How to set up NFS on a PC for Xiaomi Mi Box S (model X3): a complete guide from server to client

Network File System (NFS) is the best way to access files on Xiaomi Mi Box S (model X3) without losing performance. Unlike SMB or DLNA, NFS provides minimal latency when streaming 4K HDR video, which is critical for Android TV-based media centers. However, configuration requires accuracy: server or client configuration errors will result in the inability to mount or “suspend” during playback.

In this article, we're going to give you a step-by-step guide to the Mi Box S X3 (Amlogic S905X, Android TV 9/11) and the latest versions of the 2026 software.

- Configuration NFS-Windows and Linux servers.

- mount the network folder on Xiaomi Mi Box S through applications and terminal.

Solving common errors (e.g. mount: permission denied or stale file handle)

Optimization for heavy format playback (REMUX, TrueHD)

⚠️ Note: On the Mi Box S with firmware below MIUI TV 2.0.100 may not have built-in support NFS. In this case, root access or third-party software (for example,) will be required, NFS Manager).

Why is NFS better than SMB for Xiaomi Mi Box S?

NFS was originally developed for Unix systems, but its advantages are also relevant for Android TV.

• 🚀 Minimum load on CPU: Unlike in the past. SMB, NFS does not encrypt traffic by default, which reduces the load of the Mi Box S processor (especially important for the model) X3 amlogic S905X).
• 🎬 No stuttering at 4K HDR: NFS Directly supports I/O, which eliminates buffering when playing files with high bitrate (e.g. Bluray) REMUX).
• 🔒 Flexible Access Rights: You can configure access at the level IP-Addresses or subnetworks that are safer than shared SMB.

However, there are downsides: NFS does not support login/password authentication (IP or host only), and setting up requires administrator rights to the PC. If you want simplicity, consider SMB (but be prepared for lags when playing heavy files).

Preparation: What you need to set up NFS

Before you start, make sure you have:

Xiaomi Mi Box S

MIUI TV 2.0.80

Mi Box S

File Commander

NFS Manager

⚠️ Note: If you use Wi-Fi, the speed of reading files by NFS It's going to be limited by network bandwidth. 4K HDR bitrate >50 Mbps recommended connection via Ethernet cable.

Also check that the Mi Box S has developer mode enabled:

1. Go to Settings → About the console → Assembly number.
2. Click on the line 7 times until the “You became a developer” notification appears.
3. Return to Settings → For developers and enable USB Debugging (you will need to manually configure).

Setting up NFS-Windows-based

In Windows, NFS support is implemented through the “Services for NFS” component, which must be installed manually.

Step 1: Installation of NFS components

Open Control Panel → Programs and Components → Turning Windows Components on or off and mark:

• 📋 Services for NFS → Server for NFS
• 📋 Services for NFS → Administration of the server for NFS

After installation, restart the PC.

Step 2: Set up a shared folder

Create a folder (for example, C:\NFS_Share) And discover its properties:

1. Go to the tab. NFS-sharing → Access management NFS.
2. Add in. IP-Address of your Xiaomi Mi Box S (you can find it in Settings) → The network is on the console).
3. Set rights: Read/write (if you only need reading, select Read Only).
4. In the Encoding section, select UTF-8 (important for correct Cyrillic display!).

Step 3: Set up the firewall

Add exceptions for ports 2049 (TCP/UDP) and 111 (TCP/UDP) in the Windows Firewall:

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="NFS TCP" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=2049


netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="NFS UDP" dir=in action=allow protocol=UDP localport=2049

⚠️ Note: If you are using an antivirus (e.g. Kaspersky or Kaspersky) ESET), Add these ports to the exceptions, and there, otherwise the Mi Box S will not be able to connect to the server.

💡

If the folder is not mounted after setting up the NFS, check that the nfsd service is running. To do this, type in the command line: sc query nfsd. Status should be RUNNING.

Setting up NFS-Linux-based (Ubuntu/Debian)

On Linux, NFS is easier to set up, but requires terminal operation. Using NFSv4, the most stable version for Android TV.

Step 1: Installation of packages

Update the system and install NFS-server:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install nfs-kernel-server -y

Step 2: Configuration of exports

Open the /etc/exports file:

sudo nano /etc/exports

Add a line (replace 192.168.1.100 with your Mi Box S's IP):

/path/to/share 192.168.1.100(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,no_root_squash)

Save the file (Ctrl+O) and restart the server:

sudo exportfs -a


sudo systemctl restart nfs-kernel-server

Step 3: Set up a firewall (UFW)

Allow ports 2049 and 111:

sudo ufw allow from 192.168.1.100 to any port 2049 proto tcp


sudo ufw allow from 192.168.1.100 to any port 111 proto tcp

NFS Connection to Xiaomi Mi Box S

Now, we're going to set up the client side on the console, and there are two ways: through the app or manually (for power users).

Method 1: File Commander application

The easiest method is to use File Commander (free on Google Play):

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Go to Network → Add Network Storage → NFS.
3. Indicate: 📍 server: IP your PC (for example, 192.168.1.2). 📂 Way: /path/to/share (Windows: /C/NFS_Share). 🔑 Username: Leave Empty (Authentication by User) IP).

Connect.

If the connection is successful, the folder will appear in the Network section, and you can add it to Kodi or another media player.

Method 2: Manual mounting through ADB (for experienced)

If File Commander is not working, you can mount the folder manually through ADB:

1. Connect the Mi Box S to your PC over USB and enable debugging over USB.
2. Enter the command (replace the IP and path):