Modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/5, A Pro, P1, Q2, and others) support YouTube installation directly through the built-in Google Play app store or alternative methods. However, many users face problems: the app is not listed, does not update, slows down or requires authorization via a smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to view YouTube on Xiaomi TV, from standard to bypass solutions for older models.
Xiaomi TVs are particularly special in their use of Android TV (or its modified version of PatchWall in Indian models), which opens up a lot of possibilities for app installation, but also creates limitations. For example, YouTube may be pre-deleted on some TVs due to regional restrictions or conflicts with Google licenses, and we will tell you how to return the app and set it up properly.
If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019, chances are that the built-in Google Play does not support the latest version of YouTube, and alternative methods such as connecting via Mi Box, streaming from your phone or using a browser will help, each method is described in detail below, taking into account the nuances of specific models.
1.Install YouTube via Google Play on Xiaomi TV
The easiest way to download the official YouTube app from the Google Play store, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi TVs (starting with the Mi TV 4A 2020 and later), but there are pitfalls: the app may not be available in search due to regional restrictions or an outdated firmware version.
To install YouTube via Google Play:
- 📺 Turn on the TV and go to the Apps (or Apps) section).
- 🔍 In the search bar, type “YouTube” (use the remote or keyboard on the screen).
- 📥 If the application is found, click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- 🔄 After installation, update the application to the latest version (Update button in YouTube card).
If YouTube is not displayed on Google Play:
- Check the region of your Google account: it should match the region of your TV (e.g., Russia or Europa).
- Update your TV firmware to the latest version in Settings → About TV → System Update.
- Reset the Google Play cache: Settings → Apps → Google Play → Clear the cache.
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If after installation YouTube asks for authorization via smartphone, but the code does not come - try to log in via the browser on your computer at the link youtube.com/activate and enter the code from the TV screen.
2. Alternative ways to install YouTube (if not in Google Play)
On older Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 3 or Mi TV 4 2018 YouTube app may not be in store due to outdated Android version TV. In this case, manual installation will help APK-Important: Use only official sources to avoid viruses.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of YouTube for Android TV from APKMirror (select TV, not smartphones!).
- Copy the file onto a FAT32 flash drive and connect it to the TV.
- On TV, open the File Manager (or ES Explorer, if installed) and find the APK.
- Start the installation by allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
Important: Once you install YouTube via APK, the app will not automatically update, repeat the process manually or use the AppLinked app for remote installation to get updates.
Download APK from a trusted source | Format the flash drive in FAT32| Enable installation from unknown sources | Check the Android TV version (must be at least 7.0)
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3.Browse YouTube via your browser on Xiaomi TV
If you can’t install the app, you can use the YouTube web version through a built-in browser.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but has limitations: no 4K support, scroll lags are possible, no gesture control remote is available.
How to open YouTube in your browser:
- 🌐 Launch a browser (usually an Internet or Browser icon in the app menu).
- 🔗 Enter the address. youtube.com/tv — This is an adapted version for TVs.
- 🔑 Sign in via Google account (if required, use a virtual keyboard on the screen).
- 🎬 For convenience, add the site to bookmarks: click Star on the remote.
Disadvantages of the method:
- ❌ No support. HDR high bitrate.
- ❌ Advertising is blocked worse than in the app.
- ❌ Buffering problems may occur on weak models (e.g. Mi). TV 4A 32").
Official annex|browser|Telephone broadcast|Mi Box/prefix|Another way.-->
4. YouTube streaming from phone to Xiaomi TV
One of the most versatile ways is to stream video from your phone to your TV, which requires both devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the oldest, but requires an Android or iOS smartphone.
Instructions for Android:
- Open the YouTube app on your phone and select a video.
- Click the Broadcast icon (the screen icon with Wi-Fi in the upper right corner).
- In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV (the name will be MiTV-type).
- Confirm the connection to the TV if you receive a request.
For iPhone (iOS):
- 📱 Make sure AirPlay is on TV (some Xiaomi models require Apple app installation) TV Google Play).
- 🔄 On YouTube on iPhone, click Broadcast → Choose a TV.
- ⚠️ On older Xiaomi models (until 2020), streaming from the iPhone may not work due to lack of AirPlay support.
Why is the broadcast interrupted?
5 Connection via Mi Box or other console
If the built-in methods don’t work, the best solution is to use an external console, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick. These devices run on a pure Android TV and are guaranteed to support the latest version of YouTube with all features, including 4K HDR.
Advantages of connecting via Mi Box:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi Box S | Mi TV Stick |
|---|---|---|
| 4K support | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, on some models) |
| HDR and Dolby Vision | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Voice search | ✅ Yes, Google Assistant) | ✅ Yes. |
| Price (2026) | ~3 500 ₽ | ~2 500 ₽ |
How to connect Mi Box to Xiaomi TV:
- Connect the console to the HDMI port on TV.
- Connect the power and turn on the Mi Box.
- On the Xiaomi remote TV Press the Source (or Input) button and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for setting up your Wi-Fi and Google account.
- Install YouTube from Google Play on the Mi Box.
If you already have a Mi Box, but YouTube is slowing down, try:
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the console in Settings → About the prefix → Updating the system.
- 🧹 Clear the cache of the YouTube app in Settings → Annexes → YouTube → Clear the cache.
- 🔌 Connect Mi Box via Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi for stability.
6. Solving Common YouTube Problems on Xiaomi TV
Even after successful YouTube installation, users are faced with errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: YouTube is not opening or crashing
⚠️ Warning: If the app gets dyed when it starts, it's likely to be a conflict with cache or data:
- 🔄 Restart the TV (press the power button on the remote for 5 seconds).
- 🗑️ Clear YouTube data: Settings → Annexes → YouTube → Clear the data.
- 🔙 Reverse to the previous version of the app (if the update caused a crash).
Problem 2: There is no sound on YouTube, but there is in other apps
A common cause is audio codec conflict.
- 🔊 In YouTube settings (cog in the upper right corner) select Quality → Always high (1080p or 4K).
- 🎧 In the TV settings (Sound) → Exit format) set PCM instead of Dolby or DTS.
- 🔄 Reconnect. HDMI-cable (if you use an external console).
Problem 3: YouTube asks for authorization, but the code doesn't come
This is a typical login error via youtube.com/activate.
- 📱 Try to log in via your browser on a PC, not from your phone.
- 🔄 Restart your router – sometimes the lock happens at the network level.
- 🔗 Use it. VPN On your TV (install Windscribe or ProtonVPN from Google Play) if regional restrictions are the problem.
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If none of the methods helped, check if it is blocked. MAC-The address of your TV on the router, sometimes the providers limit traffic to "non-standard" devices.