What are /r/MiBox's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

If you are interested I found this app here in this subreddit. It's a Screensaver/gallery app. Can be configured like the Chromecast ambient display without the banner.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.furnaghan.android.photoscreensaver

The stock Android TV launcher included with the Mi Boxes does not show non-Android TV apps, which would include sideloaded Android phone apps (which is probably what you installed). Install Sideload Launcher or HALauncher to launch these apps.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.atve.androidtv.appletv&hl=en_IN&gl=US

This is the android tv app, maybe try and install it from this link?

I bought this one. Works great. Build quality is superb. Has a turbo function per button. And saved me hours of frustration with other Bluetooth controllers.

8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ Bluetooth Gamepad (Sn Edition) - Nintendo Switch https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07T8JKVNT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FmuyFb2P7MK1J

Yeah, that's why I haven't gotten rid of my old Chromecast yet as well. I found a post by a Google community manager that says it's been acknowledged as a known bug by Google on Android TV with Chromecasts that Personal Photos is even showing up. :/

It's now a feature request but that's still annoying. I did find an app that claims to essentially replace this but haven't tested it at all yet.

Just type cast reciver on the play store, they all kinda work some of them you have to pay for premium which means you can only do 30 minutes a day

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.softmedia.receiver.castapp

I use Ugreen 3 Ports USB 3.0 Ethernet adopter which works great out-of-the box

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00LLUEJFU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yup, just to be 100% clear I mean something like this cable. Also google if you receiver supports 5.1 Audio(DD, DD+ etc). If you have a older receiver they won't support decoding digital surround audio.

Ugreen 3 Ports USB 3.0 Hub with Network Support Windows Mac OS X and Linux Compatible for Surface Pro,IdeaPaD, MacBook Air/Retina and More (Black) https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00LLUEJFU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_1Q30X4D2DPMNFMPP7GXZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This is available in India

I just bought a Mi Box S (after buying and returning a WalMart ONN Media Streamer and a TIVO Stream 4K). Now I find that the Mi Box S can't install Hulu (although the ONN and TIVO, both of which run Android TV, can run Hulu).

On the Play Store I see two apps by Hulu:

1. Hulu for Android TV (ver. 982FDAADP3.9.161; last updated 10/22/2021; for Android 4.4 and up);
2. Hulu: Stream TV Series & Films (ver. 4.43.0+9848-google; last updated 2/22/2022; for Android 5.0 and up).

Number 1 was the version installed by default on the ONN and TIVO (and my Nvidia Shield Pro). Number 2 is shown as "not compatible" with the ONN, TIVO and Shield Pro - plus the Mi Box S, of course.

If you have side-loaded Hulu For Android TV, where did you get the APK and what problems, if any, have you faced running it?

Usually this problems are related to USB power delivery... I don't experience with tp link but lookout for adapters with an asix Ethernet chipset like this one from ugreen: https://www.amazon.com/Adaptador-Ethernet-adaptador-compatible-Chromebook/dp/B00MYT481C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3JWT80CEU2SQ0

This one works flawlessly but due to usb bandwidth sometimes wifi is faster unreliable but fast this adapter is slow but steady.

it goes well, I know since I have one. NordVPN for those USA netflix/am. prime, and Smartube for ads-free YouTube videos (sideload via usb flash/3rd party file explorer app). it's really worth it, I bring it with me when I travel France, Italy, fuck those local hotel/airbnb channels 😉

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.thedarken.wldonate

Does that link not show up on your box? It's been a while, maybe I sideloaded it, can't quite remember now but the app does the job for me.

You install Samba server on your phone and create a shared folder. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icecoldapps.serversultimate

On your MiBox you can use X-plore file browser to mount this local share and access it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lonelycatgames.Xplore

You'll need to sideload the app. There are at least two that work that I've tried. Here's one that I used last week on my mibox 3 and it worked fine. https://apkpure.com/dns-changer-mobile-data-wifi-ipv4-ipv6/com.burakgon.dnschanger

I found a fix if anyone is interested.

1-look for an apk downloader (in my case apkpure.com)

2- Download hulu android tv apk

3- put in on a USB memory and plug it into your mi box

4- On the mibox go to the google store and download x-plore

5- open x-plore on your mibox, find the usb and install the apk. It will automatically ask you for permission, grant all permissions.

