Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: Everything You Need To Know & More

This guide provides information on how to use and customize the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a streaming device that allows you to access a wide variety of content on your TV, including movies, TV shows, music, and more. 

The guide covers various topics such as how to connect to WiFi, how to install apps, how to take screenshots, and how to reset the device to its default settings. 

Whether you’re a first-time user of the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or a seasoned user looking to learn more, this guide provides valuable information to help you get the most out of your device.

What is the Mi TV stick?

The Mi TV Stick is a streaming device that allows users to access online content such as movies, TV shows, and live TV on their TVs. It is similar to devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Google Chromecast, and it is developed by Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company. 

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick runs on the Android TV operating system and can be controlled using a remote or the Mi Remote app on a smartphone. It also supports voice commands with built-in Google Assistant.

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick specs and characteristics 

The Mi TV Stick is a small, compact device that can be plugged into the HDMI port of a TV. It has the following specs and features:

• Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU
• GPU: Mali-450 MP3
• RAM: 1GB
• Storage: 8GB
• Operating System: Android TV 9.0
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 4.2
• Video Resolution: 1080p
• Audio Formats: DTS-HD, Dolby Audio
• Supported Streaming Services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLiv, Google Play Movies & TV, etc.

It comes with a remote control that supports voice commands and can be also controlled by a smartphone app (Mi Remote) and it has a built-in Google Assistant.

Mi TV Stick’s best features

The Mi TV Stick has several features that make it a popular streaming device:

• Affordable price: The Mi TV Stick is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for those looking to add streaming capabilities to their TV.

• Compatibility with multiple streaming services: The device supports a wide range of streaming services, including popular ones like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Hotstar.

• Built-in Google Assistant: The Mi TV Stick has a built-in Google Assistant, which allows for easy voice control of the device and can be used to search for content, control playback, and more.

• Compact and portable: The Mi TV Stick is small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go and use with multiple TVs.

• High-definition video: The device supports up to 1080p resolution video, providing high-quality streaming for movies and TV shows.

• Good sound quality: The Mi TV Stick has support for DTS-HD and Dolby Audio, which ensures good sound quality while streaming movies and TV shows.

• User-friendly interface: The device runs on Android TV, which is easy to navigate and has a clean, intuitive user interface.

What can you do with Mi TV Stick?

The Mi TV Stick allows users to access a wide range of online content on their TVs, including movies, TV shows, live TV, and more. Here are some things you can do with the Mi TV Stick:

• Stream movies and TV shows: You can access a variety of streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Hotstar, to watch movies and TV shows.

• Live TV: You can access live TV channels through supported apps like Hotstar, SonyLiv, Zee5, etc.

• Browse the internet: You can use the built-in browser to surf the web on your TV.

• Play games: You can download and play games from the Google Play Store on your TV.

• Control your smart home devices: With the built-in Google Assistant, you can control your smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and more.

• Voice control: You can use voice commands to control the Mi TV Stick and navigate through the menu, search for content, and control playback.

• Share your device: You can share your device with other family members and create multiple user profiles.

• Cast content: You can cast content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV using the Mi Remote app.

Overall, the Mi TV Stick provides a convenient and versatile way to access online content on your TV, and with its built-in Google Assistant, it makes it easy to control your streaming experience.

How to get started with Mi TV Stick?

Getting started with the Mi TV Stick is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to set it up:

• Plug the Mi TV Stick into the HDMI port of your TV and connect the USB cable to a power source.

• Turn on your TV and set the input to HDMI (the port where the Mi TV Stick is connected).

• Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network and sign in to your Google account (if prompted).

Once the setup is complete, you will be taken to the home screen. From here, you can start streaming content, playing games, and more.

If you don’t have a remote control, you can use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone to control the Mi TV Stick. Download the app, sign in with your Mi account, and follow the instructions to connect your phone to your Mi TV Stick.

To access streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc. you will need to download the corresponding app from the Google Play Store and sign in with your subscription credentials.

