How to install APK on the console Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Why is it difficult to install APK on Xiaomi TV Box?

Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi TV Stick works on Android-based systems TV — A modified version of the operating system, where the default is to block the installation of applications from unknown sources, for security reasons, but often hinders users who want to expand the functionality of the device. IPTV-Player, emulator or specialty application not available in the Google Play Store.

Unlike smartphones, where unlocking takes a couple of clicks, TV-In addition, the process is complicated by interface limitations and the lack of direct access to the file manager, and the Mi Box S (2019-2021) and Mi Box 4 (2018) models have different firmware versions, which affects the installation algorithm. In this article, we will discuss current ways to implement firmware in 2023-2026, including bypassing new restrictions from Xiaomi.

Important: If your console is automatically updated, some methods (e.g., through ADB) may require additional steps.

Method 1: Install APK through the file system (for beginners)

The easiest method is to download APK-file USB-A storage device or cloud storage device and open it through a console, suitable for Mi Box S, Mi Box 4 and Mi models TV Stick with firmware is no older than Android TV 11.

You'll need:

• 📁 Flash drive (formatted into a FAT32) Access to the cloud (Google Drive, Mega)
• 📱 Smartphone/PC for download APK (Recommended sources: APKMirror, APKPure)
• 🔌 Cable OTG (if you use USB-accumulator)

Steps:

1. Download. APK-file on a computer or smartphone. Make sure it's an Android version. TV (routine APK Smartphones may not work).
2. Transfer the file to USB-It's in the root folder (not nested!) If you use the cloud, upload the file there.
3. Connect. USB via OTG-adapter (for Mi) TV Stick will need a powered hub).
4. Open the File Manager (if not, install it via Google Play, such as FX File Explorer).
5. Find it. APK-You can click on the file and you can then ask the system to install the application.

⚠️ Attention: If, when pressed, APK Nothing happens, check if Unknown Sources for File Manager are enabled.

Download APK Android TV|Check the format USB (FAT32)|Connect OTG-adapter|Open the file manager|Allow installation from unknown sources

-->

Method 2: Allowing installation from unknown sources

By default, Xiaomi TV Box blocks APK installation from third-party sources. To unlock this feature, you need to manually enable permission for a specific application (for example, a file manager or browser).

Instructions for Android TV 9-11:

1. Open Settings → Applications and Notifications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications.
2. Select the application you will install the APK through (such as FX File Explorer or bootloader).
3. Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

For Android TV 12+ (relevant for the new firmware Mi Box S 2023):

1. Go to Settings → System → About TV.
2. Find the Build Number and click on it 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Developer settings and enable Installation via USB.

💡

If your file manager is not in the application list, install it through Google Play first, then go back to the settings and unlock the APK installation for it.

Once permissions are activated, try again to install the APK from the first method. If an "App not installed" error appears, check:

• 🔍 Compatibility APK Android TV (Not all smartphone apps work on consoles).
• 🗑️ Is there enough memory on the device (minimum storage is 500 MB).
• 🔄 Is the file corrupted (hope over) APK).

Method 3: Install APK via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you install apps via the command line, which is suitable for all Xiaomi TV Box models, including the Mi Box 4K and Mi TV Stick 4K, but requires a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (for the Mi Box S) or OTG-adapter (for Mi) TV Stick)
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools (download from Android site)

Step-by-step:

1. Enable the developer mode on the console (as in Method 2).
2. In the Developer Settings, activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the console to the computer. TV Stick use it. OTG-powerhouse.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB:

cd /path/tools/platform-tools

1. Check the connection of the device:

adb devices

If the console is determined (the serial number will appear), execute the installation command:

adb install path/to/file.apk

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware after connecting to ADB If the request does not appear, reconnect the cable or reboot the device.

Solving Common Errors When Installing APK

Even after unblocking unknown sources, users are faced with errors, and consider the most frequent and ways to fix them.

If the error persists, check:

• 🔒 Does the antivirus block the installation on the console (turn off Google Play Protect in the security settings).
• 📋 Does the architecture match? APK with a console processor (most Xiaomi) TV Box is working ARM64).
• 🔄 Does the new application conflict with the existing ones (for example, two or more) IPTV-Players can interfere with each other).

How to remove installed APKs and clean the system

If the app doesn't work properly or takes up too much space, it can be removed. Android TV does it differently than it does on smartphones.

Methods of disposal:

1. Through Settings: Open Settings → Applications. Select the desired application → Delete.

Through ADB:

adb uninstall package.name

(to find out the name of the package: adb shell pm list packages | grep "name")

Through the file manager:

APK Editor

To completely clear the system of traces of remote applications:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Use ADB to delete the remaining files:

If you suspect that you have a virus:

1. Disconnect the console from the Internet immediately.
2. Remove the suspicious app via ADB or settings.
3. Perform a reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
4. Check the accounts (such as Google or Netflix) that the console was linked to.

💡

Never install APKs from sites that offer hacked versions of paid apps (like Kodi with pirated addons) not only violates the law, but also contains malicious code 90% of the time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing APK on Xiaomi TV Box