If you come across the mysterious Xiaomi 2016117 code — on the box, in the settings of the TV or in the documentation — then do not be surprised that searching this number does not give clear results. This artifact refers to the internal marking of Xiaomi, which is used to identify batches of devices, not to publicly identify models, most often one of the modifications of the Mi TV 4 series (or Mi TV 4A/4C), released in 2016-2017.
Why is it so difficult? Because Xiaomi has changed the notation system so many times, with the same devices coming to different regions under different names, and internal numbers like 2016117 pointing to a production date (November 2016) or a batch, and in this article, we'll look at how to pinpoint your TV model, what technical features are behind that code, and why it's not found in official directories.
What does the 2016117 code mean in the Xiaomi labeling
The 2016117 code is not a model, but a serial batch ID, and it has two parts:
- 📅 201611 — production date: November 2016 (GYGMM format).
- 🔢 7 - serial number of the lot or modification within a month.
This marking is typical of Xiaomi’s early Smart TVs, when the company was just entering the Smart TV market. Back then, models were often labeled differently for China (Mi TV 3) and the international market (Mi TV 4), and internal codes like 2016117 helped track logistics. Today, these TVs are considered obsolete, but they can still be found in the secondary market or in the inventory of service centers.
It is important to understand that the same 2016117 code could have been applied to different models depending on the region, for example, in China it could have been Mi TV 3S 55" and in Europe it could have been Mi TV 4A 43." To accurately determine your model, you need to look not at the batch code but at the serial number or model index (for example, L55M5-AZ).
How to determine the exact model of the Xiaomi TV by the code 2016117
If your device only has a 2016117 code, use these methods to clarify the model:
- Check the sticker on the back: Look for lines like Model: LXXM5-XX or Mi TV 4A. For example, the L55M5-AZ stands for Mi TV 4 55 inches for the international market.
- Look at the settings: Go to Settings → About TV. The full model name may be listed there (e.g. Mi TV 4A 43).
- Use the serial number: The first 4-6 characters of the serial (e.g. AC1611...) often match the batch code. Check them against the Xiaomi database (see section below).
If none of these methods worked, try comparing the look of your TV to the 2016-2017 model catalogue, for example, the Mi TV 4A had a thin frame and a leg shaped like a "V", while the Mi TV 3S had a metal body and a separate sound bar.
☑️ What to check for model identification
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi TVs 2016-2017 (generation 2016117)
The 2016117 devices were the first generation of the Mi TV, which had modest performance by modern standards, but were revolutionary for their time due to the combination of price and functionality.
| Model | Diagonal | Permission | Processor | OS | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 3S | 48"–65" | 4K (3840×2160) | MStar 6A928 | MIUI TV (based on Android 5.1) | Metal body, external sound panel |
| Mi TV 4A | 32"–55" | Full HD / 4K | Amlogic T962 | PatchWall (Android 6.0) | Thin frame, HDR support |
| Mi TV 4 | 49"–65" | 4K | Amlogic T968 | MIUI TV 3.0 | Ultra-thin body (4.9 mm), Dolby Audio |
Note that this generation of TVs does not support modern standards like HDMI 2.1 or Dolby Vision, the best they can do is play 4K @ 60Hz over HDMI 2.0 and basic HDR10 support, and they often have problems with compatibility of new streaming services (for example, Disney+ or Netflix in 4K).
⚠️ WARNING: If your TV with the code 2016117 (suddenly goes out of screen) or does not turn on after the update, this may be due to the wear of power supply capacitors - a typical problem for devices 2016-2017. Repair will cost 3-5 thousand rubles, but it is often cheaper to buy a new TV.
The Differences Between Mi TV 3S, 4A and 4: How to Recognize Them
Even if you know the batch code for 2016117, it's easy to confuse Mi TV models from that period.
- 🔧 Mi TV 3S: Has an external sound panel (connected separately), metal body and supports 3D (In some versions, the menu can be called Mi. TV 3.
- 📺 Mi TV 4A: Budget model with plastic case, thin frame and leg in the shape of "V". In the settings usually indicated PatchWall (shell for India) or MIUI TV.
