Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs, powered by Android TV or Google TV, offer users a huge multimedia experience. However, the official Google Play app store on these devices often has regional restrictions or simply does not contain some popular Russian services. In particular, users often look for a way to run VKontakte directly on the big screen to view high-quality videos, clips and broadcasts without having to connect additional cables.
Unfortunately, there is no official native TV app from the social network developers, which poses some difficulties for those who are accustomed to the convenience of Smart TV. However, the Android ecosystem allows you to bypass these limitations with various techniques. In this article, we will discuss the most effective and secure methods of installing client software that will turn your Xiaomi Mi TV into a full-fledged entertainment center.
The installation process can vary depending on the firmware version and model of your device. Some methods require a computer or smartphone on Android, while others can be implemented using only a remote control. The key is to understand that you will install an adapted version of the tablet app or a dedicated one. APK-It's a file, not a standard mobile version. Let's take a look at all the options available Step-by-step.
Preparing Xiaomi TV for Third Party Apps
Before proceeding with the direct installation APK-You need to set up the TV itself. Android is the default system. TV It blocks the installation of programs from sources other than the official Google Play Store, which is a security measure that we will have to temporarily bypass.
To start, go to the main menu and find Settings. Depending on the version of the MIUI for TV shell or Pure Android, this item can be located in the upper right corner of the screen as a gear. Inside the menu, select About device or System. Find the Build Number line.
To activate the developer mode, you need to quickly press the confirmation button on the remote (usually the central button). OK) Seven times in a row, and after the fifth or sixth time, the system can request input. PIN-The standard code for Xiaomi TVs is often 0000 or 1234, but it can also be displayed on the query screen. Once you successfully enter, you will see a notification that the developer mode has been activated.
Now go back to the previous settings menu, and a new Security and Limits or Developer's Device option should appear. In this section, you need to find the Unknown Sources option and allow you to install applications for the file manager you plan to use or for all applications at once. USB, If you plan to use a computer to transfer files.
⚠️ Note: By including installations from unknown sources, you take responsibility for data security. 4PDA or the official website of the developers to avoid the introduction of malicious code into the TV system.
Once you have done this, your Xiaomi TV is ready to accept third-party software. Remember that changes to the system can affect the stability of the work, so act carefully. If you accidentally install an incompatible application, it can always be removed through the application management menu.
Search and download compatible version of APK file
The most important step is to find the right version of the installation file, because the standard mobile version of VK is not optimized for remote control and horizontal screen, it will be uncomfortable to use. You need specialized builds. Users often choose between two options: TV-third-party versions or adapted versions for tablets.
To find the right file, you can use the built-in browser on the TV, if any, or download the file to your computer / smartphone and transfer it to the TV. In the browser search bar on the APK aggregator site (for example, APKPure or UpToDown), type in the request "VK TV" or "VKontakte for Android TV." Pay attention to the file rating and the update date.
There are several popular builds that have proven well on Xiaomi devices, among them:
- 📺 VK TV — specialized version with an interface sharpened for remote control.
- 📱 VK HD — A tablet version that scales to larger screens better than a regular mobile version.
- 🛠 TV Bro – a browser with support for plugins, through which you can open the web version of the social network in TV mode.
When downloading, pay attention to the CPU architecture of your TV. Most modern Xiaomi models run on ARM64 processors, but older models may require an ARMv7 version. If you don't know the exact specification, try the general-purpose version or arm64-v8a version, as it is the standard for modern Smart TVs.
If you download a file to your computer, you will need to USB-Format it in the file system. FAT32 or NTFS, So you can make sure the TV reads it. APK-file in the root directory or in an easily found folder. USB-The system must automatically prompt the TV port to open the file manager.
Installation through the file manager and USB-accumulator
This method is classic and the most reliable, as it does not depend on the speed of the Wi-Fi connection at the time of installation. USB-loaded APK-file to the port of Xiaomi TV, A pop-up window may appear on the screen asking you to open the file. If that doesn't happen, look for a standard file manager (often called File Manager or Explorer) in the application menu).
In the file manager, go to the external drive (usually indicated as USB or sda1). Find a downloaded file, for example, vk_tv.apk. Click on it. The system will issue a security alert because the file is not from Google Play. Confirm installation by clicking Install.
The installation process will take a few seconds. Once completed, the Open or Ready button will appear. Don't rush to launch the application right away. It's recommended that you go to the app settings first, find the VKontakte you just installed and check the permissions. Make sure the app is allowed to access the storage (if you want to save the video cache) and the microphone (for voice search, if it's supported).
☑️ Pre-launch checks
If the app crashes when you start up or the interface is not displayed correctly (for example, the image is stretched or cropped), try changing the zoom settings in the Developer Settings section of your TV. Find the UI Size or DPI and try to change the value. It can also help to run the application in compatibility mode, if this option is available in your version of Android TV.
