You still use an old TV with a 20 button remote, where the only smart feature is switching channels? Meanwhile, even a 10-year-old LCD TV can be turned into a full-fledged Smart TV with YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and voice control — just plug in a Xiaomi console. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right model (Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick 4K or others), configure it in 10 minutes, bypass typical errors and reveal the hidden features of the device.
The secret to success lies in Android TV, the operating system that all modern Xiaomi consoles are equipped with, which not only gives access to thousands of apps through Google Play, but also supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and in new models even AV1 for streaming video, while the cost of such an upgrade is 5-10 times lower than buying a new Smart TV. But there are nuances: not all TVs are compatible with consoles, and the wrong setup can lead to “brakes” or problems with sound. We will tell you how to avoid these traps.
Why Xiaomi is the best way to make your TV smart
There are dozens of devices on the market to convert conventional TV to Smart TV, from cheap Chinese Android boxes to Apple TV and Nvidia Shield, but Xiaomi’s consoles hold a special place because of their combination of price, performance and ecosystem.
- 💰 Price: Mi TV Stick is cheaper than a monthly cable TV subscription, and Mi Box 4K — It's like a middle-class dinner, and they're not as functional as the 20,000 flagships.₽.
- 🚀 Performance: Amlogic chips (in the Mi Box S) or Rockchip (in newer models) are easily "pullable» 4K@60fps, And the cheap ones are starting to “sweep” 1080p.
- 🌍 Ecosystem: Full integration with other Xiaomi devices (columns, lamps, robot vacuum cleaners) via Mi Home. for example, you can turn on the TV via Alice or Google Assistant by voice.
- 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi regularly releases firmware with new features (e.g. support) AV1 Mi Box 4S Pro), while budget brands drop devices in a year.
But there are pitfalls, too: the Mi TV Stick is only suitable for HDMI-ported TVs (which are not available in models older than 2005), and the Mi Box S does not support Dolby Atmos, which is critical for home theaters. To make the right choice, read the next section.
What Xiaomi console to choose for your TV: comparison of models 2026
Xiaomi has 4 current console models, each of which solves its own problems, and we have compiled a table with key parameters so that you do not have to search the forums for differences:
| Model | Permission | Processor | RAM/ROM | Support for HDR | Voice assistant | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Stick | 1080p | Amlogic S905Y2 | 1/8 GB | HDR10 | Google Assistant | ~2 500₽ |
| Mi Box S (2nd Gen) | 4K@60fps | Amlogic S905X2 | 2/8 GB | HDR10, HLG | Google Assistant + Alice | ~4 000₽ |
| Mi TV Stick 4K | 4K@60fps | Rockchip RK3566 | 2/8 GB | HDR10, Dolby Vision | Google Assistant | ~3 500₽ |
| Mi Box 4S Pro | 4K@60fps | Amlogic S905X3 | 2/16 GB | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, AV1 | Google Assistant + Alice | ~5 500₽ |
How do you choose?
- 📺 If you have a TV with a permit 720p or 1080p — Take Mi. TV Stick, overpay for 4K meaningless.
- 🎬 To watch movies in 4K HDR (For example, Netflix or Disney.+) optimally Mi TV Stick 4K — It is cheaper than the Mi Box S, but supports Dolby Vision.
- 🎮 If you plan to play Cloud Gaming (e.g. Xbox Cloud or GeForce) NOW) — Take the Mi Box 4S Pro with a more powerful processor and 16 GB of memory.
⚠️ Xiaomi consoles do not work with TVs that do not have a port HDMI If your TV is older than 2005, check if it's a connector. HDMI The alternative is to use an HDMI-to-AV converter, but the picture quality will deteriorate.
Step-by-step: how to connect and configure the Xiaomi console
The installation process takes no more than 15 minutes, but many users make errors at the connection stage.
- Connect the console to the TV: Insert the Mi Box or Mi TV Stick to free port HDMI If you're using Mi, you're on TV. TV Stick, put it in. USB-Hub (comes complete) for power. For the Mi Box S, connect the power supply to the outlet.