Let me know if there are any problems, you may have to go into your mibox setting and grant permission from unknown developers or downloads.

If you have mibox3, than try the fresh store version from alternate source
https://apkpure.com/prime-video-android-tv/com.amazon.amazonvideo.livingroom

It should work in mibox3. Sometimes it stuck at first with 4k display, but it works on second try. But with fullhd it is stable.

I have installed the official version and it keeps crashing. I can't even chromecast it, so that's why I want to see if I can sideload it.

however you can download the https://apkpure.com/hbo-go/eu.hbogo.android and then put it in the flash drive and try to install it

then login

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i hope it works for you

I would suggested downloading an app called downloader and head to the BBC iPlayer website and see if you can download the app direct from their website and put this link address in the downloader app. Should work 👍🏻

Edit : https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/install

I haven't been getting this stuff, so I assume ad blocking via DNS works. I am running a PiHole DNS server on my Raspberry and route everything through there.

If you don't have a local box to run as a DNS server/don't want to bother/don't know how, you could try using AdGuard. I've heard only good things about them, but, obviously, the normal privacy concerns might apply.

I can agree, both Stadia and GeForce Now work well for me (Even though i use Fiber-Optic + 5GHz Wi-Fi + NordVPN for Stadia 'cuz i live in Chile. But on the other hand, GeForce Now is now available in Chile)

A quick search for "azerty" keyboard APK came up with this as the first hit.

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Don't know if that will work, since so few people use that style of keyboard it is going to be hard to find.

Do you have this on all channel ?

Maybe you can give us the link , i use newpipe as youtube player

i can try to see if i have the same results with my mibox s and newpipe

https://kodi.tv/addon/scripts-video-add-ons/plex

The difference is you'll be using kodi for playing, which let's use for example in my case, play PGS subs without transcoding while the app can't. It's like using VLC for playing, it lets you play any kind of media natively

https://www.softether.org/1-features/5._Easy_Installation_and_Management

You should find OpenVPN option in management tool then just use normal openvpn client to connect with that profile. Softether client is only available for mac and windows but servers tool can generate multiple protocols that can be used directly from mobile devices.

Get a debrid service for those apps. https://real-debrid.com

Netflix should open if doesn't try a factory reset of your device last option, but try first go into settings of Apps on your device and clear the data for Netflix app then see if it opens.

Free sources for streams will always buffer a debrid service will solve that problem for you.

enable usb debugging on mi box and follow this guide https://www.genymotion.com/blog/open-source-project-scrcpy-now-works-wirelessly/

Cool. Thanks for the response. I will order that one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01JS7U3GQ/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=AYK8RGDIO4P1N&psc=1

I don't use AFR (it's available on my Mi TV Stick though), so I don't know what it's like. I have 1080p/60hz selected & it's working fine for me.

You can check out this app if you buy the CCwGTV. Here is everything you need to know about the app.

> he rightf

I'm actually really considering the fire stick. It also supports ExpressVPN. The only place that sells it is Lazada and it's about 500 peso cheaper. I feel it at least will come with Netflix and Prime video out the gate and those are the most important apps.

If she's buying locally, she needs to confirm the netflix button the remote. Netflix and Amazon are find, but HBO Max and Disney Plus are not available locally. Depending on her ISP she may have an add-on option of HBO Go. Disney just pulled all their channels, but has not announced when the Disney+ service will actually be available. She may also want iwanttfc and viu. ExpressVPN is fine--if you're going to use that for getting around geo restrictions, it's going to put a significant dent in her bandwidth. Cutting Edge is the official distributor in the Philippines, and you can order online, but they only accept local cards and maybe COD. If she is in the NCR, they will do delivery via lalamove. They are responsive to inquiries. I'm happy to give any other info you might want.

Like the other user said, mibox does have a optical cable output. It has the rarer mini toslink optical output. you need one of these. You also need to set the audio in settings to spdif from auto, this is important.

I have been using this setup for couple of years now, works flawlessly.

I have the same problem. Many gamepads bluetooth doesn't work with Android TV (e.g. Gamesir T4, look on compatibility table: https://www.amazon.com/GameSir-Wireless-Controller-Customizable-Showstopping/dp/B07HG51ZYK )

So, I'm also looking for good quality bluetooth gamepad for MDZ-22-AB.

