How to install applications on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: all working methods 2026

Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 4S Android TV They offer access to thousands of apps, but they don’t always have the right software to be found in the official store, and users face limitations in regional firmware versions, the lack of popular services (such as Kodi or Stremio), or the need to install it. APK-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install applications on Mi. TV 4S — From standard to advanced, taking into account the features of PatchWall firmware and the limitations of Google Play Services.

It’s important to understand that the installation process depends on the firmware version of your TV. For example, the 2020 Mi TV 4S 55 (with the Amlogic T962) may have different security settings than the 2022-2023 version on the Amlogic T972, and we’ll take these nuances into account and provide versatile solutions that work on most of the modifications.

If you have previously tried to install an APK on Xiaomi TV and received an error “Installation blocked” or “Unknown sources disabled”, this guide will help to bypass the restrictions legally, without risking damage to the system, and we will also reveal the hidden ADB debugging function, which allows you to install applications even on blocked firmware (relevant to Chinese versions of TVs).

1. TV Preparation: Include installation from unknown sources

Before installing any apps outside of Google Play, you must allow downloading files from third-party sources. On the Mi TV 4S, this process is different from smartphones and requires a special approach due to the modified PatchWall shell.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the settings: press the Settings button on the remote and select "All settings".
2. Go to Security: Path – Settings → Device → Special features → Security and limitations.
3. Activate unknown sources: find the item "Unknown sources" and turn on the switch. If there is one, use the method below.

Some firmware (especially Chinese) may have this item hidden.

• 🔧 Use debugging by ADB (Let's look at section 4).
• 📱 Install the Send Files to app TV (about it in section 3) – it automatically requests the necessary permissions.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: After turning on the installation from unknown sources, Xiaomi may display a security alert at each launch APK. This is normal – just confirm the action with a button. OK remote.

Include unknown sources|Check the firmware version (current - 2026)+)|Connect the TV to the same network as the smartphone/PC|Download APK Only from verified sources (APKMirror, Aptoide) TV)|Shut down. VPN (can block the loading)-->

2. Install applications through the Google Play Store

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the official Google Play store. However, on the Mi TV 4S, it often works with limitations: some apps (such as YouTube Kids or Twitch) are missing, and search may not find the right programs due to regional blocking.

To get around this:

1. Use the web version of Play Market: Go to play.google.com from your computer or smartphone. Find the right app (like Plex or VLC). Click "Install" and select your Mi TV 4S from the list of devices.

Change the Google Account Region

• Go to the settings of your Google account.
• In the "Payments and Subscriptions" section, click "Country and Profile".
• Select the country where the app is available (e.g., the U.S. for Hulu or Germany for Zattoo).

If you’re looking for custom IPTV apps (like TiviMate or Smart IPTV), they’re often not in the Play Market, so move on to the next section, install via APK.

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Google Play on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is limited due to modified firmware.The web version of the store often helps bypass regional locks, but some applications (IPTV, emulators) will require manual APK installation.

Installation APK-Files from Send Files to Send Files TV

One of the most convenient ways to transfer and install APKs on the Mi TV 4S is to use the Send Files to TV app (available on Google Play for Android smartphones), which automatically requests installation permissions and allows you to transfer files without connecting to a PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (link: Google Play).
2. Connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.

Confirm the installation on the TV

• On the TV screen will be a request for installation – agree.
• If you have a “Installation locked” error, go back to Section 1 and check your security settings.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Fast transmission without cables.
• 🔒 Automatic obtaining of installation permits.
• 📱 Packet support (you can send several) APK once).

⚠️ Attention: Some APK-Files may not be installed due to incompatibility with the Mi processor architecture TV 4S (Most of the models work on ARM64). Before downloading, check that the file is for Android. TV, Not for smartphones.

Advanced method: installation via ADB (for blocked firmware)

If your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S has Chinese firmware or a limited version of PatchWall where it is impossible to turn on Unknown Sources, ADB debugging will help. This method requires minimal technical skills, but allows you to install any APKs, including system ones.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (or Wi-Fi connection).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• 📄 APK-file.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your TV: Settings → About TV → Firmware Version (click 7 times in a row) Settings → Additional → For developers → USB debugging (enable)
2. Connect the TV to the PC: Use USB-port on the TV (usually) USB 3.0 for speed. On a PC, open the command line (Win) + R → cmd).

Check the connection.

adb devices

The serial number of your Mi TV 4S should appear.

Install APK.

adb install path to file.apk

Example:

adb install C:\Downloads\plex_tv.apk

If there is an error "INSTALL_FAILED_USER_RESTRICTED", execute:

adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1

This will force the installation to be unlocked from unknown sources.

1. Make sure that TV and PC are on the same network.

2. Find out. IP-TV address in Settings → Network.

3. Enter the command:

adb connect [IP_address]:5555

Example: adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555

4. Repeat installation APK.-->

5. Alternative app stores for Android TV

If Google Play is not a good fit and you don’t want to manually install APKs, use alternative stores optimized for Android TV. They offer apps that aren’t in the official store, and often update faster.

Top.-3 shop-checked:

To install any of these stores:

1. Download the APK store on a smartphone or PC (from the official website).
2. Transfer the file to your TV via Send Files to TV or ADB.
3. Install and open the store – now you can download apps directly from the TV screen.

⚠️ Note: FileLinked and some Aptoide storage TV You may find pirated or modified apps (e.g. YouTube Vanced) that violate Google's policies and may result in account lockdown.

Problem Solving: Installation errors and their correction

When installing apps on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, users often encounter errors, and we have collected the most common ways to solve them.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the TV to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data” (you will need a password from your Mi Account if it is linked).
3. After resetting, re-install the applications from scratch.

Resetting helps in 80% of cases where problems are caused by conflicts in the cache or system settings.

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Most APK installation errors on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S are due to unknown sources being blocked or architecture incompatibility. ADB and setting reset solve 90% of the problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing apps on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S