Bluetooth on Xiaomi Mi Box S: How to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Welcome to the full Bluetooth activation guide on the Xiaomi Mi Box S! This compact Android-based media console TV It can transform any TV into a smart entertainment center, but without wireless connectivity, it's limited. Many users are faced with the problem of how to turn on Bluetooth if there's no obvious button in the menu? or why the device can't see the headphones/gamepad after the update?

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Bluetooth is activated, from standard switching on through settings to hidden commands for power users. You’ll learn how to connect a headset to watch movies wirelessly, synchronize a gamepad for games, or even use the console as a Bluetooth transmitter for speakers. And if the module refuses to work, you’ll find solutions to typical malfunctions, explaining why the Mi Box S sometimes “loses” Bluetooth after resetting to factory settings.

1. Standard method: enable Bluetooth through settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in Android menu TV. It's going to be good for 90 percent of users, and it doesn't require any more knowledge:

1. Turn on the console and wait for the main screen to load.
2. Go to Settings (cog icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select the Devices and Accessories section → Bluetooth.
4. Turn the slider into the position On (if it is gray, press it).

Once activated, the console will automatically search for available devices, including headphones, keyboards, gamepads and other gadgets within a range of up to 10 meters.

• 🎧 Headphones: Put them in pairing mode (usually hold the power button). 3-5 seconds before flashing the indicator).
• 🎮 Gamepads: Press and hold the Sync button (on Xbox) or Share + PS (DualShock).
• ⌨️ Keyboards/mouse: Turn on the device and activate search mode (often with a combination of Fn) + B).

Make sure your Bluetooth device is charged (minimum 30%)

Turn it off and turn it on again (state reset)

Check that it is not connected to another gadget (such as a smartphone)

Locate the device at a distance of no more than 1 meter from the Mi Box S-->

If there is no slider in the Bluetooth menu or it is inactive, it is a sign of a software failure.

2. Alternative method: activation via remote control

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Mi Box S has a hidden combination for quick access to Bluetooth settings, which is useful if the console menu is getting stuck or does not respond to the commands of the touch panel:

1. Press and hold the Home button (house) + Back (arrow to left) for 5 seconds.
2. Release the buttons when the Special Opportunities menu appears on the screen.
3. Select Bluetooth Settings and activate the module.

This combination works on all versions of the Mi Box S firmware, including MDZ-22-AB (last at 2026 if the remote does not respond:

• 🔋 Check the batteries (replace them with new ones even if the light is on).
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the console and the console (glass, metal).
• 🔄 Reconnect the remote: Remove the batteries for 10 seconds, then insert back and press any button.

The original Xiaomi (included)

Logitech (One for All)

Bluetooth keyboard with touchpad

Gamepad (Xbox, DualShock)

Other-->

Important: After using the Home Combination + Back, the console can temporarily block other keyboard shortcuts. If the remote stops working, restart the Mi Box S through the button on the body.

3. Enabling Bluetooth via ADB (power-user)

If standard methods did not work, and the console does not see the device, Android Debug Bridge will help (ADB) — This method requires a PC and minimal command line knowledge, but is guaranteed to turn on the module even after a firmware failure.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (A-MicroUSB type for connecting Mi Box S to PC).
• 📥 Google’s Platform Tools (download and unpack).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the Mi Box S debugging mode by USB: Settings → About the prefix → Build number (click 7 times in a row) Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB (turn on)
2. Connect the console to the PC with a cable and open the terminal (command line) in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 1 adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.adapter.action.REQUEST_ENABLE
4. Reboot the console: adb shell reboot.

After the reboot, Bluetooth will be forced to activate, unless the adb device command shows your console:

• 🔌 Check the cable (try another port) USB PC-only).
• 🔄 Install Google Drivers USB Driver (for Windows).
• 📱 Turn on/off debugging mode on the console.

Warning: misuse ADB Do not change other settings through the command line unless you are sure of their purpose.

4 Bluetooth problems on the Mi Box S: causes and solutions

Even after the module is successfully turned on, users face typical problems: devices don't connect, the sound is interrupted, or Bluetooth spontaneously shuts down. Let's consider the main reasons and ways to fix them.

