Connecting a smartphone to the Xiaomi Mi Box S opens up new opportunities for viewing content on the big screen, from streaming videos and photos to controlling the console as a remote control. 4 The main methods of synchronization - from wired USB-Connecting to wireless protocols like Miracast or Google Cast, each method has its own nuances, depending on the phone model, version. Android/iOS and even TV.
In this article, we will discuss all the current connectivity options, including step-by-step instructions with screenshots, a comparison table of methods and solving common errors (for example, when the console does not see the phone or when you have lags during the broadcast). Particular attention will be paid to the hidden settings of the Mi Box S, which allow you to speed up data transfer and avoid screen resolution problems. If you want to not just duplicate the screen of a smartphone, but use it as a full-fledged media server, read on.
1. USB Connection: The Most Stable Way
Wired connection through USB-cable is the best choice for those who appreciate stability and minimal latency, this method works on almost all Android smartphones (starting with version 5.0) and does not require additional applications. USB-port (usually located on the side or back of the box).
The connection will require:
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C → USB-A (or micro-USB → USB-A old-fashioned)
- 📱 Smartphone with support for the regime MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
- 📺 Xiaomi Mi Box S with the latest firmware version (check Settings) → About the prefix)
Step-by-step:
- Connect one end of the cable to the smartphone, the other to the USB-port of Mi Box S.
- On the screen of the phone will appear a notification “Charge via USB” – tap it.
- Select the File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
- On the console, open Settings → Devices → USB and confirm the connection.
Make sure the cable supports data transfer (not just charging)|
Update the firmware of the Mi Box S to the latest version|
Enable debugging over USB in the smartphone developer settings (for advanced features)|
Check that the console is enabled mode "USB-host" (in the menu for developers)
-->
⚠️ Note: On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or Samsung Galaxy) A52) At the first connection, it may be necessary to unlock OEM-It's unlocked in the developer settings, and without that, the console won't be able to recognize the device.
2. Wireless broadcast over Wi-Fi (Miracast and Google Cast)
If you don't like the wires, Miracast and Google Cast wireless protocols will allow you to duplicate the screen of your smartphone on the Mi Box S without a physical connection.
- 🔄 Miracast – Direct stream from the phone screen (suitable for games and presentations, but can lay down).
- 📡 Google Cast – streaming specific content (e.g. YouTube videos or Gallery photos) without duplication of interface.
To set up:
- Make sure that the smartphone and the Mi Box S are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On the console go to Settings → Display and sound → Wireless display.
- On your smartphone: For Android: open Settings → Connected Devices → Wireless Display and select Mi Box S. For iPhone: Use the Google Home app (Chromecast setting is required).
Miracast|
Google Cast (Chromecast)|
USB|
HDMI-adapter|
I don't know what it is.
-->
⚠️ Note: When using Miracast on Samsung smartphones (Galaxy series) S21 You may have a "Disconnected" error, and the solution is: disable the "Wi-Fi Optimization" function in your network settings.
3. Connection through HDMI-Adapter (for iPhone and Android flagships)
If your smartphone supports video output through HDMI (For example, an iPhone with a Lightning adapter → HDMI or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with USB-C → HDMI), You can connect to the Mi Box S through it. HDMI-This method guarantees the maximum quality of the image (up to the end of the picture). 4K@60Hz) Minimum delays but requires the purchase of an adapter (cost of the 500 before 2000 ruble).
Instructions:
- Connect the adapter to the smartphone, and HDMI-cable HDMI IN on the Mi Box S.
- On the console, select the signal source: Settings → Display and sound → HDMI source.
- On the smartphone, you may need to confirm trust in the external display (on the iPhone will appear a notification “Trust this device?”).
| Connection method | Delay (MS) | Max, permission. | Internet is required | Suitable for iPhone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB | 10–30 | 1080p | No. | Yes (with limitations) |
| Miracast | 50–150 | 1080p | Yeah (Wi-Fi) | No. |
| Google Cast | 100–300 | 1080p | Yeah (Wi-Fi) | Yes. |
| HDMI-adapter | 5–20 | 4K@60Hz | No. | Yes. |
💡 Useful advice: If you HDMI-If you connect, you don't see the image, try to manually select the resolution on your smartphone. On Android, this is done in the screen settings (Resolution) HDMI), on iPhone – via the adapter menu (if supported).
4.Using a smartphone as a remote for the Mi Box S
In addition to streaming content, the smartphone can be turned into a full-fledged remote control for the console, for this will fit the official application Mi Remote (from Xiaomi) or universal solutions like Google TV (for Android) and Apple TV Remote (for iPhone).
How to set up:
- Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Turn on the Mi Box S option Settings → Remote and accessories → Bluetooth remotes.
- In the app, select Add Device → Android TV → Xiaomi Mi Box S.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for pairing over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
💡 Useful advice: For broadcasting 4K-Video without loss of quality use combination DLNA + In the Kodi settings on the Mi Box S, enable the "Adjust display refresh rate" option. → Player → Video) to avoid jerks.