How to watch movies on Xiaomi TV: a complete guide

Modern Smart TVs have transformed a TV from a simple signal receiver into a powerful multimedia center capable of playing content from any source. Owners of Xiaomi equipment often face the question of how to maximize the capabilities of the Android TV operating system to view movies. The standard set of applications does not always satisfy the user’s needs, requiring the installation of additional software.

There are many ways to stream an image, from connecting a flash drive to complex DLNA network settings. Understanding the differences between embedded features and third-party solutions will allow you to enjoy content in the highest quality.

It's important to note that the interface may vary depending on the firmware version and region, but the basic principles of working with the file system and network protocols remain the same for most models, so let's break down each method in detail so you can choose the most convenient one for yourself.

Use of built-in applications and Smart TV

The first thing to start with is the built-in Google Play Store, which has a huge amount of legal content on Android TV, and you can install official customers at popular theaters like Kion, Wink or Netflix (if you have the appropriate certificates).

To install the application, you just go to the App section on the home screen and select the service you want from the list, and after you log in, you will have access to the entire catalog of the platform you choose, which is the easiest and most stable way to do this, and it doesn't require complex network settings.

However, some services may require a paid subscription to access premium content in 4K resolution, and the quality of streaming is directly dependent on the speed of your Internet connection, if the network is unstable, the image may crumble into pixels or be interrupted.

⚠️ Note: When using free versions of online cinemas, the quality of the picture is often limited 720p, What on large diagonals of Xiaomi TVs can look fuzzy.

Installation of third-party applications through APK files

If the built-in functionality isn’t enough, you can install apps manually using APK files, which opens up programs that aren’t available in the official Google Play store for your region, and you’ll need a file manager like File Commander or X-plore to do that.

You first need to download the application installation file to your computer or smartphone, and then you need to transfer the file to a flash drive or transfer it over the local network to the TV. USB-port TV Run the file manager and find the downloaded file.

The system can issue a security alert when you first try installing third-party software. You will need to confirm permission in the Settings menu → Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources. After that, the installation process will proceed smoothly, and the icon will appear on the desktop.

Special attention should be paid to the version of Android installed on your TV. Some applications may not work on older versions of the operating system or, conversely, require the latest Android TV updates. Always check compatibility before downloading.

Broadcasting of the smartphone screen (Cast and AirPlay)

One of the most convenient ways to watch videos is to stream the image directly from your smartphone. Xiaomi devices support Chromecast built-in technology, which allows you to send content from your phone to your TV in one click. This works with both Android and iOS devices.

To start, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the video in the app on your phone (like YouTube or browser) and click on the broadcast icon. Select your TV from the list of available devices and the image will appear on the big screen.

iPhone owners can use AirPlay if it is supported by your TV model or installed through a third-party app, which allows you to mirror the entire screen of your smartphone or stream video files from the gallery, while the delay is minimal, which is comfortable to view.

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For stable broadcast without jerks, it is recommended to connect the TV to a 5 GHz network, since the 2.4 GHz band is often overloaded by neighboring routers.

Remember, when you stream through Cast, the phone is just a remote control, and the data stream goes directly to the TV, which saves battery power on the smartphone. However, when you mirror the screen (Screen Mirroring), the phone encodes the video, which can cause the device to heat up.

View video via local area network (DLNA and SMB)

If you have a home server or a computer with shared folders, you can watch movies directly from your PC hard drive. DLNA and SMB protocols allow your TV to see files on the network as local. This is ideal for viewing heavy files without converting.

To implement this method, you need to open up the movie folder on your computer. In Windows, this is done through the properties of the folder in the Access section. On your TV, you need to install a media player that supports network protocols, such as VLC for Android TV or Nova Video Player.

When you start the player, go to Local Network or Neighborhood Devices. The TV will automatically find the computers available. The first connection may require you to enter your Windows account login and password. Once you log in, the folder structure will open.

⚠️ Note: When playing heavy files with bitrates above 80 Mbps over Wi-Fi, there may be slowdowns. 4K HDR Content is strongly recommended to use a wired Ethernet connection.

The advantage of SMB over DLNA is that it supports metadata: covers, descriptions and tracking of the viewed. DLNA transmits a raw list of files, so it is better to use SMB-enabled players and libraries to organize your home media library.

Using torrent clients on TV

For advanced users, you can install torrent clients directly on your TV. Popular applications like Torrent Stream Controller or Num allow you to open magnet links and watch videos as it loads, eliminating the need to wait for a file to download.

Installation of such applications usually occurs via APK, as Google Play torrent clients are often absent or limited. Once installed, you will need a remote or mouse application on your smartphone for navigation, as the control may not be adapted to the Xiaomi remote.

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Direct loading of torrents on the TV creates a high load on the processor and disk system, which can lead to overheating of the device with prolonged use.

It is important to note that the file sharing (sitting) after viewing creates a constant load on the drive. It is recommended to set up automatic removal of the handout after viewing is over or limit the speed of return in the client settings.

There is also a risk of overheating internal memory when you are actively writing and reading data at the same time, and if you plan to use this method often, consider connecting an external SSD drive via a USB 3.0 port.

Connecting external drives and setting up codecs

The easiest and most reliable way is to connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive. Xiaomi TVs support FAT32, NTFS and exFAT file systems. However, for files larger than 4 GB, FAT32 format is not suitable, you need to format in NTFS.

The built-in player may not support some audio codecs, such as DTS or Dolby Atmos, due to licensing restrictions.In this case, the video will go without sound or with an error.The solution is to install a third-party player, such as VLC or MX Player, which have built-in codecs.

When connecting a large number of devices through USB hubs, power problems can occur. If the hard drive is not detected or permanently shuts down, try using an additional powered cable or an active USB hub.

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out USB This can cause file system damage and data loss. Always use the Safe Retrieval feature in the TV menu.

For optimal work with external drives, it is recommended to defragment files on the computer before connecting to the TV, which will speed up the search for files and navigation through the media player menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)