Xiaomi Mi Box S – popular Android TV-It's a box that opens up thousands of apps through Google Play, but what if the app you want isn't in the official store? APK-Manually solves this problem, but requires knowledge of the nuances of the Android system TV. In this article, we will analyze all the current installation methods, from simple to advanced, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.
It's important to understand that the Mi Box S runs on a modified version of Android, where some features are hidden or limited by the manufacturer, for example, the default is to disable the ability to install applications from unknown sources, and the interface is optimized for remote control, not the mouse, these features complicate the process, but we will show you how to get around them.
This article will be useful for both beginners and experienced users, and beginners will find step-by-step instructions with pictures (interface descriptions), and advanced users will find tips on automation through the Internet. ADB And we'll also talk about security issues, which are the issues that we're going to address. APK-Files can be installed and which ones should be avoided.
Preparation: What you will need to install APK
Before you start installing, make sure you have everything you need, and without proper preparation, the process can end up in error or even damage the system.
Basic requirements:
- 📦 APK-the file of the desired application (download it only from trusted sources, for example, APKMirror or the official website of the developer).
- 🔌 USB-drive (flash drive) with file system FAT32 exFAT (NTFS unsupported!).
- 🖱️ Mouse with USB-adapter (simplifies navigation on the menu, as the standard remote Mi Box S is not always convenient for working with files).
- 💻 Computer (required for the method of ADB or flash drive preparation).
Also check:
- 🔄 The firmware version of your Mi Box S (up-to-date firmware reduces the risk of errors) can be viewed in Settings → About the device → Android version TV.
- 🔋 Remote charge (a discharged remote in the middle of the process can ruin everything).
- 🌐 Internet connection (necessary to download additional tools if required).
Important: Mi Box S does not support APK installation directly from cloud storage (like Google Drive) without additional apps. If you plan to download files directly to your device, install a file manager like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer first.
Method 1: Installation APK through USB-accumulator
It's the simplest and most reliable method, and it doesn't require a computer connection, and it's suitable for most users.
Steps:
- Download. APK-file on your computer and save it in the root folder USB-The file name should be in Latin, without spaces (for example, app_name.apk).
- Connect the flash drive to the Mi Box S via USB-port (located on the side of the device).
- Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Device → Security and Restrictions. Find Unknown Sources and enable it. From the application list, select File Manager (or ES Explorer if installed) and allow installation.
Install APK.
- Open any file manager (e.g., the standard Files).
- Go to section "USB-accumulator".
- Select the downloaded.apk file and click "Install".
☑️ Preparation USB-storage
If after connecting the flash drive it does not appear in the file manager, try:
- 🔄 Reconnect it (sometimes retrieving and reconnecting helps).
- 🔌 Use the other USB-port (if you connect through the hub).
- 📁 Check the file system (only) FAT32 exFAT!).
⚠️ Attention: Some APK-Files may not be installed due to Android restrictions TV. For example, apps for smartphones (with only support) ARM64) The Mi Box S will not work on the new model, as it uses architecture. ARMv7. Before downloading, check compatibility!
Method 2: Installation via ADB (for power users)
The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) It is suitable if you do not have USB-It's a drive or you need to install multiple applications quickly. It requires minimal command line knowledge.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Quick installation without using a flash drive.
- 🔄 Ability to remotely debug and control the device.
- 📥 Installation APK directly from the computer.
Instructions:
- Put the debugging on. USB Mi Box S: Go to Settings → About the device → Android version TV. Click on the item "Android Version" TV" 7 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer!” appears. → The device → Developer settings. Enable "Debugging by" USB" and “Installation through USB".
Mi Box S
USB 2.0
Install. ADB-driver
Platform Tools
Check the connection.
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, you can continue.
Install APK.
adb install path to file.apkFor example:
adb install C:\Downloads\kodi.apk💡
If the adb device command does not find the device, try restarting the ADB service with the adb kill-server command, followed by the adb start-server command.
