How to connect the Xiaomi Mi Box S to Wi-Fi without a remote: all the working methods

Lost or broken the remote control Xiaomi Mi Box S and can't connect to Wi-Fi? The situation is familiar to many: without a remote control, the console becomes a brick, and flashing the firmware via USB seems like the only solution. In fact, there are at least 5 working methods connect Mi Box S to a wireless network without the original remote control, and most of them don't even require disassembling the device.

In this article we will look at all the current methods - from using smartphone as a remote control before connecting via ADB and router settings. Each method has been tested on firmware Mi Box S (including MDZ-22-AB And MDZ-16-AB) and does not require a soldering iron or special skills. Important: If your set-top box has not been connected to the network before, some methods may require preliminary configuration via Ethernet cable (if the port is available in the model).

Before you begin, please check:

• 🔌 Do you have USB keyboard or mouse (even the simplest one)?
• 📱 Does your smartphone support Infrared port (IR) or Bluetooth?
• 🔧 Is there access to router web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)?

1. Using your smartphone as a remote control

The fastest way is to turn your phone into a remote control Mi Box S. For this purpose, specialized applications from Xiaomi, as well as universal IR remote controls. The main requirement is that your smartphone must support infrared port (available in most flagships) Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) or Bluetooth (for models with firmware Android TV 9+).

If there is no IR port, you can use Wi-Fi Direct (However, the set-top box must have been connected to the network at least once before.) Below are step-by-step instructions for both options.

Method 1.1: Mi Remote App (for IR)

• 📱 Install the application Mi Remote (available for Android And iOS).
• 🔍 In the list of devices, select Xiaomi Mi Box S (or Android TV, if your model is not available).
• 🎯 Point the phone's IR port at the set-top box and check the response to the buttons.
• 🔄 If it doesn't work, try other profiles (Mi Box 3 or Mi TV Stick).

Method 1.2: Bluetooth remote control (for Android TV 9+)

If yours Mi Box S works on Android TV 9.0 or newer, you can connect via Bluetooth:

1. Download the app Android TV Remote Control (official from Google).
2. Launch the application and select Set up a new device.
3. Hold the button OK + Back on the set-top box (if there are physical buttons) or wait 10 seconds - the device should appear in the list.
4. Connect and use the virtual remote to set up Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: If the set-top box has not previously connected to Wi-Fi, the Bluetooth connection may not be established. In this case, use USB keyboard (section 2) or setup via router (section 4).

2. Connecting a USB keyboard or mouse

Mi Box S supports USB OTG, which allows you to connect peripherals directly. This method works even if the console has never been online. You'll need:

• 🖥️ Any USB keyboard (wired or wireless with USB receiver).
• 🔌 OTG adapter (if the keyboard has a connector USB-A, and the prefix Micro-USB).
• 🔋 Charged console (if you connect a wireless keyboard, it may discharge Mi Box S faster).

Connect the keyboard to the console via OTG and follow the instructions:

1. Press any key and a cursor or menu should appear.
2. Use Strelki And Enter for navigation in Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Select your network, enter the password (the keyboard will work as on a PC).
4. Save the settings and reboot the set-top box.

If the keyboard is not detected:

• 🔄 Try another one OTG adapter (some cheap models do not support peripherals).
• 🖱️ Connect USB mouse - sometimes it is defined better.
• 🔌 Restart the set-top box with the keyboard connected.

⚠️ Attention: Some wireless keyboards with Unifying receiver (For example, Logitech) may not work. Use wired devices or keyboards with Bluetooth, if the set-top box is already online.

3. Connecting via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have computer with Android SDK or experience working with ADB, you can connect to Mi Box S via cable and configure Wi-Fi via the command line. This method requires:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS and installed drivers ADB.
• 🔌 USB cable (better than the original one from Xiaomi).
• 📋 Included USB debugging on the console (if not previously activated, a keyboard will be required).

Instructions:

1. Connect Mi Box S to the computer via USB.
2. Open the terminal and check the connection:

   adb devices

   A device with a serial number should appear.

3. Activate Wi-Fi and connect to the network:

   adb shell am start -a android.settings.WIFI_SETTINGS
   adb shell svc wifi enable
   adb shell cmd wifi connectNetwork  

   Replace <SSID> And <password> to your network data.

If ADB does not see the device:

• 🔄 Reinstall the drivers Google USB Driver.
• 🔌 Try another one USB port (better USB 2.0).
• 📋 Check if it is enabled USB debugging in the console settings (Settings → About console → Build number - press 7 times).

