Desktop on Xiaomi TV: How to set up, what apps to use, and what to do if nothing works

Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Google TV They offer flexible customization options, but standard launchers often limit users' functionality. TV-Boxing or smart TV into a full-fledged multimedia center with easy file management, widgets and quick access to applications. However, the installation and configuration process has nuances, from unlocking manufacturer restrictions to choosing compatible software.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add a desktop to Xiaomi. TV in 2026, including bypassing standard system constraints, installing third-party launchers (including ATV Launcher, HalLauncher and Leanback Launcher, and solutions for locked-install models APK. Separately, let's look at the issues of remote control compatibility and how to get around them. TV or Redmi Smart TV c a device with an interface similar to a smartphone or tablet – this guide is for you.

Why Xiaomi’s Standard Interface TV Does not satisfy users

Xiaomi Manufacturer Uses Modified PatchWall Shell (For Android Models) TV) or the standard Google interface TV (Both options have serious limitations:

• 📱 No free icon placement: applications are fixed in the grid, it is impossible to create folders or change the display order.
• 🔍 No global file search: the built-in file manager is hidden in the depth of the menu and does not index external drives.
• ⚙️ Limited widget settings: Even weather or calendar only appear in fixed zones.
• 🎮 Uncomfortable control for gamers: no quick access to emulators or cloud services (e.g. GeForce) NOW).

According to the survey of users 4PDA (2023), 68% of Xiaomi owners TV The main reasons for this are the desire to get a notification panel (like on a smartphone), the ability to use remote gestures for navigation and integration with a smart home (for example, controlling Yeelight or Aqara directly from the screen).

Unfortunately, Xiaomi artificially blocks third-party launchers on most models, citing “stability,” which means adding an alternative desktop would require:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Amlogic processors (Mi series) TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X) Third-party launchers may not work properly due to limitations of graphics accelerator drivers. Check your model compatibility on the forum before installing 4PDA.

TV Preparation: Unlocking APK Installation

Before installing an alternative launcher, you must allow the installation of applications from unknown sources. TV This process is different from standard Android:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Security and Restrictions
2. Find Unknown Sources and select File Manager (or Browser if you download it). APK browser).
3. Activate the switch to Allow installation.

On some models (e.g., Mi) TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV A2) This path can be hidden:

Press the remote sequentially:


Home → Settings (⚙️) → All settings → Device → Developer settings → Unknown sources

If the developer options are not in the menu, activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the build number and click on it 7 times in a row (the notification "You became a developer") should appear.

Allow unknown sources in security settings

Activate Developer Mode (if required)

Connect your mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth (recommended)

Download APK launcher USB-memory-storage

Check the vacant space (minimum 200 MB)

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⚠️ Attention: On TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0+ (Released after 2022) may work protection Mi Protect, blocking the installation of modified APK. In this case, you will need to roll back to an earlier version of the software or use bypass methods (see section "If the launcher is not installed").

Choosing a launcher: comparing the best options for Xiaomi TV

Not all launchers for Android TV They work equally well on Xiaomi devices:

• 🖥️ Support TV-interface: adaptation to the large screen and control from the remote.
• 🎛️ Customizability: the ability to change the size of icons, add widgets, create folders.
• 🔄 Compatibility with MIUI TV: No conflicts with system services.
• 📥 Weight and performance: Light launchers (up to 50MB) are preferred for weaker models.

Below is a comparative table of popular solutions:

For most of the Xiaomi users TV The best choice will be ATV Launcher or TV The first is suitable for weak models (for example, Mi). TV 4A), The second is for flagships (for example, Xiaomi). TV Q2) Nova Launcher is recommended only if you plan to connect a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard - without them, control will be extremely inconvenient.

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If your TV is slowing down when using the launcher, try turning off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The device → Developer parameters → The scale of window animation = That'll speed up the interface on the 30-40%.

Step-by-step installation of the launcher on Xiaomi TV

Let’s look at the universal installation method by example. ATV Launcher.Instructions are suitable for most models, including the Mi TV P1, Redmi Smart TV X55 others.

Method 1: Installation through file manager

1. Download. APK launcher (for example, from the APKPure website) USB-drive or directly to the memory of the TV through the browser.
2. Connect. USB Open the file manager to the TV (if not, install it). FX File Explorer from Google Play).
3. Find the downloaded file (usually in the Download folder or on the flash drive) and run it. Confirm the installation.
4. After installation, click Open or find the launcher in the application list (Settings) → Annexes).

