How to install apps on your 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 Mi Store. TV Store. Users often face problems, such as lack of software in the directory, installation errors or region limitations. In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to install applications on Xiaomi Mi TVs. TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models – from official methods to workarounds for power users.

It is important to understand that the capabilities of the TV depend on its firmware and Android version. TV. For example, models 2020–2022 years (e.g. Mi) TV 4S 55" or Redmi Smart TV X55) They work on Android TV 9/10, New devices (e.g. Xiaomi) TV Q2 2023) They already have Google. TV 12 It's a big deal, it's affecting the availability of app stores and how you install them. APK. In this article, we will take into account these nuances and give recommendations for different versions.

1.Official method: installation via Mi TV Store

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Mi store. TV Store.It's pre-optimized for Xiaomi TVs and contains proven apps.However, the directory here is limited compared to Google Play, and some apps may be blocked for regional reasons.

To install the application:

• 📺 Turn on your TV and connect to the internet (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable).
• 🔍 On the main screen, find the icon "Mi". TV Store"** (may be referred to as "Apps" or "App Store" depending on the model).
• 🔎 Enter the name of the desired application in the search bar or select a category (for example, “Video”, “Games”, “Utilities»).
• ⬇️ Click on the app, then select “Install”** and confirm the action.

If the app is not available, try:

• 🌍 Change the region in your TV settings (e.g. India or the U.S., where the catalog is wider). → Account and security → Region.
• 🔄 Update the TV firmware to the latest version (see the “Updates” section in the settings).
• 🔍 Use alternative app names (for example, instead of “Kinopoisk” look for the app name «KION»).

⚠️ Note: When changing region, some system applications (such as Mi Home or PatchWall) may stop working correctly.

2. Installation via Google Play (for models with Google) TV)

Xiaomi TVs on Google platform TV (for example, series Q2 2023, A2 2026) have access to a full Google Play Store, which greatly expands the installation options for apps, including those that are not available in Mi. TV But even here, there are nuances:

• 📱 Not all Android smartphone apps are compatible with Android TV. Instagram or TikTok don’t have TV versions.
• 🎮 Touch-controlled games (for example, PUBG Mobile will not work without a gamepad.
• 🌐 Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) may require confirmation of the region through VPN.

Installation instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV (the color triangle icon).
2. Sign in with your Google account (if not authorized).
3. Find the right application and click “Install”**.
4. If the application is not compatible, a message will appear saying, “This application is not optimized for your device.” APK (see next section).

For convenience, you can manage the installation of applications from the phone:

• 📲 Open Google Play on your smartphone, find the app and click “Install»**.
• 🖥️ In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV (must be connected to the same Google account).

💡

If the app is not installed via Google Play, try clearing the store's cache: Settings → Annexes → Google Play → Clear the cache.

Installation APK-Files: step-by-step instructions

If the desired application is not in official stores, it can be installed manually through the APK-This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, but requires caution: not all models are used. APK Optimized for TVs, and some may contain malicious code.

For installation APK need:

• 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) Cloud storage (such as Google Drive).

Step 1: Preparing the TV

1. Go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources.
2. Select the application through which you will install APK (For example, “File Manager” or “bootloader” and allow installation.

Step 2: Transfer APK to TV

There are three ways:

• ☁️ Through the cloud: Download APK Google Drive or Yandex Disk, then open the file through the browser on your TV.

Step 3: Installation

Press on. APK-If you see an "Application Not Installed" error, try it:

• Download another version APK (for example, for Android TV).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can cause viruses or unstable work on your TV. Never install files with the.exe extension or from suspicious sites. APK flash-drive.

4. Installation of applications through USB-accumulator

If you do not have a stable Internet connection or prefer offline methods, you can install applications through the Internet. USB-This method is universal and works even on older Xiaomi models (for example, Mi). TV 3S or Mi TV 4A).

What you need:

• 💾 USB-drive (volume from 4 GB, formatted in FAT32).
• 📁 APK-Application file (e.g., Kodi, Smart YouTube) TV or TV Bro).
• 🖥️ Computer for downloading and transferring files.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK to a computer from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
2. Connect the flash drive to the computer and copy it to it. APK-file.
3. Securely remove the drive and connect it to USB-TV port (usually located on the back panel).
4. On the TV, open File Manager** (if not, install it via Mi). TV Store).

If the file does not open:

• 🔄 Rename it. APK in a simple title (e.g, app.apk) spaceless.
• 📁 Try a different file manager (for example, FX File Explorer, which can be installed through APK).
• 🔧 Check if permission is included for installation from unknown sources (see previous section).

