The Xiaomi Mi Box S is a popular Android TV box that offers a wide range of features and functionalities designed to enhance your home entertainment experience. Released by Xiaomi, a company renowned for its innovative and high-quality electronic products, the Mi Box S serves as an affordable yet powerful solution for streaming content, playing games, and accessing a plethora of applications available on the Android platform.
This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the Xiaomi Mi Box S, covering its specifications, setup process, features, performance, and tips for maximizing your experience.
Overview and Specifications
Key Features
- 4K Ultra HD Streaming: The Mi Box S supports 4K HDR (High Dynamic Range) for an immersive viewing experience with enhanced color and contrast.
- Google Assistant Integration: With built-in Google Assistant, users can use voice commands to search for content, control smart home devices, and more.
- Chromecast Built-In: Easily cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your TV.
- Android TV OS: Access thousands of apps from the Google Play Store, including popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
- Quad-Core Processor: Powered by a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor for smooth and efficient performance.
- 2GB RAM and 8GB Storage: Sufficient memory and storage for downloading apps and storing media.
- Dolby and DTS Audio: Enhanced audio quality for a more immersive sound experience.
Mi Box S – images: Xiaomi
Technical Specifications
- Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A53
- GPU: Mali-450
- RAM: 2GB DDR3
- Storage: 8GB eMMC
- Operating System: Android TV 8.1 (Upgradeable to newer versions)
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Ports: HDMI 2.0a, USB 2.0, Audio Out, Power Interface
- Video Output: 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60fps
- Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS 2.0+ Digital Out
- Dimensions: 95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm
- Weight: 147 grams
Unboxing and Setup
Unboxing
When you first receive your Xiaomi Mi Box S, you’ll find the following items inside the box:
- Mi Box S device
- Remote control with voice command capability
- HDMI cable
- Power adapter
- User manual
Xiaomi Mi Box S Setup Process
Setting up the Mi Box S is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps:
- Connect to Your TV:
- Plug the Mi Box S into your TV using the provided HDMI cable.
- Connect the power adapter to the Mi Box S and plug it into an electrical outlet.
- Power On:
- Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input to which the Mi Box S is connected.
- Power on the Mi Box S using the remote control.
- Initial Configuration:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the remote control with the Mi Box S.
- Select your preferred language.
- Connect the Mi Box S to your Wi-Fi network.
- Sign in with your Google account to access the Google Play Store and other Google services.
- Updates and Installation:
- The Mi Box S will check for any available software updates. It’s important to install these updates to ensure optimal performance and access to the latest features.
- Once the updates are installed, you can begin downloading your favorite apps from the Google Play Store.
User Interface and Navigation
Android TV Home Screen
The Android TV home screen is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing easy access to apps, content, and settings. The main components of the home screen include:
- Top Row: Displays personalized content recommendations based on your viewing habits.
- Apps Row: Lists your installed apps for quick access.
- Play Next Row: Shows the next episode or related content for quick continuation of your viewing experience.
- Settings Menu: Accessible from the top right corner, where you can adjust system settings, network preferences, and more.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Remote Control
The Mi Box S comes with a minimalist remote control that includes the following buttons:
- Power Button: To turn the Mi Box S on and off.
- Google Assistant Button: Activate voice search and commands.
- Navigation Buttons: Navigate through menus and content.
- Select Button: Confirm selections.
- Back Button: Return to the previous screen.
- Home Button: Return to the home screen.
- Volume Control: Adjust the volume level.
- Dedicated App Buttons: Quick access to Netflix and Live TV.
Voice Control with Google Assistant
The integrated Google Assistant allows for convenient voice control. Simply press the Google Assistant button on the remote and speak into the built-in microphone. You can use voice commands to search for content, control playback, check the weather, and manage smart home devices.
Content and Streaming Services
Pre-installed Apps
The Mi Box S comes with several pre-installed apps to get you started:
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Google Play Store
Popular Streaming Services
You can download a wide range of popular streaming services from the Google Play Store, including:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Spotify
- Twitch
Casting with Chromecast
The Mi Box S has built-in Chromecast functionality, allowing you to cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to your TV. To cast, ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Mi Box S, then open a supported app and tap the Cast icon.
Performance and User Experience
Video and Audio Quality
The Mi Box S supports 4K Ultra HD streaming with HDR10, providing stunning picture quality with vibrant colors and sharp details. The device also supports Dolby Digital Plus and DTS audio formats, ensuring high-quality sound for an immersive viewing experience.
