How to install a launcher on a Xiaomi TV: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi’s Android TVs offer flexible customization options, but the standard PatchWall interface is not popular with everyone. The alternative launcher allows you to change the appearance of the menu, speed up navigation and add missing features — from weather widgets to quick access to favorite services. However, the installation process on Mi TV or Redmi TV has nuances: the manufacturer limits the freedom of action for the sake of system stability.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for installing a launcher (including bypassing restrictions through the use of a new system). ADB), We will analyze the compatibility with popular models (Mi). TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV X), and also a cautionary tale against the typical mistakes that can turn a TV into a brick, with a special focus on security: why installing a launcher through unknown devices. APK-Files can lead to the blocking of Mi Account and loss of warranty.

Why Xiaomi’s standard launcher doesn’t suit users

The PatchWall interface, developed by Xiaomi for its TVs, is optimized for the Chinese market and has a number of features that are criticized:

• 📊 Advertising congestion: even in European firmware, there are banners with promo content that can not be turned off without root rights.
• 🐢 Slow-motion animation: transitions between menus and app launches are accompanied by delays on budget models (Redmi) TV A Series).
• 🔍 Lack of flexible customization: you can not change the location of icons, font size or color scheme without third-party tools.
• 🌍 Localization bugs: Some regions partially retain Chinese inscriptions (e.g. in Settings) → Accounts).

Alternative launchers like ATV Launcher, HalLauncher or Leanback Launcher address these challenges by offering:

• ⚡ Instant application launch without animated brakes».
• 🎨 Possibility of changing themes, wallpapers and arrangement of elements.
• 🔒 No advertising and telemetry fees (when using open versions).
• 🖥️ Mouse/keyboard support for easy control.

However, before installing it is worth considering: Xiaomi blocks the change of the standard launcher at the software level. APK-The file and install it are not enough. It will require additional manipulation of the system settings.

Preparation of Xiaomi TV for launcher installation

Before you start changing system files, you need to follow a number of preparatory steps, and ignoring them can lead to data loss, resetting, or even locking the device.

Check the TV model (ADB compatible)

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Download the official ADB drivers for Windows/Mac

Create a backup of current settings

Prepare. USB-accumulator (FAT32, at least 1 GB)

-->

Step 1: Verification of the Android TV model and version

Not all Xiaomi TVs support third-party launchers, and the table below shows the following popular models:

You can find out the version of Android TV in the menu: Settings → About TV → Android TV version.

Step 2: Enable the Developer Mode and USB Debugging

1. Open the Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the Build Number and click on it 7 times in a row until the “You’ve become a developer” notification appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and select a new section for developers.
4. Activate options: USB Installation via USB (if available) Do not turn off the screen while charging (for convenience)

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android firmware 12+ (for example, TV A2 2023) debugging option USB It can be hidden even after the developer mode is activated, in which case you will need to downgrade firmware before the version. 10/11 or use of alternative methods (see section on Wireless) ADB).

Method 1: Installation of a launcher via ADB (recommended method)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the most reliable way to install a third-party launcher on Xiaomi TVs without rooting licenses. It works on most models (except the TV A2 2023 and later) and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (Type-A → Type-A or Type-A → MicroUSB, depending on the TV model).
• 📁 [ADB Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools) (Google's official package).
• 📱 APK-launcher file (e.g, [ATV Launcher](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/atv-launcher/)).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the TV to the PC via USB-Use the port. USB 3.0 on TV (usually marked in blue).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Check the connection command: Adb devices The response should show the serial number of your TV. If the list is empty, check the drivers or cable.
4. Install. APK-File: Adb install path to file/atv-launcher.apk Example: Windows: Adb install C:\Downloads\atv-launcher-1.4.3.apk
5. Assign default launcher: adb shell pm grant com.google.android.leanbacklauncher android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE adb shell am start -n com.google.android.leanbacklauncher/.LeanbackLauncherActivity For ATV Launcher: Adb shell am start -n com.chrome.launcher/.MainActivity
6. Reboot the TV: adb reboot

After the reboot, the new launcher should start automatically. If this does not happen, go back to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher and select the installed option.

1. Enable Wireless ADB in the developer settings.
2. Connect with the command: adb connect IP_address:5555 (know IP You can set up → Network).

-->

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV 5.0+ (Like Mi. TV P1 2022) After the launcher is installed, some applications may lose sound due to audio driver conflict, such as rolling back the firmware or using an Audio Policy Manager launcher (e.g. HalLauncher Pro).

Method 2: Installation through USB-storage device (for models without ADB)

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support you ADB (for example, TV A2 2023, you can try to install the launcher through USB-This method is less reliable, but sometimes works on firmware before Android 11.

What you need:

• 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
• 📁 APK-launcher file (e.g, [Leanback Launcher](https://apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/leanback-launcher/)).
• 📄 File Manager for Android TV (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-launcher file and save it to USB-accumulator.
2. Connect the flash drive to your TV (use the USB 2.0 port for better compatibility).
3. Open File Manager (or install it through Play Market if it is not available).
4. Go to the root catalogue USB-storage APK-file.
5. Run the installation. If you see an "Installation locked" error, go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources. Allow installation for File Manager.

Settings → Applications

This method does not work on all models, for example, on Redmi Smart TV X 2021 installation can be completed successfully, but the launcher will not appear on the list of available, in which case only ADB or root access will help.

Method 3: Installation via Play Market (limited functionality)

Some launchers (such as ATV Launcher or Sideload Launcher) are available in the official Google Play Market for Android TV. However, installing them does not guarantee a replacement for the standard interface - they will work like regular apps.

How to determine:

1. Open the Play Market on your TV.
2. Find a launcher on request (e.g., “ATV Launcher”).
3. Install the application and open it.
4. If the launcher is not the main one, try: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.tv.patchwall This command disables the standard PatchWall, but can lead to unstable system operation.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs TV A2 2023 and later, the launcher change without root rights is impossible due to hardware locking. Attempts to bypass (for example, through fastboot) can lead to blocking IMEI In this case, the only option is to use the launcher as a regular application (without replacing the standard interface).

How to Return the Standard PatchWall Launcher

If you have decided to return the standard interface after experimenting with alternative launchers, do the following:

Method 1. Through settings of the TV:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Launcher by default.
2. Select PatchWall from the list.
3. Reboot the TV.

Method 2. via ADB (if the launcher does not appear in the settings):

adb shell pm enable com.mi.tv.patchwall


adb shell am start -n com.mi.tv.patchwall/.home.HomeActivity

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (extreme case):

1. Open Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter) PIN-Mi Account code if the TV is tied).

After resetting, all installed apps and settings will be removed, so pre-reserve important data (such as a list of channels or audio settings).

💡

Before resetting, untie your Mi Account from your TV in Settings → Accounts, otherwise you will need to enter a login / password after the reset, which can be a problem when selling or transferring the TV to another user.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing launchers on Xiaomi TV