Transferring apps from a smartphone to a Xiaomi TV is a challenge faced by users who want to expand the functionality of their Smart TV without complex manipulation. Unlike standard screen duplication, migrating the application itself (not just its interface) requires taking into account the architectural features of Android TV and the limitations of the manufacturer. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including official and alternative solutions, and explain why some applications fundamentally can not work on the TV even after transfer.
The main problem is that most mobile apps are optimized for touch input and vertical screen orientation, whereas Xiaomi is optimised for touch input and vertical screen orientation. TV It uses an adapted version of Android TV It also has a Xiaomi TV base. MIUI TV block APK-The default default source of unverified files is difficult to manually download, but there are workarounds, and we'll describe them in detail.
1. Method: Using Miracast (wireless screen duplication)
The most versatile method that doesn’t require root rights or technical skills is Miracast, which allows you to stream your smartphone screen to your TV in real time, including running apps, supported by all Xiaomi TVs on Android TV 9.0 and later, and most Android 5.0+ smartphones.
How it works:
- 📱 On your smartphone: activate the screen transfer function (in the Connection and Sharing settings or through the notification panel).
- 📺 On TV: Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Miracast and enable device detection.
- 🔗 Select the name of your TV in the list of available devices on your phone.
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Image delay (lag) to 100-200 MS, critical for games.
- ⚠️ The sound is transmitted only through the TV, if the smartphone supports the Audio Return Channel (ARC).
- ⚠️ Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) They block the broadcast because DRM-defense.
⚠️ Note: If the TV is not detected, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network at 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz networks often cause problems with Miracast due to congestion of the channel.
2. Method: Google Cast (Chromecast) for compatible applications
If the app supports Google Cast, you can stream content directly without full-screen duplication, which is optimal for streaming services (YouTube, Twitch, Spotify) and some games.
Instructions:
- Make sure that your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app on your phone and find the Cast icon (usually in the top right corner).
- Select your Xiaomi TV from the list of devices.
- The content will start broadcasting to the TV, and the control will remain on the smartphone.
List of apps that support Google Cast:
- 🎬 Video: YouTube, Netflix, Kodi, VLC.
- 🎵 Music: Spotify, Yandex Music, SoundCloud.
- 🎮 Games: Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce NOW (It requires high-speed Wi-Fi).
⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/4A (2018–2019 You may need to manually activate Google Cast in the developer settings (Settings) → On TV. → P.O. version -- press. 7 line-by-line).
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If the Cast icon doesn't appear, upgrade the app to the latest version or reinstall it. Often the problem is solved by cleaning the cache (Settings → Apps → [Title] → Storage → Clear the cache).
Method: Transmission APK-file-through USB cloud
To install the application directly on the TV will need it APK-This method is suitable for applications not available in the Google Play Store for Android TV, However, there are limitations: many mobile APK Not optimized for remote control.
Step-by-step:
Download APK to your phone (use APKMirror or APKPure>)
Connect USB-drive to the phone and copy the file
Put a flash drive in the TV
Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources)
Install APK through any file manager (e.g. File Commander)
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Compatibility table of popular applications with Xiaomi TV:
| Annex | Works on TV? | Need a remote with a microphone? | Alternative for TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | ❌ No (vertical interface) | — | YouTube (short videos) |
| Telegram | ✅ Yes, but uncomfortable) | ❌ No. | Telegram X (optimized version) |
| VK | ✅ Partially (no stories) | ❌ No. | VK Music (separate app) |
| 1xBet/Melbet | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (for voice input) | Official version for Android TV |
Important: When installing an APK on Xiaomi TV, you need to disable the automatic update of the application, otherwise it may stop working after the update.
- Go to the Settings → Applications → [Name].
- Choose Remove Updates (if they are already installed).
- Turn off the Auto Update option.
4. Method: USB-debugging ADB (power-user)
If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to install applications over the network, which requires activation of the developer mode on the TV and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- On TV: Settings → About TV → Software version Press 7 times on the line with the version to turn on Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → Developer and enable: Debugging via USB Debugging over the network (specify port 5555)
adb connect [IP- TV address]:5555
adb install path/to/file.apkAdvantages of the method:
- 🔧 Installation of system applications (e.g. Google Play Services).
- 📥 Mass installation APK scripted.
- 🔄 Possibility to roll back to the previous version of the application.
⚠️ Attention: Some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV Q1E 2022) blocked ADB-third-party APK. In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which cancels the warranty.
How do you know? IP-TV address?
5. Method: Cloud services (Send Files to TV, LocalCast)
If you can't physically connect, you can use specialized applications to transfer files over the local network.
- 📤 Send Files to TV (SFTV) — transmission APK and media files without registration.
- 🔄 LocalCast – Streaming Content with Chromecast Support.
- 🌐 X-Plore File Manager – File Manager with built-in FTP-server.
Examples of Send Files to TV:
- Install the app on your smartphone and TV (available on Google Play for Android TV).
- On the phone, select APK-file and press Send.
- On the TV, confirm the file reception and start the installation.
Limitations:
- The maximum file size is 500 MB (for SFTV).
- The speed of transmission depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi router.
- Some antiviruses block APK transmission over the local network.
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Cloud services are the only way to transfer an application to a TV without physically accessing it (for example, if the TV is connected to the network, but the TV is not connected to the TV). USB-port).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face typical problems, and we'll look at some of the most common ones.
Mistake. 1: "Application not installed" (INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK)
- 🔹 Reason: APK Constructed under a different architecture (e.g, arm64 instead x86 for some Xiaomi TV).
- 🔹 Solution: Download the version APK Android TV Or use universal assemblies (universal) APK).
Error 2: The application is installed but not launched
- 🔹 Reason: No dependencies (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) ARM Translation Layer).
- 🔹 Solution: Install the missing services through ADB or use APK Extractor to extract dependencies from a working device.
Mistake 3: The TV can't see the Miracast smartphone
- 🔹 Reason: Power saving mode on phone or TV is enabled.
- 🔹 Solution: Turn off power saving for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features in battery settings.