To take advantage of the built-in Google Assistant, you can press the microphone button on the remote or say “OK Google” to activate the voice commands.

If you want to share your device with other family members, you can create multiple user profiles in the settings menu.

That’s it! You’re now ready to start streaming and enjoying all the features of your Mi TV Stick.

Mi TV Stick’s basic settings 

The Mi TV Stick has a variety of settings that you can customize to tailor your viewing experience. Here are some basic settings that you may want to adjust:

• Display settings: You can adjust the resolution, aspect ratio, and overscan settings to optimize the picture quality for your TV.

• Audio settings: You can adjust the audio output and turn on/off the audio description, audio guidance, and surround sound settings.

• Network settings: You can view your current network connection and adjust the Wi-Fi settings, Ethernet settings, and VPN settings.

• Storage settings: You can view the storage usage and manage the apps that are installed on the Mi TV Stick.

• Accounts settings: You can manage your Google account, Mi account, and other accounts that you have connected to the Mi TV Stick.

• Security settings: You can set up a PIN or password to protect your device from unauthorized access and control the level of parental controls.

• Language settings: You can change the language of the interface, the keyboard, and the speech.

• Time and date settings: You can adjust the time and date, and set the time zone.

• Power settings: You can set the device to automatically turn off after a certain period of inactivity, and choose the power-saving mode.

• About settings: You can view the device information, and software version, and check for updates.

These are some of the basic settings that you can adjust to customize your Mi TV Stick experience. More advanced settings may be available depending on the version of the device and the region where it was purchased.

How to connect Xiaomi Mi TV Stick to WiFi?

Connecting the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick to a Wi-Fi network is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

• Turn on your TV and set the input to HDMI (the port where the Mi TV Stick is connected).

• On the home screen of the Mi TV Stick, navigate to the settings menu (usually represented by a gear icon)

• Select “Network & Internet” and then “Wi-Fi“

• The device will automatically scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network from the list of available networks and enter the password when prompted.

Once the connection is established, your Mi TV Stick should be connected to your Wi-Fi network.

To verify the connection, go back to the settings menu, select “Network & Internet” and then “Wi-Fi” to check that the network name is displayed and the status is “Connected“

If you are unable to connect to your Wi-Fi network, you may need to check your router settings and make sure that your network is set up correctly. Also, make sure that your Mi TV stick firmware is updated to the latest version.

In case you can’t find your network in the list, you might need to check that your network is enabled and broadcasting. Or check that your device is in range of the network.

If you have a dual-band router, please check that you are connecting to the right band (2.4 GHz or 5GHz)

How to use Xiaomi Mi TV Stick interface?

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick uses the Android TV operating system, which provides a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. Here’s a brief overview of how to use the interface:

• Home screen: The home screen displays a list of apps and content that you have recently accessed. You can also customize the home screen by adding or removing apps and channels.

• App drawer: You can access all of your installed apps by pressing the “Apps” button on the remote control or by scrolling to the right on the home screen.

• Search: You can search for content across all of your installed apps by using the search feature. Press the “Search” button on the remote control or say “OK Google” to activate the voice search.

• Google Assistant: The built-in Google Assistant allows you to control the device and search for content using voice commands. Press the microphone button on the remote control or say “OK Google” to activate the assistant.

• Settings: You can access the settings menu by pressing the “Settings” button on the remote control or by scrolling down from the top of the home screen. Here you can adjust various settings, such as network settings, audio settings, and more.

• Live Channels: You can access live TV channels via apps like Hotstar, SonyLiv, Zee5, etc.

• Chromecast: You can cast content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV using the built-in Chromecast feature.

• Picture in Picture: You can enable the Picture in Picture mode to watch a video while doing other tasks on the device.

These are some of the basic features of the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick interface. The interface may vary depending on the version of the device and the region where it was purchased.

How to use Xiaomi Mi TV Stick remote control?

