How to install codecs on a Xiaomi TV: 5 working ways

Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Google TV Support most popular video formats out of the box, but sometimes users face problems playing.mkv,.avi files with non-standard codecs or soundtracks. DTS/FLAC. The reason lies in the absence of proprietary decoders, which the manufacturer cannot include in the firmware under license restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to install codecs on Xiaomi Mi TVs TV, Redmi Smart TV Xiaomi TV A/S/Q-Series – from official updates to manual installation through ADB. You will learn which formats require additional decoders, how to avoid installation errors and what to do if the video “brakes” or the sound disappears after updating. MIUI TV 2023–2026.

Why Xiaomi TV doesn’t play video: reasons and solutions

Before installing codecs, it is important to understand exactly what the problem is. Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9-12 usually support:

• 🎬 Video: MP4 (H.264/H.265), MKV (if H.264), MOV, AVI (DivX/Xvid).
• 🔊 Sound: AAC, MP3, AC3 (Dolby Digital, but not always DTS or FLAC.
• 📽️ Containers: M2TS, TS, WEB (restrictively).

If the file is not opened or played without sound, it is likely that one of three problems is the problem:

1. There is no codec, for example, for H.265 10-bit video or DTS-HD MA sound.
2. Outdated firmware – older versions of MIUI TV do not support new formats.
3. DRM restrictions – some files (such as those with Blu-ray) are protected and cannot be played without a license.

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Before installing codecs, check the file on your PC using MediaInfo (free) to show the exact video and audio codecs that need a decoder.

Updating firmware or installing codecs through the Mi Store helps 80% of the time, but if you encounter a rare format (such as AV1 or TrueHD), you will need to manually configure it.

Method 1: Update firmware over the Internet (the most secure method)

The manufacturer regularly adds support for new codecs in software updates, this method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Mi TV 4A, Redmi Smart TV X and Xiaomi TV Q2.

Check the Internet speed (minimum 10 Mbit / s)

Connect the TV to the network via cable (recommended)

Charge the remote (or use) USB-mouse)

Free 1-2 GB of memory (if the upgrade weighs >500 MB)

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Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About TV → Update system.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, select Download and Install.
4. Wait until the TV is finished (the TV will restart automatically).

After updating, check the playback of the problem file. If the error persists, proceed to the next method.

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Updating over the internet is the only method that does not require manual adjustments and ensures compatibility with the TV hardware.

Method 2: Install codecs through the Mi Store (official method)

For Xiaomi TVs on Android TVs (Models 2020 and newer), the official codec package is available in the Mi Store.

• 🎵 Sound: DTS, DTS-HD, FLAC, APE.
• 📹 Video: H.265 10-bit, VP9, AV1 (partly).
• 📁 Containers: MKV multi-track.

How to determine:

1. Open the Mi Store on the main screen.
2. In the search, type in Codecs for Xiaomi TV or Media Codecs.
3. Select the official application from Xiaomi Corp (ranking 4.5+).
4. Click Set and wait until it is completed.
5. Restart the TV (Settings → Reboot).

Mi TV 4A/4S

Redmi Smart TV X

Xiaomi TV Q2/Q1

Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro

Another model-->

Important: After you install the codecs, check the playback settings. Sometimes you need to manually select the audio track in the player (Audio button on the remote).

⚠️ Note: Do not install codecs from third-party sources (APK-This can cause malfunctions in the work. DRM (For example, Netflix and Disney will stop working.+).

Method 3: Manually install codecs via USB (for power users)

If official methods do not help, you can install codecs manually through ADB or.apk package. This method is suitable for Xiaomi models on Android TV 9-11, where there is no blocking of installing third-party applications.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (to connect TV to PC).
• 📁 Codec file (e.g, Xiaomi_Codecs_v3.2.apk).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the TV: Go to Settings → About TV. Press 7 times on the build number (you will be notified "you became a developer"). Return to Settings → For developers and enable debugging on USB.
2. Connect the TV to your PC via USB and execute the ADB command: adb devices (the device should be displayed).
3. Install. APK with codecs: adb install Xiaomi_Codecs_v3.2.apk
4. Reboot the TV.

Important: After manually installing the codecs, you may need to reset the player settings. To do this, delete the MediaCenter application data in Settings → Applications.

Method 4: Use of an external player (alternative to codecs)

If installing codecs didn't help or seems too complicated, try a third-party player with built-in format support.The best options for Xiaomi TV are:

How to install a player:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
2. Find the right player and install it.
3. Launch the application and select Use Software Decoding (if there is such a point).
4. Open the problem file through the player.

The advantage of the method is that it does not require any interference with system files, and players are regularly updated, disadvantage: some formats (for example, AV1 8K) can play with stutters due to lack of processor power.

Method 5: Firmware custom Recovery (for advanced users)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to install custom firmware with support for all codecs, which is only suitable for Xiaomi TV models running Amlogic processors (for example, Mi TV 4S 55" or Redmi Smart TV X55).

⚠️ Warnings:

• 🚨 The TV guarantee will be lost.
• 🔧 Risk of “bricking” (breakdown) of the device in case of error.
• 📵 Netflix, Prime Video services may stop working (due to the lack of a DRM).

If you are prepared for risk, follow the instructions:

1. Download custom Recovery (like TWRP for Xiaomi TV) and codec-enabled firmware (like LineageOS or ATV Custom ROM).
2. Unpack the archive with Recovery on USB-accumulator (FAT32).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to recovery mode: Turn off the TV. Press the Menu button on the remote and the Power button on the case. Hold on for 10 seconds until the Recovery menu appears.
4. In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to the firmware file → Swipe to Confirm.
5. After installation, run Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart.

This method provides maximum support for codecs, but requires technical skills. For most users, there are enough methods 1-4.

Compatibility table for codecs with Xiaomi TV models

Not all Xiaomi TVs support the same codecs, and the compatibility table for popular models is as follows:

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the official website or in the documentation.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When installing codecs, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

• 🔊 No sound in MKV: Check which audio codec is used (via MediaInfo). DTS or TrueHD, install codecs through the Mi Store or use VLC. In the player, select another audio track (Audio button on the remote).
• 📺 Video slows or tears: Try to reduce resolution (e.g., with a video) 4K before 1080p). Turn on Hardware Acceleration in the player settings. Check if the TV is warming (overheating reduces performance).
• 🚫 Format Not Supported Error: Make sure the file is not corrupted (try to play it on PC). DRM (For example, downloaded from torrents. Update the firmware or install Kodi.

After the installation of the codecs, the TV does not turn on:

1. Recovery is done through Recovery (Wipe Data).
2. If it doesn’t work, run the official firmware via USB.

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If the sound is lost in Netflix or YouTube after installing the codecs, reset your Android settings. TV In Settings → System system → It'll bring back the standard ones. DRM-certificate.

If the problem is not solved, describe it in the comments with the TV model and file formats – we will help you find a solution!

FAQ: Frequent codec questions on Xiaomi TV