How to install Yandex on a Xiaomi Mi TV: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Mi TVs on Android TV offer a lot of options for installing applications, but with Yandex services, there are often difficulties. Even though Yandex.Browser, Yandex.Music or Yandex.Ether are officially absent from the Mi App Store, they can be installed in alternative ways. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, from simple installation through APK to the use of third-party launchers like SmartTube.

It is important to understand that the manufacturer does not block Yandex purposefully, but the Android TV ecosystem itself imposes restrictions. Many applications are simply not adapted for control from the remote control, and some (for example, Yandex.Navigator) are useless on the big screen.

If you’ve never installed a third-party APK on a Xiaomi Mi TV, don’t worry – there’s a section in the article that prepares the TV for manual installation. And for power users, we’ve prepared a unique method of installing through ADB without losing warranty that doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi Mi TV for Yandex installation

Before installing any third-party applications, you need to configure the TV to work with.apk files. Without this step, you will not be able to install Yandex.Browser or other services manually.

First, check the Android TV version on your device. To do this, go to Settings → About TV → Software version. Current models (Mi TV Q2 2023, Mi TV A2 43" and later) run on Android 11/12, and older ones (Mi TV 4S 2018) can have Android 9.

Allow installation from unknown sources|Connect USB-storage|Download the file APK PC-only|Ensure a stable connection to the Internet-->

Now, do the following:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Security and limitations → Unknown sources.
• 📌 Select the application through which you will install APK (For example, file manager or bootloader).
• ⚙️ Activate the installation permission switch.
• 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → Reboot).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV Stick and Mi Box S may have different paths to settings. If you don't have "Unknown Sources," try setting up the option. APK via Send Files to TV (The app is available in the Mi App Store).

2. Method 1: Install Yandex via Mi App Store (officially)

While most of the Yandex apps are not available in the official Xiaomi store, some services are available under different names or through affiliate programs, such as Yandex.Ether can be integrated into the TV Center or Peers.TV app.

Check out the following apps in the Mi App Store:

• 🌍 TV Bro - contains Yandex.Weather and TV programs.
• 🎵 Music Player GO — Supports integration with Yandex.Music through your account.
• 📺 Peers.TV – broadcasts channels with support for Yandex.Ether.

If the application is not available, try changing the region in the store settings:

1. Open the Mi App Store.
2. Go to Profile → Settings → Region.
3. Choose Russia or Belarus.
4. Update the list of applications (may need to restart).

Yandex.Browser|Yandex.Music|Yandex.Ether (TV program)|Yandex.Weather.|Other service-->

3. Method 2: Installation of Yandex APK manually

The most universal method is to download and install.apk files manually. USB-a drive or cloud storage (such as Google Drive). APK only from trusted sources such as APKCombo or APKMirror.

Follow the instructions:

1. Download the right one. APK PC-only: 🌐 Yandex.Browser for TV (optimised for remote control). 🎶 Yandex.Music for TV (account).

FAT32

File manager

Network

Run the APK and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV P1 and Q1 Android 12 can block the installation APK from Yandex due to Google Play Protect restrictions. To get around this, temporarily turn off protection in security settings or use the ADB (see method 4).

Method 3: Installation via SmartTube (alternative launcher)

If you don’t need separate applications, but a complete interface replacement with Yandex services integration, consider installing SmartTube or ATV Launcher. These launchers allow you to add weather widgets, browsers and even Yandex.Ether to the home screen.

Instructions for SmartTube:

1. Download SmartTubeNext (APK for TV)
2. Install it through the File Manager (see Method 2).
3. Launch SmartTube and go to Settings → Integration.
4. Add widgets: 🌤️ Yandex.Weather (required) API-key). 📺 Yandex.Ether (via RSS-stream).

For full operation Yandex.Weather in SmartTube you need to get free API-key:

1. Go to https://developer.tech.yandex.ru/services/


2. Register an application of the type "Web service".




3. Copy the API- key and paste it into the SmartTube settings.

5. Method 4: Installation via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can install APK via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader and retains a warranty, but will require a PC with drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV. Press 7 times on Build Number to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

USB 3.0

ADB Tools

C:\adb

adb devices

If the TV is on the list, enter:

adb install C:\path\to file.apk

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If the adb device team can’t find the TV, try reconnecting the cable or using a different USB port. On some Xiaomi Mi TV models, debugging only works via the USB-C port (if any).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 It works even if the installation is blocked through the file manager.
• 🔹 Allows you to install system-based APK (For example, Yandex.Search as a default application).
• 🔹 Doesn't require root rights.

6. Method 5: Using mirrors and VPNs to access Yandex

Some Yandex services (e.g. Yandex.Ether) may be limited by geolocation, and if you are outside Russia or Belarus, they will require VPNs with servers in those countries.

Recommended VPN for Android TV:

• 🛡️ Windscribe - free tariff with servers in Russia.
• 🌍 ProtonVPN supports Android TV high-speed.
• 🚀 NordVPN – paid, but with optimization for streaming.

How to set up:

1. Install a VPN from the Mi App Store (such as Windscribe).
2. Connect to a server in Russia or Belarus.
3. Launch the desired Yandex application (for example, Yandex.Ether).
4. If required, clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → Clear the cache).

⚠️ Attention: Use VPN It can reduce the speed of the Internet by 20-30%. 4K Recommended cable connection (Ethernet) instead of Wi-Fi.

7. Solving problems when installing Yandex on Xiaomi Mi TV

If you encounter errors, check the following points:

For Xiaomi Mi models TV 5 Pro and later may require a shutdown MIUI Optimization (if the TV is on the TV) MIUI TV). You can do this through ADB:

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0

After this command, restart the TV, which will help avoid conflicts with Xiaomi’s background processes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Yandex on Xiaomi Mi TV

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If none of these methods worked, check if the antivirus (such as Dr.Web or ESET) blocks APK installation. Some Xiaomi firmware has a built-in MIUI Security protection module that can be disabled via Settings → Security → Device Protection.