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Build 2696 was a historical Android TV 9 (Android 9 Pie) update released for the original Xiaomi Mi Box S and compatible regionally rebranded Mi Box 4K devices on July 1, 2020. The approximately 654 MB package was reported to address USB-keyboard Voice Assistant failures, 5 GHz Wi-Fi problems and Bluetooth-speaker audio/video synchronization. Community firmware records also call build 2696 “OTA3 Beta 1,” even though Xiaomi later distributed it broadly through the normal stable OTA channel. It is not a new 2026 rollout.
What build 2696 is
Build 2696 is Android TV 9 Pie firmware for the original Mi Box S hardware, most commonly identified as model MDZ-22-AB. The July 1, 2020 report described a full OTA package of about 654 MB and an update distributed through the box’s built-in updater. Xiaomi’s product information identifies this generation as an Android TV device that originally shipped with Android 8.1, 4K output, 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, HDMI 2.0a and a USB 2.0 port (Xiaomi specifications).
The naming is not completely consistent. Community records repeatedly label 2696 as Pie OTA3 Beta 1, while users also report receiving that same build through the stable OTA channel. The most accurate description is that 2696 appears to have originated as an OTA3 beta build and was subsequently deployed broadly as the stable Android 9 OTA. No first-party Xiaomi release note confirming the terminology was identified.
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| Item | Build 2696 detail |
|---|---|
| Platform | Android TV 9 / Android 9 Pie |
| Devices | Original Xiaomi Mi Box S and compatible Mi Box 4K regional rebrands |
| Common model | MDZ-22-AB; verify the label on your own box before flashing |
| Reported package size | Approximately 654 MB, according to the July 2020 report |
| Release report | July 1, 2020; source updated July 2, 2020 |
| Build naming | 2696; also recorded as OTA3 Beta 1 in community firmware logs |
The original report is available at Android Sage. Community discussion of the beta-origin and later OTA distribution appears in the 4PDA firmware thread and its later pages.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K UHD Resolution & Audio Support: Xiaomi 4K UHD resolution supports 4K content, while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support is available for compatible content. The TV also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats
- Powerful 6nm Platform Performance: Powered by a 64-bit 6nm high-performance platform, featuring a quad-core A55 CPU (up to 2.5 GHz) and large memory (2 GB + 32 GB), it ensures smooth operation
- High Speed Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 (requires a Wi-Fi 6-enabled router), utilizing OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies to provide greater bandwidth and significantly improved transmission speeds, enabling instant playback of online content
- Smart Google TV Entertainment Center: Built-in Google TV integrates personalized recommendations for movies, shows, and more from various apps and subscriptions, along with powerful cross-app search for a customized entertainment experience
- Convenient Voice Control: Use the voice button on the 360° Bluetooth remote to use Google Assistant for voice search, playback control, and smart home management. Easily cast content from your phone/tablet to the TV via Google Cast. Easy to install
What the update reportedly fixed
USB-keyboard Voice Assistant failure
The reported changelog says Voice Assistant should continue working when an external keyboard is connected over USB. This addresses a specific accessory-related failure rather than promising improved recognition in every application.
5 GHz Wi-Fi connection problems
Build 2696 was reported to address instability connecting to 5 GHz wireless networks. Router firmware, regional channel rules, interference and the box’s placement can still affect results, so “fixed” should be read as a targeted software correction, not a guarantee that every 5 GHz setup will work.
Bluetooth-speaker audio/video synchronization
The release was also reported to correct audio/video sync problems when sound was sent to Bluetooth speakers. Bluetooth latency and application-specific behavior can remain, particularly with surround, HDR or high-bitrate playback.
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Community-maintained changelog records associate the same build with a time-zone setting reverting to GMT+5:30 and Voice Search failing inside some apps. These entries are community reports, not an independently published Xiaomi release note (4PDA record).
