Installing applications on Xiaomi smart TVs via phone is a task faced by device owners on the phone MIUI TV Android TV. Despite the built-in app store, many popular services (such as YouTube Vanced, Kodi with modifications or regionally blocked programs) are missing. Fortunately, a smartphone on Android or iOS can become a universal tool for circumventing restrictions - whether it is transferring the data. APK-files ADB Or even remote installation via cloud services.
In this guide, we will analyze 5 proven ways, including nuances for different models Xiaomi Mi TV (Mi TV 4A before TV Q2). We pay special attention to security – why installation APK From unknown sources, the TV is fraught with blocking Mi accounts or system failures, and how to avoid this. USB-The device received the error "Parse Error" or "App not installed", here you will find solutions.
1. Preparing Xiaomi TV for app installation
Before you can transfer files from your phone, you have to configure the TV itself, and without these steps, none of the methods will work, the system will simply block the installation.
The first thing you need to do is allow installation from unknown sources.
- Open the settings on the TV (button with a gear on the remote).
- Move to Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources.
- Enable the slider for the "Allow Application Installation" option.
On Android models TV (Like Mi. TV Stick or Mi Box S is a different way:
- 📺 Settings → Annexes and notifications → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.
- 🔍 Select a browser or file manager (such as File Commander) through which you will install the file. APK.
💡
If you don't have "Unknown Sources" on the menu, upgrade your TV firmware to the latest version. MIUI TV (below 3.0) this option may not be available.
Second, check the firmware version. Outdated builds (for example, for Mi). TV 3S 2017 may not support modern data transfer methods. Up-to-date firmware can be downloaded on the official Xiaomi website (Mi section). TV).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor (Mi models) TV 4X, Mi TV 4C) retrofit APK It can be used to protect Widevine. L1, This will lead to a drop in streaming quality on Netflix or Disney.+ before 480p.
Method 1: Transmission APK via Send Files to TV (rootless)
The easiest way to use the Send Files to app TV (It is available on Google Play and the App Store and runs on a local Wi-Fi network and does not require cables or additional software.
Instructions:
- Install Send Files to TV on the phone and TV (download) APK for TV developer-site).
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the application on your phone, select a file APK and press "Send".
- On the TV, confirm the receipt of the file and wait for the transfer to be completed.
- After transfer, open the file through any file manager (such as X-Plore) and install the application.
Advantages of the method:
- 🚀 Transfer speeds up to 10 MB/s (depending on the router).
- 🔒 No need to register or grant root rights.
- 📱 It works with iPhone (via App Store).
⚠️ Note: If the TV doesn’t see the phone in the list of devices, check if the built-in firewall blocks data transmission (on some firmware). MIUI TV It's activated by default. Turn it off in Settings. → Network → Additionally. → firewall.
Install Send Files to TV both-way|Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network|Download APK on the phone (verified source)|Turn off the firewall on the TV (if any)-->
Method 2: Installation via ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods do not work (for example, due to an error "INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK"), You can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for installing system applications or bypassing manufacturer restrictions.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Platform Tools installed (or phone with Termux).
- 🔌 Cable USB-OTG (Connecting the TV to a PC/phone).
- 📄 APK-file.
Step-by-step:
- Put the debugging on. USB on TV: Settings → On TV. → Software version (click 7 times) Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB
- Connect the TV to your computer/phone through USB-OTG.
- Open the command prompt (or Termux) and type: Adb devices If the device is determined, continue.
- Install. APK command: adb install path/to/file.apk
If there is an error, adb: no devices/emulators found, try it:
- 🔄 Reconnect the cable.
- 🔧 Install Xiaomi drivers ADB (Download from xiaomiflashtool.com).
- 📱 On a Termux phone, use the termux-setup-storage command to access files.
What if ADB can’t see the TV?
| ADB error | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK | Damaged APK or incompatible architecture (arm64/x86) | Download. APK for TV (For example, with APKCombo) |
| INSTALL_FAILED_TEST_ONLY | APK is designed for testing only | Use the adb install command -t file |
| device unauthorized | Unconfirmed access to debugging | A request will appear on the TV – confirm the connection |
Method 3: Remote installation via Google Drive or Telegram
If there are no cables at hand, Send Files to TV It doesn't work, you can download it. APK To the cloud and download it directly to the TV, this method is suitable for models with a browser (for example, Mi). TV 5 Pro).
