Social media is no longer just a mobile entertainment, and many users want to watch VKontakte on a big screen, whether it's friends' photos, videos or streams. However, Xiaomi's Android TVs or Google TVs don't always offer the official VK app in store. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to launch VKontakte on Xiaomi TV, from standard to bypass, with the features of firmware and models.
It is important to understand that the installation method depends on the version of the operating system of your TV. For example, on the Mi TV 4S/5X with Android TV 9, the algorithm will differ from the Xiaomi TV A2 on Google TV 12. We will look at universal solutions, as well as nuances for specific lines. If you previously tried to install VC via APK and received an error "Application not installed", here you will find an explanation and workarounds.
1. Official VK app via Google Play (for Google TV)
The easiest way is to install the official VKontakte app from Google Play. However, it only works on Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Models 2022 and newer, for example, Xiaomi TV A2 4K or Xiaomi TV Q2 QLED). On older versions of Android TV (9.0 and below), the VK app may not be in the store.
To check availability:
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- In the search bar, enter "Vkontakte" or "VK".
- If the application is displayed, click "Install".
- After installation, run the VC through the application menu or voice search (button with microphone on the remote).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV P1, Mi TV Q1) The app may not appear in the search due to regional restrictions, in which case use the methods in the following sections.
Installation APK-VK file via Send Files to TV
If there is no official application in Google Play, you can install the VC manually through APK-This will require an Android smartphone and the Send Files to app. TV (This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi. TV 4A mi TV 4S Android TV 8/9.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Install the Send Files to app on your smartphone TV (developer).
- 📺 On the TV, open Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown apps and allow installation from Send Files to source TV.
- 🔍 Download to your smartphone. APK-VKontakte file for Android TV (For example, from the APKCombo website, choose the Android version. TV!).
- 📤 In the Send Files to appendix TV Select the TV from the list of devices and send it to the APK-file.
- 🖱️ On the TV, confirm the installation and wait for the completion.
⚠️ Attention: Not all APK-VC files are suitable for Android TV. If the application does not start or crash after installation, try the version from 4PDA (Section "Applications for Android" TV"). Also check that the settings of the TV enabled mode "For developers" (Settings) → On TV. → Assembly number - press 7 times).
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
3. Run VC through the browser (for all models)
If you can’t install the app, use the web version of VKontakte via the built-in browser.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi TVs, including models without Google Play (for example, Mi TV Stick or Mi Box S). However, it has disadvantages: no notifications, inconvenient text input from the remote, there may be problems with video playback.
How to open VK in the browser:
- Launch a browser (Internet or Google Chrome on new models).
- Go to https://vk.com.
- Sign in to your account using a log/password or QR-code (to do this, open the VC on your smartphone and scan the code from the TV screen).
- For convenience, add the site to bookmarks: click ★ on the browser panel.
🔹 Tip: To make navigation easier, connect your wireless keyboard to your TV or use the Mi Remote Controller app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS) to make it easier to browse your feed and enter comments.
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If video in VK is not played in the browser, try to enable the "Desktop version" mode in the browser settings or update the TV firmware to the latest version.
4. Use of third-party launchers (for Android TV 9+)
Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9 and above can install an alternative launcher (such as ATV Launcher or Sideload Launcher) that will display all installed applications, including those hidden by the system. This is useful if you installed VC via APK, but it does not appear in the main menu.
Instructions:
- 📥 Install the launcher through Send Files to TV (similarly APK).
- 🔧 Launch the launcher and select it as the default launcher (confirmation in settings required).
- 🔍 In the new menu, find the VKontakte application and launch it.
⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with Xiaomi system updates. Create a backup of your TV settings before installing (Settings) → Account and security → Backup).
| Method | Suitable for models | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official annex | Xiaomi TV A2, Q2, P1 (Google TV) | Stable operation, notifications, full functionality | Unavailable on old TV |
| APK installation | All models with Android TV | It works on any version of the OS. | Risk of incompatibility, no auto updates |
| browser | All models. | It does not require installation, universally | Uncomfortable interface, no notifications |
| Sideways launcher | Android TV 9+ | Shows hidden applications | Could slow down the system. |
5. Connect via Miracast or Chromecast
If you want to temporarily display content from VC on a TV screen (such as photos or videos), you can use wireless broadcast from your smartphone.
- 📲 Miracast (built into Xiaomi Android smartphones and TVs).
- 📺 Google Chromecast (if connected to TV via Google Chromecast) HDMI).
How to broadcast the screen:
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Connected devices → Screen broadcast.
- Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list.
- Confirm the TV connection.
- Open the VK application on your smartphone - the content will appear on the screen.
🔹 Limitations: Picture quality may decrease, audio delays may occur. For video viewing, it is better to use the built-in VK player with the "Translate to TV" function (Cast icon in the upper right corner of the video).
Why is the BC not broadcasting on TV via Chromecast?
6. Solving errors during installation and start-up of VC
If VKontakte is not installed or does not work, check the following points:
Error: "Application not installed"
- 🔄 Check that APK-The file is designed for Android TV (off-shoot!).
- 🗑️ Remove previous versions of VC through Settings → Annexes → VKontakte → Delete.
- 🔧 Enable "Developer Mode" and allow "Debugging by" USB" (some APK It's a must).
Error: "VC does not open after installation"
- 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → Reboot).
- 📋 Check that the security settings allow “Unknown Sources” for the installer.
- 🔄 Try another version. APK (For example, APKPure).
Error: "No sound in VC video"
- 🔊 Check the volume on the TV and in the app.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Sound. → Sound format and select "PCM" (Dolby sometimes conflicts with streaming sound).
- 🔄 Update the TV firmware (Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).
Critical information: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware below Android TV 8.0 (such as Mi TV 3S), APK installation is not possible due to the limitations of the architecture, in which case only the web version or broadcast from the phone remains.
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If none of the methods worked, check if access to VC is blocked at the router level (sometimes providers restrict social networks).