How to watch TV series on Xiaomi TV: all ways from USB streamingly

Modern Xiaomi TVs (series Mi) TV 4/5, A Pro, P1, Q2 And there are dozens of ways to watch TV shows, from built-in streaming platforms to external drives, but it's not always clear which method to choose: where is the best picture quality, how to avoid lags, and why some files don't play. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic settings to solving typical problems.

We'll look. 5 Main viewing methods: through applications (Netflix, Amediateka, Kinopoisk), with USB-storage device, on a local network (DLNA), assisted Miracast/AirPlay, We will focus on optimizing quality (resolution, sound, subtitles) and solving errors, from lack of sound to problems with file formats. If you just bought a Xiaomi TV or want to improve the current viewing experience, this guide will be useful.

1. Viewing through streaming apps (Netflix, Kinopoisk, Amediateka)

The easiest way is to use built-in or installed apps. - Xiaomi Android-based TVs TV Google TV Supports most popular services:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Netflix - available on 4K HDR on models with support (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 75") Requires a subscription.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Kinopoisk HD โ€” Russian-language service with a large catalog of TV series (including exclusives) Free content with advertising.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Amediateka โ€“ specializes in foreign TV series (HBO, Showtime et al. Subscription from 299 โ‚ฝ/moss.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก YouTube โ€“ many TV shows are posted on channels (for example, @STS or @TNT).
  • ๐ŸŒ Disney+ โ€” Available via Google Play on new models (from 2022).

To install the application:

  1. Press the Home button on the remote.
  2. Go to Google Play Store (the icon of the color triangle).
  3. Enter the name of the service in search and click Install.
  4. After installation, log in (if required) and select the series.

Important: on some models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 2018-2019) may not be available Google Play, in which case the applications are installed via APK-Files (about this in the section about sideloading).

๐Ÿ“Š What streaming service do you use more often?
Netflix
Kinopoisk
Amediateka
YouTube
Disney+
Other

Reproduction of the USB-drive-drive

If the series is downloaded to a flash drive or disk, it can be run directly through the port. USB 2.0/3.0 Xiaomi supports most popular formats:

FormatSupportNotes
.mp4โœ… Yes.Best choice for Full HD/4K
.mkvโœ… Yes.Supports multi-track sound, but can brake on weak models
.aviโš ๏ธ Partially.Possible problems with sound (codecs) AC3)
.movโŒ No.Requires conversion
.m4vโœ… Yes.Best for TV series from iTunes

Instructions for connection:

  1. Put the flash drive in the port. USB (preferably 3.0 for 4K).
  2. On the remote, press Sources (button with a square and arrow).
  3. Choose. USB-accumulator โ†’ Find the folder with the series.
  4. For ease of navigation, use buttons. โ† โ†’ โ†‘ โ†“ remote.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the TV can't see the flash drive, check its file system. Xiaomi supports FAT32, exFAT and NTFS, But on the old models. TV (3) may not work exFAT.

Format the flash drive into FAT32 (volume < 32GB)

Check files for errors (through properties) โ†’ service)

Use folders with short names (without Cyrillic)

Disable "Quick Deletion" in Windows (for the purpose of NTFS)

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3. Local network broadcasting (DLNA/UPnP)

If the series is stored on a computer or NAS, It can be broadcast to a TV without a flash drive. DLNA, All Xiaomi models are supported since Mi. TV 4.

How to set up:

  1. On the PC, install it. DLNA-server: ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Windows: Enable Media Streaming in Settings โ†’ Network โ†’ Sharing parameters. ๐Ÿง Linux: Install minidlna or rygel. ๐ŸŽ Mac: Use Plex Media Server.

Media player

gallery

Local area network

Select a folder with the series and play the file.

Challenges and solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ” TV doesn't see PC: check that both devices are on the same network (e.g. connected to the same Xiaomi Mi Router router). VPN computer-based.
  • ๐ŸŽต No sound: some formats (e.g., no sound, DTS) They're not supported. AAC or MP3.
  • ๐Ÿข Lags when playing: reduce the bitrate of the video (for example, using HandBrake) or use a wired connection (Ethernet).

