How to install the app on your Xiaomi TV: 5 proven ways

Install applications on Xiaomi TV — The challenge that every smart TV owner faces is that unlike Android phones, there is no Google Play, and the official Mi App Store offers a limited set of programs. IPTV-Players that are not in the standard catalog.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install applications on Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4A/4S/5/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV and other models based on PatchWall or Google TV (depending on the year of release), learn how to bypass the system limitations, which.apk files are suitable for TVs, and how to avoid installation errors, and also what hidden developer settings will help expand the functionality of your TV.

1. Installation through the official Mi App Store

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in app store, which is available on all Xiaomi TV models with PatchWall firmware (until 2022) and Google TV (2022-2026).

• 🔍 App catalogue is greatly reduced compared to the mobile version of the Mi App Store.
• 🌍 Many apps are only available in the Chinese region (e.g. iQiyi or Youku).
• 🔄 Application updates come with a delay or do not come at all.

To install the application from the official store:

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to Apps (or Apps on Google TV models).
3. Select the Mi App Store (Blue Package icon).
4. In the search box, type the name of the app you want (such as Netflix or Prime Video).
5. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.

⚠️ Note: On TVs with firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM) Many global applications (such as Disney)+) This may require a change of region or installation via.apk.

Installation APK-file USB-accumulator

If the application is not available in the Mi App Store, you can install it manually through the.apk file. This method works on all Xiaomi TV models, but requires preparation:

• 📁 You need to download compatible APK (Not all mobile versions work on TV!).
• 🔌 It will. USB-file-storage FAT32 (not NTFS!).
• ⚙️ The TV must be enabled by Installation from unknown sources.

Step-by-step:

1. Download APK for Android TV. Best sources: APKMirror (Android TV filter) Aptoide TV (specialty TV store).

youtube_18.32.37.apk

File manager

Select a flash drive, find an APK, and click on it, and the system will suggest you install the application.

Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

⚠️ Attention: Do not install APK from unverified sources, which can cause viruses or system locks to infect your TV. Check the hash file on VirusTotal before installing it.

Download APK for Android TV (not for smartphone)|

Format the flash drive in FAT32|

Insert "Installation from unknown sources" |

Check the file for viruses |

Connect USB port TV 3.0 (usually blue)-->

Installation via Send Files to TV (for Google TV)

On models Xiaomi Mi TV Q1/Q2 Redmi Smart TV 2023 Google-based TV There is a built-in function Send Files to TV. It allows you to transmit. APK straight from the smartphone USB-The advantages of the method:

• 📲 No need for a flash drive – enough phone on Android.
• 🔗 It works on a local network (Wi-Fi).
• ⚡ Faster than copying on USB.

Instructions:

1. On your TV, open Settings → Google → Devices and Sharing → Send Files to TV.
2. On your smartphone, install the Send Files to TV app (also known as Mi Remote in some regions).
3. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. In the app on your phone, select the TV from the list of devices.
5. Click Send files, select APK and wait for transfer.
6. On the TV, confirm the installation.

If Send Files to TV is not on the menu, upgrade your TV firmware to the latest version. On models until 2022, this method does not work - use USB or ADB.

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Before transferring the APK, rename the file in Latin without spaces (e.g., kinopoisk.apk instead of MoviePoisk HD 2.0.apk) to eliminate encoding errors during installation.

Installation via ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a method for installing applications that do not want to be installed via USB or Send Files to TV. This is the most flexible way, but requires command line skills.

• 🛠️ You can install system-based APK (For example, Google Play Services).
• 🔄 Automation of installation of several applications.
• 📡 It works even if it does. USB-portages.

What you need:

• Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• USB cable (or Wi-Fi connection).
• ADB Tools utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV. Tap 7 times on the MIUI TV version (you will be notified you become a developer). Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers. Activate USB Debugging and Installation via ADB.

USB 3.0

adb devices

A device should appear (e.g. 192.168.1.100:5555).

adb install path to file.apk

Example: Adb install C:\Downloads\youtube_tv.apk

⚠️ Attention: Some Xiaomi models TV block ADB-installation of system applications (for example, GMS). In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which cancels the warranty.

5. Installation through alternative stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)

If you need a lot of apps, it's easier to install an alternative store, like an Aptoide TV or an Aurora Store, and that eliminates the need to search and install each APK manually.

• 📦 Large catalog of apps optimized for TV.
• 🔄 Automatic update of installed programs.
• 🛡️ Checking files for viruses (in Aptoide) TV).

How to install Aptoide TV:

1. Download APK from the official website: https://tv.aptoide.com/.
2. Install it via USB or ADB (see previous sections).
3. Open the Aptoide TV on your TV and perform the initial setup.
4. Search for the desired application (such as Twitch or Plex) and click Install.

The Aurora Store (open source store) will require additional customization:

• Install the Aurora Store through ADB.
• When you first start, select an anonymous sign-in (without a Google account).
• In the settings, enable Show incompatible applications.

💡

Aptoide TV is the best choice for Xiaomi TV, as it is optimized for the remote control and has built-in security check.

6. Solving problems when installing applications

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

If the application is installed but not running:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (hold the Power button on the remote for 5 seconds).
• 📋 Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔧 Update the TV firmware (see Settings section). → On TV. → Updating the system).

Models with CN ROM (Chinese firmware) may require a regional change to a global one, done via a service menu (button combination on the remote: Menu → 1 → 3 → 9 → Menu), but caution is required – wrong actions can lead to a reset.

7. How to remove unnecessary applications

Over time, the TV accumulates garbage — pre-installed games, unnecessary services or test APKs. You need to remove them carefully so as not to disrupt the system.

• 🗑️ Standard Removal: Settings → Annexes → Select a program → Delete.
• 🛠️ Through ADB (for system applications: adb uninstall name package Example: adb uninstall com.mi.tv.store (removes Mi App Store).
• ⚙️ Reset to factory settings (extreme case): Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications called com.mi.tv, com.google.android.tvlauncher or android.tv.settings, which will cause your TV to fail!

To free up space without removing applications:

• 📁 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Select a program → Clear the cache.
• 💾 Move the applications to USB-storage device (if supported).
• 🗃️ Use the File Manager to delete downloaded files.

FAQ: Frequent questions