Using the Send Files to TV application for wireless transmission
If you don't have one on hand USB-The flash drives or ports on the TV are occupied by other equipment, you can use a wireless method of transferring files. TV (SFTTV) It's on your Xiaomi TV, your smartphone or your computer, and it's a lot faster than you can test different versions. APK.
First, find and install SFTTV from the Google Play Store directly on your TV. Then download a similar app to your smartphone (Android or iOS) or computer. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is a critical condition for the method to work.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Run the app on your TV and select Receive mode.
- On your smartphone, launch the app, select Send mode, and find your TV (e.g., Xiaomi TV) in the list.
- Select the previously downloaded APK-VKontakte file on your smartphone and send it.
The file will instantly appear in the TV's memory. Once the transfer is complete, the Android system will be installed. TV Often automatically prompts you to install the file. If this does not happen, go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications, find SFTTV, Open it and go to the download folder. APK-file-ready.
This method is particularly useful because it allows you to quickly change the versions of applications. If one build of VKontakte is unstable, you can flip another version from your phone in a couple of minutes without running to the router or computer. The transfer speed depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi router and support for the 5 GHz standard.
Screen broadcast from the phone (Cast and Miracast)
When installing third-party software seems too difficult or risky, there is always the option of streaming the image: the built-in Chromecast (Google Cast) function or Miracast technology allows you to display the image from your smartphone directly to the screen of the Xiaomi TV. This does not require installing an APK on the TV itself, but requires constant operation of the smartphone.
To use this method, open the VKontakte app on your smartphone. Find the video you want to watch. In the player, click on the broadcast icon (rectangle with waves in the corner). If the icon is not in the player, use the Broadcast or Smart View function in the Android notification curtain or Replay screen in iOS.
Advantages and disadvantages of this approach:
- ✅ Pros: There is no need to install anything on TV, It is stable and is maintained officially.
- ❌ Cons: The smartphone must be on and connected to the network, consumes the battery of the phone, you can not control the TV regardless of the phone.
The quality of the broadcast depends on the speed of Wi-Fi. To view video in 4K or Full HD without buffering, it is recommended to use a 5 GHz network. It is also worth noting that when broadcasting a full screen (Miracast), the image can have a delay, which makes it uncomfortable to control the interface, but for watching video this is not critical.
Why can video slow down when broadcasting?
If you’re using an iPhone, make sure your Xiaomi TV supports AirPlay 2 (new models) or install a receiver app on your TV, such as AirScreen, which will allow you to stream content from VKontakte via the standard screenplay menu on iOS.
Control setting and solving interface problems
Once you install the app, you may find that the cursor on the screen moves randomly or some buttons don't respond to the remote, because the app was originally designed for touchscreen, not for button navigation, and you can solve the problem with mouse emulation.
On the Google Play Store, find and install the Mouse Toggle app on your TV, or analogue, and once you have installed and given the permissions you need (access to special features), you can call a virtual mouse on the screen, usually by double-clicking on the center button of the remote.
With the help of a virtual mouse, you can:
- 🖱 Accurately hover the cursor on small elements of the VK interface.
- 📜 Scrolling through the news and comments feed.
- ⌨️ Enter text into search fields using an on-screen keyboard.
Also, you should pay attention to the audio settings. Sometimes when you start heavy video content, the sound may disappear or go with desynchronization. In this case, go to Settings of TV → Sound → Advanced settings and try to change the output format (for example, from Dolby Digital to PCM) if you have an external speaker system.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Screen resolution | 1920x1080 / 4K | Set the native resolution of the TV matrix |
| Frequency of update | 60 Hz | Optimal for video content |
| Sound format | Auto / PCM | Depends on the connected audio system |
| Image mode | Movie/Film | For better color reproduction when viewing |
If the app continues to work incorrectly, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → VKontakte → Clear the cache. Don't confuse it with cleaning the data, as this will reset authorization and settings.
💡
For easy input from the remote, install Google’s Android TV Remote Control app on your smartphone, which will turn your phone into a full-fledged keyboard and touchpad for your TV, making it much easier to log in to your VK account.
Alternative ways to access content
If neither of the installation methods worked, or the interface seems too inconvenient, there are alternatives, one of which is using a browser, and you can install a full-fledged browser on your TV, like Puffin TV or TV Bro.
In your browser, you open the full web version of VK. You can't navigate as fast as your native app, but you can have full functionality. You can watch videos, listen to music, and even play simple games. Browsers often have built-in remote control, making it easier to navigate the web.
Another option is the use of DLNA-You can run a server on your computer or smartphone (for example, through the BubbleUPnP application), add video files downloaded from VKontakte to the server library and play them on your TV through a standard Media player. This is the best way to watch your downloaded video in the highest quality without advertising and buffering restrictions.
⚠️ Note: When using browsers and third-party servers, be aware of licensing restrictions. DRM-protection and will not be played through external players or browsers.
The choice of method depends on your technical skills and goals. For simple video watching, enough broadcast (Cast), and for constant use it is better to find a stable one. APK-build or configure the browser.