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick comes with a remote control that allows you to navigate the interface and control the device. Here are some of the basic functions of the remote control:

• Navigation: Use the arrow buttons to navigate the interface and select items.

• Home button: Press the home button to go back to the home screen.

• Back button: Press the back button to go back to the previous screen.

• Apps button: Press the apps button to access the app drawer.

• Search button: Press the search button to access the search feature or activate the Google Assistant.

• Volume buttons: Use the volume buttons to adjust the volume.

• Power button: Press the power button to turn on/off the TV.

• Microphone button: Press the microphone button to activate the built-in Google Assistant and use voice commands.

You can also use the remote control to control other smart home devices that are compatible with Google Assistant.

The remote control may have additional features or buttons depending on the version of the device and the region where it was purchased.

How to install applications on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick?

Installing applications (apps) on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

• Press the “Apps” button on the remote control or scroll to the right on the home screen to access the app drawer.

• Select the Google Play Store icon to open the app store.

• Use the search bar to find the app you want to install or browse through the different categories to find the app.

• Once you have found the app, select it and press the “Install” button. The app will begin downloading and installing.

Once the installation is complete, the app will be added to the app drawer and will be ready to use.

You can also install apps by using your smartphone, you just need to go to the Google Play Store on your phone, find the app you want to install and then select “Send to TV” and select your Mi TV Stick.

Note that some apps may not be available in certain regions or may have regional restrictions. Also, some apps may require a subscription or a one-time purchase to use.

It’s also important to note that the Mi TV stick runs on Android TV, so some apps that are meant for mobile phones may not be available or may not work properly.

How to install APK files on a Xiaomi Mi TV stick?

Installing APK files on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a bit more complex than installing apps from the Google Play Store, but it is still possible. Here is how to install APKs on Mi TV Stick

It’s worth noting that installing APK files can be risky because it’s not guaranteed that the app is safe and free of malware. It’s important to only download APK files from reputable sources and to check the permissions that the app is requesting before installing.

Also, some APK files may not be compatible with the Android TV operating system, and may not work properly or at all.

How to uninstall applications on the Xiaomi Mi TV stick?

Uninstalling applications (apps) on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

• Press the “Apps” button on the remote control or scroll to the right of the home screen to access the app drawer.

• Locate the app you want to uninstall and press and hold the select button on the remote control

• A menu will appear, select “Uninstall“

• Confirm the action by selecting “OK“

The app will be uninstalled, and the app icon will be removed from the app drawer.

Note that some apps may not be able to be uninstalled, depending on the version of the device and the region where it was purchased. Some apps that came pre-installed on the device may be system apps, which can’t be deleted.

Also, uninstalling an app will remove all of its data, so if you want to keep some information, make sure to back up before uninstalling.

How to display 3rd party apps in the App Drawer on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 

By default, only apps downloaded from the Google Play Store will be displayed in the app drawer on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. However, you can change this setting to also display 3rd party apps that have been installed on the device.

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is extremely simple. The only thing you have to do is install an app like Sideload Launcher to see the sideloaded apps.

With the launcher downloaded, installed and started, you will be able to find that app that you have installed and that was not previously displayed on the main screen. Of course, you will have to get used to using this new interface, because this launcher changes the entire aspect of the interface of your Android TV.

Apart from the Sideload Launcher, you can also try many other alternatives from our list of the best Android TV Launchers then choose the one that best suits you.

Note that some apps may not be compatible with the Android TV operating system, and may not work properly or at all, also, as mentioned before, uninstalling an app will remove all of its data, so if you want to keep some information, make sure to backup before uninstalling.

• Check our guide about installing and setting up Wolf Launcher on Android TV & Firestick

How to enable unknown sources on the Xiaomi Mi TV stick?

By default, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is set to only install apps from the Google Play Store. However, you can change this setting to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources. Here’s how:

• Launch Mi TV Stick and click  on the  “System Settings” Icon.

• Select Device Preferences

• Select “Security & Restrictions“

• Toggle on the “Unknown Sources” option.

