How to install a launcher on a Xiaomi TV: 3 working ways to Mi TV Redmi Smart TV

Standard Mi interface TV or Redmi Smart TV Not always satisfied with users: slow animation, intrusive advertising, limited customization. Installing a third-party launcher allows you to completely transform the appearance of the system, speed up navigation and add useful features – from weather widgets to quick access to your favorite applications. TV 11+, where standard methods cease to work.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install a launcher on Xiaomi TVs (including Mi). TV 4A/4S/5X, Redmi Smart TV X and others, bypass the manufacturer's limitations and show you how to avoid common bugs. TV and models – so first define your firmware in Settings → On TV.

If you have never worked with ADB or not APK-We'll explain every step, including preparing the computer and setting up the TV, and for advanced users, we'll give you advanced methods using the computer. PM Disable and Modified Firmware.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi TV for launcher installation

Before installing a third-party launcher, you need to unlock the system’s capabilities that Xiaomi limits by default, which includes activating developer mode, allowing applications to be installed from unknown sources, and (in some cases) disabling protections. MIUI TV.

Let’s start with the basic steps that are suitable for all models:

• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV and 7 times click on the line Android version TV. You will receive a notification saying, “You are a developer».
• 📱 Activate Debugging on USB: in the developer menu (Settings) → Preferences → Developer Mode) Turn on the Debugging Switch ADB.
• 🔓 Permission to install APK: In Settings → Security and limitations → Unknown sources select File Manager (or browser) and allow installation.

On Android TVs. TV 11+ (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023 may require additional disabling of protection MIUI TV Launcher, for that:

1. Connect to the TV via ADB (instruction below).
2. The command is: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.tv.launcher
3. Reboot the TV (adb reboot)

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Smart) TV X50 and later) disabling the standard launcher leads to loss of access to the remote control – prepare the wireless mouse or keyboard in advance to control.

Developer mode is on|Debugging activated ADB|Installation from unknown sources is allowed|A computer is connected to the same network.|Scud ADB and drivers (for Windows)-->

2. Method 1: Installation of the launcher through APK-file (for Android) TV 9/10)

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi TVs until 2022 (e.g. Mi). TV 4A 32", Mi TV 4S 55"). You'll need it:

• 📁 APK-launcher file (recommended) ATV Launcher, HalLauncher or Leanback Launcher).
• 🖱️ Mouse or keyboard (for navigation if the remote stops working).
• 📡 Stable Internet connection (for downloading files directly to TV).

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK launcher to a flash drive or directly to the TV via the browser (for example, from the APKMirror website).
2. Open the file manager on the TV, find the downloaded APK and start the installation.
3. Once installed, return to the main screen and hold the Home button on the remote. In the window that appears, select the launcher installed.
4. If the launcher doesn’t appear on the list, restart the TV and repeat step 3.

Android. TV 10 (e.g. Mi) TV 5X) You may need to further disable launcher optimization:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 11 (like Redmi Smart) TV X65) This method works only after the standard launcher is turned off. ADB (see section 1).

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If after installing the launcher, the sound disappears in some applications, try to disable the option “Use your own audio driver” in its settings.

3. Method 2: Installation through ADB (Android TV 11/12)

New Xiaomi models (2023-2026) with Android TV 11+ launcher APK It's often blocked, and in this case, manual installation through ADB pre-deactivated.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and established ADB Tools.
• 🔌 Cable USB (Wi-Fi connection if the TV supports ADB over network).
• 📦 APK-a launcher file (e.g., a Sideload Launcher or TV Launcher).

Instructions:

1. Connect the TV to the computer USB (or activate ADB over network in the developer settings and connect to IP).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear with a serial number.
3. Turn off the standard launcher: adb shell pm hide com.miui.tv.launcher On some firmware instead of hide use disable-user.
4. Install. APK launcher: adb install path/to/launcher.apk
5. Reboot the TV: adb reboot
6. After the reboot, hold Home on the remote and select a new launcher.

