How to install applications on Xiaomi TV Stick: Official and Unofficial Ways

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and Xiaomi TV Stick 4K — compact media players based on Android TV, But the standard set of apps on the Google Play Store for these devices is often limited: many popular services (for example, for example, for the TV, 1xBet TV, Wink or Megogo may not be in the official directory, and in this article we will discuss all possible ways to install applications, from standard to advanced, including bypassing restrictions and solving typical errors.

It is important to understand: Xiaomi TV Stick is running a modified version of Android TV 9/10, where some functions (e.g. access to Unknown Sources) are hidden deeper than on smartphones (8 GB of which is available ~4 GB – this means that before installing new APK Remove unnecessary programs or use external storage.

We tested all methods on the latest firmware versions (2026) for models:

• 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (MDZ-26-AB) — base-model 1080p
• 🎬 Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (MDZ-30-AB) — supportive 4K HDR Dolby Vision and
• 🔥 Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Max - flagship version with 2 GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6

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

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Google Play Store, but there are some nuances:

First, the app catalog for Android TV It's a lot smaller than the smartphone version, VK Music or TikTok is simply not optimized for remote control and doesn't show up in search.Second, some apps (like Disney)+ Apple TV) It may be blocked for regional reasons.

To find and install the application:

1. On the main screen Xiaomi TV Select the Google Play Store icon (usually at the top row).
2. In the search bar, type the name of the program. Use voice search (button with microphone on the remote) if text entry is difficult.
3. If the app is not found, try alternative queries, for example, instead of "KinoPoisk". HD" Look for Kion".
4. Click Install and wait until the download is complete. The app will appear in the All Apps section.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as YouTube Kids or Netflix) require a smartphone subscription confirmation. QR-code, scan it with the camera of the phone and log in to the account.

If the application is not available in the Play Market, go to the following methods.

Installation APK-file USB-storage

If the app is not in Google Play, it can be installed manually through the APK-It's gonna take a file:

• 🔌 USB-drive (flash drive) with file system FAT32 or exFAT (up to 32 GB volume).
• 📱 Smartphone or computer for download APK.
• 🔍 A reliable source. APK (We recommend APKMirror or official developer sites).

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK Make sure the file is for Android. TV (The description should include AndroidTV.="true" or remote support).
2. Connect the flash drive to Xiaomi TV Stick through OTG-cable (if port) USB absent, use a power hub).
3. On the device, go to Settings → The device → Warehouse and select yours USB-accumulator.
4. Find the downloaded one. APK If you see an error "Installation locked," go back to Settings. → Security and limitations → Unknown sources and allow installation for File Manager.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

Download APK from a verified source |

Format the flash drive in FAT32|

Connect OTG-cable (if necessary)|

Allow installation from unknown sources

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If the app doesn’t start or crash after installation, it may not be compatible with Android. TV. In this case, try it:

• 🔄 Install an older version APK (for example, instead VLC 4.0 try 3.5).
• 🎯 Use alternative launchers (e.g., use of, ATV Launcher), which emulates a smartphone interface.
• 🔧 Enable the developer mode and change the screen resolution to 1080p (guideline).

3. Install applications over a local network (Send Files to) TV, ADB)

If you're not on hand USB-storage, APK You can transfer it to Xiaomi. TV Stick over Wi-Fi from your phone or computer, let's look at two methods:

Method 1: Send Files to the Appendix TV (Android-smartphone)

This free app lets you send files directly to Android TV No wires:

1. Install Send Files to TV on a smartphone from Google Play.
2. Xiaomi. TV Stick install the same app (available in the Play Store for the TV).
3. Open the program on both devices and select "Send" on the phone, "Get" on the TV stick.
4. Choose. APK-file on your smartphone and wait for the transfer. After that, install it through the File Manager.

Method 2: ADB-teams (for PCs)

More advanced method: using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It is suitable for installing several APK or when other methods do not work.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools (download from Android Developers website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (or Wi-Fi connection if configured ADB over TCP).
• 📋 Developer mode enabled on Xiaomi TV Stick.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About the device → Build number (click 7 times in a row) After that in Settings → The device → For developers, turn on debugging by USB.
2. Connect. TV Stick to the computer through USB (use OTG-cable-cable).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, proceed to the next step.
4. Install. APK command: adb install path to file.apk For example: adb install C:\Downloads\com.spotify.tv.apk.

⚠️ Note: When connecting to USB Xiaomi TV Stick may not charge. Use it. USB-externally powered hub to avoid battery discharge.