๐Ÿ’ก

If DLNA It's unstable, try an alternative, Plex or Kodi, which are better optimized for streaming and support transcoding on the fly".

4. Wireless broadcast from a phone or tablet (Miracast/AirPlay)

If the show is downloaded on a smartphone (Xiaomi, iPhone or other), it can be broadcast wirelessly to a TV.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Miracast โ€“ for Android devices (including Xiaomi, Redmi smartphones, POCO).
  • ๐ŸŽ AirPlay - for iPhone/iPad (You need a TV with Apple TV or support for AirPlay 2, Like Mi. TV Q2 2023).

Instructions for Miracast (Android):

  1. On TV: Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Wireless display.
  2. On a smartphone: Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Screen broadcast (on MIUI This may be called the Wireless Display).
  3. Select your TV name from the list of devices.
  4. Run the video on your phone โ€“ it will automatically show up on TV.

Limitations:

  • โš ๏ธ Lag can be as long as 1-2 seconds โ€“ critical for games, but not noticeable when watching TV shows.
  • โš ๏ธ Quality depends on the speed of Wi-Fi. HD You need a 5GHz network.
  • โš ๏ธ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV Stick) Miracast only works with branded devices.
How to reduce lag with Miracast?
1. Connect your TV and phone to the same 5GHz network (not 2.4GHz). 2. Close background apps on your smartphone (especially instant messengers). 3. In your Android developer settings, turn on the option to turn off hardware acceleration (can help on older devices). 4. Use specialized applications like ApowerMirror instead of built-in Miracast.

5. Connecting a laptop or PC (HDMI, USB-C)

If the series is stored on a computer, the most reliable way is to connect it to the TV on the TV. HDMI. This ensures maximum quality (up to the 4K@60Hz) and minimum delays.

What you need:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Cable HDMI (version 2.0 or higher 4K).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Adapter (if only on the laptop) USB-C or Thunderbolt).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Remote or wireless keyboard for easy control.

Setting:

  1. Connect the cable to the port HDMI on television (preferably) HDMI 2.1. 4K).
  2. On PC, press Win. + P and select Only the second screen or Duplicate.
  3. On the TV, select the signal source: HDMI 1/2/3 (depending on the port).
  4. Run the video on your computer and it will be displayed on TV.

Quality optimization:

  • ๐ŸŽจ In Windows settings, set the resolution corresponding to the TV (for example, 3840ร—2160 for 4K).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Select the correct audio device: Right button on the sound icon โ†’ Reproduction devices โ†’ Television.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ For games or videos with high FPS Turn on the Game mode on the TV (Settings) โ†’ Picture โ†’ Image mode).

โš ๏ธ Note: if you are connected to HDMI No sound, check that the correct output is selected in the Windows settings (Digital audio (HDMI)). Some laptops (such as MacBooks) may require a sound-enabled adapter.

6. Installation of applications through APK (sideloading) for enhanced features

If the streaming service is not available in Google Play, you can install it manually through the Google Play service. APK-It's relevant to the file:

  • ๐ŸŒ Regionally blocked applications (e.g, HBO Max or Peacock).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Alternative players (VLC, MX Player).
  • ๐Ÿ”“ Modified versions (e.g. YouTube Vanced for ad blocking).

How to install APK:

  1. Download. APK-a file to a flash drive or to the cloud (e.g. Google Drive).
  2. On TV: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Security โ†’ Unknown sources and allow installation.
  3. Open the File Manager (or Downloads) and find APK and start the installation.
  4. After installation, a reboot may be required.

Risks and limitations:

  • โš ๏ธ Not all. APK They work on Android TV (There may be problems with the control of the remote).
  • โš ๏ธ Installation from unknown sources increases the risk of viruses. download files only from trusted sites (APKMirror, APKPure).
  • โš ๏ธ Some apps (e.g. Netflix) block playback on โ€œuncertifiedโ€ devices.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before installation APK Check compatibility with Android TV. For example, the TiviMate app (for the IPTV) It has a special version for TVs, and the regular mobile version may not work.