Rank #2
- 4K Ultra HD with Cinematic Visuals & Sound: Supports 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) at 60FPS, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Delivers immersive audio via Dolby Audio and DTS:X surround sound
- High-Performance Hardware: Equipped with a Quad-Core CPU (up to 2.5GHz) and ARM G310 V2 GPU for seamless navigation and multitasking. Includes 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage (ROM) for ample app and content space
- Google TV Smart Platform: Runs the latest Google TV OS, offering personalized content recommendations, access to thousands of streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.), and voice control via Google Assistant
- Advanced Connectivity & Decoding: Features dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, and USB 2.0 ports. Supports decoding of 4K 60FPS video formats and Google Cast for screen mirroring
- Complete Setup Included: Comes with Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen), voice remote control, power adapter, HDMI cable, and user manual. Compact design (95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm) for discreet placement
Problems users still reported
Build 2696 did not turn the original box into a universally trouble-free player. Reports from the firmware communities mention the following symptoms:
- Low volume or inconsistent automatic audio-mode selection.
- Prime Video availability or compatibility problems.
- HDR10+ behavior varying in Prime Video, Kodi and Plex.
- 4K HDR 5.1 output problems in Netflix when Bluetooth audio is connected.
- Automatic frame-rate switching failures in Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube.
- Plex playback problems when automatic frame-rate switching is enabled.
- Hardware-decoding issues and missing or incorrect 50 Hz display modes.
- 5 GHz performance problems in some regional or router configurations.
These are user observations, not a universal defect list. Television capabilities, HDMI settings, audio equipment, application versions, region and the starting firmware can change the result. See the later 4PDA discussion and community playback reports for examples.
Check for the update through the box
The built-in OTA route is the safest option because it matches the installed hardware and region and avoids relying on old file mirrors.
- Open Settings.
- Select About.
- Choose System update (the wording can vary by firmware and language).
- Allow the box to check, then read the version and size shown before accepting.
- Keep the box powered and connected until installation and the first reboot finish.
If 2696 is not offered, do not assume that a file labelled “Mi Box 4K” is compatible. Confirm the exact model and regional variant first.
Rank #3
- Powered by Android 8. 1 for Superior Functionality: Enjoy the latest Version of Android TV 8. 1, perfect for home entertainment, home theater, business use, and more
- Access Tons of Content: Access to 3000+ channels and Apps, Enjoy movies and TV episodes from Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, and more
- High Clarity 4K HDR: Chromecast built-in. Supports 4K Ultra HD resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR), experience clarity and smoothness like never before
- Voice Control that Does It All: Built-In Google Assistant and in Apps voice search. Search for photos, check the weather, set an alarm. Life should be simple.
- High Performance Storage Capacity: Powerful Quad-core CPU, 3+2-core GPU, provides fast and stable rendering to enjoy a high quality video experience
Manual USB installation: what must be true first
The 2020 coverage described 2696 as a full OTA ZIP suitable for recovery installation from Android 8.1 Oreo or an Android 9 beta channel. The old download host, package signature, checksum and regional coverage are not independently verified here. Treat any surviving ZIP as untrusted until its provenance and integrity are established.
- The box must be the supported original Mi Box S family, normally MDZ-22-AB, with a package explicitly matching its model and region.
- Use a USB flash drive formatted as FAT32.
- Check the ZIP checksum when the distributor supplies one; a matching filename alone proves nothing.
- Ensure stable power and do not remove the USB drive or interrupt the box while it is flashing.
- Back up settings and accept that a recovery reset may be required even when instructions say user data should remain.
- Do not substitute firmware for Mi Box 3, Mi Box 3S, Mi TV Stick or another Xiaomi TV box.
Community-reported recovery procedure
The following sequence comes from community instructions, not an official Xiaomi service manual (Miui Polska forum). Use it only with a verified package and at your own risk.
- Format the USB drive as FAT32.
