Is the Mi Box 3 as unusable as it sounds?

by HairyTower

I ordered one today and I'm already starting to regret it now that I read more about it. Supposedly it has a lot of issues since the 8.0 update that haven't been fixed, ranging from WiFi issues to audio issues with Netflix and such. How bad are these? Are there any planned fixes? I don't know if I should cancel my order. I just want a basic streaming box, but maybe shield TV would be better after all.

pakatsuu

Don't have any issues on my mi box that I've had for a month. Running android 8.

shellbross

Don't have any issue either.

FreakDeckard

it's quite usable, i use it daily for netflix, dazn, MrMC (somewaht optimized kodi) ecc.

Right now the best build of Oreo is 2179, but 8.1 is right around the corner...

severanexp

Zero issues. I found it funny how you did not describe your problems.

Edit: oh I got you ordered it. Never mind. Yeah no issues whatsoever.

spurdosparade

Mine has that bug that I have to unplug it from the energy cable to turn on. Some people have problems with audio, others with Netflix skipping audio, others with WiFi and others pretty much dying for no reason. I think it's a gamble.

Appart from having to unplug it every time I'm pretty happy with mine, it works nicely for the price. Keep in mind I don't use 4k, Dolby, 5.1 or any thing like that, it's just 1080p simple setup.

I would buy a shield if I were in the US, but here in Brazil it's 1k USD +, so I don't have many options.

svogon

I loved mine, all 4 of them, until recently. I have now had 2 purchased months apart, and a 3rd one having symptoms of, becoming a brick. They eventually get stuck at the Mi logo on the loading screen and I can't even get in to recovery to do a reset. Mi already exchanged one, I'll be chatting with them shortly for the 2nd. Nothing exotic on them, I run them stock. When they are out of warranty I'll be looking at Roku, the new Jetstream, and maybe a shield for the main family room.

vbalbio

I have no issues with mine using android 8 already

koshergoy

Xiaomi has put a hold on OTA updates so your box will not have "Update" prompt.

If you want to advance beyond the antiquated build 699 your device ships with you will need to perform manual update.

All steps and update sources are well documented in this reddit

Build 1901 is the latest MM build provided by Xiaomi

Build 2179 is an interim Oreo bugfix build that provides a workable happy medium and was tested extensively by 3rd party users. Not the total solution but has cures for most nagging everyday issues.

Build 2174 will give you best shot at 5.1 audio issues

CAVEAT: Once you update beyond MM to Oreo there is no means to step backward to MM

Good luck

driller3000

Completely usable and great value TV box IME.

Oreo update was initially a bit shite and some struggled for a month of more with this (me included) - but they released an update which fixed the update! And mine has been sweet since.

Best value ATV box IMO - not as good as my Shield - bit at 1/3 price it does a solid job.

So much so I have purchased and set up 3 so far for family/friends and have just ordered a 4th for the father in-law for Xmas.

Max_Roc

Most of them are fine. If you get a buggy one just exchange it. Also, if mine is good, i don't accept any updates and risk introducing problems.

BiggussDikkuss

Some people I think use 1080p and 2.0 Audio only or do not use v2303 Firmware....and that is why they see no issues.

5.1 Netflix Audio has audio dropout issues that have not been fixed in any version of Mi Box Oreo Firmware I tried.

Oreo FW v2303 has bad WiFi connectivity and stability issues.

Oreo FW v2179 has USB3 > Gigabit Ethernet issues after the device goes to sleep.

ALL the above worked perfectly fine on previous Marshmallow Firmware and that is why there are ongoing complaints.

Deinterlacing for Broadcast TV is not working properly in Live Channels, Kodi PVR's and the HDHomerun App for all version of Oreo Firmware.

Google Voice Assist is sketchy, the Voice search button on the remote does not seem to work properly.

If you bought it from Walmart, get a refund and get the new Jetstream 4K.

Xiaomi are in the habit of releasing untested Firmware on Mi Box guinea pig customers, you basically get what you are given unless you want to be an Android Nerd and fcuk around with different Firmware versions.

Xiaomi do not tell you in any sort of detail about changes or bug fixes in Firmware updates.

EAT-17

For me the updates broke it. It still works, but I have to reset it all the time. Because the emote doesn't work, or other stuff.

Gabe9000__

For context I've had the Mi Box 3 since October 2016. No issues whatsoever until the Android Oreo update. It bricked my Mi Box in the entertainment area and Xaomi support has been kind enough to send me a new one(free of charge) even though it's well out of warranty. My Mi box located in the bedroom is starting to have issues now with Netflix which crashes everytime I open it. This software update has been a disaster. Actually ruined a great product.

PalebloodSky

Use the Mi Box almost every day, no issues on the latest build. However, I did do a factory reset once I upgraded to Oreo if that matters.

robert235

Yes before and after the update I had issues with. It is so unstable when I use it on my 4k TV it lower the quality and had screen flickers on certain apps.

kp_centi

It's pretty bad, the lost functionality of a home button is a bad update

UrutuBranco

Wifi connection is terrible after update. I watch cable TV now :-(