Speed and Responsiveness
Thanks to its quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, the Mi Box S delivers smooth and responsive performance. Apps launch quickly, and navigating the interface is generally lag-free. However, the 8GB of internal storage can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to periodically clear unused apps and data.
Gaming
While the Mi Box S is not a dedicated gaming console, it can handle casual gaming quite well. You can download games from the Google Play Store and use a Bluetooth controller for a better gaming experience. The device’s hardware is sufficient for playing less demanding games, but it may struggle with more graphically intensive titles.
Customization and Advanced Features
Customizing the Home Screen
You can personalize your home screen by rearranging app icons and adjusting the content recommendations. To move an app, press and hold the select button on the remote, then use the navigation buttons to reposition the app.
Installing Third-Party Apps
In addition to the Google Play Store, you can install third-party apps on the Mi Box S by sideloading APK files. To do this, enable the “Unknown Sources” option in the settings, then use a file manager app to install the APK file from a USB drive or network location.
Using External Storage
The Mi Box S Android TV box supports external USB storage devices. You can connect a USB drive to expand your storage for apps, media, and other files. To set up a USB drive for additional storage, connect it to the USB port, and follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive if necessary.
Smart Home Integration
With Google Assistant, the Mi Box S can act as a hub for your smart home devices. You can use voice commands to control compatible smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and more. Simply link your smart home devices to your Google account, and use the Google Assistant to manage them.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Common Issues and Solutions
- No Signal on TV:
- Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected.
- Check that the TV is set to the correct HDMI input.
- Restart the Mi Box S by unplugging it and plugging it back in.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems:
- Ensure the Mi Box S is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
- Restart your router and the Mi Box S.
- Check for firmware updates that may address connectivity issues.
- App Crashes or Freezes:
- Clear the app’s cache and data from the settings menu.
- Uninstall and reinstall the problematic app.
- Ensure the Mi Box S software is up to date.
- Remote Control Not Responding:
- Replace the remote’s batteries.
- Re-pair the remote with the Mi Box S by holding the home and back buttons simultaneously for several seconds.
Firmware Updates
Regular firmware updates are crucial for maintaining the performance and security of your Mi Box S. The device will automatically check for updates, but you can manually check by navigating to the settings menu and selecting “About” > “System update.”
Factory Reset
If you encounter persistent issues, a factory reset may resolve them. To perform a factory reset:
- Go to the settings menu.
- Select “Device Preferences.”
- Choose “Reset” and confirm the action.
Note that a factory reset will erase all data and restore the Mi Box S to its original state.
Tips and Tricks
Maximizing Performance
- Close Unused Apps: Keep background apps to a minimum to ensure optimal performance.
- Regularly Clear Cache: Periodically clear the cache of apps to free up storage and improve performance.
- Use a Wired Connection: For more stable internet connectivity, consider using an Ethernet adapter with a USB port.
Enhancing Your Viewing Experience
- Adjust Display Settings: Fine-tune the display settings to match your TV’s capabilities for the best picture quality.
- Enable HDR: If your TV supports HDR, enable it in the settings menu to enjoy enhanced contrast and colors.
- Configure Audio Output: Set the audio output to match your home theater system for optimal sound quality.
Exploring Hidden Features
- Developer Options: Unlock developer options by going to “About” in the settings menu and repeatedly pressing the “Build” number. This allows access to advanced settings for debugging and performance tweaks.
- Custom Launchers: Install custom launchers from the Google Play Store to change the look and feel of the Android TV interface.
- Screen Mirroring: Use the “Cast” feature to mirror your smartphone or tablet screen to the TV for presentations or sharing photos and videos.
The Xiaomi Mi Box S is a versatile and powerful Android TV box that offers a wide range of features to enhance your home entertainment experience. With its support for 4K HDR streaming, Google Assistant integration, and Chromecast functionality, it provides a comprehensive solution for accessing and enjoying your favorite content.
By following the setup instructions and tips provided in this guide, you can maximize the performance and capabilities of your Mi Box S. Whether you’re streaming movies, playing games, or controlling your smart home devices, the Mi Box S delivers a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Investing time in exploring the various features and customization options will help you get the most out of your Xiaomi Mi Box S, making it a valuable addition to your home entertainment setup.