How to install VKontakte Smart TV Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Why is VKontakte not installed in the standard way

Xiaomi Mi TVs are based on Android TV, but the official VK app is not available on the Google Play Store for this platform, the reasons are rooted in VK’s policy: the company has not adapted its client to large screens and remote controls. However, this does not mean that users are deprived of the opportunity to use the social network on TV – there are workarounds.

The main problems faced by owners of Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/4A/5 Pro/6 and other models:

• 🔍 No App in the Official Google Play Store for Android TV
• 🚫 Locking the installation APK-Files from unknown sources by default
• 🎮 Unadapted mobile version interface under control from the remote
• 🔄 Frequent errors when logging in via the web version due to browser limitations

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to install VC on Xiaomi Smart TV, including methods for models without Google Play (such as Mi TV Stick or older firmware versions).

Method 1: Installation via Google Play (for supported models)

Despite the lack of an official VK app on Google Play for Android TV, some users have successfully installed it through workarounds, which works on Xiaomi Mi TV 5 Pro, Mi TV 6 and others with a full version of the Google Play Store.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
2. In the search bar, enter VK or VKontakte.
3. If the app is not displayed, use the Play Market web version: 💻 Go from your computer or smartphone to play.google.com 🔍 Find the VKontakte app (developer VK.com) 📱 Click Install and select your TV from the list of devices

Wait for the installation to be completed and launch the application.

⚠️ Attention: The mobile application interface is not optimized for remote control. Connect your wireless keyboard for convenience or use the Xiaomi Remote app on your smartphone as a touchpad.

Sync TV with Google account|Check the Internet connection|Update Google Play Store to the latest version|Connect the keyboard or mouse (optional)-->

Method 2: Installation APK-hand-file

For models without access to Google Play or if you can not install through the store, you can download APK-The VK application file is manual. This method is suitable for Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, Mi TV A2 and other devices on Android TV 9.0+.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the current version APK from a trusted source (recommended by APKCombo or APKMirror). ⚠️ Note: Only download versions with com.vk.android signatures – other files may contain malicious code.
2. Copy the file to a flash drive (FAT32 format) or upload directly to the TV via the browser.
3. On the TV, go to Settings → Applications → Security and turn on Unknown Sources.
4. Use Explorer (or File Commander) to find and install APKs.

Alternative option for models without USB-port:

1. Install the "Send Files to TV" app from Google Play on your TV


2. From your phone, send the APK- file to your TV via this app




3. Run the installation directly from the notification

1. Remove previous versions of VC through Settings → Apps

2. Download an older version of APK (e.g. 5.40)

3. Clear the Google Play Services cache in the settings-->

Method 3: Using SmartTubeNext to view VC video

If you only want a VKontakte video viewing feature, rather than the full functionality of the social network, the smartTubeNext application is the best solution.

How to set up:

1. Install SmartTubeNext via the official website (instructions for Xiaomi TV are available in the Installation section).
2. In the application settings, go to External Players → VK Video.
3. Sign in through QR-code (opens on the TV screen).
4. Now, video from VK will be available directly in the SmartTubeNext interface.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎥 Optimized interface for TV
• 🔍 Search for VK video directly from the remote
• 📥 Caching video for offline viewing
• 🎚 Quality settings to 4K (If supported by a TV model)

Method 4: Web version of VK via browser

All Xiaomi Smart TV models have a pre-installed browser (usually TV Bro or Mi Browser) that allows you to use the full web version of VKontakte, but with some restrictions.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open your browser on the TV.
2. Go to vk.com.
3. Log in to your account through QR-code (scan it from your phone) or manually.
4. For ease of navigation: 🖱 Connect a wireless mouse via Bluetooth 📱 Use the Xiaomi Remote app as a touchpad 🔍 Enable the "For the visually impaired" mode in the VC settings (large font)

Limitations of the web version:

• ❌ No real-time notifications
• ❌ Video player is working with delays
• ❌ It is impossible to upload photos/video from TV
• ❌ Automatic exit from the account in case of inaction

💡

The web version of VK on Xiaomi TV is suitable only for reading tape and watching content. For full use (messages, streams), it is better to choose another method.

Method 5: Alternative applications (VK TV, Kate Mobile)

If standard methods do not work, you can use third-party clients for VK, adapted for Android TV.

1. VK TV (unofficial client)

• 📺 Optimized for large screens
• 🎮 Support for remote control
• 🔒 Authorization through QR-code
• 📹 Built-in video player

Download 4PDA (search for "VK TV APK").

2. Kate Mobile

• 💬 Convenient chat with keyboard on the screen
• 📷 Support for viewing photos in high quality
• 🔔 Notifications of new communications
• 🔄 Regular updates

Official website: kate-mobile.ru.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial customers may request extended permissions (e.g. access to contacts). Check forum reviews before installing and do not enter passwords from other services.

Solving problems in installation and use

Even after a successful installation, Xiaomi Smart TV users are faced with typical errors.

If none of the methods worked:

1. Check the TV region in settings (Settings → System → Region). Russia should be selected for Russia.
2. Update your TV firmware to the latest version (Settings → About TV → System Update).
3. Reset to factory settings (Settings → Preferences → Reset) if errors appear after the update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing VC on Xiaomi TV