Why to install Yandex on Xiaomi TV and what it gives
Xiaomi TVs on Android TV or Google TV out of the box offer a limited range of Russian services. Although the Mi App Store has basic applications like Kinopoisk or IVI, many users face the lack of a full-fledged Yandex.Ether, Yandex.Music or even a browser with support for Russian payment systems.
First, you get access to the only legal alternative to YouTube in the Russian Federation with the monetization for authors - Yandex.Ether offers unique content, live broadcasts and integration with other ecosystem services. Secondly, it becomes possible to use Yandex.Music with personal recommendations, Yandex.Weather with a widget on the main screen and even Yandex.Navigator for planning routes directly from the TV. Finally, the browser from Yandex supports work with Mir Pay and SBP, which is critical for paying subscriptions or purchases via Smart TV.
But there is a caveat: Xiaomi officially does not add Yandex apps to its store due to Google’s restrictions on pre-installed software. So users have to install them manually – and here comes the difficulty. In this article, we will analyze 3 working methods of installation (including bypassing locks), look at typical errors and give recommendations for optimizing the operation of services on large screens.
Method 1: Installation via the official APK from the Yandex website
The most reliable method is to download APK-files from the official website of Yandex. This method works on all Xiaomi models TV (including Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV New series with Google TV), but requires pre-setting the TV to install third-party apps.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV → Software Version and 7 times click on the line with the build number. You become a developer notification will appear.
- Allow installation from unknown sources: in the same settings, find a new section for developers → Security and enable the option Unknown sources (or Install unknown applications for new versions).
- Download. APK-file: 📱 Yandex.Browser for TV (mandatory for other services) 🎬 Yandex.Ether (substitute for YouTube) 🎵 Yandex.Music (optional)
Transfer files to the TV
FAT32
Mi Cloud
File manager
Install applications
File Commander
Google Play
Make sure the TV is connected to the internet.
Check the space available (at least 500 MB is required)
Disable VPN (can block APK download)
Use only official file sources-->
⚠️ Attention: Some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV Stick or Mi Box S can block installation APK Because of Google's limitations, in which case, go to Method 2.
Method 2: Installation via Send Files to TV (without USB)
If you don’t have a flash drive or the TV can’t see USB-storage device, you can transfer APK-files directly from your smartphone. You'll need the Send Files to app. TV (Available on Google Play and App Store, this method works on all Xiaomi devices, including Mi. TV A2, Mi TV P1 And even the Mi Box.
Algorithm of action:
- Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone and TV (find it in Google Play on TV).
- Download the right ones. APK-Yandex files to the phone (links are the same as in Method 1).
- Open the app on your phone, select files, and click "Send." Your Xiaomi TV will appear in the list of devices, confirm the transfer.
- On the TV, accept the files and wait for the download to be completed.
- Open the File Manager on TV, find the downloaded APKs and install them in turn.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the TV Debugging over USB in the developer settings (how to activate - see Method 1).
- Connect the TV to your computer via USB (or Wi-Fi if supported).
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and check the connection: Adb devices should show the name of your device.
- Install. APK-file command: adb install path to file.apk For example: adb install C:\Downloads\yandex_browser_tv.apk
- Confirm the installation on the TV (if necessary).
What if ADB can’t see the TV?
| Model Xiaomi TV | ADB support | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S/4A | ✅ Yes. | You need to enable manual debugging through the service menu (Settings → For developers) |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 | ✅ Yes. | Supports ADB over Wi-Fi without USB |
| Redmi Smart TV | ✅ Yes. | It may be necessary to unlock the loader |
| Mi Box S/4K | ✅ Yes. | Better to use. USB-stability-cable |
⚠️ Attention: Installation through ADB This can result in a warranty reset if you modify system files. In this case, we only install custom applications, so the risk is minimal. TV 5X Google TV) After installation, it may be necessary to clean the cache in the application settings.
Installation via APK from a flash drive
Transmission via Send Files to TV
Installation via ADB
I haven't tried it yet)-->
Solving common installation errors
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:
- Error "Application not installed» 🔹 Reason: Incompatible version APK or not enough space. 🔧 Solution: Download APK Android TV (Not for a smartphone!! Make room in the settings (Storage) → Clear the cache).
- Yandex.Ether does not start 🔹 Reason: There is no Yandex.Browser or blocking by region. 🔧 Solution: Install the browser first, then restart TV. If the error persists, use it. VPN Russian-server.
- No sound in Yandex.Music 🔹 Reason: Conflict with system codecs. 🔧 Solution: Go to Settings → Sound. → Output format and select Auto (PCM).
- Apps disappear after reboot 🔹 Reason: Google Play Protect Restrictions. 🔧 Solution: Turn Play Protect off in Google Play settings or add apps to exceptions.
- The remote does not work in Yandex applications 🔹 Reason: Incompatibility with IR-remote. 🔧 Solution: Connect a Bluetooth remote (such as Xiaomi Mi Remote) or use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone.
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If none of these methods worked, check the Android version on your TV. On devices older than Android 9, you may need firmware that supports Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Optimization of Yandex.Ether and other services on the big screen
Once installed, Yandex applications may not work properly: small print, stretched interface elements or video playback problems.
Scaling adjustment:
- 🖥️ Go to Settings. → Screen and sound → Screen size and select by screen size (do not stretch).
- 🔍 In Yandex.Browser, turn on the mode For TV in the settings (icon) ⚙️ → Version for TV).
Improved video playback:
- 🎥 In Yandex.Ether go to Settings → Video quality and select the Auto (up to) 4K).
- 🔊 To synchronize sound and video, turn off sound processing in the settings TV (Settings → Sound. → Sound processing → Off.).
Control from the remote:
- 🎮 Set up the remote buttons in Settings → Input devices → Set up the remote.
- 🖱️ Use Bluetooth mouse for convenience (all Xiaomi models are supported) TV).
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If the video in Yandex.Ether slows down, try to turn off hardware acceleration in the browser settings: Settings → Additional → System → Use hardware acceleration (off).
Alternative ways to use Yandex on Xiaomi TV
If the application installation fails, there are workarounds:
- Open Yandex.Ether or Yandex.Music through any browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox for TV). To do this: Install a browser from Google Play. Go to tv.yandex.ru or music.yandex.ru. Enable the mode for the computer in the browser settings.
- Screen mirroring If there are no necessary apps on the TV, broadcast the smartphone screen: 📱 On Android: Settings → Connected devices → Screen broadcasting. 🍎 On iPhone: Use AirPlay (Apple required) TV or supported by Smart TV).
- Prefixes and TV-If your Xiaomi boxes TV too old (e.g., too old) TV 3), connect the external device: 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box S (official support for Android) TV). 🖥️ NVIDIA Shield or Mecool (full compatibility with Yandex.Ether).
⚠️ Attention: When mirroring the screen, video delay (latency) may be observed. For games or watching sports, it is better to use direct installation of applications.