Why Xiaomi chose Android TV for its TVs
If you're considering buying a Xiaomi TV or are already a lucky owner, you've probably noticed that the specs indicate "Android TV" rather than just "Android." This is not a fluke or a marketing ploy, but a specialized version of the operating system optimized specifically for large screens. Unlike smartphones that use the mobile version of Android, TVs require a different approach: a simplified interface, support for remote control, integration with services for viewing content and, of course, adaptation to low performance compared to a PC.
Xiaomi has chosen Android TV (and later its successor to Google TV in new models) for a number of key advantages:
- 📺 A single interface for all applications (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, etc.) with support for recommendations on the home screen.
- 🎮 Built-in support for gamepads and cloud gaming (Stadia, GeForce) NOW).
- 🔍 Voice search via Google Assistant directly from the remote.
- 🔄 Regular security updates from Google (as opposed to the “naked” Android on cheap TV boxes).
But there are nuances: not all apps from Google Play are compatible with Android TV, and some features (such as split screen) can work differently than on a smartphone.
Android TV vs Google TV: What’s the difference and what’s used in Xiaomi
Many people confuse Android TV and Google TV as the same thing, and in fact Google TV is an add-on to Android TV that adds an improved interface with a focus on content recommendations.
| Characteristics | Android TV (old models) | Google TV (new models) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface. | Classic menu with a number of applications | “For You” Guidelines with Personalization |
| Search for content | Search by name on Google Play | Universal search for all services (Netflix, Kinopoisk, etc.) |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant (Basic Version) | Google Assistant with Advanced Teams for TV |
| Support for 4K HDR | Yeah, but it depends on the TV model. | Improved optimization for Dolby Vision |
| Examples of Xiaomi models | Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 4A (2018–2021) | Xiaomi TV A2, Xiaomi TV Q2 (2022–2026) |
It’s important to understand that even if your TV runs on Android TV, it can be upgraded to Google TV via firmware — but only if the model officially supports such an upgrade.For example, the 2021 Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 received an update to Google TV, and older models (like the Mi TV 4X) remained on Android TV.
What Android TV is in Xiaomi TVs
The main advantage of Android TVs in Xiaomi TVs is access to the Google ecosystem, but with big screen adaptation. Here are the key chips that you get out of the box:
- 🎬 Built-in services: YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Others support permission before 4K HDR Dolby Atmos (if the TV allows it).
- 🎮 Games without console: through Google Play Games you can install titles like Asphalt 9 or Minecraft, as well as stream games from PC on the Internet DLNA via Steam Link.
- 🔊 Voice control: The microphone button on the remote will activate Google Assistant, such as "Put Game of Thrones on Netflix" or "Show us tomorrow's weather».
- 📱 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem: If you have a Xiaomi smartphone, you can use the Mi Share feature to transfer photos/video to the TV screen or control the TV through the Mi Home app.
- 🔧 Developer Mode: Settings are available for experienced users ADB, fitting APK via Send Files to TV and even run Kodi to view local media files.
But things aren’t going well, like some apps from Google Play that aren’t optimized for TV and can be mobile-friendly or require a mouse, and Xiaomi often removes pre-installed Google services (like Google Movies) and replaces them with native ones (Xiaomi Video).
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If the app doesn’t run on Android TV, try installing a modified version of it for TV (see the web for “[application name] APK for Android TV”).
How to Update Android TV on Xiaomi TV: Step-by-step instructions
Xiaomi Android TV updates are less common than smartphone updates, but they are critical: fix bugs, add new codecs (like AV1) and improve performance. There are three ways to update the system:
- Automatically over the air (OTA): The easiest method. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update. If the update is available, click Update. Importantly: connect the TV to the network via an Ethernet cable (not Wi-Fi) to avoid a boot break.
- Through USB-storage device: OTA does not work (for example, due to regional restrictions), download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) and save it in the root folder of the flash drive in.zip format. Then insert the flash drive into the TV, go to Settings → On TV. → Update through USB and select the file.
- Through Recovery Mode (for the experienced): If the TV is not turned on or stuck on the logo, you can manually flash the system. 1. Download the firmware with the extension.img. 2. Rename the file to update.zip and place on the formatted in FAT32 flash drive. 3. Turn off the TV, press on the remote Menu + Volume Down and hold 10 seconds update. 4. In the Recovery menu, select Apply from USB.
