Is it possible to connect an external HDD to a Mi Box and download things straight to it? Because what i want is to leave it connected to the tv and do everything from my desktop pc (or wherever). What is working for me now is that i have a dedicated laptop working as a Plex server with the external HDD and i send everything through utorrent remote. And cast to the tv via Chromecast.
I faced the same situation, ended up getting a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
Works wonderfully as a File Server, Torrent Box and Firewall.
Always on 24*7, consumes practically any power. Wonderful companion to my MiBox. All my media is served via Sambar server on the Pi and the played back on the MiBox or the laptop.
Far too difficult if not impossible due to Android permission and security on the Mi Box.
Do not even attempt to use Android Adoptable storage on the Mi Box. Expect problems and headaches if you do.
Use it as a video streamer only.
If you want a cheap device to do what you need use a DIY AMLogic S9xx - LibreELEC Kodi Krypton box. That has a built in SAMBA server. You simply connect Hard Drives to such devices. Plug N Play.
Not with a Mi Box, but a proper NAS can act as a media downloaded/organizer, shared folder obviously and even Plex Server, if you use with Kodi you’d never have transcoding issues I guess.
For whatever reason these questions almost always start out with a downvote. Who does this? Who goes around downvoting legitimate questions, without giving any answers?