Streaming content from your phone or computer to the big screen via the Xiaomi Mi Box S is made easier with Google Chromecast technology. Although the Mi Box S doesn’t have a built-in Chromecast receiver like some modern TVs, it can be turned into a full-fledged streaming hub with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to integrate Chromecast into the Xiaomi Mi Box S, from basic customization to solving typical problems.
Many users mistakenly believe that using Chromecast on the Mi Box S requires buying a separate device, in fact, just install the right apps and set up a network, we will show you how to stream videos from YouTube, Netflix, browser or even desktop PC — without lags and with maximum quality, and pay special attention to the nuances of working with Android TV, which are different from the classic Google TV or Fire TV.
If you've experienced synchronization issues, broadcast interruptions, or no sound, this article will provide proven solutions. And for those just starting out with the Mi Box S, we've prepared step-by-step instructions that illustrate the key points. Even if you've never used a Chromecast, you can customize everything yourself in 10 to 15 minutes after reading it.
What is Google Chromecast and how does it work with Xiaomi Mi Box S?
Google Chromecast is a technology that wirelessly streams content from mobile devices or computers to a TV, unlike a physical Chromecast device (which connects to a mobile device or computer). HDMI-In the case of the Xiaomi Mi Box S, this is a software implementation called a “built-in receiver”, which means that the Mi Box S can receive data streams via the Google Cast protocol if it has compatible applications installed.
It is important to understand the difference between the two modes of operation:
- 📱 Send content: Your smartphone, tablet or computer is the source of the signal, for example, you run a YouTube video on your phone and send it to the Mi Box S.
- 📺 Receiver: Xiaomi Mi Box S receives stream and plays it on the connected TV. To do this, the console must run an application that supports Google Cast.
Technically, the Mi Box S doesn’t have built-in support for Chromecast at the system level (unlike the Nvidia Shield or Google TV), but this limitation is circumvented by third-party apps.
- 🔄 DLNA — Local broadcast of media files on the home network.
- 🌐 Google Cast – for streaming from supported services (Netflix, YouTube, Disney)+ etc.).
- 🖥️ Miracast – for duplicate screen device (similar to AirPlay from Apple).
⚠️ Note: Not all apps on the Mi Box S support Google Cast. e.g., standard Android browser TV Can not receive broadcast from your phone – this will require you to install Chrome or Firefox through APK.
Preparing Xiaomi Mi Box S to work with Chromecast
Before setting up the broadcast, make sure your Xiaomi Mi Box S meets the minimum requirements:
- 📦 Android version TV: 8.1 Oreo (on the Mi Box S out of the box installed Android) TV 8.1 or 9.0 Pie).
- 🔌 Network Connection: The set-top box and source device (phone/PC) must be on the same local area network (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- 🔄 Software Updates: Check the relevance of the firmware in the Settings menu → About the prefix → Updating the system.
If your Mi Box S runs on outdated firmware, update it:
- Go to Settings → About the console → System update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the process to complete.
- If necessary, confirm the installation and restart the device.
For stable operation of Chromecast is also recommended:
- 📶 Using Wi-Fi 5 GHz (if the router supports) will reduce the delays of the broadcast.
- 🔋 Connecting the Mi Box S to the network via Ethernet (if possible) will eliminate buffering issues.
- 🧹 Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes → [Select an application] → Clear the cache.
Installation of necessary applications for Chromecast
Since the Xiaomi Mi Box S does not have a built-in Chromecast receiver, you will need to install third-party applications.
| Annex | Appointment | Reference to installation | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Home | Managing Chromecast devices, setting up broadcast | Google Play | Required for initial setup |
| LocalCast | Broadcasting local files (video, photos, music) via DLNA | Google Play | Supports subtitles and playlists |
| Web Video Caster | Streaming videos from websites (including unofficial sources) | Google Play | Works with MKV, MP4, FLV |
| TV Cast for Chromecast | Duplication of the browser screen on TV | Google Play | Supports HTML5-video |
To install apps on the Mi Box S, use the Google Play Store (pre-installed on the console) or download APK-File Commander or Send Files to File TV. If the app is not available in the Play Market for Android TV, Download it to your phone and then send it to the console via Send Files to TV.
LocalCast installation (for local file translation):
- Open the Google Play Store on the Mi Box S.
- Type in LocalCast search and install the app.
- Start LocalCast and allow access to files and network.
- Select the file to broadcast and click the Cast icon (in the upper right corner).
- In the list of devices, select Xiaomi Mi Box S.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) If the video is not playing, try using SmartTubeNext, a modified YouTube client with Chromecast support.
Install Google Home on your phone|Update the firmware of the Mi Box S|Connect your phone and console to a single Wi-Fi network|Install LocalCast or Web Video Caster|Check the Internet speed (minimum 10 Mbit / s)-->
Set up broadcast from the phone to Xiaomi Mi Box S
The most popular scenario is streaming content from an Android smartphone.
Step 1 Connect devices to the same network
Make sure that the Xiaomi Mi Box S and your phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi router. If you use Ethernet on the console, check that you are not using the same Wi-Fi router. IP-Device addresses are located on the same subnet (e.g, 192.168.1.x).
Step 2: Launch the supported application
Open an app on your phone that supports Google Cast (like YouTube, Google Photos or Spotify) and the Cast icon will appear in the upper right corner (📡). Press it.
Step 3: Select Xiaomi Mi Box S from the list of devices
In the list of available devices, find the name of your console (usually MiBox-S-XXXX).
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S and the phone.
- 📶 Check that both devices are connected to the same network (not to the guest or other network). VPN).
- 🔧 Turn off the router settings AP Isolation (customer isolation).
Step 4. Start broadcasting.
Once connected, select a video or audio file on your phone, the content will play on the TV, and the control (pause, volume) remains on the phone.
💡
If the video slows down, try lowering the quality in the source app settings. For example, on YouTube, choose 720p instead of 1080p or 4K.
Broadcast from computer (Windows/macOS) to Mi Box S
To stream from a PC on Xiaomi Mi Box S, use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (with support for Google Cast).
Method 1: Broadcasting the browser tab
- Open Chrome on your computer and navigate to a site with a video (like YouTube or Twitch).
- Press. ⋮ → Broadcast (or right-click on the video and select Cast...).
- In the list of devices, select Xiaomi Mi Box S.
- Select the broadcast mode: 🖥️ Broadcast tab - the entire browser screen. 🎬 Streaming a file – video only (optimum for YouTube).
Method 2: Using the VLC Player
If you need to broadcast local files:
- Install VLC Media Player on PC and Mi Box S.
- On PC, open the file in VLC, then select Play → Player → Chromecast.
- Select the Mi Box S from the device list.
Method 3: Duplicate screens through Windows 10/11
For full duplication of the desktop:
- Press Win + K and select Connect to the wireless display.
- In the list, find the Mi Box S (if the console supports Miracast).
- Confirm the connection on the TV.
Also make sure that the TV is not activated Mute mode or external speakers.