Getting started with Mi Box

Logo

Mi Box arrived during the week and I've connected it to my (Philips) TV using the HDMI cable supplied - but I'm just getting a blue screen - regardless of whether I connect it to the HDMI 1 or 2 ports on the TV. Any ideas? Thanks

Atlantic Dawn

Can you try it on another TV or even a PC monitor if it has a HDMI connection? Make sure connection is secure on device.

Logo

Thanks for the quick reply - I've tried to connect to other screens but they don't seem to have HDMI ports. I'm about to be disconnected from SKY and honestly appreciate the feedback. Cheers

Carroller

I sometimes get a blue screen ND just remove the power supply from the box and plug it back in and it restarts as normal

Logo

Carroller wrote: »

I sometimes get a blue screen ND just remove the power supply from the box and plug it back in and it restarts as normal

I've tried that too but no joy. The broadband is from a new supplier and the Mi box is new so maybe I just need to play around with it. Thanks anyway

Logo

Hi. I've been able to connect to the Mi Box and download Kodi. I'm a total newbie and wondering how I can watch soarview and FTA channels on the Mi Box. My SKY subscription ends on 21st Dec and I really don't want to have to play around with ariels and SAT boxes so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

The high horse brigade

Logo wrote: »

Hi. I've been able to connect to the Mi Box and download Kodi. I'm a total newbie and wondering how I can watch soarview and FTA channels on the Mi Box. My SKY subscription ends on 21st Dec and I really don't want to have to play around with ariels and SAT boxes so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

The way to do that with an Android box is through piracy which cannot be discussed here.

Logo

The high horse brigade wrote: »

The way to do that with an Android box is through piracy which cannot be discussed here.

I didn't mean to breach any rules and thanks for the info.

Logo

I'm almost afraid to ask but what's the best way to listen to internet radio? Through the laptop or can I buy some kind of transistor for internet on the radio? Thanks

Heraldoffreeent

Logo wrote: »

I'm almost afraid to ask but what's the best way to listen to internet radio? Through the laptop or can I buy some kind of transistor for internet on the radio? Thanks

If you have an Android phone, or indeed, box, theres an app called tunein available from the play store.

sbsquarepants

Like logo - I had a mi box arrive during the week, yesterday in fact. Seems to be working fine but is entirely in Chinese, is there a handy way to change the interface language?
My Chinese is not as fluent as it could be:D

ongarite

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Like logo - I had a mi box arrive during the week, yesterday in fact. Seems to be working fine but is entirely in Chinese, is there a handy way to change the interface language?
My Chinese is not as fluent as it could be:D

Sounds you bought the Chinese version.
Send it back as it will be pretty useless for your needs in Ireland.
Not using Android TV, no DRM built in so no Chromecsst, Netflix or YouTube in 4K

sbsquarepants

Great!

ongarite

Post link from where you bought it?

Official one is MDZ 16 AB

sbsquarepants

Ah I wasn't scammed or anything like that, I actually bought it from China.
I just bought it on impulse and it actually never occurred to me that it might not have an English language setting! Stupid I know.

Lesson to be learned - think before you click buy!:o:(

sbsquarepants

Would anyone have a recommendation for one that's a bit more useful so?

sbsquarepants

ongarite wrote: »

Post link from where you bought it?

Official one is MDZ 16 AB

The one I have is MDZ 16 AA

Korvanica

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Would anyone have a recommendation for one that's a bit more useful so?

The Non Chinese version of the Mi Box :pac: - honestly I have it and its brilliant.

Invincible

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Like logo - I had a mi box arrive during the week, yesterday in fact. Seems to be working fine but is entirely in Chinese, is there a handy way to change the interface language?
My Chinese is not as fluent as it could be:D

Try freaktab, not sure if it was that forum I read instructions for installing an English, here's some to look at.

https://www.google.ie/search?q=chinese+mi+box+to+english&oq=chinese+mi+box+to+english&aqs=chrome..69i57.26037j0j7&client=ms-android-motorola&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

sbsquarepants

Korvanica wrote: »

The Non Chinese version of the Mi Box :pac: - honestly I have it and its brilliant.

Rub it in why don't you!:D

Ste-

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Rub it in why don't you!:D

https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-stick--console-computers/amlogic/how-to-change-mibox-3c-mdz-16-aa-to-t3548525

have a try of this.

ongarite

Ste- wrote: »

https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-stick--console-computers/amlogic/how-to-change-mibox-3c-mdz-16-aa-to-t3548525

have a try of this.

A lot of work for nothing IMO. It'll have ATV interface in English but no license keys or DRM management.
It'll still be non-functional for the Netflix HD, YT and Chromecast.