Instructions for Google Drive:
- Download. APK Into your Google Drive from your phone.
- Open your browser on your TV (Mi Browser or Chrome).
- Go to drive.google.com, log in.
- Find the file. APK, Click "Download" and confirm installation.
The alternative is Telegram:
- 📱 Send. APK to yourself in the saved messages.
- 🌐 Open the web version of Telegram on your TV.
- 📎 Download the file and install it.
⚠️ Attention: Browser on Xiaomi TV frequently blocks download APK If the download doesn't start, try it: 🔗 Use a link shortener (for example, bit.ly). 🛠️ Disable "Safe browsing" in the browser settings.
Through USB-accumulator|Wi-Fi (Send Files to Wi-Fi) TV)|Through ADB|Through the Cloud (Google Drive, Telegram)|Never set it up.-->
5. Method 4: Use of the Application App2Fire (fire TV Stick and Android TV)
If your Xiaomi TV is running on Android TV (Like Mi. TV Stick or Mi Box S, you can use it. App2Fire — remote installation utility APK local-network.
How it works:
- Install. App2Fire on a phone from Google Play.
- Connect the phone and Mi TV Stick to one Wi-Fi network.
- Open up. App2Fire, Click "Scan" - the application will find your device.
- Choose. APK On the phone and click "Upload & Install".
Advantages:
- 🎯 Supports a package installation of several APK.
- 🔄 Automatically checks compatibility with Android TV.
- 📊 Shows a list of already installed applications.
Limitations:
- ❌ Not working. MIUI TV (Android only TV).
- ⚠️ Requires the "Developer Mode" on the console enabled.
💡
App2Fire — The only application that allows you to install APK Android TV without ADB And without cables. MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4S) It doesn’t fit – use Send Files to TV or ADB.
6. Method 5: Installation via Mi Share (for Xiaomi phones)
Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) allows you to transfer files between Xiaomi devices without the Internet using Wi-Fi Direct.
How to pass APK:
- Activate Mi Share on your phone (Settings) → Connection and sharing → Mi Share).
- On the TV, open Settings. → Network → Mi Share and turn on visibility.
- On your phone, select a file APK Send it to the TV (the device will appear in the list).
- After transfer, open the file to TV via File Manager.
Important nuances:
- 📱 It only works between Xiaomi devices (not suitable for iPhones or other brands’ TVs).
- 🔄 Transfer speed is lower than Send Files to TV (about 3-5 MB/s).
- 🔒 Some firmware requires authorization through a Mi Account.
7 Solving problems when installing applications
Even after successful transfer APK The installation can end in error. Let's look at the most common cases and their solutions.
| Mistake. | Reason. | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| App not installed | The old version of the application has already been installed. | Remove the previous version through Settings → Annexes |
| Parse Error | A damaged APK or incompatible architecture | Download. APK from another source (e.g. APKMirror) |
| INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS | APK built for a different processor architecture | Look for versions for arm64 (Xiaomi TV They use this architecture) |
| INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE | Lack of memory | Clear the cache through Settings → Storage or plug in USB-accumulator |
If the application is installed but not running:
- 🔄 Restart the TV.
- 🛠️ Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.
- 📋 Check if the app supports TV-interface (some of the APK Smartphones are not optimized for large screens).
How to check the architecture of the TV processor?
8.Security: How not to infect TV with viruses
Installation APK From unknown sources, it's a risky business. TV may:
- 🕵️♂️ Stealing Mi or Google account details.
- 📺 Show ads over videos (so-called "adware").
- 🔴 Block the remote or demand a ransom (rarely, but possible).
Safety regulations:
- Download. APK only from verified sources: 🔗 APKMirror (checks hashes of files). 🔗 APKCombo (offers multiple versions). 🚫 Avoid sites like apkpure.com or uptodown.com, which often modify files.
Check the hash file:
MD5
SHA-1
Hash Droid
Install the antivirus:
Malwarebytes
Android TV
Signs of an infected APK:
- 🚨 Requests Administrator Rights or Access to SMS.
- 📦 Installs additional applications without request.
- 🔄 Updates or changes settings independently.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV Some viruses may disable Google Play Protect. To return protection, go to Settings → Google → Security and enable "Device scanning for threats".