How to install apps on Xiaomi TV Stick: official and alternative methods

Introduction: Why install apps on Xiaomi TV Stick?

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and Xiaomi TV Stick 4K are compact devices that turn any TV into a “smart” with support for Android TV. However, the basic firmware is often devoid of popular services, from YouTube with background play to torrent clients or regionally blocked platforms like Disney+ or HBO Max. Installing additional applications solves these problems, but has nuances.

Unlike smartphones, TV Stick runs on a modified version of Android with limited rights.This means that the standard download is APK-Files can be blocked by security, and some applications are simply not optimized for remote control. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of installation - from official to advanced - and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and not "brick" the device.

Warning: Not all apps work correctly on Android TV. For example, TikTok or Instagram are not adapted for the big screen, and touch-controlled games (like PUBG Mobile) will be unmanaged without a gamepad. Before installing, check compatibility on the developer's website or in thematic forums (such as 4PDA).

Method 1: Installation via Google Play Store (official method)

The safest and easiest way is to use the built-in Google Play Store, but not all apps are available in the Android version of the store. TV. There is no Chrome or Firefox, but there are some. TV-version (TV Bro or Puffin. TV).

To find the app:

• 🔍 Open the main menu of Xiaomi TV Stick and select the Google Play Store icon.
• 📱 Use the remote or Mi Remote app on your smartphone to enter the app name in the search bar.
• 📥 If the application is compatible, click Install. Paid programs will require a linked card.
• ⚙️ After installation, launch the application from the My Applications section in the main menu.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Many applications (e.g, VK Music or Twitch is hidden in the TV-Play Market version.
• ❌ Some services (such as Netflix) require region verification through the VPN.
• ❌ You can’t install modified versions (e.g. YouTube Vanced).

⚠️ Note: If the installation error "Device not certified", go to Settings → The device → Play Protect certification and follow the instructions on the screen, a typical problem for gray devices purchased outside of official stores.

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To speed up your search in the Play Market, connect your Xiaomi TV Stick keyboard over Bluetooth, which is especially useful for entering long names or login/passwords.

Method 2: Installation APK-File Manager via File Manager

If the application is not in the Play Store, you can download it. APK-This will require a file manager (such as File Commander or X-Plore) and access to cloud storage or USB-accumulator.

Step-by-step:

1. Download APK to your computer or smartphone from a trusted source (such as APKCombo or APKMirror). Avoid sites with suspicious domains (such as *.apk-download-free.net).
2. Transfer the file to Xiaomi TV Stick: 📁 Through USB-drive: copy APK On the flash drive, connect it to the port. TV Stick (required) OTG-cable). ☁️ Through the cloud: download APK Google Drive, Dropbox or Mi Cloud, then download directly to your device.

Install a file manager

FX File Explorer

Find APK.

"Installation locked"

Settings → Security → Unknown sources

Critical detail: Xiaomi TV Stick does not support installation APK Directly from the browser. Trying to download the file through TV Bro or Puffin will cause an error "Can't download" due to Android restrictions TV. Always use intermediate storage (USB/cloud).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From unverified sources, it can cause the device to become infected with viruses or spyware. Symptoms of infection: spontaneous opening of ads, interface brakes, the appearance of unknown applications. If this happens, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The device → Reset).

Method 3: Using Send Files to TV (wireless transmission)

If you're not on hand USB-storage device, you can transfer APK-File directly from the smartphone on Xiaomi TV Stick with Send Files to app TV. This method works over a local network and does not require an Internet connection.

Instructions:

1. Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (available on Google Play) and on Xiaomi TV Stick (via the Play Store on your device).
2. Open the app on both devices. On your phone, select Send, on TV Stick, Receive.
3. On your smartphone, select APK-file and confirm the transfer. The file will appear in the Download folder on TV Stick.
4. Run APK installation through the file manager (as in Method 2).
5. Connect. TV Stick to the computer: Use it OTG-plug-in USB-port TV On your computer, open the terminal (or Command Prompt in Windows) and type: adb devices If the device is identified (the serial number appears), go further. If not, install drivers from here.

Install APK.

adb install path to file.apk

For example:

adb install C:\Downloads\youtube_vanced.apk

If the installation is completed with an error INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK, check:

• 🔹 Compatibility APK Xiaomi-based architecture TV Stick (most devices are running on the arm64-v8a).
• 🔹 File integrity (try to download) APK freshly).
• 🔹 Free space on the device (minimum 200 MB).

⚠️ Attention: Don't turn off Xiaomi TV Stick from power while working with ADB. Interrupting the installation process may cause a system failure requiring a complete reset. ADB Removing system applications – this can make the device inoperable.

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ADB is the most powerful tool for installing applications, but it requires caution: Never execute superuser-rights adb shell commands unless you understand the implications.

Method 5: Alternative app stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)

If the Google Play Store doesn’t offer the right apps, you can install alternative stores optimized for Android TV, with the most popular being Aptoide TV and Aurora Store.

How to install Aptoide TV:

1. Download APK from the official website: https://tv.aptoide.com/.
2. Transfer the file to Xiaomi TV Stick in any convenient way (see Method 2 or Method 3).
3. Install APK through the file manager.
4. Start an Aptoide TV and find the app you want, and note that some programs may not be certified.

Advantages of Aptoide TV:

• 🔹 Large application base, including modified versions.
• 🔹 Support for Russification and a convenient interface for the remote.
• 🔹 Ability to roll back to previous versions of applications.

Aurora Store is another popular store, but its installation is more difficult:

1. Download APK from the official website.
2. Install it on Xiaomi TV Stick.
3. When you first start, select an anonymous sign-in (without a Google account).
4. In the settings, enable the “Spoof device” option and select Pixel TV – this will increase the number of apps available.

Both stores allow you to install apps that are not available on Google Play, but have risks:

• ⚠️ Ability to download malware (always check reviews and ratings).
• ⚠️ Some applications may not be updated automatically.
• ⚠️ Violation of license agreements (e.g., use of a modified Netflix).

Typical errors and their solutions

When installing apps on Xiaomi TV Stick, users often face typical problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Additional advice:

• 🔧 If the app is slowing down, try turning off animation in Settings → Display and sound → Animation.
• 🔧 For games, use the Xiaomi Game Controller or connect the controller from the PlayStation/Xbox Bluetooth.
• 🔧 If there is no audio in the application, check the audio output settings in Settings → Sound.

If none of these methods worked, reset to factory settings (Settings → Device → Reset) this will remove all installed applications and data, but often resolves system failure issues.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app installation