How to download and install apps on Xiaomi TV: all working ways

Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Google TV They offer access to thousands of apps, but not all of them are available through the standard Google Play Store. Users often face problems: the desired app is not in the directory, the TV does not support installation. APK-files out of the box, or the system blocks downloads from unknown sources. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to install applications on Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi TV Xiaomi TV Box – From official methods to workarounds for power users.

It is important to understand that the functionality depends on the model and version of the firmware. For example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2018-2020) TVs run on Android TV 9, while the new Xiaomi TV Q2 2023 models already have Google TV 12 with an updated interface and advanced features, we will take these nuances into account in the instructions so that you can adapt them to your equipment.

Before you start, check:

• 📺 Model TV (find in Settings) → On TV).
• 🔄 Android version TV/Google TV (there).
• 🔌 Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

1. Install applications through the Google Play Store

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in Google Play Store. However, not all apps are optimized for Android TV, so you'll see a limited list in the directory, for example, there are no official versions of YouTube Kids, TikTok or some banking apps.

How to install the app through Google Play:

1. On the Xiaomi remote, click the Google Play button (or find the icon in the menu).
2. In the search box, type the name of the app (such as Netflix or Kodi).
3. Select the application from the list and click Install.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

If the app is not available, try:

• 🔍 Use voice search (button with microphone on remote control).
• 📱 Install the app on your smartphone via Google Play, then click Install on other devices and select your TV (one Google account is required) in the app menu).
• 🌐 Check regional restrictions – some apps are only available in certain countries (e.g, HBO Max or Peacock).

⚠️ Warning: If the app doesn’t start after installation or doesn’t work properly, check for Android compatibility TV. Some apps (like Instagram or Facebook) don’t have TV versions and will be displayed in an uncomfortable format.

Installation APK-file USB-storage

If the application is not available in Google Play, you can install it manually through the APK-This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models TV, but requires pre-configuration.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-Use trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror, APKPure). Pay attention to the Android version. TV (The file name may be marked tv or atv).
2. Prepare. USB-storage device FAT32 Or exFAT. Copy it on it. APK-file.
3. Connect USB to your TV (the ports are usually located on the side or back).
4. Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Security and Restrictions. Find Unknown Sources and turn it on for File Manager or Browser.

Install APK.

• Open File Manager (or Browser if you don’t have a manager)
• Go to section. USB-drive and select the downloaded file.
• Confirm the installation.

Download APK proven-source|Format USB into FAT32|Insert "Unknown Sources" in the settings|Connect USB television-to-TV|Run the installation through the file manager-->

Some Xiaomi TV models (such as the Mi TV 4A) may not support APK installation directly, and use workarounds to:

• 🖥️ Install. APK through ADB (You need a computer and a debugging USB).
• 📲 Use the Send Files to app TV (We'll tell you about it below).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can cause virus infection or unstable TV. Before installing, check the file on VirusTotal and read reviews on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

3. File transfer via Send Files to TV

Send Files app to TV transmit APK Other files from phone to TV Xiaomi without USB-It's convenient if you don't have a flash drive or ports are busy.

How to use Send Files to TV:

1. Install the application on your smartphone from Google Play (link).
2. Open the app on your phone and TV (if not, download APK from APKMirror and install via USB).
3. On the phone, select the file to transfer (APK, video, photo).
4. On the TV, confirm the file's acceptance.
5. After transfer, open the file through the File Manager and install it.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Fast transmission over a local area network (Wi-Fi).
• 📱 No need to USB-storage.
• 🔒 Supports the transfer of any files (not only) APK).

Limitations:

• 📶 Telephone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 📱 The TV should have the Send Files to app installed. TV (If it is not on Google Play, use it. APK).

💡

If the Send Files to TV app doesn't find the TV, reboot both devices and check they're connected to the same network.Occasionally, turning off the VPN on your phone helps.

4.Use of alternative app stores

If Google Play is not suitable, you can install alternative stores optimized for Android TV.

How to install an alternative store:

1. Download the APK store (links in the table above).
2. Transfer the file to the TV via Send Files to TV or USB.
3. Install APK by allowing installation from unknown sources.
4. Open the store and find the right app.

Important: Some stores (such as Aptoide TV) may contain ads or offers to install additional apps.

5. Installation via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can install the app via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but is suitable for any Xiaomi TV models.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV. Find the build number and click on it 7 times until the message You became a developer. Go back to Settings → For developers and turn on USB debugging.

Connect the TV to the computer

USB 3.0

Download and install ADB

• Windows: Platform Tools.
• Mac/Linux: Install via brew install android-platform-tools.
• Check the connection: Adb devices must show the serial number of the TV.
• Install APK: adb install to file.apk For example: adb install C:\Downloads\kodi-20.1-armeabi-v7a.apk

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works even if the TV is blocking the installation. APK via file manager.
• 📦 You can install system applications (for example, Google Chrome for the TV).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not install system modifications (such as Magisk or custom firmware) if you are not sure of your actions. APK.

6.Bypassing regional restrictions

Some apps (such as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or DAZN) are only available in certain countries. If you encounter an error that says, "This app is incompatible with your device," try the following methods:

Method 1: Changing Regions in Google Play

1. On the TV, go to Settings → Accounts and Login → Google.
2. Delete your current Google account.
3. Create a new account with the country where the app is available (e.g., U.S. for Hulu).
4. Log into Google Play under a new account and install the app.

Method 2: Using VPN

• Install. VPN-Android TV (For example, NordVPN, ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN).
• Connect to a server in the country where the application is available.
• Update your data to Google Play (sometimes you need to restart your TV).
• Install the application you want.

Method 3: Sideloading APK from another region

• Find the APK of the desired application for a specific country (for example, on APKMirror in the Variants section, select the version for US or UK).
• Install APK via USB or Send Files to TV.

⚠️ Attention: Use VPN may violate the rules of certain services (for example, Netflix blocks the use of the Internet). VPN-Also, changing the region in Google Play can lead to loss of access to previously purchased applications if they are not available in the new region.

7. Solving common problems

When installing applications on Xiaomi TV, users often encounter errors. Let’s consider the most common ways to solve them:

If the problem is not solved, try:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (hold the power button on the remote for 5 seconds).
• 🔧 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → System system → Reset, but it will delete all data!).
• 📋 Contact the forums 4PDA or XDA with the TV model and errors.

💡

Before resetting your settings, save a list of installed applications (you can take a picture of the Settings → Apps screen) and you will have to install them again after resetting.

FAQ: Frequent questions