• A warning message will appear, select “OK” to confirm the action.

Now you will be able to install apps from unknown sources such as APK files.

You can always toggle off the “Unknown Sources” option to prevent further installations from unknown sources.

How to enable Developer Options on the Xiaomi Mi TV stick?

Enabling developer options on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick allows you to access additional settings and features that are useful for debugging and development. Here’s how to enable developer options on the Mi TV Stick:

• Launch Mi TV Stick and click  on the  “System Settings” Icon.

• Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select “About“

• Scroll down and select “Build number“

• Press the “Build number” repeatedly 7 times, until a message appears saying “You are now a developer“

• Go back to the “Settings” menu, and you should now see a new option for “Developer options” at the bottom of the list.

• Select “Developer options” and toggle on the options you want to enable.

Once developer options are enabled, you can access additional settings such as USB debugging, which allows you to connect the device to a computer for development and debugging purposes.

Keep in mind that some of the options in the developer options can be dangerous if you are not familiar with them, so be sure to only enable the options you know what they are for, and avoid modifying settings that you’re not familiar with.

How to manage local storage on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick?

Managing local storage on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:

• Launch Mi TV Stick and click  on the  “System Settings” Icon.

• Select “Device“

• Select “Storage & reset“

You will be able to see the total storage capacity of the device, as well as the amount of storage that is currently in use.

To manage storage, you can do the following:

• Uninstall apps: You can uninstall apps that you no longer need to free up storage space.

• Clear cache: You can clear the cache of individual apps or all apps to free up storage space.

• Transfer files: You can use a file manager app to transfer files to an external storage device or cloud storage.

• Delete files: You can use a file manager app to delete files that you no longer need to free up storage space.

It’s important to note that uninstalling apps will remove all of their data, so if you want to keep some information, make sure to back up before uninstalling.

By managing the local storage of your Mi TV stick, you can ensure that the device has enough space to run smoothly and install new apps.

How to clear the cache on the Xiaomi Mi TV stick?

Clearing the cache on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick can help free up storage space and improve the performance of the device. Here’s how to do it:

• Launch Mi TV Stick and click  on the  “System Settings” Icon.

• Select “Device“

• Select “Storage & reset“

• Enter “Internal storage“

• Select “Cached data“

• A pop-up window will appear asking you if you want to clear the cache. Select “OK” to confirm the action.

Clearing the cache will remove temporary files and data that are stored by apps, and can help free up storage space and improve the performance of the device.

You can also clear the cache for individual apps by going to settings > apps > select the app > storage & cache > clear cache.

It’s important to note that clearing the cache will not delete any personal data or settings, and it will not affect the functioning of the apps.

You can also use apps like “Clean master” or “Ccleaner” to clear the cache of your device. These apps can help you to free up space, clear cache and optimize your device.

Best apps for Xiaomi Mi TV Stick?

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick runs on the Android TV operating system, which means that it has access to a wide variety of apps from the Google Play Store. Here are some of the best apps that you may want to consider installing on your Mi TV stick:

• Netflix: A popular streaming service that offers a wide variety of TV shows and movies.

• Amazon Prime Video: Another popular streaming service that offers a wide variety of TV shows and movies.

• Disney+: A streaming service that offers Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.

• YouTube: A popular video-sharing platform that offers a wide variety of videos, including music videos, educational videos, and more.

• Hotstar: A streaming service that offers a wide variety of Indian TV shows, movies, and live sports.

• SonyLiv: A streaming service that offers a wide variety of Indian TV shows, movies, and live sports.

• Zee5: A streaming service that offers a wide variety of Indian TV shows, movies, and live sports.

• MX Player: A popular media player that supports a wide variety of video and audio formats.

• Spotify: A popular music streaming service that offers a wide variety of songs and playlists.

• JioSaavn: A popular music streaming service that offers a wide variety of songs and playlists.

