How to install apps on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: 5 proven ways

Introduction: Why install apps on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick?

Xiaomi Mi TV set-top box TV Stick turns any TV into a TV with a HDMI-But the standard set of apps from Google Play is often limited, with many popular services (for example, many popular services, 1xBet TV, Wink or Megogo may not be available in the official Android store TV. Besides, some of them APK-Files require manual installation due to regional restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install applications on the Mi TV Stick (including the Mi TV Stick 4K and Mi TV Stick 2026 models), their pros and cons, as well as typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to security, because improper installation of APK can lead to locking the device due to violation of Google policies or malware infection.

Method 1: Installation via Google Play Store

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Google Play Store, but not all apps from the mobile version of the store are available for Android TV.

1. 📺 Turn on the console and go to the main menu.
2. 🔍 Open the Google Play Store (Color Triangle icon).
3. 🔎 In the search bar, type the name of the app (for example, YouTube or Netflix).
4. 📥 If the application supports Android TV, Next to the button, the Installation will be compatible with your device.

If the application is not available, try:

• 🔄 Update Google Play Store to the latest version (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Store → Update).
• 🌍 Change the Google Account Region (some apps are only available in certain countries).
• 📱 Install the app on your smartphone and then send it to the console via Google Play Games or Send Files to TV.

💡

If the app doesn’t show up in search, try opening its page in your browser on your PC, then click “Install” – sometimes this works for Android TV.

Method 2: Manual installation APK-file

If the app is not available in Google Play, it can be installed via APK-This method is suitable for Wink, IVI, Megogo and other streaming services, but require caution:

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From unverified sources, you may leak data or lock your device. download files only from official sites (e.g. apkcombo.com, apkmirror.com) or trusted forums.

Step-by-step:

Download APK on USB-cloud-storage

Installation from unknown sources

Connect USB or open a file manager

Start the APK installation

-->

1. 🔌 Connect the flash drive with APK upload the file through the File Manager (e.g. X-Plore).
2. ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Security and limitations → Unknown sources and allow installation for File Manager.
3. 📂 Open up. APK Through the file manager and follow the instructions.

If the installation is interrupted with the error "Application not installed", try:

• 🔄 Download another version APK (for example, for Android TV or arm64).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Install APK Google Play Installer – It sometimes bypasses restrictions.

Through USB-accumulator

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk)

Through Send Files to TV

Another way.-->

Method 3: Send Files to TV (SFTV)

Send Files to TV (SFTV) allows you to transfer files from phone to console over a local network wirelessly, which is convenient for installing APKs or transferring media files. Here's how it works:

1. 📱 Install Send Files to TV on a smartphone from Google Play.
2. 📺 Install the same app on Mi TV Stick via Google Play Store.
3. 🔗 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. 📎 On the phone, select APK-file and send it to the console.
5. 📥 On the console, confirm the receipt of the file and start the installation.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Quick transmission without USB-accumulator.
• 🔒 Safer than downloading APK online.
• 📁 Supports batch sending of multiple files.

⚠️ Note: If the console and phone are connected to different networks (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), SFTV The device won't see it.

Method 4: Installation via ADB (for power users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable for installing applications that are blocked by the system, or for batch installation. It requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (or Wi-Fi connection).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools (download from developer.android.com).
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB prefixed.

Instructions:

1. 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB on the console: Settings → About the prefix → Assembly number (click 7 times) Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB
2. 🖥️ Connect the console to the PC and start the command line.
3. 📌 Check the connection: Adb devices (the device name should be displayed).
4. 📥 Install. APK: adb install path to file.apk

If ADB does not see the device:

• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers ADB Interface.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📡 Use Wi-Fi Connection: Adb Connect IP_prefix:5555 (IP You can find out in Settings → Network).

Method 5: Alternative App Stores

If Google Play is not suitable, you can use third-party stores optimized for Android TV:

How to install Aptoide TV:

1. 🌐 Download. APK From the official website tv.aptide.com.
2. 📁 Transfer the file to the console (through USB or SFTV).
3. 📥 Install. APK, Allowing installation from unknown sources.
4. 🔍 Launch an Aptoide TV And find the right app.

⚠️ Note: Some stores (such as Aptoide) may offer modified versions of apps with ads or trackers.

Solving Typical Errors in Installation

Even with the right actions, users are faced with errors.

If the application is installed but not started:

• 🔄 Reboot the console (Settings) → Reboot).
• 📋 Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Permits.
• 🔧 Update Google Play Services and Android System WebView.

💡

If the app requires Google Mobile Services (GMS) but doesn’t work, try installing GMS Core manually via APK.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app installation