How to install the application on the Android-set-top box Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Mi Box Android consoles (including Mi Box S, Mi Box 4K and Mi Box 4S Pro) run on Android TV, but their functionality is often limited to a pre-installed set of applications. Users face the problem of how to install the APK side or programs that are not available in the official Google Play store? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from simple to advanced, including bypassing the restrictions of MIUI TV and working with adb.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi consoles use a modified version of Android TV with a proprietary shell MIUI TV. This imposes additional restrictions: for example, the default is blocked APK installation from unknown sources, and some system menus are hidden. However, all these barriers can be avoided – the main thing is to know the correct sequence of actions and potential risks.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi console for application installation

Before installing any third-party applications, you need to perform a basic system configuration. APK-Files will not be able to be launched.

First, check your console firmware version. To do this, go to Settings → About console → MIUI TV version. Current models (Mi Box S 2023, Mi Box 4S Pro 2026) run on Android 9/10 with MIUI TV 3.0+. Older versions (such as Mi Box 3) may require additional manipulation.

• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the console and 7 times click on the item Version MIUI TV. You will receive a notification saying, “You are a developer».
• 📱 Allow debugging on USB: Settings menu → Additionally. → Developer settings activate Debugging options USB and Factory unlocking OEM (if available).
• 🔓 Unlock the installation from unknown sources: C Settings → Security and limitations → Unknown sources select the browser or file manager through which you will install APK.

On Mi Box S models with MIUI TV 3.0+, the path to developer settings may differ: Settings → Device → All settings → Special Features → Developer Parameters. If there is no point, update the firmware through Settings → About console → System Update.

2. Install applications through the Google Play Store

The safest and easiest way is to use the official Google Play Store. However, not all apps are optimized for Android TV, and some (like YouTube Vanced or Kodi) may not be in the directory.

To find compatible programs:

1. Open Google Play on the console (the icon in the main menu).
2. In the search bar, enter the name of the application. TV-Add a filter: Press the filters → Compatible with your device.
3. If the app doesn’t show up, try installing it through the Play Market web version from your computer by selecting your console from the device list.

Some apps (like Disney+ or Netflix) require region confirmation, and if your console is tied to an unaccompanied region, use a VPN or change your country in your Google account.

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To speed up your search in the Play Market, use voice input: press the microphone button on the remote and say the name of the application.

Installation APK-flash-and-cloud

If the application is not available in Google Play, it can be installed manually through the APK-This will require a file manager (e.g., file manager, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer and the APK.

Step-by-step:

1. Download APK to your computer from a trusted source (such as APKPure or APKMirror).
2. Transfer the file to USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) Upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
3. Connect the flash drive to the console or open cloud storage through the browser.
4. Run the file manager, find the APK and confirm the installation.

On the Xiaomi Mi Box 4S Pro with MIUI TV 3.0+, additional permission may be required. If installation is blocked, go to Settings → Security → Additional → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager.

Download file from official source | Check hash sum APK (optional) | Format flash drive in FAT32| Allow installation from unknown sources-->

4.Use Send Files to TV for wireless transmission

If you don’t have a flash drive, APK can be transferred to the console over the local network using the Send Files to TV app (available on Google Play), which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Box S and Mi Box 4K.

Instructions:

1. Install Send Files to TV on the console and smartphone / PC from Google Play.
2. Open the app on both devices and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your smartphone, select APK-file and send it to the console.
4. On the console, confirm the receipt of the file and start the installation.

The advantage of this method is that there is no need for additional drives, but the speed of transfer depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi network, and for large files (for example, games), it is better to use a wired connection.

5. Installation via ADB (for power users)

For advanced users, the installation method is available through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It's a universal way of doing things, even if the console doesn't support installation from unknown sources. ADB Tools and USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect the console to your computer via USB (use the USB 3.0 port for stability).
3. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute the commands: adb devices adb install path to file.apk
4. Wait for the message Success.

On the Xiaomi Mi Box S with MIUI TV 3.0+, you may need an additional command to unlock the installation:

adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1

This command will permanently unlock the installation of third-party APKs, but can reset after a firmware update.

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ADB-method is the only way to install system applications (e.g., a modified Launcher) or bypass restrictions MIUI TV.

6. Alternative app stores for Android TV

If you need a lot of apps, it’s easier to install an alternative store optimized for Android TV.

• 📦 Aptoide TV — Google Play with a large catalogue TV-applications. Installed through APK.
• 🎮 TVAppStore - a specialized store for Android TV remote-interface.
• 🔍 AppLinked – allows you to create your own collections of applications (requires an access code).

To install Aptoide TV:

1. Download APK from the official website.
2. Transfer the file to the console in any convenient way (flash drive, Send Files to TV).
3. Install APK and open Aptoide TV. In the first run, allow access to the storage.

Caution: Some stores (such as AppLinked) may contain pirated content. Use only official sources to avoid viruses.

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After installing Aptoide TV, add it to the main menu: press the Home button on the remote → select Add App → find Aptoide in the list.

7 Solving problems when installing applications

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

If the application is installed but does not work correctly (for example, it does not support the remote), try:

• 🎛 Use Mouse Toggle for Android TV cursor-emulate.
• 🔄 Install TV-Application version (usually postfixed) -tv titled APK).
• 🔧 Enable compatibility mode in the application settings (if available).

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On Xiaomi consoles with MIUI TV 3.0+, some apps (such as TikTok or Instagram) will not work properly due to the lack of a touch screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing apps on Xiaomi TV Box