• YouTube TV: A streaming service that offers live TV channels and on-demand content.

These are just a few examples of the many apps available for the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. There are many other apps available depending on your needs, such as games, productivity apps, etc.

It’s worth noting that some apps may not be available in certain regions or may have regional restrictions. Also, some apps may require a subscription or a one-time purchase to use.

How to take screenshots on Mi TV Stick? 

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick does not have a built-in feature to take screenshots, but there are a few ways to take a screenshot on your Mi TV stick.

Use a smartphone: You can use a smartphone to take a screenshot of the Mi TV stick by mirroring the screen on your phone. This can be done through the Google Home app or using the built-in screen mirroring feature on your phone. Once you mirror your screen, you can use your phone’s built-in screenshot feature to take a screenshot of the TV’s screen.

Download a third-party app: You can download and install a third-party app on your Mi TV Stick that allows you to take screenshots. One such app is “Screenshot Easy” which can be downloaded from the Google Play store.

Use Button Mapper: Button Mapper is a third-party app that allows you to customize the functions of the buttons on your remote control, including the ability to take screenshots. Here’s how to use it to take screenshots on the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick:

• Download and install the Button Mapper app from the Google Play Store on your Mi TV Stick.

• Open the app and grant it the necessary permissions.

• Navigate to the “Remap buttons” section of the app.

• Select the button you want to use to take screenshots. This can be any button on the remote control, such as the power button or the home button.

• In the actions menu, select “Screenshot“

Press the button you have remapped, and the screenshot will be taken and saved to your device.

Button Mapper allows you to customize your remote control to your liking, you can also remap other buttons to do different actions such as opening a specific app, navigating to a specific menu, etc.

How to customize Mi TV Stick background?

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick allows you to customize the background of the home screen, also known as the launcher. Here’s how to do it:

• Press the “Home” button on the remote control to go to the home screen.

• HIt the “Settings” button.

• Select “Device“

• Enter “Home screen“

• Select “Wallpaper“

• You will be able to choose from the default wallpapers provided by the device, or you can select “My photos” to use a picture from your gallery as the wallpaper.

• Once you have selected the desired wallpaper, select “Set as wallpaper” to apply it to the home screen.

You can also use third-party apps such as “Walli” or “Wallpapers” to get more options and customize your background, these apps are available on the Google Play store. 

Some of these apps allow you to set different wallpapers for different sections of the launcher, such as the lock screen, the home screen, etc.

How to reset Mi TV stick to default settings?

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick to its default settings can be useful if you are experiencing problems with the device or if you want to sell or give it away. Here’s how to do it:

• Launch Mi TV Stick and click  on the  “System Settings” Icon.

• Select “Device“

• Enter “Storage & reset“

• Select “Factory data reset“

• You will be prompted to confirm the action, select “Reset“

The device will begin the reset process, and all data and settings will be erased, including apps, accounts, and personal data.

It’s important to note that a factory reset will erase all data from the device, so it’s recommended to back up any important data before proceeding.

Also, once the reset is done, the device will have to be set up again, which includes connecting to WiFi, adding accounts, etc.

Another way to reset the device is to press and hold the power button on the remote for several seconds, this will reboot the device, but it will not erase any data.

It’s important to note that some apps and settings may not be restored after a factory reset, so it’s recommended to check the settings and apps after the reset and reconfigure them as necessary.

Wrap Up

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a versatile and powerful streaming device that offers a wide range of features to enhance your viewing experience. 

This guide has provided valuable information on how to use and customize the device, including connecting to WiFi, installing apps, taking screenshots, and resetting the device to its default settings. 

By following the instructions provided in this guide, you will be able to easily set up and customize your Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, and access a huge catalog of content on your TV. 

Remember, to always check the terms of service of the apps or content providers before taking screenshots or using their wallpapers. 

This guide is aimed to help you navigate through the device’s features and customize it to your liking. If you have any further questions or issues, you can always use the comments box below, we will be more than happy to clear your doubts.