Internal HW is different, less RAM, etc..
https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/5ywz2n/differences_between_mibox_mdz16aa_mdz16ab/

I presume sbsquarepants paid a cheap price for his Mi Box, the official ATV one is rarely less than €60-€70 delivered to Ireland

sbsquarepants

ongarite wrote: »

I presume sbsquarepants paid a cheap price for his Mi Box, the official ATV one is rarely less than €60-€70 delivered to Ireland

I personally think it was quite expensive...... for a paperweight!

I'll try the switch to English and see if it's any use for anything, might stick it in a bedroom or something like that. In the meantime I've ordered the correct MDZ 16 AB version.

There's just no accounting for stupidity!:o:o

Mrcaramelchoc

Can someone tell me why they think the mi box is good.it has only one usb and no ethernet connection.from the computer screen it doesn't look great to me.

The high horse brigade

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

Can someone tell me why they think the mi box is good.it has only one usb and no ethernet connection.from the computer screen it doesn't look great to me.

It runs official Android TV, not a hacked version of touchscreen android like most Chinese boxes. It's supported by the manufacturer through updates and through this support and compliance by the manufacturer even has Netflix and YouTube in 4K. You can easily and Ethernet and more usb ports.

UGREEN USB Ethernet Hub, 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub and USB3.0 to RJ45 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Lan Wired Network Adapter for Nintendo Switch,Macbook,Surface Pro,Support Windows10,Mac Os 10.6 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LLUEJFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZsomAb54D110K

Mrcaramelchoc

The high horse brigade wrote: »

It runs official Android TV, not a hacked version of touchscreen android like most Chinese boxes. It's supported by the manufacturer through updates and through this support and compliance by the manufacturer even has Netflix and YouTube in 4K. You can easily and Ethernet and more usb ports.

UGREEN USB Ethernet Hub, 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub and USB3.0 to RJ45 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Lan Wired Network Adapter for Nintendo Switch,Macbook,Surface Pro,Support Windows10,Mac Os 10.6 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LLUEJFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZsomAb54D110K

Ok fair enough.but i don't see the point in buying a box that you have to buy extra things to make it work better.
The minix gets great reviews and has 3 usb ports ethernet supported by the manufacturer. 4k etc etc and it works flawlessly from what i can see.all in the box ready to go when you buy it.
Its more expensive i might add.

The high horse brigade

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

Ok fair enough.but i don't see the point in buying a box that you have to buy extra things to make it work better.
The minix gets great reviews and has 3 usb ports ethernet supported by the manufacturer. 4k etc etc and it works flawlessly from what i can see.all in the box ready to go when you buy it.
Its more expensive i might add.

You sure about the 4K YouTube and 4K Netflix, I've read otherwise about the minix

Mrcaramelchoc

The high horse brigade wrote: »

You sure about the 4K YouTube and 4K Netflix, I've read otherwise about the minix

Im not sure.but im sure it plays 4k movies flawlessly from a usb drive.

The high horse brigade

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

Im not sure.but im sure it plays 4k movies flawlessly from a usb drive.

Yes of course it does, the YouTube and Netflix 4k is a codec issue, that the minix isn't compliant to the Google and Netflix standards so they don't allow 4K on it.

clintondaly

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Ah I wasn't scammed or anything like that, I actually bought it from China.
I just bought it on impulse and it actually never occurred to me that it might not have an English language setting! Stupid I know.

Lesson to be learned - think before you click buy!:o:(

It should have multi language settings ,I have one that came in Chinese as default but going in to settings(cog wheel pic) and then as its in Chinese i clicked on the pic of the globe and scrolled to english

darkmark79

Use Google translate on your phone ,point camera at the screen and you will get real time translation on screen of phone.
Hope it helps.

iba

Guys,

Hope you don't mind me jumping in here. I managed to make the icon for the remote control disappear - anyone any idea how I can get it back please?

Thanks

54and56

Hi guys,

Got a Mi Box a few weeks ago and very very impressed with it. I've been using Android media boxes (mostly Minix) for years and was concerned the Mi Box wouldn't have good Wifi capability as it has an internal rather than external antenna (I can't get an ethernet cable to the box) and it works way way better than the Minix it replaced with a huge external antenna!!

Anyway, the reason for my post is to enquire is there any way to remove the "Mi Box Recommends" row from the Leanback launcher homescreen? The only app in it is Netflix and the the row beneath that contains all the other apps I've installed e.g. Plex, Kodi etc. I've been through the settings and even uninstalled and reinstalled Netflix but no joy, instead of Netflix sitting in the apps row along with all the other apps it just sits by itself in the "Mi Box Recommends" row.

A real first world/OCD problem I know but it's bugging me so would like to find a way to ditch it without losing the Leanback launcher.

bazzz

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Hi guys,

Got a Mi Box a few weeks ago and very very impressed with it. I've been using Android media boxes (mostly Minix) for years and was concerned the Mi Box wouldn't have good Wifi capability as it has an internal rather than external antenna (I can't get an ethernet cable to the box) and it works way way better than the Minix it replaced with a huge external antenna!!