To install the APK on external memory (if the internal memory is not enough), use the -s flag:
adb install -s path to file.apk⚠️ Note: Do not disconnect the Mi Box S from your computer during installation ADB! If the installation is stalled, wait 5-10 minutes before interrupting the process.
Method 3: Installation via file manager from the cloud
If you don't. USB-The computer or the storage device at hand, you can download APK Directly to the Mi Box S via cloud storage, and you'll need a file manager that supports cloud services, for example, FX File Explorer or X-Plore.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-File to your cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk).
Download APK
- Find the downloaded file in the cloud.
- Download it to your internal memory or external storage.
- Install the application from the downloaded file (be sure to allow installation from unknown sources for the file manager).
Advantages of the method:
- ☁️ No, he doesn't. USB-computer-storage.
- 🔄 You can update quickly. APK, downloading.
- 📁 Convenient to store backup copies of applications.
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Risk of downloading a malicious file (always check the source!).
- 🐢 Slower than installation from a flash drive or through ADB.
How to check APK pre-installing viruses?
Solving Common Errors When Installing APK
Even if you do the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "No appendix installed" | The APK is damaged or incompatible with the Mi Box S. | Download the file again from the official source. Check the architecture (ARMv7 for Mi Box S). |
| "Installation locked" | Installation from unknown sources is not allowed. | Enable permission for file manager in Settings → Security. |
| "Not enough memory." | The place in the inner memory is gone. | Remove unnecessary apps or install the APK on an external drive via ADB with the -s flag. |
| "Package analysis error" | APK is designed for a different version of Android. | Check the app’s compatibility with Android TV 9.0 (the Mi Box S version of the OS). |
| ADB does not see the device | Drivers are not installed or debugging is not included. | Reinstall Platform Tools, check the debugging enabled and the USB cable. |
If the application does not start or crash after installation, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S.
- 📥 Install an older version APK (New versions may require incompatible permissions).
- 🛠️ Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes.
💡
Most APK installation errors are due to an Android TV file incompatibility or a lack of rights. Always check the architecture (ARMv7) and OS versions!
How to remove installed APK-applications
If the app doesn't work properly or is no longer needed, it can be removed. On the Mi Box S, it's done in a standard way, but with some nuances.
Methods of disposal:
- App menu: Press the Home button on the remote to open the list of installed applications. Find the desired application and press the "OK" (or "Select") button on the remote. In the menu that appears, select "Delete".
Through settings
- Go to Settings → Applications.
- Select the app from the list.
- Press "Delete."
- Through ADB (if the application is not removed in the standard way): adb uninstall name packet To know the name of the package can be commanded: adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name"
If the annex is not deleted:
- 🔧 Check if it is systemic (you can only remove them with root rights).
- 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
- 📥 Install App Inspector from Google Play to find out the name of the package ADB.
Security: What APKs can be installed on the Mi Box S
Installing apps from unknown sources always comes with risks. On Android TV, these risks are higher, as many APKs are optimized for smartphones and may contain unnecessary permissions or malicious code.
Safety regulations:
- 🛡️ Download. APK Only from verified sources: APKMirror (https://www.apkmirror.com/) Official Developer Sites: F-Droid (for Open Source).
- 🔍 Check the permissions: before installing, see what permissions the application requests. SMS or calls, that's suspicious.
- 📊 Read the reviews: on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers often discuss problems with specific APK.
- 🔄 Update the firmware: the current version of Android TV Closing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious APK.
Signs of suspicious APK:
- 🚩 The file weighs suspiciously little (e.g. 1-2MB for a game that normally takes 50 MB).+ MB).
- 🚩 The file name contains random symbols (app_v2.1.3_ru_hack.apk).
- 🚩 The app requests permissions that are not related to its functionality (for example, a flashlight asks for access to contacts).
⚠️ Attention: Some APK Android TV They may contain mining scripts or spyware, masquerading as popular applications (such as modified versions of Kodi (MD5) developer's website!