Installing Wink on Xiaomi TVs is a challenge faced by users who want to access Russian streaming services on large screens. Although the app is officially absent from Google Play for most Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV models, there are proven workarounds. In this article, we will analyze all the current installation methods (including manually downloading APKs, using alternative stores, and even emulating Android TV), as well as solve common errors like โThe app is not supportedโ or โThe device is not certifiedโ.
Itโs important to understand that the process may vary depending on your TVโs firmware version and model. For example, on the Xiaomi TV Q2 2023 with Google TV, the algorithm will be simpler than on the 2019 Mi TV 4S with PatchWall.
If you've tried to install Wink before and you've had an error, don't rush to reset your TV settings. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by properly preparing your device and choosing the right installation method.
1. Preparing Xiaomi TV for Wink installation
Before installing the application, you need to perform basic security settings and check compatibility, and many users miss this step, which leads to errors such as "Unknown sources disabled" or "Insufficient memory".
First, make sure your TV runs Android TV 9.0 or later. Check the version from Settings โ About TV โ Android. If the version is outdated (like Android 8.0 on Mi TV 3S), update the firmware through Settings โ Software Update.
Allow installation from unknown sources:
- Open the Settings. โ Security and limitations.
- Find Unknown Sources (or Installation from External Sources).
- Select a browser (such as Chrome or TV Bro) and activate the switch.
Attention! On some models (e.g. Redmi Smart TV X50), this item may be hidden, so use an alternative method with a mouse or keyboard over Bluetooth to navigate the hidden menu.
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If the settings do not include โUnknown Sourcesโ, try resetting the Smart Hub to factory settings (Settings โ Applications โ Smart Hub Data Reset).
2. Install Wink via Google Play (official way)
The easiest method is to install Wink via Google Play, but it only works on TVs with Google TV certified firmware.
- ๐บ Xiaomi TV Q2/Q2E (2023โ2026)
- ๐บ Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro (2022โ2026)
- ๐บ Redmi Smart TV X (with Google) TV)
Instructions:
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- In the search box, type Wink.
- If the application is displayed, click Install.
- After installation, start Wink and log in to your account.
If Wink is not in search, it means that your model is not Google certified (e.g. Mi TV 4A with PatchWall).
Why Wink canโt be displayed on Google Play?
3. Installation of Wink through APK-file (manual method)
For TVs without access to Google Play (e.g. Mi) TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X55) will need to be installed APK-We recommend using the official file manually. APK from the Wink website to avoid viruses.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of APK from the official Wink website (choose the Android TV option).
- Copy the file to a flash drive (FAT32 format) or upload directly to the TV via the browser.
- Connect the flash drive to the TV or open the downloaded file through the File Manager.
- Start the installation and confirm the permissions.
Critical detail: If you install an error "App is not compatible with the device", download a modified version of APK for ARM64 (most Xiaomi TVs run on this architecture).
Once installed, Wink may not appear in the app menu. To find it: Settings โ Apps โ Installed Apps โ Wink.
Download APK source|Check the format of the flash drive (FAT32)|Allow unknown sources|Connect your mouse for easy navigation-->
4. Installation through alternative stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)
If manually installing an APK seems daunting, you can use alternative app stores like Aptoide TV or Aurora Store.These platforms often contain apps not available on Google Play.
Method 1: Aptoide TV
- ๐น Install the Aptoide TV through APK (Download from the official website).
- ๐น Open a store and find Wink in search.
- ๐น Install the app and update it to the latest version.
Method 2: Aurora Store (requires more action, but more reliability)
- ๐น Install the Aurora Store through APK.
- ๐น When you first start, select an anonymous sign-in (without a Google account).
- ๐น In the settings, enable the option "Hide incompatible applications" โ Off.
- ๐น Find Wink and install it.
โ ๏ธ When using the Aurora Store on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pro) you may need to disable application signature verification. โ For the developers, the team:
adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1(connection is required ADB).
5. Solving Errors During Wink Installation and Startup
Even after a successful installation, Wink may not start or malfunction, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "The app is not supported" | Incompatible version of Android TV or processor architecture | Download APK for ARM64 or update the firmware |
| "Device not certified" | No Google Play Services Certification | Install Google Services Framework with ADB |
| "Not enough memory." | System storage occupied | Clear the cache (Settings โ Storage) |
| "Network error" | Blocking DNS or VPN | Disable VPN, change DNS to 8.8.8.8 |
If Wink is installed but does not play back content, check:
- ๐ Update the application to the latest version.
- ๐ถ Internet connection (minimum speed - 10 Mbit / s).
- ๐ Disable AdGuard or other ad blockers on the router.
On PatchWall TVs (such as Mi TV 4A) you may need to turn off power optimization for Wink: Settings โ Apps โ Wink โ Battery โ No restrictions.
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If Wink doesnโt start after installation, try resetting the app settings (Settings โ Apps โ Wink โ Storage โ Clear Data).
6. Alternative ways to watch Wink on Xiaomi TV
If none of the methods worked, consider alternative options for watching Wink on the big screen:
Method 1: Screening from the phone
- ๐ฑ Install Wink on your smartphone (Android/iOS).
- ๐ Connect your phone to your TV via Miracast or Google Cast.
- ๐ฌ Start the screen broadcast in the phone settings.
Method 2: Android TV (Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box)
- ๐ฆ Connect the set-top box to the TV through HDMI.
- ๐ Install Wink via Google Play on the console.
- ๐ฎ Use the console remote for control.
Method 3: Smart Hub (for Tizen or WebOS models)
If you have a Xiaomi TV with SmartThings support (such as Xiaomi TV Q1), you can connect Wink via the Smart Hub widget:
- Open the Smart Hub on your TV.
- Find the "Media" or "Streaming" section.
- Add Wink to your favorites via your Samsung/LG account (if supported).
7.Wink Optimization for Comfortable Browsing
After successful installation of Wink, it is recommended to configure the application for maximum convenience:
- ๐ In the audio settings, select the Dolby Digital Plus format (if supported by the TV).
- ๐บ Turn on Automatic Quality to adapt to Internet speed.
- ๐ Update the TV firmware to the latest version (this eliminates lags when playing back).
To eliminate video stuttering on models with 2 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Smart TV X50):
- Close all background applications (Settings โ Applications โ Stop).
- Turn off the interface animation in the Developer Settings.
- Connect the TV to the router via Ethernet cable (if possible).
If you have a Xiaomi TV with Google Assistant support, you can control the Wink voice.
Example: "OK Google, turn Game of Thrones on Wink."