How to Install a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick in an Audi A8 D3

This installation was completed in a 2006 Audi A8L 4.2 TDI equipped with the factory Rear Seat Entertainment system.

The car already had original screens for the rear passengers and an OEM DVD changer. Instead of replacing the entire entertainment system, we used its existing analogue video input and connected a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick through an HDMI-to-RCA converter.

The result allows rear passengers to use streaming applications and other Android TV features on the factory Audi screens.

This exact installation was completed in an Audi A8L, but the same general idea may work in other vehicles equipped with a compatible RCA or composite video input.

What Was Used for the Installation?

The installation required the following components:

• Xiaomi Mi TV Stick;
• HDMI-to-RCA converter;
• suitable RCA video and audio connections;
• 12 V to 5 V power converter with two USB outputs;
• wiring, fuse and connectors suitable for automotive use;
• access to the factory Rear Seat Entertainment input.

Both the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and HDMI-to-RCA converter require a stable 5 V power supply. A dual-output 12 V to 5 V converter can power both devices from the vehicle’s electrical system.

Why Is an HDMI-to-RCA Converter Required?

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick outputs a digital HDMI signal. The factory entertainment system in this Audi A8L uses an older analogue composite video connection.

These formats are not directly compatible.

The HDMI-to-RCA converter changes the digital HDMI output from the TV Stick into analogue video and audio that the factory entertainment system can receive.

A simple passive HDMI-to-RCA cable will not perform this conversion. An active powered converter is required.

Identifying the Factory Video Input

Before starting the installation, check how the original rear entertainment system receives audio and video from the DVD changer.

In this Audi A8L, the existing DVD system provided a suitable connection for the converted RCA signal. The original screens and controls could therefore remain in place.

The available connectors may differ between vehicles, even within the same model range. Do not purchase components until you have inspected the installed DVD changer, multimedia module and available inputs.

Powering the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick in the Car

The car provides approximately 12 V, while the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and HDMI converter require 5 V USB power. A suitable automotive 12 V to 5 V converter is therefore needed.

We used a converter with two USB outputs:

• one output for the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick;
• one output for the HDMI-to-RCA converter.

The converter should provide enough current to operate both devices reliably. An inadequate power supply can cause restarts, loss of video or unstable Wi-Fi operation.

Use a Switched Power Source

A boot or luggage-compartment cigarette lighter socket may appear to be a convenient power source. However, in some Audi models, including certain A8 D3 configurations, the socket can remain powered after the ignition is switched off.

If the TV Stick and converter remain permanently powered, they can slowly discharge the vehicle battery.

A better solution is to use a correctly fused switched power source that becomes active with the ignition and switches off after the vehicle is shut down.

The power source should be verified with a multimeter. Do not rely only on the fuse description, because power behaviour can vary between vehicles and equipment configurations.

If you are not experienced with automotive wiring, ask an automotive electrician to connect the power converter.

General Installation Procedure

1. Check the factory entertainment system

Confirm that the vehicle has a working Rear Seat Entertainment system and determine how the DVD changer sends audio and video to the screens.

2. Test the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick outside the car

Connect the TV Stick to a normal television and complete its initial setup. Install the required applications and confirm that the remote control, Wi-Fi and streaming services work correctly.

Doing this before installation makes troubleshooting easier.

3. Connect the HDMI converter

Insert the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick into the HDMI input of the active HDMI-to-RCA converter.

Connect the converter’s RCA video and audio outputs to the corresponding input used by the vehicle’s entertainment system.

4. Install the 12 V to 5 V converter

Connect the automotive voltage converter to a suitable switched and fused 12 V supply.

Connect one USB power output to the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and the second output to the HDMI-to-RCA converter.

5. Test the system

Switch on the ignition and select the relevant video source on the factory Rear Seat Entertainment system.

Confirm that:

• the Audi screens display the TV Stick interface;
• video is stable;
• audio works through the intended output;
• the TV Stick remote control responds;
• the devices do not restart during operation.

6. Secure the equipment

Once the system works correctly, secure the TV Stick, HDMI converter, voltage converter and wiring.

Do not place the modules where they can overheat, move around in the luggage compartment or interfere with other vehicle equipment.

7. Check shutdown behaviour

Switch off the ignition, lock the vehicle and verify that power to the installation turns off as intended.

This final check is important because a permanently powered TV Stick may contribute to battery drain.

Internet Connection Inside the Car

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick requires an internet connection for streaming services.

Possible connections include:

• a Wi-Fi hotspot from a smartphone;
• a dedicated mobile router installed in the car;
• another available in-car Wi-Fi network.

Streaming video can use a significant amount of mobile data. Video quality may also change automatically when the cellular connection becomes weaker.

Downloading supported content before travelling can reduce mobile data usage, depending on the application.

Controlling the TV Stick

The Xiaomi Bluetooth remote can control the TV Stick without direct line of sight. This is useful when the device and HDMI converter are hidden behind trim or installed in the luggage compartment.

The original Audi controls generally do not navigate the Android TV interface. The Xiaomi remote or another compatible Bluetooth controller is still required.

Audio and Video Quality

The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick produces a digital HDMI signal, but the factory Audi installation receives analogue composite video after conversion.

The final image quality is therefore limited by:

• the resolution of the factory Audi screens;
• the quality of the HDMI-to-RCA converter;
• the analogue RCA connection;
• the original Rear Seat Entertainment hardware.

The objective of this installation is to add modern streaming sources to the original system, not to produce modern high-definition picture quality.

Installation Through a CarPlay or Android Auto Interface

Some aftermarket Apple CarPlay and Android Auto modules include an additional HDMI input.

Where such an input is available, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick can be connected directly to the module through HDMI. In that configuration, an HDMI-to-RCA converter may not be required.

The TV Stick still needs a suitable 5 V power source.

Compatibility depends on the installed module, screen and vehicle. Check that the module genuinely includes HDMI input before planning the installation.

Important Safety Information

Video should not distract the driver.

This installation was intended for the factory rear passenger entertainment system. Do not install or configure video playback where it may be visible to the driver while the vehicle is moving if local regulations prohibit it.

Secure all equipment and wiring so that it cannot interfere with vehicle controls, airbags, seats or luggage-compartment mechanisms.

Installation Video

The following video shows the completed Xiaomi Mi TV Stick installation working in the 2006 Audi A8L 4.2 TDI.

Frequently Asked Questions