Unlocking Xiaomi MCG3B (Mi TV Stick): all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi MCG3B (also known as Mi TV Stick) is a compact device for converting a regular TV into a “smart” TV with support for Android TV. However, many users face the limitations of the manufacturer: a blocked bootloader, the inability to install third-party firmware or remove embedded applications. Unlocking opens access to advanced features, but requires caution – improper actions can turn the device into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current unlock methods for the Xiaomi MCG3B, including the official way through the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing locks through ADB and Fastboot, as well as alternative solutions for devices with damaged firmware. Special attention will be paid to the unique features of this model: the absence of a physical Volume Down button (which makes it difficult to log into the Fastboot) and the specifics of working with the Amlogic S905Y2 chipset. If you are a beginner, start with the theoretical part, experienced users can immediately go to the step-by-step instructions.

What does unlock Xiaomi MCG3B give?

Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights to the Mi TV Stick opens up the following possibilities:

• 📦 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, CoreELEC, etc.) to improve performance or add features.
• 🚫 Removing embedded applications (bloatver) that cannot be disabled by standard means.
• 🔧 Set system parameters (overclocking) CPU/GPU, Change of screen resolution, color rendering adjustment).
• 🔒 Bypassing regional restrictions (e.g. access to Google Play on Chinese versions of the device).
• 🛠️ Restore the device after “bricking” (if backup boot or recovery is saved).

However, there are risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, unlocking it will cancel it).
• ⚠️ The ability to turn the device into a “brick” when errors in the process (especially when working with Fastboot).
• ⚠️ Security vulnerabilities (open loader makes it easier for attackers).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi MCG3B firmware MIUI TV 1.6.0 and later, the bootloader lock is associated with the Mi Account. Once unlocked, the device may require authorization each time it is enabled, unless the account is unplugged in advance.

Preparation for Unblocking: What You Need

Before starting the process, make sure you have everything you need:

Also mandatory:

• 🔋 Charge the device to 100% (unlocking can take up to 30 minutes).
• 📋 Create a backup of the data (all settings and applications will be reset!).
• 🔑 Link your Mi Account to your device (unless previously done).

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Mi TV Stick with firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM), After unlocking, you may need to firmware a global version (Global) ROM) For the correct operation of Google Play.

Download Mi Unlock Tool| Install Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot)| Link Mi Account to Device | Charge Mi TV Stick to 100%| Backup data-->

Method 1: Officially unlock through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the safest method, but it requires waiting (Xiaomi blocks unlock for 7-30 days for new accounts) and is suitable for devices with working firmware.

Steps:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Device. Click 7 times on Build Number to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
2. Link your Mi Account: In the same Developer Menu, select Mi Unlock Status. Click Add Account and Device and log in.
3. Connect the device to your PC: Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer. Sign in to the same Mi Account as the device. Connect the Mi TV Stick via USB and follow the instructions of the program.

If the program is running a "Couldn't unlock" error:

• 🔹 Make sure your device is linked to your account (check Mi Unlock Status).
• 🔹 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 🔹 Wait 72 hours if your account is new).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device, try running it in Administrator Mode or disabling the antivirus (it can block drivers).

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The device does not turn on (hung on the logo).
• 🔧 You need to make a custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
• 🔧 The official method does not work (for example, due to the error "Device not connected").

The Xiaomi MCG3B feature is that it doesn’t have a physical Volume Down button, so use a remote or ADB combination to log in to Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Entrance to Fastboot: Connect Mi TV Stick to TV and PC at the same time (via the USB-hub if not OTG). Open the Command Prompt in the Platform Tools folder. Enter the command: adb reboot bootloader

Connection check:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed, you can continue.

Unlock the loader:

fastboot oem unlock

or (for new firmware versions):

fastboot flashing unlock

If the fastboot oem unlock command doesn’t work, try:

• 🔹 Use fastboot flashing unlock_critical (for some versions MIUI TV).
• 🔹 Sweep unlock_bootloader.img via Fastboot (file can be found on forums) XDA Developers).

⚠️ Note: On some versions of Xiaomi MCG3B After the command fastboot oem unlock, the device can stop responding to the remote. USB Burning Tool (see next section).

Method 3: Recovery via USB Burning Tool (for bricks)

If the Mi TV Stick doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, it will help to use the firmware via USB Burning Tool, Amlogic's official utility for S905 chipsets, which will reset all data, but bring the device back to life.

Steps:

1. Download firmware: The official firmware for Xiaomi MCG3B can be found on Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Unpack the archive in a folder with USB Burning Tool.
2. Prepare the device: Disable the Mi TV Stick from power. Press the Reset button (on the device body) and plug in. USB-Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the program determines the device.
3. Sweep through the firmware: In USB Burning Tool, select the firmware file (.img). Press Start and wait for completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

If the firmware fails:

• 🔹 Check the integrity of the firmware file (MD5-The amount must be the same as the original).
• 🔹 Try another version. USB Burning Tool (e.g. 2.2.0 instead of 2.1.7).
• 🔹 Disable the antivirus (it can block access to ports).

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The USB Burning Tool is the only way to restore the Xiaomi MCG3B if the device doesn’t respond to other methods, but it only works with.img firmware for Amlogic chipsets.

Method 4: Bypassing the lock without unlocking the bootloader (ADB-method)

If you only need to delete the Bloatver or get root, but unlocking the bootloader is not possible (for example, due to an account binding), you can use ADB.

How to remove system applications:

1. Activate Debugging over USB (see Method 1).
2. Connect the device to your PC and type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore (replace com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore with the desired application package).

How to get a temporary root:

• Download Magisk.
• Install with ADB: adb install magisk.apk adb shell magisk --install-module

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi MCG3B firmware MIUI TV 1.7.0+ temporary root may disappear after restarting. Permanent root will require unlocking the bootloader.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When unlocking the Xiaomi MCG3B, users often face the following problems:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔹 Firmware version (some versions) MIUI TV block the unlocking at the core level).
• 🔹 Integrity USB-port on the device (frequent problem after falls).
• 🔹 Updates for Mi Unlock Tool (Xiaomi updates security regularly).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions