
• Check the compatibility of the gamepad with Android TV manufacturer's website.
• Use the app. USB/BT Joystick Center for Connection Diagnostics.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Box S games