How to turn on Android TV on Xiaomi TV: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi’s Android TVs offer thousands of apps, streaming services and games straight from the big screen. However, after buying or resetting, many people are faced with the problem of how to turn it on and configure it correctly? Unlike classic smart TVs from other brands, Xiaomi uses its own MIUI TV shell, which can hide standard Android TV features or require additional manipulation to activate them.

In this article, we will discuss three main ways to turn on Android TV on Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV and other models based on PatchWall. You will learn how to activate a full interface through settings, with or without a remote, and what to do if the system does not start.

1. Method: Standard Enablement through the Settings Menu

The easiest way to activate Android TV is to use Xiaomi’s built-in menu, which is suitable for most models released after 2019, where PatchWall does not block access to standard Google TV features (formerly known as Android TV).

To enable a full interface:

• 📺 Turn on the TV with the power button on the remote or body.
• 🎯 On the main screen, go to the Settings section (cog in the upper right corner).
• 🔍 Select Accounts and Security → Google.
• 🔄 If the system requests authorization, log in to your Google account (this is mandatory for the services to work).
• 🖥️ Return to the home screen and hold the home button on the remote. 3-5 Seconds – the launcher selection menu should appear.

If you don't have an Android TV interface after that, then you're using deep PatchWall integration, and then you go to the second way.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware after resetting to factory settings, the TV can automatically return to the PatchWall shell, even if you have previously activated Android TV. In this case, a reconfiguration will be required.

Method: Activation through Developer Mode

For advanced users who want to gain full control of the system, there is a method of enabling Android TV through developer mode, which is especially useful if the standard menu does not provide a launcher change option.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open the 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.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and select a new section for developers.
4. Activate the USB Debugging option (if you plan to connect a keyboard or mouse).
5. Find the default launcher selection and install Android TV Launcher.

Once the TV is restarted, you will have access to the standard Google TV interface with the ability to install apps from the Play Market. Please note that on some models (Mi TV 4A 32), this method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

Method: Use of ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can force Android TV to activate using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the TV to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Connect the TV to the PC via USB-port (use the port) USB 3.0 for stability).
3. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (see Method 2).
4. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb devices


adb shell pm enable com.google.android.tvlauncher




adb shell am start -n com.google.android.tvlauncher/.MainActivity

After these commands are executed, the TV should restart with the Android TV interface. If a device unauthorized error appears, confirm the debugging on the TV screen.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-The commands can cause the system to fail. TV 4A firmware MIUI TV 3.0 Forced activation of Android TV It can cause a cyclical reboot. Before experimenting, back up your data.

4. Set up the remote to work with Android TV

After successfully activating Android TV, you will need to configure the remote control, as standard Xiaomi buttons may not match the Google TV interface.

• 🔘 Home button – returns to the main screen of Android TV.
• 🔍 Search button (magnifying glass) – opens voice search Google Assistant.
• ⬅️⬆️➡️⬇️ Arrows - Navigating the menu.
• 🔲 Back button (back arrow) - returns a step back.
• 🎤 Microphone button – activates voice input (works only with an Internet connection).

If your remote does not support some features, you can connect a wireless keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth or USB-That's what ports are for:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the search for devices and connect the accessory.
3. If necessary, enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).

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If the Xiaomi remote does not respond to buttons in the Android TV interface, try reprogramming it through the Mi Remote Controller app (available in the Play Market).

5. Solving common problems

Even after successful activation of Android TV, users may face a number of problems, including the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If after all the manipulations Android TV still does not start, it is possible that your model has a special firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM), in which case you will need to flash to the global version (Global ROM), which may void the warranty.

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Before flashing, be sure to check the TV model and firmware version through Settings → About TV. Wrong firmware can bring the device down.

6. Optimize Android TV after turning on

After successful activation of Android TV, it is recommended to perform several actions to improve performance and usability:

• 🧹 Clear the app cache through Settings → Annexes → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update all installed apps in the Play Market.
• 🛡️ Set up parental controls if children are using TV (Settings) → Security).
• 🎮 Install Google Stadia or NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud-gaming.
• 📱 Connect your smartphone via Google Cast to broadcast the screen.

To speed up the system, you can turn off the animation of the interface.

1. Activate the developer mode (see method 2).
2. Go to Settings. → For developers.
3. Find the options Windows animation, transition animation and animation duration.
4. Set the value "Disabled" for all three points.

It's also useful to set up Google Assistant for voice control, so say to the remote microphone, "OK Google, show movies on Netflix," and the system must open the app.

7.Alternative launchers for Android TV on Xiaomi

If you don't like the standard Android TV interface, you can install an alternative launcher.

• 🏠 ATV Launcher – a minimalist interface with fast access to applications.
• 🎬 HalLauncher – supports customization of the main screen.
• 🎮 Leanback Launcher – Optimized for Gamers.
• 📺 Sideload Launcher – Shows all installed applications, including those hidden by the system.

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download. APK-launcher USB-accumulator.
2. Connect the flash drive to the TV.
3. Open the File Manager and install the application.
4. In settings (Settings → Applications → Default Launcher), select a new launcher.

⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party launchers can lead to conflicts with Xiaomi system apps.Before installing, check for reviews about compatibility with your TV model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)