I just had this connecting to my mibox and it's still working fine even with Android 9. Some people said that Ugreen guy had some problem with Pie, I'm not sure cuz I don't have it.

I'm not sure if Google releases a compiled ExoPlayer, it's just what's under the hood for most Android streaming apps.

The best standalone player based on ExoPlayer is probably MPV. I don't know if MX Player uses ExoPlayer. https://mpv.io/ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=is.xyz.mpv

I'd try it just to see if your playback issue is specific to VLC. If you don't have any issue with MPV, then there are other ExoPlayer based media players you can try if you aren't satisfied with MPV.

Hi! Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have easily downloadable Android TV apps on the Play Store. The latest model is the Xiaomi Mi Box S, but there is also a model in a stick form factor. While a non-4K model doesn't exist, you can still use it in 1080p.

You can get a optical to rca adaptor, connect optical to mii box then into adaptor and rca to theatre system.

Can not remember what it supports from memory other than stereo

Something like this

https://www.amazon.com/Musou-Digital-Optical-Converter-Adapter/dp/B01AWBA8U8

Yes it happens with my setup but well before any recent updates. Install this app and lock in your desired default volume setting.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aldersonet.volcon

You need to install Minecraft on an Android phone. Install "send files to tv" on phone and tv. Extract apk using SAI on phone. Send to tv. Then install using SAI on tv.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yablio.sendfilestotv

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aefyr.sai

Edit: If the architecture is different on the phone and TV this will fail. Also before opening check the permissions and make sure Minecraft has local storage access.

My neighbors have also some bluetooth reviever which tries to pair to my mibox all the time. I now effectively use this app to change visibility to only known devices. Works like a charm and is worth the price. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=by4a.bluetoothsettings.tv

I am using this one from Amazon Basics.. AmazonBasics USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet LAN Network Adapter https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00M77HLII/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_apa_fabc_YQYSRFB0H23KSS1Q3BS6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I just got this update on my MiBox 3, as an update to the home launcher (Android TV Home).

I also own a Chromecast with Google TV, and the new Android TV Home launcher I got is slightly different from the home launcher on the CCwGTV. The new Android TV Home launcher does look similar to the home launcher on the CCwGTV, but the two aren't quite the same.

The new Android TV Home launcher retains the ability to add and remove channels on the Home tab (the screen you immediately see when you boot up). This function isn't available on the Home tab of the CCwGTV, which I feared losing when I saw its new Home tab interface with the spammy recommendations all over the Home screen when you boot up, and you just have the lame "Apps-Only Mode" as an alternative (without completely replacing the launcher). But the Home screen channels function from the previous version of Android TV Home launcher is still available on this new version of the Android TV Home launcher.

Yeah, I really don't dig the Fire TV-knockoff banner recommendation at the top at all, but I can basically ignore it, like I can also ignore the spammy Discover tab. The Apps tab still doesn't show sideloaded mobile apps (I don't expect that to ever be implemented), but it actually looks and works fairly well -- it reminds me a bit more of an Apple TV (which I also own).

I'd have been seriously pissed to have lost the ability to add and remove channels, and fortunately that's still available. I use HALauncher to create my own channel groups of apps (some sideloaded) to launch from the Home tab, and that still works now, with this updated version of the Android TV Home launcher. So I can live with this updated version. I actually wish this version of the Android TV Home launcher was on the CCwGTV.

I use at this moment an Amazon Basic 1Gbit USB3 adapter with my Mi Boxes (all type S), and speeds go up well over 300Mbit, but with other 1Gbit USB adapters (some with extra USB ports), I get the same speeds. Not one of them is a Ugreen, so there are alternatives.

If it's un available in your country you could side load it . Find the android tv version on apk mirror. Download a file explorer like x-plore. Put the apk file on a flash drive and open the file manager. open your flashdrive and open the apk file. Give the file manager any permissions it needs and click install.

Create a hotspot from your mobile and share wifi internet to mi stick.

Use this app to share the wifi on your phone through hotspot. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kha.prog.mikrotik

Ah ok. The usb adapter I have doesn't have a hub on it. It's just the ethernet adapter. I'm wondering if that may be why it's not working.

Anyways, the one I have that works is relatively cheap. Here's the Amazon link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007IFED/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FGpIFbG8TGF44

It's not working in pie. You can try this as an alternative but you must have an android phone: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.appground.blek

Install it in your android phone and connect. Then control the cursor on TV using your phone.

No, the Mi Box S remote uses Bluetooth.
You can however download the Android TV Remote app from the Google Play Store and control your Mi Box that way.
I'm going to place the link here for your perusal. (click the word "here" to be redirected)

I might be mistaken, but to my knowledge AirPlay is Apple only, and you need an AppleTV or something like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.screen.mirroring.airplay.streamtotv&hl=en For Android.

Supposedly you need to use a direct link to the page...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peacocktv.peacockandroid

Not sure how to go about that through Android TV though.

You have to install Google Home App and link it with your MiBox. It has a buit in chromecast.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=es_AR

Then you can say "Ok, Google... turn on MiBox" or "Turn Off MiBox".

Android TV supports a few options, including Tellybean. Finding compatible webcams is the hardest part since it is pickier than a Windows device.

People report the highest success with Logitech devices.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tellybean.kahuna.client&hl=en_US

When I got mine - and it's not the S, it's the old version - it cost me €30. Totally worth it for that price. My TV isn't 4k, so not even worth getting the upgrade. You seemed to pay twice that - I don't think I would've gotten it if it cost that much. But having said that, I've had mine for some 3 years now, and use it every day, so maybe even paying more would have been worth it. The Shield, as great as it is, costs much more, and honestly anything that the Mibox couldn't do that it does do, just wasn't worth the extra bucks for me.

1) I use this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.furnaghan.android.photoscreensaver It does a much better job than Google's ambient mode, with lots of other features. It's worth what it costs.

2) For channels, I have to be honest I've never used the homescreen channels - I usually know what app I want to open and just go from there. Maybe someone else can help.

3) Live: I live in Europe and there aren't many "live" channels for us. I do have an app to watch live TV from my cable company. Again, I just launch the app and go from there.

Hopefully that gives you some info to help make yoru decision!

>Can I shut down wireless and bluetooth functions of the device? (Like the Airplane mode on cellphones) How?

Yes. Wi-Fi can be switched off like you'd expect, but for Bluetooth you'll require this app (or you can sideload the APK of the free version that the same dev offers for non-TV Android. I can confirm that it works). But keep in mind that this box doesn't have an Ethernet port, so you'll need to spend more on a USB to Ethernet adapter.

​

>Can I use the device with regular TV remote control device? (Not a bluetooth remote control device) How? Which remote control device do you suggest for this purpose?

I don't know of any specific remote, but I've seen people use remotes that come with USB dongles. But now you'd need a USB hub if you want both the Ethernet adapter and USB dongle plugged in.

There's another possible solution: when HDMI-CEC is enabled, I can use my Samsung TV's to control the Mi Box. For me it's not ideal, however, as the home button doesn't work.

​

>Does this device support HEVC codec format for watching videos?

Yes. 60 FPS with HDR.

​

But yeah, there's probably a better box out there for you, one with built-in Ethernet at least.

It appears to be disabled for the beta, the only way to get it is to harvest it from another device using this app and install it isn't the same app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aefyr.sai

TVButler works with TVMosaic Live! app.

>Did you sideload the app and did you have to manipulate the app to make it work on AndroidTV?

Are you asking me about the TVButler app or FTA tuner loader?

> Which model MyGica tuner?

MyGica T230C

>Did the MyGica never work with its padtv app?

The PadTV app is only for smartphones.

>Was the only way it worked was by using the FTA loader app?

Every compatible MyGica USB tuner must be used with the FTA Tuner Loader app, otherwise it won't work at all.

You can use MyGica USB tuners with an Android TV app called "FTA Tuner Loader" which is a plugin for Live Channels app, available at the Play Store.

If you don't find any, there can be an other option:

- cheap raspberry pi with raspbian linux that can handle most of the usb tuners. Running tvheadend on it to stream the content locally. And installing "TvHeadend live channel" app on mibox that makes integration with AndroidTv's live channel
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ie.macinnes.tvheadend

Also, miboxes with oreo have some issues with interlaced live tv content: they show only half of resolution vertically. So video quality will be lower than expected.

what a shame.. The reason I got the box was to use with NordVPN , All4 and BBC iPlayer for a better soltuion than mirroring my PC. Can't cast from my phone as I'm not in the UK. Fingers crossed for official Android TV apps one day.

