Smart TVs Xiaomi Mi TV Xiaomi TV Stick works on the basis of the Android operating system TV, And this is a pretty limitless experience, and unlike a proprietary TV, you can install almost any program that's available in the Google Play Store, as well as third-party software. APK-It turns your screen into a full-fledged media center for watching movies, games and surfing the web.
However, the standard interface often hides many useful features, and some applications may not be available in regional stores. TV manually, remains one of the most popular. In this article, we will examine all the available methods: from simple search on Google Play to advanced installation through a computer and a computer. USB-accumulator.
Understanding the Android TV file system will allow you to not only expand the functionality of the device, but also to bypass some software limitations, learn how to safely download software from trusted sources and manage installed programs. Let's start with basic methods that do not require a connection to a computer.
Search and install through Google Play Store
The most obvious and safe way to extend the functionality of your Xiaomi TV is to use the built-in Google Play app store. The system already contains a pre-installed store that is synced with your Google account. To get started, make sure that the TV is connected to the Internet, and the date and time settings are set to the correct time zone.
Go to the main screen and find the Play Store icon (usually a color triangle). Inside the store, use voice search or remote text input to find the desired application. Once you find a program, such as Kinopoisk or YouTube, click the Install button. The system automatically downloads and installs the package.
⚠️ Note: If the application is marked as “Not compatible with your device”, it means that the developer has not adapted the interface to control from the remote.
In some cases, standard search may not yield results due to regional account restrictions, so you can try changing the region in the Google Play profile settings or using alternative installation methods described below. Remember that most streaming services require a stable high-speed connection to work.
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Use the Google Home app on your smartphone to type text into the TV’s search bar – it’s much faster than typing letters with a remote.
Once installed, the app shortcut usually appears in the "Your Apps" bar on the home screen. If you don't see it, scroll through the list to the end and select "Show All Apps" option, which will allow you to access all the installed software, including system utilities.
Preparing TV for installation of third-party APKs
To install applications from external sources (not from Google Play), you need to change the security settings of the Android TV system. By default, Xiaomi blocks the installation of programs from unknown sources to protect the device from malware.
Go to the Settings menu (cog in the upper right corner), then select Security and Restrictions or Additional Settings. Find Unknown sources. In newer versions of MIUI TV firmware, this item may be located inside the Privacy menu.
In the list that opens, you'll see a list of applications that can have access to install programs. You need to allow this action for your file manager or browser. If you plan to install via USB, look in the File Manager or Media Player list and activate the switch.
☑️ Checking security settings
It is also recommended to include the debugging mode on USB (USB Debugging) if you plan to use a computer to control your TV, this item is on the About TV menu» -> Click 7 times on Build to see the developer menu. Then activate the desired option in the menu that appears.
Installation of applications with USB-storage
The USB stick installation method is the most versatile and doesn't depend on the Internet speed on the TV itself, USB-storage APK-Download the installation file to your PC from a reliable source, such as APKMirror or 4PDA.
It is important to choose the version of the app marked as Android TV or marked as “for TV.” Conventional mobile versions may require touch control, making it impossible to use with the remote control.
Put it in. USB-The system must automatically identify the new device and prompt to open its contents. If a pop-up does not appear, open the built-in file manager (often called File Manager or Explorer) and go to the File Manager. USB-disk.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| File system | FAT32 / NTFS | NTFS is preferred for >4GB files |
| APK format | Android TV / ARM | Avoid x86 versions for older TVs |
| Source | APKMirror, 4PDA | Check the hash sums of files |
| Android version | Corresponding TV. | Usually Android 9.0+ |
⚠️ Warning: Do not connect to the TV USB-ExFAT file system drives, if your Xiaomi model TV It does not support it natively - it can lead to a system freeze.
Find a file with the.apk extension and click on it. You'll see a system window that asks you to install. Click Install and wait until the process is complete. Once you've successfully installed it, you can open the application immediately or do it later through the main menu.
Using a File Manager to Upload
If there is no computer or flash drive at hand, you can download APK-file directly to the TV, using a built-in browser or a specialized bootloader. To do this, install the bootloader app (from AFTVnews) or any browser, such as Puffin, in the Google Play Store. TV or TV Bro.
Run the loader installed. URL insert a direct reference APK-A file or a short numeric code (if you use bootloader) that will download the installation package and prompt you to install it, is one of the fastest ways to access third-party software.
When using browsers, it is important to be careful with advertising and false download buttons. The true link to a file is usually small and has a clear name. Once downloaded, the file is often saved in the Downloads folder, from where it can be run through the file manager.
This method is particularly useful for installing specific versions of players, such as: VLC or MX Player that may not be available in the official store for your TV model.Always check the release date APK-file to make sure it is up to date.
Installation via computer with ADB
For advanced users who want to have full control of the Xiaomi TV system, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging method is ideal, allowing them to install applications, remove system debris and manage processes directly from the PC.
First, find out. IP-You can do this in the settings menu -> On TV -> Write down an address such as 192.168.1.55. Download and install the Platform-tools package from Google's official website on your computer.
adb connect 192.168.1.55:5555
adb install -r imya_prilozheniya.apkExecute the connection command in the command line (terminal), specifying IP-The TV address. You can see a request for debugging permission on the TV screen, confirm it. Then use the adb install command showing the path to the file on the computer. -r Allows you to reinstall the application if it already exists.