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If ADB If you can’t see the device, try reinstalling Google drivers. USB Driver or use another driver USB-Port. Mac/Linux You may need to use the adb kill server command before reconnecting.

4. Installation through alternative stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)

If the Google Play Store doesn’t offer the right apps, you can use third-party stores optimized for Android. TV. The most popular:

• 📦 Aptoide TV — Play Market analog with an extended directory. Supports voice search and remote control.
• 🌐 Aurora Store is an open client for Google Play, allowing you to download apps without a Google account (including regionally blocked ones).
• 🔓 APKPure – an alternative store with proven APK (There's a version TV).

How to install Aptoide TV:

1. Download. APK from the official website tv.aptoide.com to the flash drive or send via Send Files to TV.
2. Install the file by allowing Unknown Sources (instruction above).
3. Open the Aptoide. TV, perform the initial setup and find the desired application through search.

Advantages of alternative stores:

• ✅ Access to apps not available on Google Play (such as TorrSer or LSPatch).
• ✅ Ability to download older versions of programs.
• ✅ Regional unlocking (e.g, HBO Max or Peacock. TV).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of downloading a modified (hacked) application with viruses.
• ❌ Not all programs are optimized for remote control (may require a mouse).
• ❌ Updates come with a delay.

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Aptoide TV Aurora Store does not require root rights, but download for security APK Avoid hacked versions, which often contain spyware.

5. Solving problems when installing applications

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

Error: "Application not installed"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 Incompatible architecture: Xiaomi TV Stick's working on it. ARM64. Download. APK marked arm64-v8a.
• 🔹 Not enough memory: Free up space through Settings → Storage or plug in USB-accumulator.
• 🔹 Damaged. APK: Download the file or check its hash amount.

Error: "The device is not supported"

Some apps (such as Netflix or Prime Video) check for Google Widevine certification. TV Stick has not passed certification (often on custom firmware), try it:

• 🔄 Install a modified version of the app (e.g. Netflix Mod) APK Android TV).
• 🔧 Reset the device to factory settings (Settings) → The device → Reset).
• 📋 Check for firmware updates (Settings) → About the device → Updating the system).

The application is installed but not opened

Possible causes:

• 🔹 There is no support for Android TV: Install Mouse Toggle to Emulate a Mouse.
• 🔹 Conflict with other programs: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔹 Restrictions by region: Use VPN (For example, Windscribe or ProtonVPN).

6. Optimization of application performance on Xiaomi TV Stick

After installing Xiaomi apps TV Stick can start to slow down. Here's how to improve performance:

1. Transfer of applications to an external drive

If the internal memory is full:

1. Connect. USB-storage SD-map (via hub).
2. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Select a program → Warehouse → Change. → USB-accumulator.

2.Using launchers for Android TV

Xiaomi's standard launcher isn't always convenient.

• 🏠 ATV Launcher – a minimalist interface with fast access to applications.
• 🎮 Sideload Launcher – displays all installed APK, even hidden.
• 🖥️ TV Launcher – emulates the smartphone interface (useful for unoptimized applications).

3. Cleaning up garbage and cache

Do this regularly:

• 🧹 Cleaning the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Cache data.
• 🔄 Reboot the device (click the Home button on the remote control) → Reboot).
• 🗑️ Removing unnecessary apps (e.g. pre-installed games from Xiaomi).

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For automatic cleaning, install SD Maid or CCleaner TV (available on Aptoide TV). These programs delete temporary files and free up memory.

7.Security: How to Avoid Viruses and Fraud

Installing applications from unknown sources always involves risks.

Verification of sources APK

• ✅ Download files only from trusted sites: APKMirror, APKPure, official sites of developers.
• ❌ Avoid torrent trackers and file sharing (for example, 4PDA or Rutracker, where APK can be modified.

Signs of the infected APK

• 🚩 The file requests unusual permissions (e.g. access to the file) SMS or call).
• 🚩 The app weighs suspiciously little (e.g. Kodi weighs) ~50MB, and downloaded. APK — 5MB).
• 🚩 After installation, advertising appears in other programs.

Device protection

Install an antivirus for Android TV:

• 🛡️ Malwarebytes (available on Google Play for the first time) TV).
• 🔒 Bitdefender TV — scans files in real time.

⚠️ Warning: Some hacked versions of apps (such as Spotify Premium Mod or YouTube Vanced) contain Trojan.AndroidOS.Loapi, a virus that signs a victim to pay for a mobile phone. SMS. After installation APK There are unexpected charges on your phone, reset immediately. TV Stick to factory settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app installation