- 🖥️ Mi TV 4: Flagship series with ultra-thin body (4.9mm), Dolby Audio support and more powerful processor.The back has the inscription Mi TV 4 without the letter "A".
If you’re not sure what model you’re wearing, try taking a picture of the back and comparing it to images from official reviews from 2016-2017, and you can also use services like the serial number check on Xiaomi’s website (although support for older models is limited there).
How to distinguish Mi TV 4 from 4A by remote control
Where to download the firmware for Xiaomi 2016117 (and whether it is worth it)
Updating the firmware for Xiaomi TVs from 2016-2017 is a risky task, and official support for these models has long since ceased, and informal firmware can:
- 🚨 Disable the TV (especially if you interrupt the upgrade process).
- 🔒 Deprive access to services (for example, YouTube or Netflix will stop working).
- 🛠️ Require a soldering iron for recovery (if the firmware "bricks" the device).
If you still need to update the software, follow these steps:
- Find the exact model (see section above).
- Download firmware from trusted forums (e.g., 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu).
- Use only official instructions for your model (for example, the update processes for Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4 are different!).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Mi TV 3S (Chinese version is incompatible with Mi TV 4A (international version, even if they have the same 2016117 batch code, if you install the wrong firmware, you'll lose all functionality!
If your goal is to improve productivity, try first:
- 🧹 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset).
- 🚫 Disable unnecessary apps in autoboot.
- 🔄 Update apps via Google Play (if installed).
💡
Before resetting the TV, write down MAC-address (located in Settings) → On TV. → It will come in handy if you need to link the device to your Xiaomi account after a reset.
Frequent problems of Xiaomi 2016117 TVs and how to solve them
This generation of devices suffer from typical "diseases" associated with age and obsolete iron, and here are the most common malfunctions and what to do about them:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not turned on (red light flashes) | Power supply failure | Replacement of capacitors (2-3 thousand rubles) or the entire block (5-7 thousand rubles) |
| No image, but there's sound. | Problems with the matrix or plume | Reconnect the plume or replace the matrix (expensive, often impractical) |
| Hanging and lags | Lack of memory (1–2 GB of RAM) | Resetting to factory settings or installing light firmware |
| Wi-Fi's not working. | Module failure or outdated firmware | Software update or replacement of Wi-Fi module (1–2 thousand rubles) |
If the TV stopped turning on after a thunderstorm or a power surge, the power supply probably burned.
- Check the safety lock (it may be blown out).
- Check the capacitors for bloating (if they are “bloated”, they need to be replaced).
- If there are no soldering skills, contact the service - self-repair without experience is fraught with electric shock.
For software problems (hangs, app errors), try rolling back the firmware to a more stable version, such as the Mi TV 4A, which is considered the best firmware for V1.2.65, which is free of late updates.
💡
If the TV doesn't respond to the remote, check the batteries first, and then try to reboot the device by disconnecting it from the network for 1 minute, and this is how the problem is solved in 80% of cases.
Should you buy Xiaomi 2016117 in 2026: pros and cons
Xiaomi TVs 2016-2017 today can be bought for 5-15 thousand rubles (depending on diagonal and condition).
- ✅ Pluses: ✔️ Low price (3-5 times cheaper than new models). ✔️ Easy repair (details are still on sale). ✔️ Support for basic functions (4K, Smart TV, HDMI).
- ❌ Cons: ✖️ Outdated hardware (weak processor, little memory). ✖️ No support for modern standards (HDMI 2.1, Dolby Vision). ✖️ Update issues (many apps don’t work). ✖️ Risk of imminent failure (capacitors, matrix).
This type of TV only makes sense in three cases:
- You need a second TV for the kitchen or cottage.
- You are ready to invest in repairs (replacement of the power supply, firmware).
- You have found a model with a guarantee or the possibility of returning.
For mainstream use in 2026, it’s best to consider more modern options, such as the Xiaomi TV A2 or Redmi Smart TV X, which are not much more expensive but offer HDMI 2.1, Dolby Vision and long-term support.