Xiaomi TVs on the Android TV platform offer users access to thousands of apps through the Google Play Market, but many Russian owners face the problem: how to install the usual services from Yandex that are not in the official store?
In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to install Yandex services on Mi TVs TV 4/5, Mi TV A2/A Pro and consoles Mi Box S. From simple sideloading APK-file prior to using alternative launchers - choose the method that is right for you. MIUI TV 2023-2026 and do not require root rights.
1. Preparing Xiaomi TV for Third-Party APKs
Before installing any apps outside of Google Play, you must allow downloads from unknown sources, a step that is mandatory for all methods except installation via Google Play (if the app suddenly appears there).
Instructions for MIUI TV:
- Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- Move to Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources.
- Find the File Commander (or other file manager) in the list and turn on the switch.
Attention! Some models (Mi TV 5 Pro, Mi TV Q2) may have different paths: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown apps. If you have Android TV 11+, you will need to confirm permission for each file manager separately.
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Use the X-Plore file manager – it supports dual-panel mode, which is convenient for working with APK on a large screen.
2. Method 1: Installation of Yandex Browser via APK
The most straightforward method is to download APK-browsing file from the official website of Yandex and install it manually. Suitable for all models of Xiaomi TV Android 9.0+.
Step-by-step:
- 🌐 Download the latest version of Yandex Browser for TV to your computer or smartphone. YandexBrowserTV.apk.
- 📁 Move it. APK by flash drive (formatted in FAT32) or download directly to the TV via the built-in browser (if any).
- 📱 Connect the flash drive to USB-port of the TV or open the downloaded file via File Commander.
- 🔧 Run the installation and confirm permissions. Once completed, the browser will appear in the list of applications.
The critical detail: The browser version for TV cannot be installed on a smartphone – it is optimized only for Android TV and will not work on mobile devices.
The file is downloaded from the official source (browser.yandex.ru/tv)
USB-flash drive formatted in FAT32
In the settings allowed installation from unknown sources
TV connected to the Internet to activate the browser-->
Method 2: Using Send Files to TV (wireless installation)
If you don’t have a flash drive or the TV can’t see USB-storage device, you can transfer APK-A file on the local area network from your phone, and that's what Send Files to does. TV (Available on Google Play for Android and iOS).
How it works:
- Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone and TV (you can find it in Google Play on TV).
- Open the app on both devices and select Send on your phone and Receive on your TV.
- Choose. APK-Yandex Browser file on your smartphone and send it to TV.
- On the TV, confirm the receipt of the file and start the installation.
Advantage of the method: does not require physical media and works even if USB-The downside is that the speed of transmission depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi network. TV A2 43" Wi-Fi 5 transmission APK (~50 MB takes about 2-3 minute.
What if the TV doesn’t see the phone in Send Files to TV?
Method 3: Install Yandex Launcher to replace the main screen
If you don’t like the standard MIUI TV interface, you can install Yandex Launcher, an alternative shell with a weather widget, quick access to apps and content recommendations, which is suitable for experienced users, as it requires a default setting.
Instructions:
- 📥 Download. APK Yandex Louncher for TV.
- 🔄 Install it through the file manager (as in Method 1).
- 🏠 After installation, open Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Launcher.
- 🔧 Select Yandex Launcher and confirm the change. TV will restart.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 4S, Mi TV 4A) After changing the launcher, the remote buttons for managing voice search Google Assistant may disappear, and to return them, you will have to reset to the factory settings or use the original launcher to return them.
| Model TV set | Support for Yandex Louncher | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 5 Pro | Yes. | It works without bugs, supports weather widget |
| Mi TV A2 / A Pro | Yes. | You may need to turn off power saving for widgets |
| Mi TV 4S (2020) | Partially. | No recommendations of content from Yandex Ether are displayed |
| Mi Box S | Yes. | Requires to disable auto-update firmware (otherwise launcher reset) |
5. Method 4: Installation via ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work (for example, a TV blocks APK installation), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and established ADB.
- 📡 Included debugging by USB on the TV (Settings) → On TV. → Build Number – Press 7 times, then return to Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (for Mi Box) or network connection (for TVs without a TV) USB-port).
Instruction commands:
adb connect [IP- TV address] # for network connection
adb install YandexBrowserTV.apk # browser installation
adb shell pm grant ru.yandex.browser tv_permission # granting permissions for the TV version⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0+ post-connection ADB You may get a warning about an "uncertified device" that doesn't affect your work, but if you're using Netflix or Disney.+, They can block the content in HD-permit.
6. Method 5: Alternative app stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)
If you need not only Yandex services, but also other Russian applications (for example, Kinopoisk, IVI), you can install an alternative store where they are available in the open.
- 🛒 Aptoide TV — Optimized for remote control, there is Russian localization.
- 🌐 Aurora Store – an anonymous client for Google Play (allows you to download apps without a Google account).
- 📦 APKMirror is a reliable source APK-Files (but requires manual installation).
How to install Aptoide TV:
- Download APK from the official website.
- Install it through the file manager (as in Method 1).
- Open Aptoide TV, search for Yandex and install the apps you want.
Advantage: Alternative stores often have older versions of apps that can run more stable on weaker models (Mi TV 4A 32) and the downside is the risk of running into modified APKs with ads (always check reviews!).
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Aptoide TV automatically updates apps, but sometimes offers betas. disable auto-updates in store settings if you want to control the process.
7. Solving problems after installation
Even after successful installation, Yandex applications may not work properly, and here are the typical problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Browser does not open the video | No support for DRM (Widevine) | Install DRM Info from Google Play and check the Widevine level (should be L1) |
| Launcher's slowing down | Insufficient RAM | Turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings → For developers → Animation Scale → Off.) |
| Apps disappear after reboot | Cleaning the cache with the system | Add the application to the optimization exceptions (Settings → Applications → Yandex → Battery → Without restrictions) |
If after installing Yandex Browser it does not appear in the application menu, try:
- 🔍 Use voice search (OK Google) → Find Yandex Browser).
- 🔄 Restart the TV (hold the power button on the remote for 5 seconds).
- 📂 Check the All Apps folder in the launcher (sometimes new apps are hidden there).