Why is a USB flash drive the best option for the Mi TV 4S?
Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 4S Android-based TV They offer access to the Google Play Market, but not all the necessary applications are available there, Russian users face geolocation restrictions, and owners of older versions of firmware face a lack of support for new services. Installing via a flash drive solves these problems by allowing manual loading APK-files from verified sources.
Advantages of the method:
Bypassing regional blockers (for example, YouTube Vanced or SmartTubeNext).
- Ability to install outdated versions of Android TV 9.0 compatible apps on Mi TV 4S 2018–2020
No dependence on Internet speed – files are copied in advance.
But there are nuances: Xiaomi TVs block installation from unknown sources by default, and not all APKs are optimized for remote control — some require a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard connection.
Preparation: What will be needed for installation
Before starting, check for the presence of:
- 📁 USB-format-storage FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB). NTFS unsupported!
- 📱 APK-file of an application compatible with Android TV. Download only from verified sources (APKMirror, official developer sites).
- 🔌 TV remote control or Bluetooth mouse (for applications without arrow navigation support).
- 🔧 File Manager for TV (e.g. X-Plore or X-Plore) FX File Explorer).
Critical detail: Xiaomi Mi TV 4S does not support APK installation directly from the root folder of the USB drive.The file must lie in a folder with a Latin name (for example, APK or Apps).
| Type of flash drive | Max. File size. | Compatible with Mi TV 4S |
|---|---|---|
| FAT32 | 4GB | ✅ Complete. |
| exFAT | No restrictions. | ✅ Only on firmware 2021+ |
| NTFS | No restrictions. | ❌ It's not readable. |
⚠️ Note: If you use a flash drive larger than 64 GB, format it in exFAT via the utility SD Formatter – Standard Windows Formatting Could Create Reading Problems.
Step 1: Allow installation from unknown sources
By default, Mi TV 4S blocks APK installation from third-party sources to unlock this feature:
- Open the settings (cog on the main screen).
- Go to Device → Special features → Security and limitations.
- Find Unknown Sources and turn on the switch.
- In the application list, select the File Manager (e.g. X-Plore) and allow it to install the APK.
On some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of unknown applications.
Allow unknown sources|Install a file manager|Download APK flash-drive|Connect the flash drive to USB-port-->
⚠️ Warning: Once the app is installed, return the security settings to their original state to avoid accidental malware installation. TV 4S vulnerable to Trojans masquerading as APK popular services (such as Kodi or TVirl).
Step 2: Transfer APK to a flash drive and connect to a TV
Downloaded APK-The file must be placed correctly on the storage device:
- Connect the flash drive to your computer and create a folder with a name in English (such as APK).
- Put one in it. APK-Do not download multiple applications at the same time – this can cause the installer to crash.
- Securely remove the drive and connect it to USB-port on the back of the TV (ports on the side panel may not recognize flash drives on some Mi models) TV 4S).
If the TV can't see the flash drive:
Check the file system format (should be FAT32 or exFAT).
- Try another one. USB-cable.
Restart the TV by holding the power button on the remote for 5 seconds.
What to do if the TV can’t see the flash drive?
Step 3: Install APK through File Manager
Now let’s move on to the installation itself:
- Open a file manager (such as X-Plore) on your TV.
- In the left panel, select USB-storage device (can be displayed as sda1 or UDisk).
- Go to the APK folder and click on the file. You'll see a request for installation.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).
If the installation is frozen:
Don't remove the flash drive or turn off the TV.
Wait 5 minutes – sometimes the process looks frozen, but it’s actually in the background.
If nothing happens after the time has passed, restart the TV and try again.
💡
To speed up installation, disable all background apps. Go to Settings → Apps → Launched and suspend unnecessary services (such as Mi Home or Google Play Services).
Addressing common mistakes
When installing APK on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, users often face problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| App not installed | Incompatible version of APK or corrupted file | Download APK from another source or check for Android TV 9.0 compatibility |
| Parse error | The file is not intended for Android TV | Look for versions marked tv or leanback in the title |
| Installation interrupted by 50% | Lack of memory in /data | Clear the cache in Settings → Storage or remove unnecessary applications |
If the application is installed but not running:
Check if it supports remote control (some APKs require a touchpad).
- Update the TV firmware to the latest version through Settings → About TV → System Update.
Remove and install the app again – sometimes re-installation helps.
💡
Most of the errors when installing APKs on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S are due to incompatible Android versions.Always check that the file is for Android TV, not smartphones.
Optimization of installed applications
Once installed successfully, the app may not work correctly: slow down, not support navigation with arrows, or display in the wrong resolution.
- 🎮 Control from the remote: Enable Mouse Toggle mode in special features settings (allows you to emulate the cursor).
- 🖥️ Screen resolution: For applications not adapted to TV, Set up forced scaling in Settings → Screen and sound → Screen resolution.
- 🔄 AutoStart: To open the app when you turn on TV, use AutoStart from Google Play.
For applications like Kodi or Stremio, it is recommended to:
- Disable interface animation in the application settings.
- Assign a launch to a separate remote button through Settings → Remote and accessories → Button settings.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) They block the work on rooted devices. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S It does not have official root support, but if you used unofficial firmware, these services may refuse to run.