7. Solving typical problems when watching TV shows

Even after setting it up correctly, you can still get errors.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Video's slowing downA weak processor or high bitrateConvert the video to H.264 bitrate โ‰ค 20 Mbps
No sound.Unsupported audio codec (DTS, AC3)Recode the sound to AAC or use an external sound system
Black screen when playingIncompatible format (.mov,.flv)Convert to.mp4 or.mkv via HandBrake
App won't openAn outdated version of Android TVUpdate the firmware (Settings) โ†’ On TV. โ†’ Updating the system)
Subtitles are not displayedIncorrect file encoding (.srt)Open the file in Notepad++ and keep in UTF-8

Critical information: on Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Hardware decoding works only for formats H.264 and H.265. Video in the video AV1 or VP9 will be reproduced with lags.

8. Quality optimization: resolution, sound, subtitles

To make the series look and sound perfect, adjust the following parameters:

Picture:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Resolution: in the settings of the TV (Settings) โ†’ Picture โ†’ Screen resolution: select Auto or 4K (if maintained).
  • ๐ŸŽจ Color profile: for HDR-contents HDR10 Dolby Vision (available on Mi) TV Q2 newer).
  • ๐Ÿ” Clearness: Turn off Noise Reduction and Motion Improvement โ€“ they spoil the picture in dynamic scenes.

Sound:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Sound Mode: Select Movie or Music in Settings โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Sound mode.
  • ๐ŸŽง Headphone access: If you have Xiaomi Mi True Wireless connected, select Bluetooth audio.
  • ๐Ÿ“ป Equator: for better conversational speech, increase the average frequencies (1-3 kHz).

Subtitles:

  • ๐Ÿ“„ External subtitles: Place the.srt file in the same folder as the video, with the same name (e.g, series_s01e01.mkv and series_s01e01.srt).
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Synchronization: if the subtitles do not match the speech, in the player (for example, VLC) Use the hot keys. G/H time-shift.

๐Ÿ’ก

Use YouTube test videos to calibrate your color (e.g., search on demand "4K HDR calibration test.This will help you to fine-tune brightness, contrast and color temperature.

FAQ: Frequent questions about watching TV series on Xiaomi TV

Can I watch TV shows directly on TV?
No, built-in torrent client in Xiaomi TV No, but you can: Download torrents on PCs and stream them on the Internet. DLNA. Use external devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S) with qBittorrent installed. APK An alternative player (e.g. Popcorn Time) is illegal in most countries.Warning: downloading and distributing pirated content is punishable by law (Article 146 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
Why Netflix is on Xiaomi TV Shows content in low quality?
This is due to the limitations of Android. TV Or your fare: ๐Ÿ“ถ Internet speed (for the 4K needle โ‰ฅ 25 Mbps). ๐Ÿ“บ Netflix Settings: Profile โ†’ Reproduction settings โ†’ High. ๐Ÿ”„ Reinstall the app or update the TV firmware. On models without Widevine certification L1 (Like Mi. TV 4A) maximum quality โ€” 720p.
How to include Russian subtitles in apps like Amediateka?
In most streaming services, subtitles are included as follows: During playback, click OK Select the subtitles icon (usually in the upper right corner) and select the language (Russian can be denoted as Russian). RU If there are no subtitles, check it out: ๐Ÿ” Translation availability for a specific series (not all content translated). ๐Ÿ“ฅ Update the application to the latest version.
Can I record live channels on Xiaomi? TV later?
Yes, but only on models with built-in TV tuner (for example, Mi). TV P1). For this purpose: Connect the antenna to the connector RF IN. Set up channels (Settings) โ†’ Channels โ†’ When you view it, click on the remote (if supported) Recording stored on internal memory or external drive. For models without a tuner (e.g. Mi Mi). TV Q2) You will need an external console (for example, Xiaomi Mi). TV Stick).
How to Reset TV Settings if You Have To Set Up After Installation APK He stopped?
Perform a soft reset (without data loss): Settings โ†’ On TV. โ†’ Reset โ†’ Reset Settings If it didnโ€™t help, make a full reset (remove all apps and accounts): Settings โ†’ On TV. โ†’ Reset to factory settings Important: before reset untie the account Google and Xiaomi, otherwise after the reboot will require login / password.