Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 4S Android TV They offer access to thousands of apps, but standard installation methods often raise questions.Unlike smartphones, there is no classic Google Play Market with a full directory, and third-party install methods are not. APK-This article will help you understand how to get around the restrictions and install any application from YouTube and Netflix to Kodi and other apps. IPTV-player.
We tested all the current methods on Mi TV 4S 43, 50" and 55" models with MIUI TV 2.0-3.5 firmware. Particular attention was paid to problems with application incompatibility (the device is not certified), blocking unknown sources and lack of memory. If your TV sends out a message "Application not installed" - there is a solution in the article.
Warning: some methods require changes in system settings, which can lead to a reset of warranty or unstable TV performance.
1. Installation via the built-in App Store (limited directory)
The safest, but also the most limited way. Xiaomi pre-selected apps that are compatible with remotes and screen resolutions. The catalog includes Netflix, Prime Video, Megogo, but many popular services are missing.
How to open a store:
- 📺 Press the Home button on the remote (house with a square).
- 🔍 Go to the Applications section (tile icon of 4 squares).
- 🛒 Choose Get More or App Store (depending on the firmware version).
⚠️ Note: If the Get section is not yet available, update the TV firmware to the latest version via Settings → On TV. → Update the system. MIUI TV 1.x The app store may not be displayed.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ No risk of getting viruses (all apps are tested by Xiaomi).
- ✅ Automatic updates without manual intervention.
- ✅ Optimization for remote control (large buttons, voice search).
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Limited selection (no Viaplay, Wink, many) IPTV-player).
- ❌ No way to establish APK-file.
Installation APK through USB-storage device (for experienced users)
This method allows you to install any Android application, but requires preparation, and the main limitation is that the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S by default blocks the installation from unknown sources.
What you need:
- 🔌 USB-flash drive FAT32 exFAT.
- 📱 APK-Application file (download from trusted sources, such as APKCombo or APKMirror).
- 🖱️ Mouse (optional, for ease of navigation).
Step-by-step:
- Download the APK to your computer and transfer it to the USB drive to the root folder (not nested!).
- Connect USB to the USB 2.0 port on your TV (usually located on the side).
- Allow installation from unknown sources: Open Settings → Device → Security and Restrictions. Find Unknown Sources and activate the switch.
Set the APK:
- Run the built-in Explorer (folder icon in the application menu).
- Select your flash drive and find it. APK-file.
- Click on it and confirm the installation.
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
⚠️ Note: If the installation error appears "Parse Error" means APK incompatible with architecture ARM64 (used in Mi TV 4S). Try to find the version of the application for Android TV or marked armeabi-v7a.
Previous articleCritical Feature: Xiaomi TVs do not support APK-files designed for smartphones with architecture x86. Make sure you download the version for ARM!
3. APK over Wi-Fi via Send Files to TV
If not. USB-The storage device is on hand, you can transfer it. APK-It's a file directly from your phone. TV from Xiaomi, which works without root rights and debugging USB.
How it works:
- 📲 The app creates a local network between the phone and the TV.
- 📥 Files are transmitted by protocol HTTP speeds up to 20 Mbit/s.
- 🔒 There is no need to include debugging on USB (unlike ADB).
Instructions:
- Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
- Launch the app on your TV: Settings → Connect and share → Send Files to TV.
- On the phone, select APK-file and send it to the TV.
- After transfer, open the file through Explorer and install it.
| Method of transmission | Speed. | Does USB need? | You need a debugging? |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-accumulator | High (up to 40 MB/s) | Yes. | No. |
| Send Files to TV | Average (5-15 MB/s) | No. | No. |
| ADB (wi-fi) | Low (1-3 MB/s) | No. | Yes. |
Advantages of Send Files to TV:
- ✅ No need for additional devices (flash drives, cables).
- ✅ It works on all the Mi firmware TV 4S.
- ✅ Supports packet transmission (you can send several) APK once).
💡
If the TV doesn’t see the phone in the list of devices to transmit, check if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Turn off the VPN on the smartphone – it can block the local connection.
Installation via ADB (for advanced users)
Android Debug Bridge Method (ADB) It allows you to install applications over the network without having to physically connect. USB-ports are busy or the flash drive is not readable, but you need to turn on the debugging USB, which may not be safe.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (for initial configuration only).
- 📡 Sustainable connection of TV and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version. Click on the line with the version 7 times in a row until the message "You became a developer" appears. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers. Activate USB debugging and Debugging over the network.
Connect the TV to the PC via USB
adb devicesThe device with the serial number must be displayed.
Switch to a Wi-Fi connection:
adb tcpip 5555
adb connect [IP- address television]:5555(You can find out IP in Settings → Network → Network Status.)
Set the APK:
adb install path to file.apk⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Turn off the debugging. USB The debugging enabled allows attackers on your network to install applications without your knowledge.
Challenges and solutions:
- 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: check the drivers on the PC or restart the TV.
- 🚫 Mistake "INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE": Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Clear the data.
- 🔒 "Device unauthorized": confirm the connection on the TV screen (a request will appear after the command adb devices).
How do you know? IP-remote address?
5. Use of third-party launchers (to expand the functionality)
The standard MIUI TV launcher limits customization and hides some applications, and an alternative launcher (such as an ATV Launcher or HalLauncher) can be installed to:
- 📌 To fix any applications on the main screen.
- 🔍 Simplify the search and launch of hidden APK.
- 🎨 Change the appearance of the menu (dark theme, large icons).
How to install ATV Launcher:
- Download APK from the official website.
- Transfer the file to the TV in any convenient way (USB, ADB, Send Files to TV).
- Install APK and launch the launcher.
- In the launcher settings, select Set as default launcher (confirmation required).
The most popular launchers for Xiaomi Mi TV 4S:
| Launcher | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| ATV Launcher | Minimalist design, voice search support | Paid version for advanced functions |
| HalLauncher | Free, open source code | Outdated interface |
| Leanback Launcher | Optimized for Android TV, content recommendations | Closed source code |
⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s branded services (such as Mi Home or PatchWall). → Account. → Backup.
6. Solving Application Installation Problems
Even after a successful APK installation, the application may not start or not work correctly, and we will analyze the typical errors and how to fix them.
Error 1: "Not installed"
- 🔹 Reason: APK It is designed for another architecture (x86 instead ARM).
- 🔹 Solution: Download the version for arm64-v8a or armeabi-v7a.
Error 2: “Device not certified” (Google Play)
- 🔹 Xiaomi has not certified the model to access the full Play Market catalog.
- 🔹 Solution: Use alternative stores (Aptoide) TV, APKPure or install APK manually.
Error 3: The app is running but the remote is not working
- 🔹 Reason: App not optimized for Android TV.
- 🔹 Solution: Connect a wireless mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth.
Mistake 4: Lack of memory
- 🔹 Reason: On Mi TV 4S 8 GB of internal memory, of which ~4GB is occupied by the system.
- 🔹 Solution: Remove unnecessary apps in Settings → Apps. Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. Use it. USB-storage as internal memory (requires formatting).
💡
If the app requires Google Play Services but they are not on your TV, install them manually via APK. Download the latest version for Android TV from the APKMirror website.