Android TVs like the Xiaomi Mi Box S are growing in popularity every year, making a regular TV a powerful multimedia center. However, the standard suite of apps from the Google Play Market is often limited by regional restrictions or lack of familiar content. Users are looking for ways to expand the functionality of the device by installing third-party theaters, among which Videobox is a leader due to its convenience and a huge library.
The process of installing third-party software on this platform has its own nuances, different from installing on smartphones or tablets. You will have to face the lack of the usual interface of mouse management and the need to work with the file system through the remote. However, the task is quite solvable even for an inexperienced user, if you clearly follow the algorithm of actions and understand the features of the Android TV operating system.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for downloading and configuring the application. We will look at both the classic methods through the browser and more advanced options for transferring files over the network. The key is to prepare the device to install applications from unknown sources, since by default this feature is blocked for security purposes.
Preparation of Xiaomi Mi Box S for the installation of third-party APK
Before you start downloading installation files directly, you need to change several system security settings. By default, the Android TV operating system prohibits the installation of programs that are not received from the official Google Play store.
The first step is to go to your console's settings menu. Find the Settings section (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen), then go down to Security and Limitations or Additional Settings, depending on the firmware version. Here we are interested in the Unknown Sources option.
⚠️ Note: In new versions of Android TV The permission is not global for the entire system, but individually for each bootloader application. You will need to allow the installation of the browser or file manager through which you will run. APK-file.
Activate the switch in front of your browser (e.g. Chrome or the built-in bootloader). After that, the system will issue a warning about the potential risks - confirm the action. Now your Xiaomi Mi Box S is ready to (receive) and install.apk packages from external sources without locking.
Method of installation via built-in browser or bootloader
The most direct, though not always the most convenient method because of remote control, is to download the file directly to the console. You'll need a browser to do that. If your version of the Mi Box S doesn't have Chrome built in, you can find it in the Play Market or use the dedicated bootloader app, which is perfectly adapted for TVs.
Launch the browser and enter the official developer site or a proven resource with the address bar APK-Be careful: download the app only from trusted sources to avoid malicious code. Find the latest version of Videobox that is compatible with the architecture. ARM, and initiate the loading.
- 📥 Open your browser on your TV and go to the distribution site.
- 🔍 Find the button "Download Android" TV" or "Download" APK".
- ✅ Confirm the boot in the system window that appears.
- ▶️ After the download is complete, click "Install" in the notification or through the file manager.
Once installed successfully, the system will prompt you to open the application or delete the installation file. It is recommended to save the installer just in case, but if the space on the internal drive is limited, it can be deleted. Launch Videobox and log in if required to access premium content.
☑️ Pre-installing check
APK transmission via Send Files to TV app
Typing text on the remote is a tedious occupation, so many users prefer to download APK-file on a smartphone or computer, and then transfer it to the Xiaomi Mi Box S over a local Wi-Fi network. TV (SFTV), Google Play Marketable.
Install the SFTV app on both your TV and your mobile device (Android or iOS). Make sure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your TV, run the app in Receive mode, and on your smartphone, select Send mode and specify the previously downloaded Videobox installer file.
| Parameter | TV (Mi Box S) | Smartphone/PC |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of work | Receive (Get) | Send (Send) |
| Annex | Send Files to TV | Send Files to TV |
| Network | Wi-Fi (one network) | Wi-Fi (one network) |
| Action. | File waiting | Selecting an APK file |
Transfers usually take a few seconds. Once the file is on the console, Android automatically prompts you to start the installation process, which is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to eliminate the error of entering the address in the TV browser.
Using a file manager to start the installation
Sometimes, after downloading the file, the system does not automatically start the installer, in which case you will need a file manager. The conductor built into the Mi Box S can be hidden or have limited functionality, so it is recommended to install a full-fledged manager, for example, X-plore or File Commander.
Run the file manager installed and go to the Download or Downloads pack. That's where the downloaded files are usually stored. Find a file with a name like this. videobox_tv.apk. When you click on it, the system will request confirmation of installation.
If you use an advanced manager like X-plore, you can access not only internal memory, but also network storage (NAS, FTP, clouds) that allows you to download APK directly from the Google Drive or Dropbox cloud, bypassing the booting phase to your phone, which is especially useful if you have a shared media storage setup.
⚠️ Note: When using file managers, keep an eye on where you are running from APK. Files downloaded from questionable sources and lying in deep cache folders may be corrupted or fake versions of the application.
Advanced method: Installation via ADB (Push)
For power users who want to have full control of their Xiaomi Mi Box S, there is a method of installing over the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging bridge, which allows you to transfer and install applications directly from your computer over the network, without having to mess with browsers on your TV.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings. → About the device and quickly click 7 times on the Build Number field. The menu will have a new item "Developers". USB (It's also online. IP-address of your TV in the Network section.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555
adb install -r videobox.apkRun these commands in your computer terminal (pre-installing the ADB platform). The first command will connect the PC and the console, the second command will send and install the application, and this is the cleanest method that leaves no unnecessary installer files in the memory of the TV.
Interface setting and working with the remote
Once installed, you'll encounter a feature of the interface: Videobox, like many Android apps, was originally designed for touch screens. There's no mouse cursor control on the TV, which can make navigation difficult. However, modern versions of the app often have an adaptive interface or support mouse emulation.
If the app doesn’t respond to the remote buttons or the cursor moves randomly, you may need to install additional software to emulate the mouse, such as Mouse Toggle, which will allow you to appear on the screen of a virtual dot that can be moved by volume buttons or special combinations. In the settings of the Videobox itself, you should also look for the option “TV Mode” or “Interface for remotes”.
- 🖱️ Use the "OK" or "Enter" button to confirm your choice.
- 🔙 The “back” button on the remote often works as a return to the menu or closing windows.
- ⚙️ In the application settings, enable auto-start together with the system for convenience.
Adapting the controls is critical. Without the right setup, watching movies can become torture, and make sure the cursor's focus is clearly visible on the interface elements, and the fonts are readable from a distance of viewing the sofa.