How to Set Up X96 Mini TV Box

What’s in the box (quick check)

• X96 Mini TV Box
• Power adapter (5V/2A)
• HDMI cable
• IR remote control
• Two AAA batteries (some kits include them)
• User leaflet (optional)

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Before you start

• Place the box near the TV with airflow around it.
• Note which HDMI input you’ll use on the TV (HDMI 1/2/3).
• Have your Wi-Fi name and password ready (or an Ethernet cable).
• Optional: your Google account for Play Store.

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Step 1 — Connect the hardware

1. HDMI: Plug the HDMI cable into the X96 Mini’s HDMI port and into the TV’s HDMI input.
2. Network (choose one):
   • Ethernet: Plug a network cable from your router to the box’s LAN port.
   • Wi-Fi: You’ll connect in software later.
3. Power: Plug the power adapter into the box and the wall socket. The box will turn on.
4. Remote: Put fresh batteries in the remote. Point it at the box’s front (IR sensor).

If the TV shows “No Signal”, press Input/Source on the TV remote and pick the HDMI you used.

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Step 2 — First boot setup

1. Pick your Language (English).
2. Set Region/Time zone (United Kingdom).
3. Choose Display resolution: select Auto or 1080p 60Hz.
4. Adjust Screen Zoom/Overscan so the borders fit perfectly.
5. Accept any basic terms.

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Step 3 — Connect to the internet

A) Wi-Fi

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Turn Wi-Fi On, pick your network, enter the password, tap Connect.

B) Ethernet

• If you plugged in a cable, the box connects automatically. You’ll see Connected.

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Step 4 — Update the box

1. Go to Settings → About → System update (or Update app if present).
2. Tap Check for updates and install any update.
3. Restart if asked.

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Step 5 — Sign in and install apps

1. Open Google Play Store (or App Store icon on your launcher).
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Install common apps: YouTube, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, etc.
4. Open each app and sign in.

If an app isn’t in the store, you can sideload with care:
Settings → Security → Install unknown apps → allow for your file manager/Downloader, then install from a trusted USB or file. Only use safe sources.

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Step 6 — Picture & sound tuning (for best quality)

1. Resolution: Settings → Display → set Auto or 1080p.
2. Colour range: Leave on Auto if available.
3. Audio: Settings → Sound/Audio → choose PCM/Stereo if using TV speakers; choose Passthrough only if your soundbar/AVR supports it.
4. HDMI-CEC: Enable CEC on your TV and the box so the TV turns on with the box (names vary: Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink).

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Step 7 — Home screen tidy-up

1. Remove tiles you don’t use (long-press → remove).
2. Move your favourite apps to the first row.
3. Turn off auto-start for heavy apps if the settings allow it.

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Step 8 — Storage & USB

1. Plug in a USB drive or microSD card for media files.
2. Use a file manager to play videos, music, and photos.
3. If storage runs low: Settings → Apps → select app → Clear cache or Uninstall unused apps.

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Step 9 — Remote & control tips

• The bundled remote is IR, so keep a clear line of sight.
• If the cursor feels slow, plug in a USB mouse/keyboard or a 2.4GHz air-mouse dongle.
• Replace batteries if buttons stop responding.

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Step 10 — Power off correctly

• From the home screen, press Power on the remote and choose Shutdown or Sleep.
• Avoid unplugging while apps run.

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Troubleshooting (quick fixes)

No picture / No Signal

• Check TV Input/Source.
• Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends.
• Try a different HDMI port or another HDMI cable.
• Power-cycle: unplug box & TV for 30 seconds, then plug back in.

No Wi-Fi

• Toggle Wi-Fi Off/On.
• Move the box closer to the router.
• Reboot the router and the box.
• Use Ethernet for the most stable connection.

Remote not working

• Replace batteries.
• Aim at the front of the box; remove obstacles.
• Try a USB keyboard/air-mouse as a backup.

Apps crash or feel slow

• Close background apps; restart the box.
• Clear app Cache/Data in Settings → Apps.
• Keep at least 1–2 GB of free storage.

No sound

• Check TV Mute/Volume.
• In Sound settings, select PCM/Stereo for TV speakers.
• Reseat HDMI or try another HDMI input.

Stuck on logo / boot loop (advanced)

• Unplug power, wait 30 seconds, power on.
• If still stuck, use the reset pin-hole (usually on the bottom): press with a toothpick while plugging in power to open Recovery, then choose Reboot (factory reset will erase data—use only as a last resort).

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Quick recap (one-minute setup)

1. Connect HDMI, network, and power.
2. Pick Language, Time zone (UK), 1080p.
3. Connect Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
4. Update the system.
5. Sign in to Play Store, install apps.
6. Tune Display/Audio, enable CEC.
7. Add USB/microSD if needed.
8. Use Troubleshooting if anything fails.