Smart TV set-top box Xiaomi Mi TV Stick turns a regular TV into a powerful multimedia device running on the Android operating system TV. However, the standard set of programs in the official Google Play store is often limited by license agreements or regional locks. Many users are seeking to expand the functionality of the gadget by installing third-party devices. APK-files that are not in the basic configuration.
The process of installing third-party software requires a number of preparatory steps, since the system by default blocks downloads from unknown sources for security purposes. You will need a stable Internet connection, a control panel and a basic understanding of navigation through the MIUI for TV interface. We will analyze all the nuances, from the inclusion of hidden developer settings to the use of specialized downloaders.
Preparation of the operating system for installation
Before you download any installation files, you need to unlock the ability to install programs from sources other than Google Play Store. In modern versions of Android TV firmware, this setting is deep in the menu and requires activation of the developer mode. Without this step, the system simply will not start the APK installer.
First, activate the hidden menu. Go to Settings → About TV (or About Device). Find the Build bar and quickly tap it with the remote 7-10 times. Once the "Now You're a Developer" notification appears, go back to the main settings menu.
- 📱 Go to the Settings section → Annexes → Security and limitations.
- 📱 Select the item Unknown sources.
- 📱 In the list of applications, find the file manager or browser through which you plan to download files (for example, bootloader or File Manager).+), and switch the switch to the "On" position".
⚠️ Warning: Only allow access to unknown sources for applications you trust. All software permission immediately creates a security vulnerability in your console.
Once you have done this, the operating system is ready to receive external data packets, but if you plan to use advanced methods of debugging or transferring files over ADB, you will also need to enable USB debugging in the same “Developers” menu.
Using the bootloader app to download APK
The most popular and convenient way to install software on Xiaomi Mi Stick is to use a specialized bootloader application. Since the built-in browser is often absent or limited in functionality, bootloader by AFTVnews becomes an indispensable tool in the arsenal of the console owner.
Find and install bootloader through the official Google Play store on your console. Once launched, the app will request access to files and media — be sure to provide these permissions, otherwise the download will not begin. URL-addresses or short numerical codes.
☑️ Checklist installation through bootloader
Use proven resources such as APKMirror or APKPure to search for files, enter the exact address or short code if you use the link reduction service, and after downloading the file, the system will automatically prompt the installer to start.
Some apps built for smartphones may not display correctly on the big screen or require a mouse/keyboard connection to navigate.
Installation of applications with USB-storage
If wireless data transfer is not possible or Internet speed is low, you can use the classic method through the USB port. Xiaomi Mi Stick is equipped with a Micro-USB connector (or USB-C in new versions), which requires connection through a special OTG adapter.
Prepare a flash drive formatted in the file system FAT32. Copy the necessary ones into it. APK-- Files from your computer. OTG-The system must automatically identify the external storage.
| Parameter | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| File system | FAT32 / NTFS | NTFS may require third-party drivers |
| Type of connection | USB OTG | The adapter often comes complete. |
| File format | .apk | Make sure the architecture is appropriate (ARM) |
| File size | Up to 32GB | Depends on the supported volume of the flash drive |
To open files, use the built-in conductor MI File Manager or install a more functional analogue, such as File Commander. APK-You can click on it, and you'll see a standard installation window where you need to confirm the action.
What to do if the console does not see the flash drive?
Transfer files via Send Files to TV
For owners of Android smartphones, the most convenient method is to transfer installation files over a local Wi-Fi network. TV (SFTTV) allows instantaneous broadcasting APK-files from phone to console without using cables and flash drives.
Install the Send Files to TV app on both your smartphone and your TV from Google Play Store. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Run the app on both devices.
- 📡 On the TV, select Receive mode (Get).
- 📡 On your smartphone, select Send mode and specify the desired APK-file.
- 📡 In the list of available devices will appear the name of your console Xiaomi Mi Stick – choose it.
The transmission will start automatically. When you finish downloading, the TV will display a notification, click on it to start the installation process, which is especially useful when you need to install multiple applications at once.
⚠️ Note: Transfer speed depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi router. When using the 2.4 GHz band, transferring large files can take considerable time, it is better to use a 5 GHz network.
Solutions and errors in installation
Users may encounter a variety of errors during the installation process, most often due to incompatibility of the Android version or lack of necessary libraries of Google Play Services. If the installation is interrupted or the application crashes immediately after launch, check the compatibility of the version of the software.
Another common problem is the “App not installed” error, which can mean a lack of internal memory. Xiaomi Mi Stick has a limited amount of internal storage, in which case you need to remove unused programs or clear the cache.
💡
To free up space, use the command in the settings menu: Apps → Application Management → Select the program → Clear the cache. Do not delete system applications unless you are sure of their purpose.
Also worth noting is the processor architecture. Mi TV Stick consoles are based on ARM architecture. Trying to install x86 versions (computer versions of Android) will lead to an error. Always download files marked arm or universal.
💡
90% of installation errors are solved by checking the processor architecture (ARM only) and the presence of free memory in the internal storage of the console.
Optimizing the interface for unadapted applications
Many of the apps you want to install are built for smartphones and don't have a TV-friendly interface, and the cursor can disappear and navigation can become impossible, and there are tools to solve this problem.
Install the Mouse Toggle app or something like that. It emulates how a computer mouse works, allowing you to control the cursor on a TV screen with certain combinations of remote buttons, and it opens up thousands of apps from the regular Google Play for smartphones.
Once you install the mouse emulator, you need to give it special permissions in the Special Options menu, which will allow the program to intercept the remote signals and convert them into cursor movements, and the tuning process takes a couple of minutes, but it greatly expands the functionality.