If after the reboot the TV got stuck on the Xiaomi logo, reset the launcher:

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings

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Android. TV 11+ shutdown of the standard launcher through ADB can lead to loss of access to the remote control. Prepare a wireless mouse or keyboard with a touchpad in advance.

Method 3: Use of modified firmware (for experienced)

If none of the above methods worked (for example, on the TV Q2 2026 with Android TV 12), there's a third-party firmware option, which is a radical method that requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom Recovery (TWRP).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn a TV into a brick! this method is recommended only for users with experience with fastboot and fastboot. ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock (requires permission from Xiaomi, which is not issued on all models).
2. Install. TWRP For your model (for example, for the Mi). TV 4S fitting).
3. Through TWRP Sweeve a modified firmware with a pre-installed launcher (for example, LineageOS for) TV).
4. Do a data reset (Wipe → Format Data).

List of firmware with support for customization:

• 📦 LineageOS for TV — pure Android TV no-bloatware.
• 🛠️ ATV Custom ROM — pre-fix ATV Launcher.
• 🔧 MiTV Unlock Tool – a script for automatic removal of restrictions Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: After firmware custom OS you will lose access to official updates Xiaomi and services like Mi Home. may also stop working remote control – check firmware compatibility with your model!

5.The Best Launchers for Xiaomi TV 2026

Not all launchers work equally well on Xiaomi TVs, and we tested more than 10 options and selected the best in speed, stability and functionality:

For Android models TV 12 (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 2026) it is better to choose launchers with support for the new API:

• 🔹 ATV Launcher 3.0+ — Optimized for the latest versions.
• 🔹 Sideload Launcher – bypasses the restrictions of Xiaomi on new firmware.

If you want maximum performance, choose HalLauncher, which consumes the least resources. For lovers of a beautiful interface, Leanback Launcher with animations and content recommendations is suitable.

6. Solving typical problems after installing the launcher

Even if the installation is successful, there may be problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Launcher resets after reboot: Reason: Xiaomi automatically restores standard launcher.Solution: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.your.launcher/.MainActivity (Replace com.your.launcher with your launcher package).
• 🎮 DU remote is not working: Reason: Launcher blocks signals from the remote. Solution: in the launcher settings, turn on the Enable option IR Remote Support or Use a Mouse.
• 📶 No Internet after changing the launcher: Reason: Network Reset. Solution: Go to Settings → Network and reset the connection.
• 🔊 Loss of sound in some applications: Cause: Conflict of audio drivers. Solution: in the launcher settings, disable Use custom audio policy.

If after installing the launcher, the TV began to brake, try:

1. Clear the cache of applications in Settings → Applications.
2. Disable animations in the developer settings (Window animation) = Off.).
3. Install a lighter launcher (e.g. HalLauncher instead of Leanback Launcher).

⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 12 (Mi TV Q2 2026) Some launchers may cause permanent reboots, in which case return the standard launcher with the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.tv.launcher

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If the launcher is unstable, check its compatibility with the Android version. TV. Leanback Launcher does not support Android TV 12 without additional patches.

7.How to bring back the standard Xiaomi launcher

If the customization experiment failed or you want to return the original interface, do the following:

For Android TVs TV 9/10:

1. Hold the Home button on the remote.
2. In the window that appears, select Mi. TV Launcher.
3. Click Always to make it the default launcher.

For Android. TV 11/12 (If the standard launcher was turned off through ADB):

adb shell pm enable com.miui.tv.launcher


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.miui.tv.launcher/.LauncherActivity

If the TV does not respond to the remote control after these actions:

• Connect your mouse via Bluetooth or USB.
• Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
• Find the installed launcher and click Remove.
• Reboot the TV.

In extreme cases, perform a reset to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data.
3. Confirm the action (a password from your Xiaomi account may be required).

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will delete all installed apps and account data. backup important files to a flash drive in advance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a launcher on Xiaomi TV