Why is a flash drive installation the best way for Xiaomi TV?
Xiaomi Mi TV TVs based on Android TV or Google TV officially support app installation only from Google Play Market. However, many users face limitations: no app in the store, regional locks or outdated versions of software. Installing APK- files from a flash drive solves these problems, but requires accuracy - improper actions can lead to system failures or lock the bootloader.
In this article, we will discuss Xiaomi’s unique method of circumventing the limitations of models from 2020 to 2026, which works even on TVs with blocked developer mode. You'll learn how to prepare the flash drive, enable debugging, bypass the "Installation locked" error, and which applications to avoid, and alternative ways to install without the USB- drive.
⚠️ Important: The instruction is suitable for Mi TV 4S/4A/4X, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV P1 and new models on Google TV (e.g. Xiaomi TV A Pro). The process is different for the Mi Box and consoles!
What apps can be installed on Xiaomi TV from a flash drive
In theory, you can install any Android app in APK format on Xiaomi TV, but in practice only those that are adapted for Android TV or have remote control support work.
- 📺 Media players: VLC, Kodi, MX Player (with remote gesture support).
- 🎮 Gaming platforms: NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, RetroArch (for emulators).
- 🌍 Alternative launchers: ATV Launcher, HalLauncher (to replace the standard interface).
- 🔒 VPN and blockers: NordVPN, AdGuard (requires manual proxy settings).
- 📱 Streaming services: Twitch, Trovo, IVI (if not in your region's Google Play).
⚠️ Warning: Smartphone apps (e.g. Instagram, TikTok) will launch but be difficult to manage. Also avoid software with high hardware requirements - Xiaomi TVs often have weak processors (Amlogic S905 or MediaTek MT9611).
Preparation of the flash drive: format, file system and folder structure
Incorrectly formatted flash drive is the main cause of installation errors. Xiaomi TVs only support FAT32 or exFAT, but with nuances:
- 🔹 FAT32 is a generic option, but does not support files larger than 4GB. Suitable for 90% APK.
- 🔹 exFAT – is needed for large files (such as firmware or games), but may not be readable on older models (Mi TV 3S).
- 🔹 NTFS — does not work on most Xiaomi TV (except for the Mi TV Q2 75" with the 2023 update).
Formatting instructions:
- Connect the flash drive to your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- Open Disk Management (Win) or Disk Utility (Mac).
- Select the flash drive → “Format” → specify FAT32 (cluster 4096 bytes).
- Call it XIAOMI_APK (not necessarily, but it makes it easier to search).
Structure of folders on the flash drive:
XIAOMI_APK/
├── Apps/
│ ├── vlc-3.5.1.apk
│ ├── kodi-20.1-arm64.apk
│ └── ...
├── Data/ (optional for OBB- files)
└── README.txt (version description)☑️ Preparation of the flash drive
How to Install from Unknown Sources on Xiaomi TV
By default, Xiaomi TVs block the installation of APK from the outside. To unlock this feature, you need to activate the developer mode and enable debugging. The process is different for Android TV and Google TV:
For Android TV (Mi TV 4S, 4A, 4X, Q1)
- Go to Settings → About TV → The version of the software.
- Click on the version number 7 times in a row (the notification “You became a developer” will appear).
- Return to “Settings → Additional → Special Features → Developer Settings”.
- Activate: 🔧 Debugging by USB (to connect to a PC). 🔧 Installation from Unknown Sources → select File Manager.
For Google TV (Mi TV P1, A Pro, new models)
- Open Settings → System → About TV → Software Information → Android TV version.
- Click on the 5 version once (PIN- code will appear for the developer).
- Enter the PIN (usually 1234 or 0000).
- Go to Settings → System → Developer Settings and enable: 🔧 Debugging by ADB (for advanced users). 🔧 Unknown Sources → allow for Files.
⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi firmwares have hidden the Unknown Sources option. If it's not, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → Storage & Reset → Data Reset) or updating the software.
What to do if there is no “Developer Options” item?
Step-by-step installation of APK from a flash drive on Xiaomi TV
When the flash drive is ready and the permissions are configured, start installing. Use the built-in file manager or a third-party (for example, FX File Explorer):
- Connect the flash drive to the USB- port of the TV (use the USB 2.0 port - USB 3.0 may not be recognized).
- Open Files (the folder icon on the home screen) or any file manager.
- Go to the USB- drive → find the folder with APK.
- Select a file (e.g., vlc-3.5.1.apk) and click "Install".
- Confirm permissions (if the warning “This application may cause harm” appears, click “Install it anyway”).
- Wait until the end – the notification “Application installed” will appear.
1. Reconnect it to another USB-port.
2. Use the USB-Hab with external power (for large drives).
3. format the flash drive again into FAT32 8192 byte cluster.-->
Table: Compatibility of Xiaomi TV models with APK installation
| Model TV set | Support for FAT32 | ExFAT support | Requires unlocking of the loader | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S/4A (2018–2020) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | You need to turn on "Debugging by USB" manually. |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2021–2022) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, only for APK) | ❌ No. | Supports installation via ADB without a flash drive. |
| Mi TV P1 (2022–2023) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (for system APK) | Blocks the installation of pirated content (e.g. Cinema HD). |
| Xiaomi TV A Pro (2023–2026) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Requires SMS confirmation when installing some APKs. |
| Mi TV 3S (2017) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (via fastboot) | Outdated firmware, errors with new APKs are possible. |
⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi TV A Pro models with MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware, you may need to link your Mi Account to set third-party APK. If the TV requests a password, use data from your Xiaomi account (the same as on your smartphone).
Alternative ways to install applications without a flash drive
If the USB-port is broken or the flash drive is not on hand, there are other methods:
1. via Send Files to TV (for Android smartphones)
Send Files to TV (available on Google Play) allows APKs to be transmitted over a local network:
- Install the app on your phone and TV.
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Select the APK on your phone → send it to the TV.
- On the TV, confirm receipt and installation.
2. via ADB (for advanced users)
If USB debugging is enabled, you can install APK from your computer:
adb install /path/to/file.apk
Example:
adb install C:\Downloads\kodi-20.1.apkFor Wi-Fi connection (without cable):
adb connect IP_ TV: 5555
adb install file.apk3. Through cloud storage
Download the APK to Google Drive or Yandex Drive, then:
- Open your browser on your TV (Chrome or TV Bro).
- Download the file from the cloud.
- Open downloads through the file manager and install the APK.
💡
Send Files to TV is the easiest way for beginners, but only works with APKs up to 100MB. For larger files (such as games), it is better to use a flash drive or ADB.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right preparation, the installation can end in error.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Parse Error | A damaged APK or incompatible architecture. | Download the file again from APKMirror (select the version for Android TV). |
| App not installed | An old version or signature conflict has already been installed. | Remove the application through Settings → Applications and re-install. |
| Installation blocked | Unknown sources are not included. | Check the settings in the Developer Settings (see Section 3). |
| Insufficient storage | There is not enough space in the system section. | Remove unnecessary apps or clear the cache (Settings → Storage). |
| The flash drive is undetectable. | Incorrect file system or damaged port. | Reformat to FAT32 or try another USB-port. |
⚠️ Warning: If the application does not start after installation, check:
- 🔹 Android TV Compatible (some APK only work on smartphones).
- 🔹 Availability of the necessary permits (e.g., Kodi requires access to storage).
- 🔹 TV firmware updates (on older versions MIUI TV some features are blocked).