How to put a launcher on a Xiaomi TV: 5 working ways to Mi TV and TV-boxing

Introduction: Why to change the standard launcher on Xiaomi TV?

Standard interface MIUI TV on television and TV-Xiaomi boxes (including Mi models) TV A2/A Pro, Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S are often criticized for advertising overload, inconvenient navigation and limited customization options:

✅ Remove intrusive advertising and unnecessary widgets

✅ Customize the main screen to your needs (change the order of applications, themes, animations)

✅ Speed up the system with optimized alternative shells

✅ Access functions not available in the standard interface (e.g. gestures or voice controls)

However, the installation process has nuances: some models require unlocking debugging on the ADB, And on others, it is enough to load APK-In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways for Xiaomi devices based on Android TV Google TV, including circumvention of manufacturer restrictions.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi TV for launcher installation

Before installing a third-party launcher, you need to perform basic security and connection settings, and without that, many methods simply won’t work.

Incorporation of debugging by USB (ADB)

On most Xiaomi devices (except Mi) TV Stick 2023+) It is necessary to activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Android TV version.
2. Click on Android TV 7 times in a row until the notification “You are a developer!” appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Activate options: 🔧 Debugging by USB (or Network Debugging for Wireless Connection) 🔓 Allow installation from unknown sources (in submenu Security and Restrictions)

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV Stick 4K (2023) and new Mi models TV A Pro debugging by ADB It can be blocked at the firmware level. In this case, use methods without the need to ADB (section).

Connection to a PC (for ADB-method)

If you plan to install a launcher through ADB, prepare:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Android drivers SDK Platform Tools.
• 🔌 Cable USB (for TV-boxes) or local network sharing (for Wi-Fi connection).
• 📱 Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

To check the connection, enter in the command line:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, the connection is successful. If not, reinstall the drivers or check the network settings.

Enable the developer mode|Activate debugging by ADB|Allow installation from unknown sources|Connect the device to the PC/network|Download ADB and drivers-->

2. Installation of the launcher through ADB (power-user)

This method is suitable for devices where the standard launcher cannot be replaced through settings (for example, on the Mi Box S or older versions of the Mi). TV). Access to the facility will be required. ADB and superuser rights (on some firmware).

Download and set up the launcher

Recommended launchers for Android TV:

Download. APK-file of the selected launcher on the PC. ATV Launcher:

adb install atvlauncher.apk

Replacement of the launcher by default

After installation APK You need to make the new launcher the main one:

1. Connect to the device through ADB and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.tv.launcher (For Mi) TV firmware MIUI TV)
2. Activate the installed launcher: adb shell am start -n com.peel.android.tv/.ui.home.HomeActivity (Replace com.peel.android.tv with your launcher package)

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may not have access to Settings after the standard launcher is disabled. Use the command to return it:

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings

adb shell reboot

3. Installation of a launcher without ADB (beginner)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, There are simpler ways. They're suitable for devices that have an unlocked installation. APK (Like Mi. TV Stick or Mi Box 4K).

3.1. via Google Play (official method)

Some launchers are available on Google Play for Android TV:

1. Open Google Play on your TV.
2. In the search, enter the name of the launcher (for example, ATV Launcher).
3. Install the application and open it.
4. In the window that appears, select "Use by default".

🔹 Restriction: On the Mi TV A2/A Pro with PatchWall firmware Google Play can be blocked. in this case, use the method with the APK.

3.2. Through booting APK-file

If the launcher is not available on Google Play, download APK on USB-Send a file to the TV via Send Files to TV:

1. Download. APK launcher (for example, with APKCombo).
2. Connect the flash drive to the TV or send the file through the Send Files to app TV.
3. Open the File Manager on the TV and start it. APK.
4. Allow installation from unknown sources (in security settings).

⚠️ Attention: APK-files from unverified sources may contain malicious code. Before installing, check the hash file on VirusTotal.

4. Solving problems after installing the launcher

Even after a successful installation, there may be bugs, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

4.1. Launcher does not start by default

If the TV is back to the standard interface after restarting:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Default launcher and select the installed launcher.
• 🛠️ If there is no paragraph, use it. ADB-Command: adb shell pm clear com.miui.tv.launcher
• 📱 Some Xiaomi firmware requires cache reset: adb shell pm clear com.android.launcher3

4.2 The remote or voice search is not working

The side launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s proprietary features:

• 🎤 If the voice assistant stops working, install the Google Assistant app separately.
• 🕹️ If the remote buttons do not respond, check the launcher settings (section "Management" or "Remote Control").
• 🔌 On Mi. TV Stick may need to flash the remote via Mi Home.

On Mi TVs. TV A Pro 2023+ With PatchWall 4.0 firmware, some launchers block access to system applications (such as Netflix or Prime Video). TV Leanback (e.g. Wolf Launcher).

5.The Best Launchers for Xiaomi TV: comparison and recommendations

The launcher is a function of your task: some people want maximum performance, some people want a beautiful interface. Let's look at the top options.

5.1. ATV Launcher - for minimalists

✅ Pluses:

• 🚀 Quick work even for the weak TV-Boxing (Mi Box S 2019).
• 🎨 Support for themes and customization of icons.
• 🔒 No advertising or data collection.

❌ Cons:

• 📉 No integration with Mi Account (no synchronization settings).
• 🔄 There is no built-in application manager.

5.2 Wolf Launcher – for advanced users

✅ Pluses:

• 🖼️ Support for background wallpaper and animations.
• 🔧 Flexible application string settings (up to 5 rows).
• 🌙 Automatic switching of light/dark theme.

❌ Cons:

• 🐢 Maybe slow down on the Mi. TV Stick with 1GB of RAM.
• 💰 There are paid functions (premium version).

5.3 Leanback Launcher – a stock interface from Google

✅ Pluses:

• 🔄 Full compatibility with Android TV Google TV.
• 📺 Optimized for remote control.
• 🆓 Free and no advertising.

❌ Cons:

• 🎨 Minimum customization options.
• 📊 No support for widgets from Xiaomi.

💡

For Mi. TV A2/A Pro is best suited to Wolf Launcher – it supports resolution 4K Google Assistant integration, which is not available in most alternatives.

6.How to bring back the standard Xiaomi launcher

If the third-party launcher is unstable or you do not like the new interface, you can return the original MIUI TV Launcher.

6.1. Through the settings of the TV

The easiest way is:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Launcher by default.
2. Select com.miui.tv.launcher (or com.xiaomi.mitv.launcher for older models).
3. Confirm the shift and restart the TV.

6.2. Through ADB (If the launcher is not listed)

If the standard launcher has disappeared from the selection menu:

1. Connect to the device via ADB.
2. Enter the command to enable the standard launcher: adb shell pm enable com.miui.tv.launcher
3. Reset the launcher settings: adb shell pm clear com.miui.tv.launcher
4. Reboot TV: Adb shell reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may reset other settings after the launcher is reset (e.g., connected Google or Netflix accounts!

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a launcher on Xiaomi TV