Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Or PatchWall offers access to thousands of apps, but not all of them are available through a standard store, IVI Or even specialized utilities like Kodi -- you'll have to use alternative methods. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methods, including installing through a computer. APK, Connecting Google Play, using USB-storage and circumvention of regional restrictions.
The main problem with Xiaomi Mi TV, Mi TV A Pro or Mi TV P1 users is that many popular services are not available in the official Mi App Store, which is due to Xiaomi policy and regional restrictions, for example, in Russia, the default may not be Disney+ or HBO Max, and in Europe, some local streaming platforms, and fortunately, these restrictions can be circumvented legally and without root rights.
1. Installation via Mi App Store (official method)
The easiest and safest method is to use an in-built app store, which is suitable for most popular services, but has a limited directory.
To find and install the application:
- 📺 Turn on the TV and go to the PatchWall home screen (or Android) TV, model-wise).
- 🔍 Select the Apps (or Apps) tab in the top menu.
- 🛒 Open the Mi App Store (the icon with the Xiaomi logo).
- 🔎 Enter the name of the desired application in the search bar (for example, YouTube or IVI).
- ⬇️ Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
If the app is not available, try:
- 🌍 Change the region in the settings of the TV (see section 5).
- 🔄 Update the Mi App Store to the latest version via Settings → On TV. → Update of the PO.
- 📱 Use the Mi Home mobile app for remote installation.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Netflix in the 4K) Require Widevine Certification L1, Xiaomi's budget models may not have. Check the manufacturer's website for support.
Installation APK-File Manager via File Manager
If the app is not in the Mi App Store, it can be installed manually through the APK-This method works for most Android TV-devices including Xiaomi.
Step-by-step:
- Download APK to your computer or smartphone from a trusted source (such as APKCombo or APKMirror). For TVs, only Android TV versions (not smartphones!) are suitable.
- Transfer the file to USB-storage device FAT32) Or upload directly to the TV via the browser.
- Connect USB to your TV and open the File Manager (or Explorer).
- Find the APK and click on it. The system will suggest installing the app.
- Allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings (Settings → Device → Security → Unknown sources).
Important nuances:
- 🚫 Don't download. APK From dubious sites - the risk of viruses!
- 🔧 Some applications (such as Kodi) may require additional permissions.
- 🔄 If the installation is interrupted, try to disable the antivirus on the TV (Settings) → Security → Google Play Protection).
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
Example: To install a Smart YouTube TV (an alternative YouTube client without ads), download the official APK and follow the instructions above. This application does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi models.
3. Google Play Store connection (for Android TV models)
Xiaomi Android TVs (like the Mi TV 5 Pro or Mi TV Q1) are initially stripped of the Google Play Store, but can be installed manually, giving you access to a full catalog of apps including Disney+, Prime Video and games.
Instructions for installing Google Play:
- Download the archive with the necessary APK-files by reference (tested for relevance in 2026).
- Unpack the archive and transfer the files to USB-accumulator:
- Connect USB to your TV and install files in order of order (first gsf.login, then gsf, then gms, and finally Phonesky).
- Restart the TV (Settings → About TV → Reboot).
- After the reboot, the Google Play Store will appear in the app menu.
Important: On some models (e.g. Mi TV 4S), this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case use alternative stores (Section 4).
⚠️ Note: After installing Google Play, some Xiaomi system apps (such as the Mi App Store) may stop updating. This is not critical, but note that security updates will have to be manually installed.
What to do if Google Play is not open?
4. Use of alternative stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)
If Google Play is not installed or it is unstable, use alternative stores. TV:
- 📦 Aptoide TV — Optimized for TVs, simple interface, large catalog.
- 🌐 Aurora Store – Anonymous access to Google Play without official installation.
- 🎮 APKPure – easy to search and download APK straight to the TV.
How to install Aptoide TV:
- Download. APK-file.
- Move it to the port. USB-drive and connect to the TV.
- Install the file through the File Manager (as in Section 2).
- Open Aptoide TV, find the app you want and click Install.
Advantages of alternative stores:
| Shop | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aptoide TV | Optimized for remote, large directory, no Google binding | Sometimes you get irrelevant versions of apps. |
| Aurora Store | Access to all Google Play apps, anonymity | Requires adjustments, can slow down on weak models |
| APKPure | Simple interface, quick APK loading | No automatic updates |
💡
If the application is not installed from Aptoide TV, Try downloading it. APK-file via a TV browser (such as Firefox or Kiwi Browser) and then manually install.
Circumvention of regional restrictions (change of country)
Many apps in the Mi App Store or Google Play are only available in certain countries, such as HBO Max officially only in the US and DAZN in Europe, and you can change your TV region to get around this restriction.
How to change the region:
- 🌍 Through TV settings: Go to Settings → Account and security → Region: Select the country where the app is available (e.g. U.S. for Hulu). Reboot the TV.
Through VPN:
- Install. VPN-Application (e.g., Windscribe or ProtonVPN) via APK.
- Connect to the server of the desired country.
- Update your location data in Google Play or Mi App Store.
Important warnings:
- 💳 When changing region, you may need to create a new Google or Xiaomi account with the address and payment details of the selected country.
- 📵 Some apps (such as Netflix) are blocked. VPN. In this case, use the Smart. DNS (router-tune).
- ⚠️ Changing the region can lead to loss of access to previously installed applications if they are not supported in the new country.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Quick installation without restrictions.
- 🔧 Ability to remove system applications (cautiously!).
- 📱 Convenient for packet installation of several APK.
⚠️ Attention: Inept use ADB It can cause the TV to reset to factory settings or lose warranty.Do not delete system applications without backup!