Xiaomi’s current smart TVs and set-top boxes are powered by Android TV, which offers a wide range of options for expansion. However, the standard Google Play store doesn’t contain all the software available, and some popular services may not be available in your area, requiring manual third-party software installations to turn a regular device into a powerful multimedia center.
The process of adding third-party programs, or so-called sideloading, requires certain actions that differ from the usual download from the official market. The user will have to access the system security settings, choose the way to transfer the installation file and correctly complete the procedure. APK-Files from unverified sources carry potential security risks, so use only trusted resources.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the current methods, starting from simple file transfer through the Internet. USB-You'll learn how to get around the limitations of the system, which utilities are best for managing files on a large screen, and what to do if the installation button remains inactive.
Preparation of the device and inclusion of unknown sources
Before you start installing directly, you need to change the security settings of your Xiaomi Mi Box or TV. By default, the system blocks the launch of installers that are not certified by Google to protect the user from malicious code. You will need to activate the developer mode or simply allow the installation from unknown sources, depending on the version of the Android TV firmware.
To start, go to the main menu and select Settings, find Security and Restrictions (or just Security), and find Unknown Sources and switch the slider to active position. On newer versions of the interface, the system can request confirmation for a specific installer application, such as File Commander or Send Files to TV, which you plan to use later.
It is also recommended to check for system updates, as older versions of the software may have bugs that interfere with the correct operation of third-party software. Go to Settings → Device → System Update and make sure you have an up-to-date build installed. After performing these preparatory actions, the device will be ready to receive external files.
- ✅ Go to the TV settings menu via remote.
- ✅ Find the security section and allow installation from unknown sources.
- ✅ Install a file manager if it is not available by default.
- ✅ Check the version of the operating system for relevance.
⚠️ Note: When activating unknown source mode, the system may issue a risk warning. This is standard procedure, but only files from trusted sites such as: 4PDA or official developer pages.
Method of installation via USB-drive
The most classic and reliable way to install applications on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
First, you need to download the installation file with the.apk extension to your computer. Make sure you choose the version that is designed specifically for Android. TV, Because regular mobile applications may not display correctly on the screen or are not supported by a remote control. FAT32 USB-accumulator.
Put the flash drive in. USB-The system must automatically identify the new device and start the file manager. If this does not happen, find the installed Explorer in the application menu (for example, FX File Explorer or the standard Media Player, open it and go to the contents of the external drive. APK-file and click on it to start the installation process.
☑️ Checklist of installation with USB
A window will appear on the screen asking for permissions and describing the required accesses. Carefully read them: if a simple video player requests access to contacts or a microphone, this is an occasion to think about file security. If all parameters are normal, click the Install button and wait for the process to be completed.
Using applications to transfer files over Wi-Fi
If you find physical media uncomfortable, wireless data is a great option, and specialized utilities like Send Files to TV (SFTTV) are great for this, a method that is especially relevant for Xiaomi Mi Stick owners, where USB adapters can be difficult to use.
The principle of operation is to install the same application on the TV and on the smartphone (Android or iOS). Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once you run the program on both gadgets, select Receive mode on the TV and Send on the phone.
Choose pre-loaded APK-You can send it to TV, and the file will be instantly transferred to the internal memory of the console, and immediately after the transfer is complete, the system will prompt you to open the file, SFTTV may offer to download it or use an embedded component to run the installation.
- 📲 Install the Send Files to app TV smartphone.
- 📡 Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- 📂 Choose. APK file on your phone and send it to the TV.
- ⚙️ Start the installation immediately after receiving the file.
⚠️ Note: Wi-Fi file transfer speed depends on the quality of your router and range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). USB or range 5GHz.
What if devices can’t see each other?
Comparison of application installation methods
The best way to choose depends on your technical skills, the availability of equipment and the size of the files you install. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine the method that is suitable for your situation.
| Method | Speed. | Difficulty | Equipment required |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-accumulator | Tall. | Low. | Flash, PC. |
| Send Files to TV | Medium | Low. | Smartphone, Wi-Fi |
| ADB (via PC) | Tall. | Tall. | PC, USB cable, software |
| Cloud storage | Low. | Medium | Remote, Internet |
As you can see from the table, USB-The method is the most versatile and quickest for large files. However, it is more convenient to use wireless methods to regularly update light applications. For advanced users engaged in debugging or mass installation of software, an indispensable tool remains the same. ADB.
Don’t forget the built-in browser or bootloader if available in your firmware version. Downloading directly from the TV is possible, but controlling the browser from the remote is often uncomfortable, and download speed is limited by the performance of the Wi-Fi TV module.
💡
Use Google Drive (Dropbox) for small ones only. APK-Downloading via the built-in browser can be unstable and interrupted when a signal is lost.
Advanced installation via ADB and computer
For users who aren’t afraid of the command line, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) gives you maximum control over the device, allowing you to install applications, remove system debris, and even make full system backups, you’ll need a computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and a USB-to-USB cable (or access to network debugging settings).
The first step is to activate the debugging mode. Go to Settings → About the device and find the Build item. Click on it 7 times in a row until the message "You've become a developer" appears. Then, in the Developer menu that appears, turn on USB Debugging (or Network Debugging if you use Wi-Fi).
If you use a network connection (which is relevant for Mi Box S and TVs without a network connection) USB-Data port, you need to know IP-On your computer, open the command line and type in the command to connect:
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555Replace. 192.168.1.XX real IP-Once you've successfully connected, you can start installing. The installation command is as follows:
adb install -r path/to/application.apkWhere path/to/application.apk is the full path to a file on your computer. -r flag stands for reinstall, which allows you to update an application if it's already installed. This method is especially useful when the TV interface is slow or locked.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB and platform-tools on PC.
- 🔌 Put the debugging on. USB/networking.
- 🌐 Connect to the device through IP-address.
- 📦 Use the install command to download APK.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through ADB You may see a request for debugging permission on your TV screen, and you should confirm it with the remote control, otherwise the computer will not have access to the file system.
💡
ADB is the most powerful tool for managing Xiaomi Mi TV, allowing you to bypass interface restrictions and install any compatible versions of Android applications.
Solving installation problems
In the manual installation process, users often encounter errors that may seem fatal but have simple solutions. One of the most common problems is the message "Application not installed" or "Syntactic error in the package." APK-The file is corrupted when downloaded or is not compatible with your TV’s processor architecture (usually ARM or x86).
Another common situation is the Set button is inactive (gray), which happens if you don't give permission to the file manager to install the applications, in which case the system will redirect you to the settings, where you will need to find your file manager in the list and allow it to act, and the problem may lie in the lack of internal memory, in which case it is worth removing unused programs or clearing the cache.
If the application is installed but does not launch (flying out immediately after opening), most likely, it is a mobile version that is not adapted for Android TV. In this case, you can try to use emulators or look for modified versions, but you can not guarantee stable operation without a keyboard and mouse.