Installing ForkPlayer on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV, Xiaomi TV A/P/S) is a challenge faced by users who want to access advanced IPTV capabilities, torrent players and alternative content sources. Despite the manufacturer’s limitations, it is quite possible to circumvent them, but the process requires accuracy and understanding of technical nuances. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of installing ForkPlayer on Xiaomi TV in 2026, including official workarounds, using ADB, third-party launchers and even manual copying of APK via USB.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is actively blocking third-party apps from installing on its TVs, citing security concerns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a possibility: with each update, it’s a big deal. MIUI TV New loopholes appear, and old methods stop working. We tested all of the methods described below on current firmware (including the ones that are not used). MIUI TV 5.0+) And we guarantee that they're up to date at the time of publication, and if you're willing to take 15 to 30 minutes to set them up, let's get started!
Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of ForkPlayer?
Xiaomi is not just restricting the installation of third-party APKs on its TVs, here are the key reasons:
- 🔒 Data security: The risk of installing malware through unverified sources.
- 📺 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi promotes its own services (e.g. Mi TV+ or PatchWall).
- 💰 Content Monopolization: Partnering Agreements with Streaming Platforms (Netflix, Disney+).
- 🛠️ System Stability: Unoptimized applications can cause lags or overheating.
However, ForkPlayer remains one of the most popular apps for Xiaomi TV thanks to:
- 🌍 Support for IPTV-playlists (M3U, XSPF) from any source.
- 🎬 Built-in torrent player with support for magnetic links.
- 🔄 Content caching capabilities for smooth playback.
- 🖥️ A handy handheld gesture-enabled remote.
Without official support, installation requires workarounds, and below we will look at all the current methods, from the simplest to the most technically complex.
Method 1: Installation via ADB (the most reliable method)
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is the most versatile and works even on the latest versions of MIUI TV. It is suitable for all Xiaomi TV models, including Mi TV 5X, Redmi Smart TV X and Xiaomi TV Q2.
- 💻 Computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB TV-wise.
- 📦 File ForkPlayer.apk (up-to-date version)
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer. Unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
- On TV, go to Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version and 7 times click on the line with the version to activate Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable: 🔧 Debugging with USB. 🔄 Installation with USB.
Connect your TV to your computer via USB (use USB 3.0 port on your TV for stability).
Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and do:
cd C:\platform-tools
adb devicesIf the device is displayed in the list, the connection is established.
Install ForkPlayer with the command:
adb install C:\path\k\ForkPlayer.apkIf you have a INSTALL_FAILED_TEST_ONLY error, use:
adb install -t C:\path\k\ForkPlayer.apkDownload platform-tools and unpack in C:\
Activate the Developer Mode on TV
Enable debugging over USB and installation via USB
Connect TV to PC with original cable
Download the current APK ForkPlayer (version 2.4+)
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If the app doesn’t appear on the menu after installation, try:
- Reboot the TV (Settings → Reboot).
- Install a third-party launcher (such as an ATV Launcher) through ADB.
- Use the command to launch:
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If the ADB can't see the TV, try disabling/enable debugging on the USB or using another USB- cable, often the problem with unoriginal cables with damaged contacts for data transmission.
Method 2: Installation with Send Files to TV (without PC)
If you don’t have a computer, you can try installing ForkPlayer through the Send Files to TV app, which is available in the official Xiaomi App Store.This method doesn’t work on all models, but it’s worth trying.
Instructions:
- On your TV, open the Mi App Store and find the Send Files to TV app. Install it.
- On your smartphone (Android or iOS), install the same app from the Google Play/App Store.
- Run Send Files to TV on both devices and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your phone, select the ForkPlayer.apk file and send it to your TV.
- On the TV, confirm the file acceptance and wait for the download to be completed.
- After downloading, open the File Manager on TV, find the APK and try installing it.
How to install and configure:
- Download the APK of the selected launcher (such as ATV Launcher) to your computer.
- Install it via ADB (as described in Method 1).
- After installation, launch the launcher with the command: adb shell am start -n com.camber.atvlauncher/.MainActivity
- In the launcher settings, select it as the default launcher (if the TV offers a choice).
- Now in the launcher menu will appear ForkPlayer and other hidden applications.
Advantages of alternative launchers:
- 🔍 Shows all installed applications, including hidden applications.
- 🎨 Allows you to customize the interface (themes, icons, sorting).
- 🔄 Supports hotkeys for quick application launches.
How to return the standard launcher Xiaomi?
Method 4: Installation via USB- drive (for older models)
Xiaomi’s 2018-2020 TVs (e.g. Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4S) sometimes run APKs from a flash drive, a simpler method, but not all firmware.
Instructions:
- Format the USB- drive to FAT32 (not NTFS or exFAT).
- Copy the ForkPlayer.apk file to the root of the flash drive (not to the folder!).
- Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- Open the File Manager on TV, find the APK and try installing it.
If the installation is blocked:
⚠️ Warning: On newer versions of MIUI TV (4.0+), the installation with USB is disabled by default.
- Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI).
- Enable Installation from Unknown Sources for File Manager.
- If you do not have an option, use ADB to unlock:
This method is suitable for models:
- 📺 Mi TV 4A (2018–2019).
- 📺 Mi TV 4S (before the firmware MIUI TV 3.0).
- 📺 Mi TV 4X (unless updated to the latest version)
Method 5: Update through third-party stores (APKMirror, Aptoide TV)
If ForkPlayer is already installed, but requires an update, you can use alternative app stores for Android TV.
- 🔹 APKMirror is the official APK without modifications.
How to Update ForkPlayer via Aptoide TV:
- Install Aptoide TV via ADB or Send Files to TV.
- Open the store, find ForkPlayer and click Update.
Warning:
⚠️ Warning: Some versions of ForkPlayer from third-party sources may contain advertising modules or modified code. Always check the hash file (MD5) on VirusTotal before installing.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When installing ForkPlayer on Xiaomi TV, users face typical problems, and we have collected the most common and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| INSTALL_FAILED_TEST_ONLY | APK is designed to be tested | Use the key -t: adb install -t file.apk |
| INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_INCONSISTENT_CERTIFICATES | Signature conflict with an already installed version | Delete the old version: adb uninstall com.forkplayer.forkplayer |
| Application won't start | Incompatible with the Android TV version | Download a special version for Android TV (not for smartphones) |
| No sound in ForkPlayer | Codecs are not supported | Install MX Player with a set of codecs or use the built-in Kodi player |
| Lags for reproduction | Insufficient RAM | Clear the cache (Settings → Applications → ForkPlayer → Clear the cache) |
If none of the methods worked:
- 🔄 Try rolling back the firmware to an older version MIUI TV (if available).
- 🛠️ Install Kodi with the ForkPlayer plugin (alternative).
- 📧 Contact Xiaomi to help you unlock the installation (unlikely, but sometimes helps).
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If ForkPlayer is not installed in any way, check if it is blocked by antivirus or built-in MIUI protection. Try temporarily disabling Mi Protect in the security settings.