How to install an app on a Xiaomi TV: all the ways 2026

Installing apps on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A, and others) is different from the usual procedure on Android smartphones. The manufacturer restricts access to Google Play, offering instead a branded Mi App Store with a wide range of products. However, this does not mean that you can not install YouTube, Kodi, IVI or even Steam Link – you just have to use workarounds.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways to install applications on Xiaomi TV into 2026 You will learn how to circumvent system limitations, what files are needed for manual installation, and how to avoid errors like "Installation locked" or "Unknown source." TV (Mi TV 4/5, Pro, QLED) Google TV (model 2023–2026 year-end).

Before you start, check your TV firmware version: go to Settings → About TV → Software version. If you have PatchWall (Xiaomi shell), some of the features may be hidden – they will have to be activated through the developer mode (more about this below).

1. Installation via Mi App Store (official method)

The easiest but limited method is to use the built-in Mi App Store, which has basic apps like Netflix, Prime Video or Megogo, but many popular services (like Twitch or Disney+) are missing.

To install the application:

• 📺 Turn on the TV and connect to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or cable).
• 🔍 On the home screen, find the Mi App Store icon (usually in the bottom bar or under the Apps section»).
• 🔎 Enter the name of the desired application in the search bar or select from categories.
• 📥 Click “Install” and wait for the download to be completed.

If the app is not available, try changing the region of the store:

1. Open Settings → Account and Security → Region.
2. Choose India or the United States, and there are more options in these regions.
3. Restart the TV and check for an app in the store.

⚠️ Note: When you change region, some services (such as YouTube or Google Assistant) may reset.

Installation APK-file USB-accumulator

If the application is not in the Mi App Store, it can be installed manually through the APK-This method works for most Android applications, but requires preparation:

• 🖥️ Download. APK-file to a computer from a trusted source (e.g. APKCombo or APKMirror).
• 📁 Prepare. USB-storage device FAT32 Or exFAT) and copy it to it. APK.
• 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the TV (use the port) USB 2.0 or 3.0 on the back).

Follow the instructions:

1. Open Explorer on your TV (file manager or File Manager icon).
2. Go to section. USB-storage and find your APK-file.
3. Click on the file and confirm the installation by selecting “Install”.
4. If the error “Installation locked”, enable permission for unknown sources (see the next section).

Download APK from a verified site (not from torrents)

Check compatibility with Android TV (version 9.0+)

Format USB in FAT32

Connect the USB 2.0 port (not 3.0 if the TV is old)

Enable the Developer Mode (if required)

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3. Permission of installation from unknown sources

By default, Xiaomi blocks the installation of applications from third-party sources, and to fix this, you need to activate the appropriate setting:

For PatchWall TVs (Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Security.
2. Find the item “Unknown Sources” and turn it on.
3. In the application list, select Explorer (or File Manager) and allow APK installation.

For Google TVs (new models 2023–2026):

1. Open the settings → System → About the TV.
2. Click 7 times on “Build Number” to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → System → For Developers and enable “Install Unknown Applications”.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can lead to viruses or unstable TV. Use only official sites (APKMirror, APKPure) and check hash files (MD5) before installation.

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If the app doesn't open after installation, try clearing its cache in Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Clear the cache. If that doesn't help, delete and install the APK again.

4. Installation via Google Play (if not available)

New Xiaomi TV models (such as Xiaomi TV A Pro 2026 or Redmi Smart Fire TV) may have Google Play preinstalled. If not, you can try installing it manually:

Method 1: Through APK-Files (for experienced users):

• 📥 Download the latest versions APK Google Play Services, Google Play Store and Google Account Manager from APKMirror (select Android versions) TV).
• 🔄 Install them in order: Google Account Manager → Google Play Services → Google Play Store.
• 🔑 After installation, restart the TV and log in to your Google account.

Method 2: Alternative launcher (simple):

• 🛠️ Set up the launcher ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher APK.
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, enable the display of Google Play (if it is hidden by the system).
• 📱 Now you can install apps directly from the Play Market.

Note: on some Xiaomi models, Google Play may not work well or require regular updates to Google Play Services. If apps don’t open after installation, check for Android TV compatibility (not all smartphone APKs are suitable).

5. Installation via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can install the application through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge, but gives you more control.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools on the computer.
2. 🔌 Connect the TV to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer.
3. 📋 Put the debugging on. USB on TV: Go to Settings → On TV. → Build number and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB» and “Network debugging».

Command line.

Terminal

adb connect [IP- TV address]:5555


adb install [path to APK-file]

For example: adb install C:\Downloads\youtube.tv.apk

To find out IP-TV address, go to Settings → Network → Network status.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause a reset or damage to the system if you type in the wrong commands. -rf / — It'll delete all the data from the TV!

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ADB — The most reliable way to install system applications (like Google Play) but requires caution. If you are not sure about the commands, use the method with the help of the system. USB-accumulator.

6. Alternative ways: Send Files to TV and cloud services

If you don't. USB-computer or storage device can be transferred APK-File to the TV through special applications or cloud services.

Method 1: Send Files to TV

• 📱 Install the Send Files to app TV on a smartphone (Android).
• 📺 Install the same app on your TV via the Mi App Store (or APK, If he's not in the store).
• 📤 Open the app on both devices, select APK-File on your phone and send it to the TV.
• 📥 On the TV, confirm the file reception and install it.

Method 2: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

• 📁 Download. APK-file in Google Drive or Dropbox from a computer.
• 🌐 On the TV, open the browser (for example, TV Bro or built-in Mi Browser).
• 🔗 Click on the file in the cloud and download it.
• 📦 After downloading, open the file through Explorer and install.

These methods are convenient if you do not have on hand. USB-The storage device, but the transfer speed depends on the quality of the Internet connection. USB.

7. Solving problems after installation

Even if the application is installed, it may not start or work correctly.

If the app requires a Google account but it is not on your TV, install Google Account Manager via APK and log in manually.

1. Download the APK Google Account Manager (Android TV version).
2. Install it via USB or ADB.
3. Go to Settings → Accounts → Add an account → Google.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing apps on Xiaomi TV