Update 1: Installing CE-NO is now possible, thanks to CE devs! Below tool does not work to install CE. Just establish adb connection (after enabling Developer Options & USB debugging on Android/Google TV side) and issue the command below. Have USB stick plugged w/CE-NO nightly & proper dtb & dovi.ko. Ethernet USB hub recommended (as wi-fi isn’t working at this point):
adb reboot update
Hello… guessing it isn’t possible, but thought I’d try installing CE on a Xiaomi Box S 3rd Gen because it appears to have an unlocked bootloader. Under Developer Settings, there’s an option to enable it.
Used this neat tool to reboot into the bootloader. Had CE-NO w/the right DTB on a USB stick, and chose ‘Apply update from SD card’, but got this…
Does this mean CE isn’t installable? Could I try another method? Unlike older Xiaomi boxes, holding down OK + back buttons on remote while powering on doesn’t work, which is why I used the tool linked above.
I’m new here and I am very interested in CoreELEC.
First of all, thank you for all the hard work!
I was just wondering if any of you had already tried this new CoreELEC version with the Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)? I guess with generic image? I would really like to try CoreELEC with this device but I’m new to this and I’m afraid to do something wrong. Sorry if any of this sounds stupid
And btw, excuse my english, I might make some mistakes from time to time because it’s not my mother tongue.
Yes it is.
It should, theoretically, work on the Xiaomi TV box 3rd gen if you use the generic image I guess.
Just asking you because you tried before so I was just thinking you would wanna try again and tell us if it works or not and, if it did, how did you proceed.
I honestly would try myself but I’m kind of a newbie in the Coreelec world and I’m seriously worried I’m gonna do something wrong and break my box
You cannot break your box with CE installation on external media; it either works or it does not. If it does not, remove external media (with CE instalation) and everything is back as it was before…
Important steps are only the ones that folow corect procedure to flash external media with CE 22.0 image to prepare the installation process.
Thank you for the clarification.
Something else comes to mind : if I use an external SSD drive to put CE installation, will it still be usable afterwards to put media files on it or is it completely lost and its only use is to host CE ?
The Xiaomi TV Box 3rd gen only has one USB 2.0 port, that’s the reason I’m asking.
It is recommended to use 32GB USB stick for first or experimental installations. If all goes well, then experiment with SSD drive. (when properly configured - partitioned, SSD can be used for CE and as storage for other files)
Since you have only one USB port, use any compatible USB Hub for additional connected devices.
Just tried and after using the same tool as @1SqueezPlz , I selected the “reboot in bootloader mode”, it reboots but then screen is stuck on the starting screen with the Mi logo.
Gonna try again with some other USB key then will report back here.
You need to try with 20250920 build which has one issue fixed which could prevent booting devices which needs “new” method to change bootloader parameters.
Alright, used latest nighty, still nothing when using “reboot into bootloader” BUT got to the same screen as @1SqueezPlz when using “reboot into recovery” instead.
Now I might sound dumb but it says to use volume up and down keys to select options from menu but my remote doesn’t work (probably because I’m in recovery and system isn’t fully initialized). So I’m stuck on that screen lol… Any idea ? Sorry but as I’ve said before, I’m kind of a newbie when it comes to Coreelec. =/
I got it to work using the adb command '“adb reboot update” instead (still using the program mentioned above). CE installed correctly and I got to the screen when CE asks to perform first setup. But unfortunately my remote doesn’t work anywore on CE and I don’t know what to do, I don’t even have a second USB port on the Xiaomi box to use a controller, keyboard or something and I can’t emulate a remote with the program because the box isn’t connected to the Wifi anymore (makes sense, CE being just installed, it can’t connect itself to the Wifi alone lol).
I’m stuck but at least now we know CE works on the Xiaomi TV Box 3rd gen.
If anyone knows how I can get control of my remote again or some other tip so that I can get it recognized by CE, I’d be grateful.
Try attaching a USB keyboard to navigate that screen, and choose ‘Apply update from Udisk’ assuming you have CE w/proper DTB on a USB stick. I haven’t had a chance to try yet.
I think we replied at the same time.
CE installed and working but same old remote problem.
PS : The box only has 1 USB port and I can’t disconnect the drive that contains CE so…
Guess buying some kind of USB splitter might work, unless someone has an other solution.
Good stuff… I’m going to try it later today. Not as concerned about the remote as I rely on Bluetooth. Looking forward to testing video performance, plus HD audio, and see how it compares to GTV side, which isn’t great.
Yeah same thing, I wanna try and compare it to GTV and those annoying high bitrate TrueHD cutouts…
What do you mean by relying on bluetooth though ? I mean I have the basic Bluetooth remote that was sold with the box but I dont see how to bypass the problem. How would you do it ?