Anyway, the reason for my post is to enquire is there any way to remove the "Mi Box Recommends" row from the Leanback launcher homescreen? The only app in it is Netflix and the the row beneath that contains all the other apps I've installed e.g. Plex, Kodi etc. I've been through the settings and even uninstalled and reinstalled Netflix but no joy, instead of Netflix sitting in the apps row along with all the other apps it just sits by itself in the "Mi Box Recommends" row.

A real first world/OCD problem I know but it's bugging me so would like to find a way to ditch it without losing the Leanback launcher.

Try the following,sourced from another site.I don't have the box myself.

Go to the Settings app
Locate the “Apps” section
Scroll to the System Apps section
Locate the app titled XiaomiLeanbackCustomizer
Click this app and select the Disable option
After confirming that you have disabled the app, reboot your Mi Box

54and56

bazzz wrote: »

Try the following,sourced from another site.I don't have the box myself.

That worked 100%, thanks.

sioda

Where is the best site to buy one of the sets boxes

iba

sioda wrote: »

Where is the best site to buy one of the sets boxes

Millions of shops on AliExpress or try gearbest, geekbuying, banggood, Jabong or maybe even Amazon or Xiaomi shop in Madrid.

54and56

sioda wrote: »

Where is the best site to buy one of the sets boxes

I bought from these guys and couldn't be happier. Quick delivery, no customs etc to worry about - https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Xiaomi-Mi-Box-4K-Google-Android-6-0-TV-BOX-HDR-International-Ver-Voice-Remote/122355472779?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

LeChienMefiant

I brought a mi box on holidays to use in the hotel. Captive portals are actively blocked on android TV, so you can't get to the login screen for the hotel WiFi.

I tethered to my phone and installed es file explorer so that I could send a browser apk file to the mi box using the Sender function in es file explorer.

I had to go to BBC.com (http only website) on the mi box and then disconnect the WiFi from my phone. Connect to hotel WiFi and refresh the page.

Very convoluted process, but could be aided greatly by side loading the browser at home in advance.

54and56

LeChienMefiant wrote: »

I brought a mi box on holidays to use in the hotel. Captive portals are actively blocked on android TV, so you can't get to the login screen for the hotel WiFi.

I tethered to my phone and installed es file explorer so that I could send a browser apk file to the mi box using the Sender function in es file explorer.

I had to go to BBC.com (http only website) on the mi box and then disconnect the WiFi from my phone. Connect to hotel WiFi and refresh the page.

Very convoluted process, but could be aided greatly by side loading the browser at home in advance.

Two questions:-

1. Why didn't you just stream some content on your phone/tablet or laptop?

2. Where were you that was so boring you went to all that trouble to watch TV in your hotel room???

54and56

Has anyone been able to download Amazon Prime Video from the Play Store or does it have to be side loaded?

LeChienMefiant

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Has anyone been able to download Amazon Prime Video from the Play Store or does it have to be side loaded?

Even on phones Amazon Apps need to be sideloaded? That's how I remember Amazon Appstore working anyway.

sioda

So recently got one of these anyone point me I the direction of a good android box for eejits guide

Logo

I'm trying to download ES File Explorer on an Mi Box. It's OK until I get a horizontal 'Agree and Continue' screen - and then it gives a T&C's screen and won't allow any keyboard entries. Any ideas? TIA

WezzyB

Logo wrote: »

I'm trying to download ES File Explorer on an Mi Box. It's OK until I get a horizontal 'Agree and Continue' screen - and then it gives a T&C's screen and won't allow any keyboard entries. Any ideas? TIA

Had same issue, attach a mouse to the usb port and bobs your uncle.

duridian

I find this app to be the easiest file explorer for Android TV. It mightn't have as many features as ES, Solid explorer etc., but it can do the most common things and you don't need a mouse as it's easy to use with remote control.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deepakpk.tvexplorer

It can't be found via the regular mobile phone/tablet Play Store, only on the TV version of the Play Store, but you can view it on a desktop/laptop web browser via the link above and send it to your MiBox from that.

actuar90

I'm just about to pull the trigger on one of these but there seem to be a large number of different versions in the different stores.
Can someone confirm that this is the right version:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Official-International-Version-Original-Xiaomi-Mi-Android-TV-Box-Quad-core-Cortex-A53-4K-2/3367001_32874800109.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_5_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10130_10342_10547_10343_10340_10341_10548_10696_10192_10190_10084_5724015_10083_10618_5724315_10307_10820_10301_10821_5724215_10303_5724115_10059_100031_5725015_10103_5724915_10624_10623_10622_10621_10620,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=ff9f3c4f-b9e5-42f2-b7e8-b198b83a918a-10&algo_pvid=ff9f3c4f-b9e5-42f2-b7e8-b198b83a918a&priceBeautifyAB=0
If so, it seems to be going on sale down to $58 in a few days which seems like a good price, or is there a better store / price to pick these up at?