Installing apps on Xiaomi TVs via smartphone is a challenge faced by owners of Android devices TV Or PatchWall, which is a very limited set of pre-installed programs, you can expand the functionality of your TV in 5-10 minutes using just your phone, and you can choose the right method depending on the model of the TV and the tools available.
In this article you will find the most relevant ways of installation. APK-Files and apps from Google Play on Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV We'll take it as official methods (via Send Files to) TV Google Play on TV, and alternatives to Google Play on TV ADB, We'll focus on security and compatibility to avoid errors like "App not installed" or "Unknown source".
1. Preparing Xiaomi TV for app installation
Before you can transfer files from your phone, you need to configure the TV itself. APK Syncing with Google Play will not be possible.
The first thing you need to do is allow installation from unknown sources, which is hidden in the security settings and varies depending on the PatchWall version:
- 📺 On the remote, press Settings (⚙️) → All settings → Personal. → Security and limitations → Unknown sources.
- 🔓 Turn on the switch for the "Allow installation from unknown sources" option (some models may call "Installation from external sources").
- 📱 If you do not have an option, update your TV firmware to the latest version via Settings. → On TV. → Updating the system.
Second, check the app’s compatibility with Android TV. Not all. APK, For example, TikTok or Instagram are not officially adapted for large screens, and YouTube or Kodi have special versions for the TV. TV. To avoid mistakes:
- 🔍 Look. APK marked "for Android" TV" on sites like APKMirror.
- 📊 Check the processor size of your TV (ARM or x86) — This is indicated in the characteristics of the model on the Xiaomi website.
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can cause a virus infection of the TV. Use only official sites (APKMirror, Aptoide) TV) or verified file-sharing.
2. Method 1: Installation via Send Files to TV (Official Xiaomi app)
The easiest and safest method is to use the Send Files to app. TV It's pre-installed on most of the Mi series TVs. TV redmi TV, It is also available for download on Android smartphones.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone from Google Play.
- 📺 On the TV, open the File Manager app. → Send Files to TV (Or find it through a search at PatchWall).
- 🔗 On the phone in the application, select "Send" → "Files" and specify APK-The TV should appear in the list of available devices.
- 📤 Click "Send" and confirm the file is being received on TV. After transfer, open the file through the File Manager and install it.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Fast transmission over a local network (Wi-Fi Direct).
- 🛡️ No need to plug in USB-drive or use clouds.
- 🔄 Package transmissions are supported (several) APK simultaneously).
⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't appear on the list of devices, check if the phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. TV You need to enable the option “Miracast” in the screen settings.
Connect your phone and TV to a single Wi-Fi network
Install Send Files to TV smartphone
Allow installation from unknown sources on TV
Download APK-phone-file
-->
3. Method 2: Installation via Google Play on a TV
If your Xiaomi TV is running on Android TV (And not PatchWall, you have access to a full Google Play Store, which means that many apps can be installed directly, without transferring them. APK. But there are nuances:
How to check for Google Play:
- 🔍 On the home screen, look for the Play Store icon (usually in the Apps section").
- 📱 If it’s not, your TV runs on PatchWall (simplified shell without Google services).
Installation instructions:
- 📺 Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
- 🔍 Type the name of the app in a search (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+).
- 📥 Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
- 🎮 If the app doesn’t show up in search, it’s not compatible with Android. TV.
What to do if Google Play is not available:
- 🔄 Update your TV firmware to the latest version – sometimes Google Play appears after the update.
- 📱 Use your phone for remote installation via the web version of Google Play:
- Open play.google.com in your phone browser.
- Sign in with the same account as you do on TV.
- Find the right application and click “Install” by selecting your Xiaomi from the list of devices TV.
Why are some apps not showing up on Google Play on TV?
Method 3: Transmission APK Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
If Send Files to TV does not work or the TV does not support this feature, the alternative is to download it. APK And you can go to the cloud and download it directly to TV, and this is a universal technique that works even on PatchWall models.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Download. APK-file on Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex Drive from a smartphone.
