Installing VKontakte on a Xiaomi TV is a challenge faced by smart TV owners who want to watch videos, listen to music or chat over the big screen. Although the official VK app is not available on Google Play for Android TV, there are several workarounds. In this article, we will discuss 3 current installation methods (including methods for models without the Play Market), as well as look at typical errors and their solutions.
It is important to understand that the functionality of VK on the TV will be limited compared to the smartphone. For example, calls and some widgets may not work, and the interface will be adapted for the remote control. However, for watching tape, video and music, this is enough. If your Xiaomi TV runs on Android TV 9.0+ (Mi TV 4S/4A/5 Pro models and later), the chances of successful installation are maximum.
1. Install VC via Google Play (official way for Android TV)
The easiest way is to download the app through Google Play, but here's a caveat: the standard VK app is not optimized for Android TV. Instead, look for alternative versions, such as VK TV or VK Music for TV. These apps are adapted to control from the remote and have a simplified interface.
Instructions:
- 📺 Turn on the TV and go to the Apps section → Google Play Store.
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter VK TV or VK Music for Android TV.
- 📥 Select an app marked "For Android" TV" and press Set.
- 🔑 After installation, open the application and log in through QR-code (scanned from a smartphone) or login / password.
⚠️ Note: If the search does not show results, check the region of your Google account. Some apps are only available to users from Russia, Belarus or Kazakhstan:
- Go to Settings → Accounts and Login → Google.
- Delete your current account and add a new one with the desired region (you can create it via VPN).
Installation through APK-File (for TVs without Google Play)
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Google Play (e.g., models for the Chinese market or older Mi versions) TV), can be installed VK through APK-It's gonna take a file:
- 🖥️ Computer or smartphone for download APK.
- 📁 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
- 🔌 The option “Unknown sources” in the settings of the TV.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-file VK Android TV from a verified source (we recommend APKPure or APKMirror".
- Transfer the file to USB-drive and connect it to the TV.
- On the TV, open the File Manager (or ES Explorer if installed) and find the APK.
- Run the installation. If you see an error "Application not installed", check if the option is Settings → Security → Unknown sources.
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can cause the TV to become infected with viruses or unstable. Before downloading, check the reviews about the file and use an antivirus (for example, VirusTotal to check the hash of the file).
How to check for viruses APK?
3. Use of a browser or web version of VC
If you can’t install the app (for example, because of outdated firmware), you can use the web version of VKontakte via your TV browser, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Mi TV Stick and Mi Box.
How to set up:
- Open your browser (usually Google Chrome or TV Bro).
- Go to vk.com.
- Sign in with a login/password or QR-code (open this on your smartphone) VK And scan the code from the TV screen).
- In the browser settings, turn on the "For PC" mode so that the interface is displayed correctly.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ No need to install additional applications.
- ✅ Always up to date (no need to update).
- ✅ Access to all functions VK (Except for real-time notifications).
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Slow work on weak TVs (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 32").
- ❌ No support for remote gestures for scrolling tape.
- ❌ High-resolution video can slow down.
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To speed up the web version, clear the browser cache: go to Settings → Apps → Browser → Storage → Clear the cache. You can also turn off autoplay video in the VK settings (saves TV resources).
4. Alternative methods: screen mirroring and TV-set-top boxes
If none of the above methods work, consider additional options:
| Method | Equipment required | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen mirroring (Miracast) | Smartphone with support for Miracast, Xiaomi TV with Wi-Fi Direct | Full functionality of VK from a smartphone, no need to install the application on TV | Delays when watching video, fast battery discharge of the phone |
| Android TV (Mi Box S) | Xiaomi Mi Box S or similar | Stable work, access to Google Play, optimized interface | Additional costs (~3-5 thousand rubles) |
| Smart TV Boxing (MAG, Nvidia Shield) | Anybody. TV-Android-boxing TV | High performance, 4K support | Difficulty setting up for beginners |
For screen mirroring:
- On your smartphone, enable screen transfer (in Miui it is Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen transfer).
- On Xiaomi TV, activate Miracast (Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct).
- Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network and select a TV from the list of available screens on your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: When mirroring, sound can only be transmitted through your phone. To make sound go through the TV, connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or use it. HDMI-cable ARC.
5. Solving Common Errors When Installing VC on Xiaomi TV
When installing VK on a Xiaomi TV, users often face the following problems:
- 🚫 "The app is not compatible with your device, meaning that the version APK Not designed for Android TV. Solution: Download the modified version (e.g, VK TV Mod).
- 🔄 "Download error (code 920)" — Google Play crash.Solution: clear the store cache (Settings → Annexes → Google Play → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
- 🔒 "Failed to log in" - certificate problem. Solution: check date and time on TV (Settings) → System system → Date and time → Autodetermination).
- 📱 "Remote does not work in the application" - interface is not adapted. Solution: connect a wireless mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth.
Critical information: If the TV starts to brake or overheat after installing the VK, it means that the model does not pull the application, in which case the only way out is to use the web version or mirror the screen.
6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on the model of the TV and your tasks:
- 📦 Google Play is the best option for Android TVs TV 9.0+ (Quick, secure, automatic updates).
- 📁 APK-File – suitable for older models or TVs without Play Market, but requires caution.
- 🌐 Web version is a universal way, but with limited functionality (no notifications, slow operation).
- 🔄 Mirror is a temporary solution for those who do not want to install the app on TV.
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For Xiaomi Mi TV 5 Pro and later, the first method is optimal (Google Play). For Mi TV 4A/4S, it is better to use APK or the web version.