What should I do if ADB returns a "device unauthorized" error?

This error means that ADB access is not confirmed on the console. Connect a USB keyboard, go to Settings → For developers and confirm the computer connection. If you don't have a keyboard, use the OTG hub and mouse navigation method.

4. Setting up Wi-Fi via the router's web interface

If your router supports the function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or guest network without password, you can connect Mi Box S Without entering a login or password. This method works even if the set-top box has never been online, but it requires access to the router settings.

Instructions for WPS:

1. Press the button on the router WPS (usually on the back panel).
2. On Mi Box S (via keyboard or smartphone remote control) select Settings → Wi-Fi → WPS.
3. Wait for the connection (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

If WPS is disabled or not working:

• 🔧 Enable WPS in the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, chapter Wi-Fi → WPS).
• 🔄 Create guest network without password and connect to it from the set-top box.
• 📡 Install on your router static IP for Mi Box S by MAC address (you can find it on the sticker on the set-top box).

⚠️ Attention: The WPS feature is considered insecure and may be disabled in newer router firmware. If your router doesn't support WPS, use the method with USB keyboard or ADB.

5. Reset settings and connect via Ethernet

If none of the methods worked, you can do full reset Mi Box S and connect to Wi-Fi via Ethernet cable (if your model supports a wired connection). This method erases all data, but returns the set-top box to factory settings, where Wi-Fi can be configured via mouse/keyboard or smartphone remote control.

How to reset settings:

1. Disconnect the set-top box from the power supply.
2. Press and hold the button OK on the case (if any) and connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
4. Select Wipe data/factory reset (use the keyboard or buttons on the case).
5. After reset, connect Ethernet cable and set up Wi-Fi through the menu.

If there are no buttons on the case:

• 🔌 Connect USB keyboard and in the recovery menu select Factory Reset.
• 📱 Use remote control app (section 1), if the set-top box has ever been online.

6. Alternative methods: OTG hub and external Wi-Fi adapter

If the built-in Wi-Fi module Mi Box S if it's broken or doesn't work, you can use it external USB Wi-Fi adapter through OTGThis method requires additional costs, but it is a lifesaver in cases where other methods fail.

What you will need:

• 🔌 Powered OTG hub (a regular adapter may not have enough power).
• 📡 USB Wi-Fi adapter on a chip RTL8188, RTL8192 or MT7601 (tested models: TP-Link TL-WN725N, Edimax EW-7811Un).
• 🖥️ Keyboard for settings (or smartphone remote control).

Instructions:

1. Connect the OTG hub to the set-top box and connect the Wi-Fi adapter.
2. On the menu Settings → Network & Internet select a new network.
3. If the adapter is not detected, check the chip compatibility with Android TV.

⚠️ Attention: Not all USB Wi-Fi adapters work with Android TVBefore purchasing, check reviews for compatibility with Mi Box SChip adapters Realtek RTL8812 or Broadcom may not be supported.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect Mi Box S to Wi-Fi without a remote control and keyboard?

Yes, but only if the set-top box has been connected to the network at least once before. In this case, you can use smartphone with a remote control app (section 1) or setup via router (section 4). If the console is new and has never been online, without a keyboard or ADB can't do without it.

Why doesn't Mi Box S detect Wi-Fi networks?

The reasons may be different:

• 📡 The network is hidden (enable SSID display in the router settings).
• 🔋 Weak signal (move the set-top box closer to the router).
• 🔧 Incompatible Wi-Fi standard (e.g. 802.11ax on the router, but the set-top box only supports 802.11ac).
• 🔄 Firmware failure (try resetting the settings).

How to find the MAC address of Mi Box S without connecting to the network?

The MAC address is listed on sticker on the bottom of the console (look for the line MAC or Wi-Fi MAC). You can also see it:

• Through USB keyboard on the menu Settings → About the set-top box → Status.
• Through ADB, by running the command:

  adb shell cat /sys/class/net/wlan0/address

Can I use Mi Box S without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• 🎬 You can watch videos with USB drive or external hard drive.
• 🎮 Play offline games (if installed via APK).
• 📺 Use Ethernet (if the model supports it).

However, most streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Kinopoisk) require the Internet.

What should I do if there is no internet after connecting to Wi-Fi?

Check:

• 🔌 Is the router connected to the Internet (reboot it).
• 📡 Is the password entered correctly (reconnect).
• 🔧 IP settings: In the Wi-Fi menu, select Advanced → IP Settings → DHCP.
• 🛡️ Is your antivirus blocking it or Parental Control the set-top box access is on the router.