Critical feature of the Mi Box S: after upgrading to Android 9+ The console can reset Bluetooth settings if an external device was connected at the time of the update. To avoid this, always turn off the headsets / gamepads before updating the firmware.

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reset Bluetooth settings: Settings → Annexes → All applications → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version (current for 2026 - 2734).
• 🔧 Reverse changes through factory resetting (data will be deleted!).

💡

If the Mi Box S doesn’t see the DualShock 4 gamepad, plug it in. USB-I'll put the cable on the console for 10 seconds, then disconnect and try pairing over Bluetooth again.

5. Compatibility: What devices work with the Mi Box S

Not all Bluetooth gadgets interact equally well with Xiaomi Mi Box S. The console supports basic profiles. A2DP (audio), AVRCP (reproduction control) and HID (Keyboards/gamepads, but there are nuances.

Supported devices:

• 🎧 Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4, AirPods Pro, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2.
• 🎮 Gamepads: Xbox One S, DualShock 4, 8BitDo Pro 2.
• ⌨️ Keyboards/mouse: Logitech K400 Plus, Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse.
• 🔊 Columns: JBL Charge 4, Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

Problem devices:

• 🚫 Headphones with proprietary codecs (for example, LDAC Sony WH-1000XM5) — They will only work in the mode. SBC (low-quality).
• 🚫 Nintendo Switch Pro gamepads – require manual connection via ADB.
• 🚫 Devices with Bluetooth 5.2+ — This is because of the limitations of the Mi Box S (Bluetooth 4.2) chipset).

To check compatibility, pay attention to:

• 📋 Bluetooth profiles: the console does not support LE Audio and LC3.
• 🔋 Bluetooth Version: Optimally 4.0-4.2 (5.0)+ It can be delayed).
• 🎵 Codecs: They work best AAC and aptX (if the device supports them).

💡

The Mi Box S does not support connecting more than 2 Bluetooth devices at the same time. For example, you can use headphones. + gamepad, but not headphones + gamepad + keyboard.

6. Optimizing Bluetooth for gaming and video

If you use the Mi Box S for gaming (via Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or emulators) or watching high-resolution movies, standard Bluetooth settings can cause lag or device shutdowns. Here’s how to optimize your connection:

For gamepads:

• 🎮 Turn off Vibration in the controller settings (reduces latency on the controller) 10-15 miss).
• 🔋 Use gamepads with wired connection (via OTG-cable for delayed critical games (e.g. fighting games).
• 📶 Place the console and gamepad at a distance of not more than 3 meters from each other.

For headphones/columns:

• 🎧 Select the codec. AAC Bluetooth device settings (if you have a choice).
• 🔊 Turn off noise reduction functions – they increase latency.
• 📵 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones).

To check the current sound delay:

1. Put your headphones on Bluetooth.
2. Open Bluetooth Latency Test (install via Send Files to) TV).
3. Follow the instructions in the app – the perfect result for the Mi Box S is 80-120 ms.

If the delay exceeds 150 ms:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones.
• 📥 Update the firmware of the console and devices.
• 🔧 Try another audio device (e.g., a speaker instead of headphones).

💡

For emulators (PS2, GameCube) use the gamepad over the wire – even minimal latency over Bluetooth makes games unplayable.

7. Reset and restore Bluetooth

If none of the methods worked, and the Bluetooth module refuses to work, the radical solution is a complete reset, which will return the console to factory status, but will delete all installed applications and accounts.

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Choose Delete all data and confirm the action.
3. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Bluetooth will automatically turn on.
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔧 Connect the devices again (previous pairings will be removed).

Note: If Bluetooth is still not working after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (breakdown of the Bluetooth module).

• 🔧 Contact the service center (if the prefix is guaranteed).
• 🛠️ Try to sell the module yourself (solding skills are required). SMD-component).
• 🆘 Buy an external Bluetooth adapter (for example, TP-Link) UB400) And plug it in through. USB-hub.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi Mi Box S