Xiaomi Mi Box is a popular Android TV-It's a box that turns a regular TV into a smart media center. But what if you want to expand it with Google Chromecast? At first glance, it seems redundant: why plug a Chromecast into a device that can stream content itself? However, the combination of these gadgets opens up unique scenarios: from mirroring the screen of a smartphone without lags to simultaneous streaming on several devices.
In this article, we’ll break down three main ways to integrate Chromecast with Xiaomi Mi Box: through the built-in Google Cast feature, using an external Chromecast device (if your TV doesn’t support Miracast), and through alternative applications for advanced management.
Important: Not all versions of the Xiaomi Mi Box work equally well with the Chromecast (MDZ-22-AB) It has limitations on screen mirroring due to firmware features, while the Mi Box 4 with Android 9 supports Google Cast with almost no complaints. We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 — the data in the table below.
1.What is the difference between Chromecast and Xiaomi Mi Box?
Before you combine these devices, it is worth understanding why it is necessary. Xiaomi Mi Box is a full-fledged Android. TV-The box with its own processor, memory and interface that can run apps on its own. Chromecast, in turn, is a “stupid” streamer that simply takes content from other devices and does not have its own menu.
Key differences:
- 📺 Feature: Mi Box works as a mini PC (you can install Kodi, games, browser), and Chromecast only broadcasts content from your phone / PC.
- 🔌 Connection: Mi Box requires HDMI And power, Chromecast powered directly from HDMI-Port (on most models).
- 🎮 Control: Mi Box is controlled by remote or voice (via Google Assistant), Chromecast – only from a smartphone.
- 💰 Mi Box is more expensive, but replaces Chromecast + part-function.
So why are they joining them? Here are the real scenarios.
- 📱 Mirroring your phone to TV via Chromecast if the Mi Box doesn’t support your smartphone model (e.g. iPhone).
- 🎬 Multi-room streaming: streaming the same content on multiple TVs at the same time (Mi Box) + Chromecast in different rooms).
- 🔄 Backup Channel: If the Mi Box freezes, you can quickly switch to Chromecast without losing content.
2. Method 1: Using the built-in Google Cast in the Xiaomi Mi Box
The easiest way to do this is to use the Google Cast feature, which is already built into the Mi Box firmware, which doesn't require you to buy an additional Chromecast device, but it doesn't work on all models.
| Xiaomi Mi Box Model Model | Support for Google Cast | Screen mirroring (Miracast) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) | ✅ Yes (with an update) | ❌ No (only through third-party applications) | Requires Android 9 firmware+ |
| Mi Box 4 (MDZ-16-AB) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (partially) | Better compatibility with iOS |
| Mi Box 3 | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Outdated firmware |
| Mi TV Stick | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Chromecast analogue, but with remote control |
If your model supports Google Cast, follow the instructions:
- Connect the Xiaomi Mi Box to your TV and make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your smartphone, open the application that supports broadcasting (YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos).
- Click on the Cast icon (usually in the top right corner) and select your Mi Box from the list.
- If there is no Cast icon, check the app settings: sometimes the feature needs to be manually activated (e.g. on YouTube). → Settings → Broadcasting).
Make sure that the Mi Box and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network|Update the Mi Box to the latest version|Enable the “Google Play Services” feature in the settings|Check if the app supports live streaming (list: YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Chrome)
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Critical feature: on the Mi Box S with firmware older than 2023, Google Cast may not work stable due to a conflict with Xiaomi services. → Annexes → Auto-update.
3. Method 2: Connecting an external Chromecast to the Xiaomi Mi Box
If the built-in Google Cast doesn’t work (for example, you want to stream your iPhone screen or use Chromecast as a backup), you can connect an external Google Chromecast device directly to the Mi Box.
- 🔌 HDMI-Splitter (if there is only one TV) HDMI-port).
- 📶 Wi-Fi router (both devices must be on the same network).
- ⚡ USB-Powered hub (if Chromecast requires additional power).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Chromecast to Free HDMI-TV port (or splitter if the port is occupied by Mi Box).
- Connect power to Chromecast (use the original power supply or USB-hub).
- On your phone, install the Google Home app and follow the instructions for setting up Chromecast.
- In Chromecast settings, select the same Wi-Fi network as the Mi Box.
- You can now stream content either to the Mi Box (via its interface) or to the Chromecast (via Google Home), switching between signal sources to TV.
What? HDMI-splitter?
⚠️ Note: If you connect both devices via a splitter, conflict HDCP (Content protection, which is why Netflix or Disney+ It might not be triggered:
1. Disconnect one of the devices from the splitter. 2. Reboot the TV and router. 3. In the Mi Box settings, turn off Settings → Display and sound → HDMI CEC.
Method 3: Alternative applications for broadcasting
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party streaming apps, which are especially useful if:
- 📱 Your smartphone doesn’t support Google Cast (e.g. older Android 5 models).
- 🖥️ You want to broadcast the PC screen (Windows/Mac) Mi Box.
- 🎮 Play mobile games on a large screen with minimal latency.
The best applications for these tasks:
| Annex | Supported devices | Delay (MS) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApowerMirror | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac | 50–100 | Supports control from TV, screen recording |
| TeamViewer QuickSupport | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac | 100–150 | Remote control, but high delay |
| LocalCast | Android | 30–80 | Broadcasting local files (video, photo) |
| AirScreen | Android, iOS, Windows | 40–90 | AirPlay support (for iPhone) |
Instructions for ApowerMirror (optimum for games and videos):
- Install ApowerMirror on your smartphone and Mi Box (download) APK from the official website, as in Google Play for TV Maybe there's no version).
- On your smartphone, turn on debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Assembly number (press 7 times) → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).
- Connect your smartphone and Mi Box to the same Wi-Fi network or via the same Wi-Fi network USB-cable (for shorter delay).
- Run ApowerMirror on both devices and follow the pairing instructions.
💡
To reduce delay in games, use the connection to USB Instead of Wi-Fi. In ApowerMirror settings, select Quick Connection mode and turn off video compression.
5. Solving typical problems
Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
🔴 The problem is that Chromecast does not find the Xiaomi Mi Box
- ✅ Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not on the guest network).
- ✅ Restart your router – sometimes DHCP not giving out the right IP-address.
- ✅ On Mi Box, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and forget the network, then connect again.
- ✅ If you use VPN on the phone, turn it off.
🔴 Problem: Video lagging or slowing down
- ✅ Close the background apps on the Mi Box (especially Kodi or the browser).
- ✅ In your router settings, enable Qos (Quality of Service) and prioritize the Mi Box.
- ✅ Lower the broadcast resolution in the Chromecast settings (Google Home: Device) → Settings → Video quality).
- ✅ If you use a splitter, try connecting the Chromecast directly to your TV.
🔴 Problem: No sound during broadcast
- ✅ Check if the sound is turned off on the Mi Box (Mute button on the remote).
- ✅ In Chromecast (Google Home) Settings, select Device Settings → Sound. → HDMI.
- ✅ If you use a splitter, try another one. HDMI-cable (sometimes cheap cables don't transmit sound).
💡
If the problem persists after all manipulations, reset your network settings to Mi Box: Settings → Network and Internet → Additionally. → Resetting network settings.
6.Comparison: Chromecast vs Xiaomi Mi Box vs Mi TV Stick
If you haven’t bought a device yet and think it’s better – Chromecast, Mi Box or Mi. TV Stick, here's a comparison table:
| Criteria | Google Chromecast (3-gen) | Xiaomi Mi Box S | Xiaomi Mi TV Stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2026) | ~3 500 ₽ | ~5 000 ₽ | ~3 000 ₽ |
| Processor | No processor (streamer) | Cortex-A53 (4 cores) | Cortex-A53 (4 cores) |
| 4K support | ✅ Yes, 60 Hz) | ✅ Yes, 60 Hz) | ✅ Yes, 30 Hz) |
| DU remote | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (with voice control) | ✅ Yes, no voice) |
| Installation of applications | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, Google Play) | ✅ Yes (limitedly) |
| Screen mirroring | ✅ Yes, Google Cast) | ⚠️ Partially (depends on firmware) | ❌ No. |
⚠️ Warning: If your primary focus is mirroring your smartphone screen, the Chromecast will do better than the Mi Box, especially if you have an iPhone. However, if you need apps, games and advanced settings, the Mi Box is a more versatile solution.
7. Optimizing performance when shared
If you decide to use the Chromecast and Mi Box at the same time, follow the tips for maximum stability:
- 🔧 Turn off automatic updates on Mi Box to avoid conflicts with Chromecast: Settings → Annexes → Auto-update.
- 📶 Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4 GHz – this will reduce the delays of the broadcast.
- 🔌 Connect both devices to a UPS (uninterruptible power source) to avoid failures during voltage surges.
- 🖥️ Set up static. IP-Addresses for Mi Box and Chromecast in router to avoid conflicts DHCP.
For advanced users: if you are experienced in working with ADB, You can optimize the Mi Box firmware for better compatibility with Chromecast, such as disabling unnecessary Xiaomi services that consume resources:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.weather💡
Before execution ADB-commands to make a backup of the firmware Mi Box through the application TV Backup & Restore from Google Play.