Installation of applications from APK-Files on Xiaomi Mi TVs TV It gives you access to thousands of programs that you can't get from the official store. TV These devices are very limited: the manufacturer blocks the installation from unknown sources, and many of them are not. APK They're just not optimized for remote control. This article is a 2026 current method that works on Mi models. TV 4A Xiaomi TV Q2, including ways to circumvent restrictions without loss of warranty.
We're going to take a look at not only the classic version through the file manager, but also the alternatives, from using ADB to installing it through cloud services, and we're going to focus on compatibility issues, which is why some APKs run smoothly and some give the "Application Not Installed" error, and all the instructions are tested on MIUI TV 3.0 firmware and later.
Why Xiaomi is blocking APK installation and how to get around it
The manufacturer restricts the installation of third-party APKs for two reasons: security (virus risk) and optimization (many mobile applications are not adapted to control from the remote control).
- 🔒 Ban unknown sources – there is no standard switch in the security settings, as on smartphones
- 📱 Filtration. APK — The system checks the application manifest for the presence of the tag android:leanbackLaunchIntent (mandatory for Android) TV)
- 🔄 Automatic removal – some firmware (MIUI TV 2.5 and below) may be washed "inappropriate" APK post-boot
You can avoid the limitations, but it is important to understand the risks:
⚠️ Attention: Installation of modified APK (For example, with a patch for working on Android TV) This can lead to the blocking of Google services on the device, this applies to applications like YouTube or Netflix, which check the integrity of the system.
On the newer models (Xiaomi TV A2, Q2 75), some of the restrictions are removed, where you can enable installation from unknown sources through Settings → Applications → Special Access. But for older TVs (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 4X) you will need workarounds.
Method 1: Install APK via file manager (for new firmware)
The simplest method, which runs on MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware (released after 2021), is suitable for Xiaomi TV A2, Q2, P1 and some versions of the Mi TV 4X with updated software.
Steps:
- Download. APK-file USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) or in cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV or open the browser and download the file directly.
- Open the built-in File Manager (Applications → Tools → Files).
- Find the APK and click on it. If the "Installation locked" warning appears, go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for File Manager.
If you don't have Special Access, your firmware doesn't support this method. Go to Method 2 or 3.
Download a file from a verified source (APKMirror, APKPure)
Check the architecture (Xiaomi TV needs arm64 or universal)
Make sure APK supports Android TV (there is a leanback tag)
Disable antivirus on PC when downloading (can block modified files)-->
Method 2: Installation via ADB (for all models)
Method ADB (Android Debug Bridge works on all Xiaomi TVs, including older models on the same platform. MIUI TV 1.0-2.5. You'll need a computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and USB-cable (or Wi-Fi connection).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on TV: Go to Settings → About TV Click 7 times on the Build Number (you will be notified "You became a developer") Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging
Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
Connect the TV to your PC via USB (the port on the back) or Wi-Fi (the command below).
Open the command line in the ADB folder and do:
adb devicesIf the device is not displayed, confirm the connection on the TV screen.
Set the APK command:
adb install path to file.apkTo install with the replacement of the existing application, use:
adb install -r path to file.apkIf there is a mistake INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK, The file is incompatible with the TV architecture (required) arm64) or not optimized for Android TV.
What if ADB can’t see the TV?
Method 3: Installation via Send Files to TV (without PC)
If you don't have a computer, you can transfer APK from your smartphone to your TV using the Send Files to TV app (available on Google Play), which runs on MIUI TV 2.0+ firmware and doesn't require root rights.
Instructions:
- Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (Android/iOS).
- Open the app on your phone and TV (find it in Apps → Recommended).
- On the phone, select APK-file and send it to the TV.
- After transfer, open the File Manager on TV, find the downloaded APK in the Download folder and start the installation.
If the Send Files to TV app is not listed, install it via Method 2 (ADB) by downloading APK from APKMirror (look for the Android TV version).
⚠️ Attention: Some APK (For example, modified versions of YouTube or SmartTubeNext may contain hidden services that will consume traffic in the background.
Method 4: Cloud-based installation via bootloader (for power users)
This method is suitable for installing APKs directly from the Internet without using a PC or smartphone, and requires the bootloader app, which can be installed via ADB (Method 2) or found in alternative stores like Aptoide TV.
How to install APK through bootloader:
- Install bootloader on your TV (APK can be downloaded here).
- Open the application and enter URL on APK-file (for example, a direct link from APKMirror).
- After downloading, press Install and confirm the installation.
Use APK Parser to check the manifesto.
Can I install Google Play Store on Xiaomi TV?
Which APKs are working on Xiaomi TV?
💡
On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware, the easiest way to install APK is through File Manager or Send Files to TV. For older models (Mi TV 4A/4S), it is more reliable to use ADB - this is a universal method that works on all versions of Android TV.