Same thing happened to me after the update to Pie. Only difference is I use ExpressVPN. In my case it helped to reboot the device, start the VPN app, connect to a US server, disconnect, connect again, and then start Netflix or Hulu.

It is better to use something like Smart DNS Proxy instead of VPN to access Netflix. I have been using it for few years now and it works exceptionally good.

Mi box s is amazing
A1: You can switch profiles
A2:Yes you can sign out and sign in
A3: usb port is 2.0 so dont accept apps to run fast here a cheap usb hub usb port is durable wont break but still have to be carefull with it

How about a short USB 3 type A extension cable? I have good luck with the Amazon Basics USB 3 cables but the male end is a bit large. This Tripp Lite USB 2 type-A M-F may work for around $7 bucks. https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Hi-Speed-Extension-U024-003/dp/B00B5TEJIE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2SXGZ5RJNPE2H&dchild=1&keywords=usb+extension+cable&qid=1592084450&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_three_browse-bin%3A7070220011%7C7070221...

Just search "HDMI audio extractor" on Amazon, eBay, Newegg, or whatever your shop of choice is.

Here is just one I found after a 10 second search on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Audio-Stereo-Extractor-Converter/dp/B07KRWYN4R/

This one is close enough.

Edit: hmm, says "Not universal remote control, only applicable for mecool tv box" But I don't see why wouldn't it work. It's just a bluetooth controller. Unless they are lying and it's not bluetooth.

From the comments it does work on Nvidia Shield, so it should also work on Mi Box S, but the button to activate the Google Assistant does nothing. Could be remapped probably with Button Mapper App if you must have it. Or use it for something else.

They are probably saying it's only compatible with mecool box because people with IR boxes purchased it and obviously that didn't work.

A quick Google would've answered your question. It's an app that allows you to make custom shortcuts for app, processors etc.

Anyway it doesn't work for the shield. There is a vpn shortcut available but it can't run by itself and most likely is a hook for other apps.

I used to use AerialTV on a tablet to watch TV using a USB DVB-T tuner. I just checked and unfortunately, it's not compatible with the MiBox. You can try to sideload the APK since the app is free, but your mileage may vary.

I would suggest looking into building a TVheadend/MythTV system, where you would plug the USB tuner into a Raspberry Pi, or an old computer running the software, and stream TV through your network. Alternatively, if you're not into setting that up yourself, an HDHomeRun box like /u/Andriusdude suggested is another nice choice.

I was looking to maybe get a MiBoxS, I was wondering if it is compatible with the Altice One App and if it can be installed straight through the play store without any special sideloading.

NordVPN offer config files you can use with OpenVPN. You just need to pick a US server config file, upload it to the mibox and open it via the OpenVPN app there.

I use it for Tunnelbear, which otherwise has no AndroidTV app.

That is, if I correctly understand that the VPN app gives you an error?

Not the mechanical specifically, You know those External SSD's and drives. And connect them using this adapter in the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-Adapter-Cable-Compatible-Driver/dp/B01ESJS36Q/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=cablecreation+usb+to+sata&qid=1565927495&s=gateway&sr=8-3

MI Box S remote is considered a Bluetooth remote. Regular TV remotes use infrared lights or something. There is an adapter for the MI Box S remote on Amazon. Sideclick Universal Remote Attachment for MiBox Streaming Players https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMQR4Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RUyzDb1C95W7Y

This might be what you are looking for.

I tried last night and their services - albeit excellent on desktop and even mobile - is a nightmare to set up on this type of TV box.
ExpressVPN took 1 minute as I signed up for a trial. Worked perfectly

Here it is. UGREEN Ethernet Adapter USB Gigabit Network Adapter 10/100/1000Mbps/1 Gbps with USB 3.0 Hub 3 Ports for Nintendo Switch, Windows Surface Pro, MacBook Air/Retina, iMac Pro, Chromebook, and More PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLUEJFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fOIACbW4JBJGW

They have one without the Ethernet adapter for about $12

If I were you and my TV didn't have a built in TV tuner, I would get something like this to watch OTA TV

The main selling point for the MiBox is the great price for a solid device AndroidTV device. If you are gonna play high resolution Android games then the Shield TV will be much better. If $100 (the price difference) isnt a big deal to you...get the Shield TV, its indeed the best thing available.

This remote has been solid for me. I even got a 2nd one for another box. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015O5UM6M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1