How to install apps on a Xiaomi TV: all the ways from official to hidden

Xiaomi’s Android TV or PatchWall TVs offer flexible options for installing apps, but not all users are aware of all the available methods. The official Mi Store often limits choice, and many popular services (such as YouTube Vanced or Kodi) are simply absent. Meanwhile, there are at least 5 ways to install, from simple to advanced, requiring technical skills.

In this article, we’ll break down each method in detail, from basic installation via Google Play (if available on your model) to manual implementation. APK-file ADB or Send Files to TV. We will pay special attention to circumventing the restrictions on models without Google services (for example, Mi). TV 5 Pro for the Chinese market), as well as security – incorrect installation can lead to system failures or locking the device.

Before you start, check the firmware version of your TV in the Settings → About TV menu. Current models (Xiaomi TV A2 2023, Redmi Smart Fire TV) support most of the methods described, whereas older versions (such as Mi TV 4A 2018) may require bypassing protection.

1.Installation through the official Mi Store

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in Mi Store (or PatchWall Store on some models), which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi TVs and includes optimized versions of popular services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and local platforms like Okko or Wink.

To install the application:

• 📺 Turn on the TV and connect to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or cable).
• 🔍 On the home screen, find the Mi Store icon (or Apps) → Install new ones).
• 🔎 Enter the name of the desired application in the search bar or select from categories.
• 📥 Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.

⚠️ Note: Many global apps are missing from the Mi Store (e.g, HBO If you need this software, go to the following methods. Some applications may also be blocked on a regional basis, in which case changing the country in the settings of the Xiaomi account will help.

💡

If the app isn’t installed from the Mi Store, try clearing the store’s cache: go to Settings → Apps → Mi Store → Clear the cache.

2.Use of Google Play (if available)

Xiaomi TVs for the global market (such as the Mi TV P1 or Xiaomi TV A Pro) often come pre-installed with the Google Play Store.This greatly expands the installation options, as Google's catalog includes thousands of apps not available in the Mi Store.

To install the app via Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store on the home screen or in the app menu.
2. Sign in with your Google account (if not authorized).
3. Find the right application and click Install.
4. Confirm the permissions (if required) and wait until the installation is complete.

🔹 Not all Google Play apps are optimized for TVs, for example, TikTok or Instagram may not display correctly or require touch control. Check compatibility in the app description before installing (Android should be specified). TV).

💡

If your TV doesn’t have Google Play but Android TV support, you can try installing it manually via APK (see next section).

Manual installation APK-file

If the desired application is not in official stores, it can be installed manually through the APK-This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including those that are blocked by Google Play. However, there are risks: unofficial sources can spread malware, and improperly selected ones can spread malware. APK malfunction.

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download. APK-file on a reliable resource (e.g. APKPure or APKMirror) Make sure the version is Android compatible TV.
2. Transfer the file to USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) Or send it to the TV via Send Files to TV (The app is available in the Mi Store).
3. Connect USB to your TV and open the File Manager (or Explorer).
4. Find it. APK-If you see a warning that says "Installation locked," allow installation from unknown sources in Settings. → Security.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources, it may lead to:

• 🛑 Infection with viruses (especially if you are a TV user) APK modified).
• 🔄 Automatic updates that will break the application.
• 🚫 Blocking Xiaomi account for violating the rules (on Chinese firmware).

Installation via ADB (for advanced users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method allows you to install applications via a computer even if the TV does not support manual APK installation. This is especially true for Chinese versions of Xiaomi TV, where alternative methods are blocked.

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (or Wi-Fi connection).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and TV drivers.

🔧 Instructions for installation through ADB:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On the TV, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About TV and click on the Build Number 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the TV to your computer via USB (USB 3.0 port is preferred) and confirm your trust in the device.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type:

adb devices

If the TV is displayed in the list, follow the installation command:

adb install path to file.apk

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on all models, including blocked ones.
• ✅ Allows you to install system applications (e.g. Google Play Services).
• ✅ You can remove embedded applications (cautiously!).

Download Platform Tools|Enable the developer mode|Activate debugging by USB|Connect the TV to the PC|Check the connection with the adb device command-->

5. Alternative ways: Send Files to TV and cloud storage

If you're not on hand USB-computer or storage device can be transferred APK-File on Xiaomi TV with the help of:

• 📱 Send Files to TV — Xiaomi's official app, available in the Mi Store, allows you to send files from your smartphone to your TV over a local network.
• ☁️ Google Drive, Yandex Disk. Download APK to the cloud, open on the TV through the browser and download.
• 🌐 Built-in browser: Some TVs allow you to download files directly from the Internet (e.g., APKPure).

📌 Example: Send Files to TV:

1. Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (Google Play or App Store).
2. Open the app on your TV (Mi Home → Send Files to TV)
3. On your smartphone, select APK-file and send it to the TV.
4. After transfer, open the file on the TV and install.

⚠️ Attention: When loading APK Xiaomi can block downloads from "unsafe" sources via the TV browser, in which case use Google Drive or Yandex Disk, which are less likely to trigger warnings.

6. Solving installation problems

It's all done according to the instructions, and sometimes you get a mistake when you install an app on your Xiaomi TV, and let's look at the typical problems and the ways you can solve them.

🔧 Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the application does not start after installation, restart the TV (Settings) → Reboot).
• 📱 For applications that require Google Play Services (such as YouTube), first install the Google Services Framework via Google Play Services. ADB.
• 🌍 If the app is not working due to regional restrictions, change the country in your Xiaomi account or use it. VPN.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing apps on Xiaomi TV