5. Alternative methods: Send Files to TV, ADB others

If the standard methods do not work, you can use advanced methods, such as transferring files over a local network or using the system. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: These methods take longer, but are suitable for installing applications that are otherwise impossible to install.

Method 1: Send Files to TV

Send Files app to TV transmit APK-Telephone to TV files on a local network without using USB. Instructions:

1. Install the same app on your TV via Mi TV store APK.

Method 2: Installation through ADB

This is a way for power users to install applications through the command line.

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB (You can download it as part of Android Studio).
• 🔌 USB-cable (or Wi-Fi connection).
• 📁 APK-file.

Instructions:

1. Put the debugging on. USB on TV: Settings → On TV. → Build number (click 7 times until the message "You became a developer" appears) → For developers → Debugging by USB.
2. Connect the TV to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb install path to file.apk

Example:

adb install C:\Downloads\kodi.apk

If there is a “device unauthorized” error, confirm the connection on the TV screen.

Method 3: Use of alternative stores

You can install third-party app stores on Xiaomi TVs, such as:

• 📦 Aptoide TV — Google Play alternative with a large directory.
• 📦 APKPure - allows you to download APK straight to the TV.
• 📦 Aurora Store – Anonymous Customer for Google Play.

To install an alternative store:

1. Download the store’s APK (such as Aptoide TV) on USB or via your browser.
2. Install it through the file manager (see the section about the file manager). APK).
3. Open the store and install the necessary applications.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB or third-party stores, the risk of installing malware increases. Always check the hashes of files (for example, through VirusTotal) and install only verified applications. ADB on TVs with an active warranty, which may result in cancellation.

6. Solving common installation errors

When installing apps on Xiaomi TVs, users often encounter errors. Let’s look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Error 1: “The application is not installed» (APK not installed)

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 Incompatible version APK: Download the version for Android TV (It is usually marked as tv or leanback in the file name).
• 🔹 Damaged file: Re-download APK And check his checksum (MD5 or SHA-1).
• 🔹 Insufficient Memory: Clear cache or remove unnecessary apps in Settings → Memory.
• 🔹 Locking system: Try to install through ADB (see previous section).

Error 2: “Device is not certified” (Google Play)

This error occurs when the TV is not certified by Google.

• 🔹 Re-register your device via Google (you will need to enter Android) ID television).
• 🔹 Install Google Play manually through APK (Find a version for Android TV).
• 🔹 Use alternative stores (Aptoide) TV or Aurora Store).

Error 3: App is installed but not opened

Possible causes:

• 🔹 Incompatibility with Android TV: The app is only for smartphones. Try to find a modified version (e.g. Smart YouTube). TV Instead of YouTube).
• 🔹 No rights: Provide all permissions in Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Permits.
• 🔹 Cache Error: Clear the cache and app data in the settings.

Mistake 4: The TV can't see USB-accumulator

Check it out.

• 🔹 File system format (should be) FAT32 exFAT).
• 🔹 Port Failure (Try Another Port) USB-plug-in).
• 🔹 Power supply (some flash drives require an additional power source).
• 🔹 Absence of hidden files (e.g.,.nomedia may block the display of content).

💡

If the application is not installed through APK, First check its compatibility with Android. TV. Many smartphone apps simply won’t work on a TV without modifications.

7. How to remove unnecessary applications

Over time, a lot of unnecessary apps accumulate on the TV, which take up memory and slow down work, and you can delete them in several ways.

Method 1: Through settings of the TV

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the unnecessary app.
3. Click on “Delete” or “Disable” (for system applications).

Method 2: Through ADB (for system applications)

Some pre-installed apps (such as Mi Home or PatchWall) cannot be removed in the standard way. ADB:

1. Connect the TV to your computer and turn on debugging USB (see section ADB).
2. Enter a command to view the list of applications:

adb shell pm list packages

1. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore for Mi). TV Store).
2. Remove the application by the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Example:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore

Method 3: Resetting to factory settings

If the TV is heavily cluttered with unnecessary apps and is slow, you can perform a complete reset:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Reset settings.
2. Select “Reset all settings”** and confirm the action.
3. After the reboot, the TV will return to its original state (all applications and data will be deleted).

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB This can cause the TV to run in an unstable way. Before deleting, back up important data and be prepared for a possible reset. Do not delete apps called com.android. or com.google.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing apps on Xiaomi TV