Method 2: Installation through ADB (advanced)

If the standard method does not work (for example, MIUI TV 4.0), use ADB:

1. Download Platform Tools on your PC and unpack it into a folder.
2. Connect your TV and your computer to the same Wi-Fi network. On the TV, turn on Debugging on the TV. ADB developer-specific.
3. Run the command line in the adb folder and do: adb connect IP_your TV:5555 adb install path to file.apk To find out IP TV, go to Settings → Network → State of the network.

If after installation, the launcher does not appear in the application menu, do:

adb shell am start -n com.example.launcher/.MainActivity


(Replace com.example.launcher with your launcher package)

Default launcher appointment

After installation, you need to make the launcher the main one:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Select the Home Screen and specify the installed launcher.
3. Restart the TV (Settings → Device → Reboot).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware, after the reboot, the launcher may reset to a standard one.In this case, use the Set Edit app (available on Google Play) to force the default launcher to be assigned via the default launcher. ADB-Adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.your.launcher/.MainActivity

Set up the launcher: optimization for the Xiaomi remote

Standard launchers for Android TV They don't always work with Xiaomi remotes correctly:

• 🎮 Home and Back buttons do not work: instead of returning to the menu, you access the standard interface.
• 🔍 No voice search support (mic button on remote).
• ⚙️ Incorrect operation of the cursor when choosing elements.

Solutions for popular launchers:

For ATV Launcher:

1. Open the launcher settings (hold the button). OK free-screen).
2. Go to the remote settings → Button matching.
3. Assign: Home button → Home screen Back button → Back to the Menu Button → Open the application menu

For TV Launcher:

Install the Button Mapper app from Google Play and create a profile for the remote:

Key: KEYCODE_HOME → Action: Launch App → Select TV Launcher


Key: KEYCODE_BACK → Action: Back

If voice search doesn’t work, check if Google Assistant is activated in your TV settings (Settings) → The device → Google Assistant: On models without a built-in microphone (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV X voice input will only be available via an external microphone or smartphone (via Google Home).

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For full operation of the launcher with the Xiaomi remote, be sure to turn off system optimization in the developer parameters (Settings) → The device → Developer parameters → Do not save actions.This will prevent the launcher background from automatically closing.

Solving problems: Launcher is not installed or launched

If you encounter errors when installing or launching the launcher, use this instruction:

Error: "Application not installed"

Causes and solutions:

• 📌 Incompatible architecture: Download version APK for armeabi-v7a or arm64-v8a (Check the processor architecture through AIDA64).
• 🔒 Lockdown MIUI: Install App Cloner and clone launcher with modified package.
• 🗃️ Insufficient Memory: Clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → Clear the cache).

Mistake: "Luncher closes immediately"

Possible causes:

• 🛠️ Conflict with MIUI: Disable the system launcher through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.tv.launcher
• 🔄 Resetting: In the launcher settings, select Reset to factory.
• 📱 Lack of rights: Provide all permissions manually (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Permits).

Mistake: "No sound in the launcher"

It's about the audio services conflict.

1. Open Settings → Sound → Additional settings.
2. Turn off Sound Optimization MIUI.
3. Reboot the TV.

Additional features: widgets, files and smart home

One of the main advantages of the alternative launcher is integration with external services, and let's look at how to expand the functionality:

Addition of widgets

V TV Launcher or ATV Launcher supported widgets:

• 🌡️ Weather: Install Weather & Clock Widget.
• 📅 Calendar: Use Google Calendar Widget.
• 🎵 Music: Poweramp widget for playback control.
• 💡 Smart home: Mi Home widget for managing Xiaomi devices.

To add a widget:

1. Hold the button. OK free-screen.
2. Select Widgets and drag the desired item.
3. Customize the size and appearance.

File Manager with access to network folders

For easy work with files:

1. Install Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Connect the network drives (SMB/CIFS) via Add storage → Networking.
3. Add the file manager shortcut to the launcher's home screen.

Smart home management directly from the screen TV

To control Xiaomi devices (like Yeelight light bulbs or robot vacuum cleaners) without a smartphone:

1. Install Mi Home or Aqara Home.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Add the control widget to the main screen (for example, the light switches).

For voice control, use Google Assistant (activated by long pressing the microphone button on the remote). Example command: "OK Google, turn on the living room light."

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions