How to turn off Xiaomi Mi Box PB100LZM: The Complete Guide

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Mi Box S (model number PB100LZM) often face the need to properly terminate the device. Unlike smartphones or computers, this media console does not have a physical on/off button on the case, which initially puzzles new users. Understanding the logic of the Android TV operating system in this form factor is critical for the longevity of the gadget.

Many people mistakenly believe that the device must be constantly energized to work correctly, or, conversely, pull the cord out of the socket after each use. Both approaches have their drawbacks. In this article, we will discuss in detail the software methods of shutting down, the procedure for a full reboot and the actions in the event of a system freeze.

In addition, we will touch on the topic of forced shutdown and resetting, which may be required in case of serious software failures. Proper power management prolongs the life of internal components such as flash memory and processor, preventing overheating and data degradation.

Software shutdown via Android TV interface

The operating system installed on the Xiaomi Mi Box S is in a standby mode, but the full shutdown function is implemented. To perform this operation, you will need a regular remote control. Find a button on the remote with the image of a gear or a separate power key if it is placed in the upper part.

When you press the button, you'll see a quick settings menu on the screen, and you'll have to flip through the options list to the bottom of the shutdown icon, and this action will trigger software to complete all background processes before you go into deep sleep or shut down the display and processor completely.

⚠️ Warning: After selecting the switch off command, the indicator on the front panel may continue to light slightly or flash.This is normal behavior, indicating that the device is in standby mode or completing system processes.

You don't have to worry if the screen goes out, but the LED is on, and it automatically goes into energy-efficient mode in a short time, and if you want to completely turn off the device without using the remote, this method is not going to work, and you have to physically shut down, as discussed below.

System Reboot: When and How to Perform

Periodic reboot of the device is a useful habit to maintain the stability of any electronics based on Android. During operation, temporary files, application cache and system errors accumulate in RAM, which can slow down the interface or cause sound and video to be out of sync.

To perform a reboot through the menu, you need to click the settings button on the remote and select Reboot (or Turn off), and then confirm the reboot if the system offers such a choice. This process usually takes 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the number of applications installed and the speed of internal memory.

There is also an alternative way to reboot through the Developer Menu if the standard menu is unavailable or blocked, but for most users, a standard interface is sufficient. Regularly restarting helps avoid the accumulation of errors in the file system.

• 🔄 Eliminates interface and lag hangings during navigation.
• 🧹 Cleanses the memory of “junk” processes.
• ⚡ Updates network connections and resets cache DNS.
• 🛠 Fixes errors after installing application updates.

If the console is stable, you don’t need to reboot every day, but if you notice that the Xiaomi Mi Box has become slower to respond to remote commands, the first recommendation is to do just that.

Forced shutdown and reset when getting stuck

Situations where software methods don't respond to remote commands are rare, but they are possible. If the Android TV interface is completely frozen and does not respond to button presses, you need a hard reset, which is the analog of taking out the battery on old phones.

The safest way to perform a hard power reset on a model PB100LZM — This is the physical disconnection of the power cable from the back of the device or from the power supply. 10-15 seconds before re-energizing.

Algorithm of actions when hanging:


1. disconnect the power cable from the socket or console.




2. wait 15-20 seconds for discharge of the capacitors.




3. Reconnect the power back.




4. wait for the full loading of the Mi logo.

⚠️ Note: Physical power outage is not recommended as a routine shutdown method. Frequent interruptions to data recording can damage memory sectors and loss of settings.

There is also a combination of buttons on the remote to call the reboot menu if the system is still partially responsive. Try to hold the Back and OK buttons (or Home and Back, depending on the firmware version) simultaneously for 5-10 seconds, which can cause a system restart dialog to appear.

Full reset to factory settings (Factory Reset)

If your goal is to turn off a device to prepare it for sale, transfer it to another user, or eliminate critical software errors, a complete reset will be required.This operation deletes all user data, Google accounts, installed apps and network settings.

Before starting the procedure, make sure you remember your Google account details, as after the reset, you will need authorization.It is also recommended to untie the device from your Google account in the security section, if possible, to avoid blocking the activation.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → Device → System → Reset. The system will request confirmation of the action several times, warning of the irreversibility of the process. Once confirmed, the console will turn off and begin the cleaning process, which can take several minutes.

Use a full reset only in extreme cases when other recovery methods do not help, or when transferring the device to third parties.

Power management through external devices

Since the Xiaomi Mi Box S doesn’t have its own power button on the body, many users are integrating it into the Smart Home system, which allows you to turn off the console with voice or scripts using a smart socket or IR remote.

Using a smart socket (such as the Xiaomi Smart Plug) allows you to completely shut down the device on a schedule or command, but here lies an important nuance: abruptly turning off the power of a smart socket is equivalent to pulling the cord from the network, which, as mentioned above, is undesirable for the file system.

A safer method is to use a universal IR remote (such as the Xiaomi IR Remote or built into some phone models), and you can set up a script that sends a shutdown command via an infrared port, simulating the push of a button on the staff remote, which ensures software shutdown.

Also worth noting is the HDMI-CEC feature, which is that if your TV supports this technology, you can turn off the set-top box with the TV, and when you turn off the TV, the TV sends a signal to the HDMI port, and the console goes to sleep automatically.

Frequent problems and their solution

Users may experience a situation where the console does not turn off or go to sleep, often due to active background processes, such as downloading system updates or torrent clients, in which cases the system blocks the transition to sleep mode.

Another common problem is the discharge of the remote control. If the batteries go down, the signal becomes weak, and the shutdown command may not reach the IR receiver. Check the charge of the batteries before looking for software errors.

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If the remote has stopped responding, try using the Mi Remote app on your smartphone with an IR port or connect it. USB-keyboard/mouse to navigate the menu and turn off the device.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the power supply itself. If the voltage is unstable, the device may reboot cyclically or not respond to commands. Check the density of the connection of the micro-USB cable (or special power connector) with the console case.

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Stable operation of the power supply and a serviceable remote are the key factors of trouble-free management of the Xiaomi Mi Box.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)