How to install APK on Xiaomi Mi TV: 5 working ways (2026)

Installation of applications from APK-files on Xiaomi Mi TV — The challenge that many owners of these smart TVs face, unlike Android smartphones, where the process usually comes down to downloading a file and pressing the "Install" button, on a TV platform. MIUI TV There are a number of restrictions. The manufacturer is blocking the installation of third-party APK by default, referring to security, but you can get around it in several ways.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven methods for installing APK on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Mi TV 4/4A/4S/5 and other models, from simple USB connection to ADB use and bypassing system constraints. You’ll learn which formats are supported, how to enable USB debugging, and what to do if the TV refuses to see the file. And also a unique way to install without a computer through cloud storage, which few people know about.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Installing APK on Xiaomi Mi TV

Before you start installing, it is important to consider a few key points that will save time and nerves:

• 📌 Version. MIUI TV. On old firmware (until 2021) it was possible to install APK Directly through the file manager (MIUI TV 3.0+) This method is blocked.
• 🔌 Type of connection. Most of the ways will require USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32), computer ADB smartphone.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi blocks installation APK This is not a sentence - the restriction can be circumvented (see section 3).
• 📦 Compatibility APK. Not all Android apps will work for you. MIUI TV. Optimally search for versions for Android TV fire TV.

If you’re trying to install an APK on a Mi TV Stick (like the Mi TV Stick 4K), note that these devices often have a stripped-down version of the firmware. Even ADB may not work here, in which case only alternative firmware will help (but this is a topic for a separate article).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From unverified sources, you can infect your TV with malware. Always download files from official sites (such as APKMirror) or verified repositories.

Method 1: Installation APK through USB-storage device (for MIUI TV until 2021)

This is the easiest method, but it only works on older versions of firmware. If your TV is released before 2021 (e.g. Mi TV 4A 2018 or Mi TV 4S 2020), try this method:

1. Prepare. USB-Driver: Format the flash drive into FAT32 (not NTFS Or exFAT! APK-file.
2. Connect to the TV: Insert the flash drive in USB-port port TV.
3. Open the file manager: Go to the Applications → File Manager.
4. Start the installation: Find APK-If you see a warning that says "Installation locked," go to method 3.

If the file manager does not see the APK or if it gives an error called "Unknown Format", check:

• 🔹 File extension (should be.apk, not.apk.apk.zip).
• 🔹 File size (by FAT32 You can not copy files more than 4 GB).
• 🔹 Support USB-The storage device (some models of Mi) TV Do not work with flash drives larger than 64 GB).

Method 2: Bypassing restrictions through "Unknown sources"

Starting with MIUI TV 3.0, Xiaomi blocked APK installation directly, but the system remained a loophole in allowing installation from specific sources.

1. Open the settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Security.
2. Find "Unknown Sources": The list should have the option "Installation from Unknown Sources".
3. Select the source: If there is a File Manager or Browser in the list, turn on the switch next to it.
4. Confirm the action: The system will ask you to enter PIN-code or password (if set).

Then try to install APK again through your file manager or browser. If the Unknown Sources option is missing, then your firmware is completely blocked, go to the ADB method.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV Q1 or Mi TV P1) Even after the Unknown Sources are turned on, the installation can be blocked. ADB flat-fibre.

Method 3: Install APK via ADB (Universal Method)

If previous methods didn’t work, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is your last chance to install an APK without rooting rights.This method works on all Xiaomi Mi TV models, including the new ones (Mi TV 6, Mi TV Q2).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (for Mi) TV Stick) or network connection.
• 📦 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step 1. Turn on USB debugging on your TV:

1. Go to Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the "Build Number" and click on it 7 times in a row until the message "You became a developer!" appears.
3. Go back to the Settings → Additional → Developer settings.
4. Enable "Debugging by USB" and "Debugging by network" (if you need installation over Wi-Fi).

Step 2: Connect the TV to your computer:

• 🔹 For Mi. TV Stick: Connect through USB-plug-in.
• 🔹 For the regular Mis. TV: can be used ADB Wi-Fi (see instructions below).

Step 3. Install APK via the command:

adb install path to file.apk

Example:

adb install C:\Downloads\netflix.apk

If you see an error called "adb: device unauthorized", check:

• 🔹 Did you see a window on the TV asking for debugging permission (you need to confirm).
• 🔹 Are the drivers installed correctly? ADB PC-only.
• 🔹 Is the TV connected to the same network as the computer? ADB Wi-Fi).

💡

If ADB can't see the device USB, Try connecting over the network. Enter adb connect. IP_television:5555 (IP You can find out in the settings of the TV network).

5. Method 4: Install APK via cloud storage (without a computer)

Few people know, but you can install APKs on the Xiaomi Mi TV without a PC using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, which works if you have a browser or cloud storage app on your TV.

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-file in your cloud (e.g. Google Drive).
2. Open your browser or cloud storage app on your TV.
3. Download APK directly to the TV (the file will be saved in the Downloads folder).
4. Open the file manager and start the installation.

If the browser blocks APK download, try:

• 🔹 Use it. UC Browser or Firefox (you can install them via Mi) TV App Store).
• 🔹 Rename the file to.zip, download, and then rename it back to.apk.
• 🔹 Open the cloud through TV Bro (application for managing files on Android) TV).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV A2, Mi TV ES) browser may not support downloading APK. In this case, it will only help. ADB or external drive with a pre-loaded file.

Method 5: Alternative firmware (for advanced users)

If none of these methods work, the last option is custom firmware, which gives you complete control of the system, but it gives you no warranty and can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the TV.

The most popular firmware for Xiaomi Mi TV:

Before you start the firmware, study:

• 🔹 Your TV model (such as the Mi) TV 4A 32" or Mi" TV Stick 1080p).
• 🔹 The firmware version (you can find out in Settings) → On TV).
• 🔹 Availability of backup (be sure to keep the current firmware!).

💡

Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause permanent damage to the TV, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions and are prepared for risks.

7. Problem Solving: What to Do If the APK Is Not Installed

Even after all the instructions are followed, the APK installation can end in error.

Error: "Application not installed"

• 🔹 Reason: APK It is designed for other architectures (for example, arm64 instead armv7).
• 🔹 Solution: Download the version APK Android TV fire TV.

Mistake: "Package damaged"

• 🔹 Reason: File not downloaded or modified by antivirus.
• 🔹 Solution: Pump over APK Check the hash amount (for example, through the MD5 Checker).

Mistake: "Not enough memory"

• 🔹 Reason: On Xiaomi Mi TV little internal memory (especially on models with 8 GB of storage).
• 🔹 Solution: Remove unnecessary apps or use them ADB flag-headed -s fitting SD-map:

adb install -s path to file.apk

Error: "The device is not supported"

• 🔹 Reason: Firmware blocks installation of all APK, system-wide.
• 🔹 Solution: Try it. ADB team:

adb shell pm install -r -t path to file.apk

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing APK on Xiaomi Mi TV