- Rename the verified package to
update.zip. Confirm that your file manager has not createdupdate.zip.zip. - Copy the ZIP to the root of the USB drive, not inside another folder.
- Power off or disconnect the Mi Box, insert the USB drive, and connect the remote.
- Hold the remote’s center and back buttons while powering the box to request recovery mode. The combination may require more than one attempt.
- In recovery, select the option equivalent to Apply update from EXT, then Update from udisk, and choose the package.
- Wait for verification and installation to complete. Select Reboot system now only after recovery reports completion.
- Remove the USB drive only when the recovery process specifically permits it.
A first boot can take longer than usual. If recovery rejects the ZIP, stop rather than trying random packages or renaming files repeatedly.
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USB drive is not detected
Recheck FAT32 formatting, the root-folder location and the filename. Try another USB 2.0-compatible drive if available, but do not continue if the package itself cannot be verified.
Rank #4
- 4K UHD image quality
- Voice control remote
- High-Speed Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity
- mart Google TV Entertainment Center
- Powerful 6nm Platform Performance
Package is rejected
A mismatched model, region, starting build, incomplete download or incorrect ZIP can trigger rejection. Return to the OTA route or obtain a package with explicit MDZ-22-AB compatibility and a verifiable checksum.
The box boot-loops or behaves incorrectly
Disconnect accessories, allow several minutes for the first boot, then restart the television and box. If Wi-Fi remains unstable, restart the router; re-pair Bluetooth audio and recheck resolution, HDR, refresh-rate and audio-output settings. Update affected apps through Google Play. A recovery factory reset is a last resort because it erases local configuration.
Post-update playback regressions
Test with Bluetooth disabled, automatic frame-rate switching toggled, and HDR settings reviewed. If a particular app fails while others work, update or reinstall that app before blaming the firmware. Do not downgrade unless you have an exact, verified rollback package and procedure.
Should you install build 2696?
| Your situation | Practical choice |
|---|---|
| The built-in updater offers 2696 and you are on Oreo or an earlier Pie build | Installing through OTA is generally reasonable, especially if you have the reported Wi-Fi, Voice Assistant or Bluetooth-sync problem. |
| The box works well and you rely on automatic frame-rate switching, HDR or Bluetooth surround audio | Pause and consider the reported regressions before changing a stable setup. |
| Only an unverified mirror provides the ZIP | Do not manually flash it; the risk is greater than the benefit of an old historical build. |
| You cannot confirm the model number | Do not install. “Mi Box 4K” branding alone is insufficient. |
| You expect faster performance or new hardware features | Do not update for that reason. Android 9 changes software, not the box’s processor, ports, memory or display hardware. |
Android 9 does not upgrade the hardware
The original Mi Box S remains a 2 GB RAM, 8 GB storage device with 4K output, USB 2.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 and HDMI 2.0a. Build 2696 cannot add HDMI 2.1, newer wireless standards, extra storage or a faster processor.
Best Value
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
The later Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) is a different platform with Google TV, a Cortex-A55 processor, Mali G31 MP2 graphics, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Vision/HDR10+ support (see its official specifications). Replacing the old box may make more sense than manually flashing it when playback, wireless or audio limitations are the main concern, but a newer device is not a guaranteed fix for every application or regional compatibility issue.
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is a more portable Google TV alternative with 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Xiaomi’s FAQ notes that it lacks an RJ45 LAN port, expandable storage and a USB host port (official FAQ), making it less suitable if wired networking, USB storage or recovery access matters.
Bottom line for 2026 readers
Build 2696 was the July 2020 Android 9 Pie update for the original Mi Box S and compatible Mi Box 4K units. It was broadly delivered as a stable OTA despite its OTA3 Beta 1 origins, and it targeted specific Voice Assistant, 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-sync problems. Prefer Settings → About → System update; manually sideload only a verified, model-matched package with recovery risks understood. Do not use firmware from another Xiaomi device, and do not expect Android 9 to provide newer hardware capabilities.
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