Can I officially install a VC on a Xiaomi TV?
Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Google TV (Mi model TV 4A/4S/5X/P1/Q1E/Q2 And newer) do not support the official VKontakte app through the Google Play Store. VK: The company hasn't adapted its service for TVs, despite having an Android and iOS version, but that doesn't mean watching a VC tape or video on a big screen is impossible.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to install VKontakte on Xiaomi TVs, including bypassing restrictions through third-party launchers, APK-You will also learn which models support certain methods and how to avoid common errors (e.g., "App not installed" or "Device incompatible»).
⚠️ Important: Some methods require the inclusion of developer mode or the installation of third-party applications, which can void the warranty (if you modify system files) or create security vulnerabilities. We recommend starting with the safest ways – mirroring the screen or using SmartTubeNext.
Method 1: Mirroring a screen from a phone (the easiest method)
If you need to temporarily display content from the VC to your TV (for example, show photos or videos to friends), the fastest way is to mirror the screen from your smartphone. TV, including the old ones TV 3S) and new (Xiaomi) TV Q2 2026).
This will require:
- 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iPhone with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- 📺 Xiaomi TV with Miracast support (all models after 2018).
- 🔄 The same Wi-Fi network for phone and TV.
Instructions for Android:
- On TV: Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Wireless display.
- On the phone: open Settings → Connected devices → Transmission to the screen (on screen) Xiaomi/Redmi — Settings → Connection and sharing → Screen transmission).
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Launch the VKontakte app on your phone – its image will appear on the TV screen.
⚠️ Attention: mirroring may cause video delay (lag up to 1-2 seconds) and reduced image quality.
Method 2: Installation of the VK through APK-File (for advanced users)
If you need a full-fledged VKontakte app on your TV, you can install it manually through the APK-This method is suitable for Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A/4S/5X/P1/Q1E Android TV 9.0+. But there are nuances:
- 🔧 You need to enable Developer Mode and allow installation from unknown sources.
- 📱 You need to download a special version. APK Android TV (mobile phone won't work).
- ⚠️ Risk of blocking VK account when using unofficial clients.
Step-by-step:
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
- Download. APK-VKontakte file for Android TV (There is no official version, so use verified sources.
- Transfer the file to the TV: USB-drive (insert the flash drive into the TV port and open the File Manager). via the Send Files to app TV (Available on Google Play on TV).
X-Plore
Files.
"The app won't open."
clear out the cache
🔹 Challenges and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "An appendix not installed" | Incompatible version of APK | Download. APK Android TV (architecture arm64-v8a) |
| "No Internet connection" | VK blocks unofficial clients | Use it. VPN or log in through the browser |
| The app flies off at launch | Google Services is not available | Install GApps or use SmartTubeNext |
💡
Before installation APK Check it for viruses through VirusTotal. Unofficial versions may contain malicious code.
Method 3: View VC via SmartTubeNext (for videos and clips)
If you only want videos and clips from VK, the best option is SmartTubeNext. This is a modified YouTube client that supports integration with other services, including VK.
- 🎥 The ability to watch video from VC 4K HDR (if the TV supports).
- 🔍 Built-in search on VKontakte (including groups and users).
- 📱 Convenient control from the Xiaomi remote.
How to determine:
- Download SmartTubeNext from the official website: smarttubenext.github.io.
- Install. APK via file manager (similar to Method 2).
- Launch the application and in the settings (⚙️ → External sources: add VKontakte as a source.
- To authorize, use logins/passwords or access tokens (can be obtained via vkhost.github.io).
⚠️ Warning: SmartTubeNext doesn’t show news feeds or messages, just video and audio. To use the VC properly, you’ll have to combine this method with others (e.g., mirroring for chat rooms).
How to get a VC access token for SmartTubeNext?
Method 4: Use of alternative launchers (ATV Launcher or Sideload Launcher)
One of the most reliable ways to launch VK on Xiaomi TV — install an alternative launcher that allows you to run non-optimized applications:
- 🚀 ATV Launcher – a simple launcher with support for all applications.
- 🔄 Sideload Launcher – Specialized for Sideload Launcher APK.
- 🎮 TV Launcher – with game mode and mouse support.
Instructions:
- Install the selected launcher via Google Play (if available) or APK-file.
- Install. APK VKontakte (see Method 2).
- Launch the launcher and select VK from the list of applications.
- If the app doesn’t open, try changing it. DPI-permission in the launcher settings (optimum: 320) DPI).
Important: on Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 4A (2018) and older may need to disable the standard PatchWall launcher as it blocks third-party shells:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mitv.tvhomeThis command must be executed through ADB (plugging the TV into the PC).
💡
Alternative launchers allow you to run any Android application, but can slow down the TV, optimally use them only to run VC, and then return to the standard interface.
Method 5: Web version of VK via browser (for models without Google Play)
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Google Play (e.g. Mi) TV 3S or Chinese versions), you can use the web version of VKontakte through the browser:
- ❌ No notifications of communications.
- ❌ Inconvenient control from the remote (need a mouse or keyboard).
- ❌ Videos can be played with errors.
How to set up:
- Open your browser on your TV (Google Chrome, TV Bro or built-in).
- Go to vk.com and log in.
- Enable PC Mode (in Chrome: ⋮ → Desktop version).
- For convenience, connect a Bluetooth mouse or use voice search (microphone on the Xiaomi remote).
🔹 Tip: if the video in VK is not played, try it:
- 🔄 Update your browser to the latest version.
- 📥 Clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → browser → Clear the data).
- 🌐 Use another browser (such as Firefox for Android) TV).
Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?
To determine the optimal method, we evaluate each according to the key criteria:
| Method | Difficulty | Functionality | Suitable for models | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen mirroring | ⭐ (simple) | Full access to VC | All models. | Lags, low quality video |
| APK installation | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Full access (if applicable) APK labourer) | Mi TV 4A/4S/5X/P1/Q1E | Viruses, account blocking |
| SmartTubeNext | ⭐⭐ (easily) | Video and audio only | Models with Android TV 9.0+ | No tape or messages. |
| Alternative launcher | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Full access | Mi TV 4S/P1/Q1E/Q2 | Slowing down the system |
| Web version | ⭐ (simple) | Limited (no notifications) | All models. | Uncomfortable management |
🔹 Recommendations for selection:
- 🎬 To watch the video → SmartTubeNext.
- 💬 For chats and tapes → mirroring APK + launcher.
- 🖥️ For old models. → web-version.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When installing VK on Xiaomi TV And the problem is that users are facing typical problems:
⚠️ Attention: if after installation APK VK crashes when you start, check your TV's CPU architecture. Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A (2018) work ARMv7, new (Q1E/Q2) — on ARMv8. Download. APK architecture!
Error 1: “The app is incompatible with your device” on Google Play
- 🔹 Reason: Official VK app is not adapted for Android TV.
- 🔹 Solution: Use APK mirroring.
Error 2: After installation APK black screen.
- 🔹 Reason: App is not optimized for the big screen.
- 🔹 Solution: change DPI In the launcher settings or use SmartTubeNext.
Error 3: The VC authorization is not working.
- 🔹 Reason: Blocking of unofficial clients.
- 🔹 Solution: Use an access token (see Method 3) or a web version.
Error 4: Videos in the VC are not played or slowed down.
- 🔹 Reason: weak processor or outdated firmware.
- 🔹 Solution: Update your TV to the latest version of the software or use SmartTubeNext with hardware acceleration.