- 🔗 Generate a public link to the file (in Google Drive, click "Share". → Copy the link").
- 📺 On your TV, open your browser ("Internet" in PatchWall or Google Chrome on Android) TV).
- 🌐 Insert the link in the address bar and download APK.
- 📥 After downloading, open the file through the File Manager and install it.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models. | ❌ Requires a link from the remote (inconvenient) |
| ✅ There are no limits on file size | ❌ You need to log in to the cloud on TV. |
| ✅ Supports batch downloads | ❌ Speed depends on the Internet connection |
On models Xiaomi Mi TV 5 Pro and newer in the browser can block the download APK For security reasons, use alternative browsers like TV Bro or Puffin. TV, You can use the Send Files to TV.
5. Method 4: Installation via ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods don’t work, you can install the app via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It requires minimal technical skills, but it gives you complete control over the process. APK or applications that do not want to be installed in the usual way.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer installed ADB (or smartphone with root access and application ADB AppControl).
- 📡 The TV and the computer must be on the same network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- 📄 APK-file.
Instructions:
- 📺 On the TV, turn on the developer mode: Settings → On TV. → Firmware version (click 7 times in a row) After that, the menu "For developers" will appear".
- 🔧 Turn on "Debugging by" USB" and "Debugging over the network" in the developer settings.
- 🖥️ On your computer, open the command line and connect to the TV: adb connect [IP-TV address]:5555 (IP-Address can be found in Settings → Network → State of the network)
- 📤 Install. APK command: adb install path to file.apk
Examples of commands for ADB:
- 📋 View the list of installed applications: adb shell pm list packages
- 🗑️ Delete the application: adb uninstall com.example.app
⚠️ Attention: Inept use ADB Do not delete system applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.mitv) or install modified firmware without backup.
💡
If ADB If you don't see the TV, check that port 5555 isn't blocked by a firewall on your computer, and try restarting the TV and re-enable debugging over the network.
Method 5: Alternative methods (Bluetooth, USB-OTG, Mi Share)
If none of the above methods work, consider less common but working options.
Transmission via Bluetooth:
- 📲 Connect your phone to your TV via Bluetooth (Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth).
- 📎 Send. APK-file as a normal file (some phones need to select "Send via Bluetooth" in the file menu).
- 📥 On TV, accept the file and install it through the File Manager.
❌ Disadvantage: Slow transmission speed (suitable only for small ones) APK).
2.Use of USB-OTG:
- 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the phone, copy it to it. APK.
- 📺 Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (may be required) OTG-adapter).
- 📁 Open the File Manager → USB-drive and install the application.
✅ Plus: Works on all models, even without Wi-Fi.
3. Mi Share (Fast Wi-Fi transmission):
- 📱 Install the Mi Share app on your phone (available for Android and iOS).
- 📺 On the TV, open Settings. → Connection and sharing → Mi Share.
- 📎 Choose. APK on the phone and send it to TV.
💡
USB-OTG — The most reliable method for TVs without Wi-Fi or with unstable Internet. OTG (Check the specifications of your TV).
7. Solving common installation errors
Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1. "Application not installed" (Parse Error)
- 🔧 Reason: APK It is designed for a different processor architecture (e.g, x86 instead ARM).
- 🛠️ Solution: Download the version APK, compatible with your TV (check the model specifications on the Xiaomi website).
2. “Unknown source” (installation blocked)
- 🔧 Reason: Unknown Sources option not included in security settings.
- 🛠️ Solution: Return to the first section and follow the steps to unlock the installation.
3. "Insufficient memory"
- 🔧 Reason: The TV is running out of internal memory (especially relevant for models with 8 GB of storage).
- 🛠️ Solution: Remove unnecessary applications (Settings) → Annexes → Delete) or use USB-installation drive (if supported).
4. “The application does not meet the requirements of Android. TV"
- 🔧 Reason: The app is not adapted to control from the remote (for example, Instagram or TikTok).
- 🛠️ Solution: Use alternative launchers like ATV Launcher or connect wireless mouse via Bluetooth.