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

Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV or MIUI TV They offer access to thousands of apps, but they don't always have the right software to be found in a standard store, and users face limitations in regional versions of firmware, and lack of support for some services (e.g. Netflix in the Internet). 4K on older models or the need to install APK-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install applications, from official to alternative, taking into account the features of PatchWall and Google firmware. TV.

It is important to understand that the process depends on the model of the TV and the version of the operating system. For example, on the Mi TV 4S (2018-2020) with MIUI TV, the algorithm will differ from the Xiaomi TV A Pro (2023+) on Android 11/12. We will consider universal methods, as well as nuances for specific lines, including Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV and flagship Xiaomi OLED Vision.

1. Installation through the official Google Play Store

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in Google Play Store.It is available on all Xiaomi TVs with Android TV (starting with the 2018 Mi TV 4A model) and most devices with MIUI TV (except the Chinese versions for the domestic market).

To find and install the application:

• 📺 Turn on the TV and connect to the Internet (preferably via cable for stability).
• 🔍 On the home screen, select the Google Play icon (or Apps) → Play Market).
• 🔎 Enter the name of the desired application in the search bar (for example, YouTube, Kodi, Twitch).
• 📥 Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Some apps (such as Disney)+ Apple TV) It may not be available due to regional restrictions.
• ⚠️ On TVs with MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4X Google Play may be replaced by Xiaomi App Store with limited catalogue.
• ⚠️ Smartphone apps (such as TikTok or Instagram) are not optimized for remote control and may not work properly.

2. Booting APK-file USB-accumulator

If the application is not available in Google Play, it can be installed manually through the APK-This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including those that block access to third-party sources:

• 💾 File system flash drive FAT32 (up to 4 GB or exFAT (more than 4 GB).
• 📱 Smartphone/PC for download APK (For example, from APKMirror or APKPure sites).
• ⚙️ Option Unknown sources in the settings of the TV.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-file on a computer or smartphone. For TVs, Android-optimized versions of apps are recommended TV (For example, Kodi for Android TV Smart YouTube TV).
2. Copy the file to the flash drive to the root folder (not nested!).
3. Connect. USB-TV drive (the port is usually located on the side or back).
4. Open File Manager (or Explorer) on your TV and select APK-file.
5. Confirm the installation by clicking Install.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 On some models (e.g., Mi). TV 5 Pro) before installation, you need to go to Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for File Manager.
• 🚫 Don't install it. APK Unverified sources – this can lead to viruses or unstable TV performance.
• 🔄 If installation is interrupted with Parsing error, try downloading another version. APK (for example armeabi-v7a instead arm64).

3.Use of Send Files to TV (wireless transmission)

If you're not on hand USB-storage device, you can transfer APK-file on the TV via the local network using the Send Files to app TV. This method works on all Xiaomi models with Miracast support or DLNA.

How to do this:

1. Install the Send Files to TV app on your smartphone (available from Google Play and the App Store).
2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app on your phone, select the APK file and click Send.
4. On the TV will appear a notification about the incoming file - confirm acceptance.
5. After downloading, open the file through the File Manager and install the application.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ It does not require physical carriers.
• ✅ He works on TVs without TVs. USB-Ports (e.g., Xiaomi) TV Stick).
• ✅ Supports file transfers up to 2GB.

Cons:

• ❌ Transfer speed depends on the quality of Wi-Fi.
• ❌ On some firmware MIUI TV Additional permission to receive files may be required.

💡

If Send Files to TV doesn’t find the TV, check if Miracast mode is enabled in the network settings (Settings → Connection and Sharing → Miracast).

Installation via ADB (for power users)

For advanced users who want to install the app without restrictions, the method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable. This is especially true for TVs with a blocked APK installation (for example, Chinese versions of Mi TV without Google Play).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer installed ADB (You can download from the Android Developers website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (to connect the TV to a PC) or Wi-Fi access.
• 📁 APK-file.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on TV: Settings → About TV → Software Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging on USB
2. Connect the TV to your PC via USB (or Wi-Fi if supported).
3. Open the command line on your computer and type: adb devices (the device should be displayed).
4. Install APK with the command: adb install path to file.apk

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause a system failure. Don't install system systems. APK (for example, modified GMS or framework – this risks “bricking” the TV.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4C) debugging USB It can be disabled in the firmware, and it will require unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty.

5. Alternative App Stores

If Google Play is not available or it does not have the right app, you can use third-party stores optimized for Android TV.

To install Aptoide TV:

1. Download APK from the official website to the flash drive.
2. Install it on the TV through the File Manager.
3. Open Aptoide TV, find the app you want and click Install.

Risks of third-party stores:

• 🛡️ Ability to download malware (check rating and reviews).
• 🔄 Some applications may require manual updates.
• 🚫 Violation of license agreements (e.g. pirated versions of Netflix or Spotify).

6. Solving installation problems

If the application does not install or does not work correctly, check the following points:

Error "Application is not compatible with the device":

• 📱 The problem arises if APK It's for smartphones. Look for versions that are marked Android. TV or TV-optimized.
• 🔧 Check the architecture of the TV processor (usually) arm64-v8a or armeabi-v7a) and download the appropriate APK.

The "Not enough memory" error:

• 🗑️ Free up space by removing unnecessary apps or cache (Settings) → Annexes → Clear the data).
• 💾 Move applications to an external drive (if supported).

The appendix is installed but not opened:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → Reboot).
• 📋 Check permissions for the application in Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Permits.
• 🔧 Update the TV firmware (Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).

💡

If the app requires Google Services and your TV doesn’t (like on Chinese models), install GMS Installer via ADB or consult GMS-enabled firmware.

Comparison of installation methods

FAQ: Frequent questions