Make a backup of settings (photo screen with parameters)
Connect TV to Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Use a USB flash drive no more than 32 GB formatted in FAT32
Do not turn off the TV during the process (may take up to 30 minutes)
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⚠️ Note: If during the update through USB TV will show the error "Invalid package", check: Firmware file downloaded from the official source (not from the forums!). FAT32 (off-the-top NTFS The file name does not contain Cyrillic or spaces (e.g., exFAT, mi_tv_q1_20260515.zip).
Set up Android TV on Xiaomi: optimization for your needs
Once turned on, the TV will offer a basic setup, but to unlock the full potential of Android TV, it’s worth looking at the additional settings.
1. Optimization of the interface
- 📌 Remove Unnecessary Applications: Go to Settings → Apps, select the unnecessary (e.g. Xiaomi Music) and click "Delete". Some system applications can only be disabled ("Stop»).
- 🔄 Change the order of the lines on the main screen: Press the button OK On the remote on any line (for example, “Recommended”), then move it up/down.
- 🌓 Dark theme: In Settings → Display and sound → Themes can be turned on dark mode, which reduces the load on the eyes in the evening.
Sound and picture settings
Android TV in Xiaomi allows you to fine-tune the settings for specific content:
- 🔊 Sound modes: In Settings → Sound. → Select Mode of Sound, Mode, Music or Speech depending on the content you view. For connected soundbars, activate Passthrough (direct output without processing).
- 📺 Screen calibration: C Settings → Display and sound → Picture → You can also adjust Color Temperature, Contrast, and even enable Dolby Vision (if supported).
How to turn on the developer mode?
3. Account management
Android TV is tightly integrated with Google services, but it's not always convenient, for example, if you don't want your TV to sync your data to your account, you can:
- 🔒 Delete your Google account: Settings → Accounts and login → Google → Select an account and click “Delete».
- 🛡️ Limit data collection: C Settings → Confidentiality disable “Sending Statistics” and “Personalized Advertising».
⚠️ Note: Without a Google account, you won’t be able to install apps from Google Play, but you can bypass this restriction by downloading. APK-Files from Send Files to TV or bootloader.
Android TV problems in Xiaomi and how to solve them
Despite all the benefits, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to address them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The TV is slowing or laying | Lack of RAM (especially on models with 1-2 GB of RAM) | Clear the cache: Settings → Apps → [select app] → Clear the cache. Turn off background processes: Settings → Apps → Autostart. Reset to factory settings (if nothing helps). |
| Google Play is not working. | Account sync error or regional restrictions | Delete your Google account and add it again. Check the date and time in the settings (should be up to date). Use a VPN (like Windscribe) if your region is not supported. |
| No sound through HDMI ARC | Incorrect audio output settings or cable problem | Go to Settings. → Sound. → Exit HDMI and choose ARC. Check if your sound system supports HDMI ARC. Try another one. HDMI-cable (preferably with eARC support). |
| Apps fly out or don't launch | An outdated version of the application or a conflict with the firmware | Update the app via Google Play. Clean up the app data: Settings → Apps → [app] → Clear the data. Install a modified version of APK (for example, there are patched versions for YouTube without ads). |
If none of these methods worked, consider alternative firmware, such as some Xiaomi models that have custom builds based on LineageOS or AOSP that lack Xiaomi’s “extra” services, but require unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.
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Before resetting the TV to factory settings, record or photograph all important parameters (for example, network and sound settings) - after resetting, they will have to be reconfigured.
Android TV Alternatives: Should You Choose Xiaomi TVs on Other Platforms?
Xiaomi does not only produce TVs on Android TVs. In some regions (for example, in China) there are models on proprietary OS (branded shell Xiaomi), and in recent series (like Xiaomi TV S Pro) Google TV is used.
- ⚖️ Android TV vs Google TV: As we discussed earlier, Google TV It offers a more user-friendly interface with recommendations, but requires more resources.If you have a TV with 2GB of RAM or less, Android TV can work smoothly.
- 🌍 Android TV vs proprietary OS (MIUI for TV): Xiaomi’s branded shell is faster and simpler, but lacks access to Google Play. Apps are only installed through third-party stores (like Aptoide). TV), It's not always safe.
- 🍎 Android TV vs webOS/Tizen: Platforms from LG Samsung is considered more stable but less flexible, for example, you can't install Kodi or emulators without workarounds on webOS.
So should you choose Xiaomi on Android TV? Yes, if you care about:
- 🔧 Flexibility of settings and the ability to install third-party applications.
- 💰 Price/quality ratio (Xiaomi is often cheaper) Samsung/LG similarly).
- 🎮 Gaming support (including cloud services).
Not if you:
- 🛋️ You prefer maximum stability without brakes».
- 📦 Use only standard services (Netflix, YouTube) and do not need additional applications.