- Select the signal source: On the TV remote, press the Source (or Input) button. Select the HDMI port to which the console is connected.
- Set up language and network: When you first turn on, the system will suggest you choose a language - choose Russian. Connect to Wi-Fi (recommended 5 GHz for stability).
Log in to your Google account
- Without a Google account, you won’t be able to install apps from the Play Market.
- If you don’t have an account, create it on your phone and log in via Mi Box.
⚠️ Note: If after connecting the console TV does not see the signal, check: HDMI — He should support HDMI 2.0 4K. Port port HDMI on TV – some models require the inclusion of the mode HDMI-CEC TV-setting.
Top.-5 mandatory applications for Smart TV Xiaomi
The standard Mi Box app set is limited, but you can install everything from streaming services to games through Google Play, and we've selected 5 must-have programs that will turn your TV into an entertainment hub:
- 🎥 Kodi is a media player for watching movies from external drives or over the network. Supports all formats, including: MKV subtitled.
- 🎵 Spotify is a device that can play music on a TV, and you can control it from a smartphone.
- 🎮 Steam Link streams games from PC to TV, even on budget consoles.
- 📺 TVirl - Replacement of the standard TV remote with playlist support IPTV.
- 🔍 File Commander – file manager for working with flash drives and network folders.
- For Alice (Mi Box S and 4S Pro only): Install Yandex with Google Play. Sign in and activate voice assistant. For smart home integration: Install Mi Home. Add the console to Xiaomi ecosystem via Add the device → TVs and set-top boxes. Now you can control your TV through the app or voice. How to turn on AliExpress on your TV through Xiaomi?To buy on AliExpress from the big screen, install TV Bro or Puffin TV from Google Play. Then open aliexpress.ru and log in. We have collected typical problems and ways to solve them: Problem Cause Solution Black screen after connection Incompatible HDMI-Try another cable or port. Turn on the cable or port. HDMI-CEC in TV settings. No sound Incorrect audio output settings Go to Settings → Sound. → Audio output and select HDMI Or Auto. The console inhibits cache overload or background processes Clear cache (see section above) or reset. Wi-Fi is not working Weak signal or incorrect settings Connect to 5 GHz network or use LAN-If the problem is not solved, try resetting to factory settings: → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings 💡90% of Xiaomi console problems are solved by resetting or replacing HDMI-Before you go to the service center, try these methods. FAQ: Answers to popular questions: Can you connect Xiaomi to a TV without HDMI? Technically yes, but you will need an HDMI-to-AV converter (worth it). ~1 500₽). However, the quality of the picture will deteriorate to 480p, And the sound can be transmitted late, so you'd better upgrade the TV or use the set-top box. AV-exit (e.g., exit, X96 Mini, but it's not Xiaomi.How to watch IPTV Xiaomi Mi Box? Install one of the apps: TVirl - for playlists in format.m3u. Lazy IPTV — supportive EPG (OttPlayer to connect via the provider portal. To add a playlist, copy its link to the clipboard, then select Add playlist in the app → Buffer. Can I play games on the Mi Box? Yes, but with reservations: Light games (Among Us, Brawl Stars) work without problems. Cloud Gaming (for example, Xbox Cloud) requires a remote with a gamepad or a Bluetooth joystick connection. Required games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) will be lagging due to a weak processor. For comfortable gaming, it is better to use the Mi Box. 4S Pro or consoles on Nvidia Shield. How to update your firmware manually if the automatic update doesn't work? Download the latest firmware from Xiaomi's official website (the support section for your model). Then: Copy the.zip file to a flash drive. Connect the flash drive to the console. Go to Settings → About the prefix → Updating the system → Local Update. Select a file and wait until it's finished. ⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the console during the upgrade - this can lead to a "brick" (breaking the firmware). How to connect an external hard drive to the Xiaomi Mi Box? Xiaomi consoles support NTFS, FAT32 And exFAT. To connect the drive: Use USB-externally powered hub (if the drive requires a lot of power) connect the drive to the console. Open File Commander or Kodi to access the files. To play movies in 4K, it is recommended to use a USB 3.0 drive.