How to install the VKontakte app on Xiaomi TV: 5 working ways

Installing VKontakte on a Xiaomi TV is a challenge faced by Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models with Android TV or Google TV. Despite the popularity of the social network, the official VK app is often absent from the TV app store, and the web version of the site is unstable. In this article, we will analyze all the current installation methods, from standard to alternative, including bypassing restrictions and solving typical errors.

Xiaomi TVs have a modified PatchWall firmware (on models for India) or Google TV (global versions), which impose restrictions on the installation of third-party APKs. We tested all methods on Mi TV 4S 55, Redmi Smart TV X55 and Xiaomi TV A2 43" models - the results are summarized in the compatibility table below. If your TV is released before 2020, you will need a preliminary firmware update to a version at least Android 9, otherwise some methods will not work.

1. Install VC through the Google Play Store (official way)

The easiest method is to download the app directly from the store, but it only works on Google TVs (Models 2022 and later). On older devices with Android TV or PatchWall, the VK app may not be searchable.

To check availability:

• 🔍 Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
• 📱 In the search box, enter “Vkontakte” or «VK».
• 📥 If the application is found, click "Install».
• 🔄 After installation, update the application to the latest version.

If VK is not displayed in the search, try:

1. Reset the region in the settings of the TV to "Russia" (Settings → System → Language and Region).
2. Clear the cache of the Google Play Store (Settings → Apps → Google Play → Clear the cache).
3. Use a Google account linked to the Russian region.

⚠️ Note: On PatchWall TVs, the Google Play Store may be blocked, in which case you can move to Method 2 or 3.

Installation through APK-file (manual method)

If the official method does not work, you can install APK-You'll need a VK file manually:

• 💻 Computer or smartphone for download APK.
• 📁 Flash drive (format) FAT32) Cloud storage (e.g., Mi Share).
• 🔧 The option “Unknown Sources” on the TV.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the current version of APK from the official VK website for Android TV or a trusted source (such as APKMirror). Avoid third-party sites - they can spread viruses.
2. Transfer the file to a flash drive or upload it to the TV via Mi Share (if supported).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and open the File Manager.
4. Find it. APK-You can open the file and you can start it. When you get a warning, you can click "Install».
5. After installation, open the application and log in.

Download APK source|Check the format of the flash drive (FAT32)|Insert "Unknown Sources" in the settings|Connect the flash drive to USB-port 2.0 (not 3.0)|Start the installation on behalf of the administrator (if required)

-->

Possible errors and solutions:

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Unverified sources may result in the blocking of your VK account due to suspicious activity.

3. Installation via Mi Share (for PatchWall TVs)

If your TV is powered by PatchWall (typical of the Indian Mi TV 4X, Mi TV 4A models), standard methods may not work, and Mi Share technology, which allows you to transfer files from a Xiaomi or Redmi phone directly to the TV, will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. On your phone and TV, turn on Mi Share (Settings → Connections → Mi Share).
2. On the phone, select APK-file VK and send him to the TV.
3. On the TV, confirm the file reception and wait for the transfer to be completed.
4. Open the File Manager on your TV, find the APK you have transmitted and install it.

💡

If Mi Share doesn’t find the TV, check that both devices are connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (5GHz may not be supported).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It only works on phones. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco s MIUI 12 newer.
• ❌ Maximum file size is 1 GB (for APK enough).
• ❌ Some TV models require prior authorization in Mi Account.

4. Use of alternative applications (TV Bro, Sideload Launcher)

If direct installation of VK is not possible, you can use the workarounds:

Method 1: TV Bro (Browser with Android TV Support)

• 🌐 Install the browser TV Bro from Google Play.
• 🔗 Open the mobile version in it. VK.
• 📌 Fix the site on the main screen through the browser menu.

Method 2: Sideload Launcher

• 📥 Install Sideload Launcher from Google Play.
• 📂 Then, you can run the previously installed APK VK (If the standard launcher does not show it).

Method 3: Application "VC for Smart TV" (informal)

Google Play has alternative clients, like VK for TV from third-party developers, which are customized for remotes, but may contain ads or limited functionality.

5. Installation via ADB (for power users)

If none of the methods worked, you can install VK via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but guarantees installation even on locked firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).
• 📄 APK-file VK (file-stored ADB).

Instructions:

1. Put the debugging on. USB on TV: Settings → On TV. → Assembly number (click 7 times) Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB (insert)
2. Connect the TV to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
4. Install the APK command: adb install vk.apk

⚠️ Note: On some models Xiaomi debugging USB If the adb device command doesn't find the device, try using Wi-Fi. ADB: adb tcpip 5555 adb connect [IP-TV address]:5555 IP-Address can be found in Settings → Network.

6. Solving problems after installation

Even after a successful VK installation, errors can occur.

Problem 1: The application will not open

• 🔄 Restart the TV.
• 🗑️ Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → VK → Clear the cache).
• 📥 Reinstall. APK (It's possible the file was corrupted).

Problem 2: Incorrect display of the interface

• 🎨 Change the screen resolution in the settings of the TV 1920×1080.
• 🔍 Enable compatibility mode for Android applications (Settings) → System system → Compatibility mode).

Problem 3: No sound in the video

• 🔊 Check the sound settings in VK (It's possible the app's sound is off).
• 🎵 Install the codec. MX Player (it supports more formats).

💡

If VK slows down after installing, try turning off animation in Android TV settings (Settings → For developers → Animation = Off).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing VK on Xiaomi TV