Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact device for converting a regular TV to a smart one, but its functionality is limited to pre-installed apps from Google Play. What to do if the service you need is not in the official store? The solution is simple: install it. APK-It's a manual file, but it's a little nuanced because of the firmware. MIUI TV android limitations TV.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of downloading APK on Mi TV Stick – from the classical method through USB-drive to advanced solutions using ADB. You will also learn how to get around common errors (for example, “App not installed” or locking installation from unknown sources), and what tools will help simplify the process. TV Stick (1st and 2nd generation) and Mi TV Stick 4K.
Preparation of the device: what to do before installing the APK
Before you download the APK, you need to configure the Mi TV Stick to work with third-party files. If you skip this step, you will get an error when you try to install.
- 🔧 Allow installation from unknown sources. Android by default TV block APK not from Google Play.
- 📁 Connect to an external drive (if you plan to use it) USB-flash drive. TV Stick doesn’t have its own file manager, so you’ll need more software.
- 🔄 Update the firmware. Outdated versions. MIUI TV They may not support new formats. APK or have bugs during installation.
To enable installation from unknown sources:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Move to Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources.
- Select the application you will install APK through (such as File Manager or bootloader).
- Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.
⚠️ Attention: After installation APK It is recommended that an unknown developer disable this setting back, which will reduce the risk of accidental malware installation.
Method 1: Installation APK through USB-accumulator
The most reliable and universal method is the use of USB-file-drive APK. Suitable for all Mi models TV Stick, including 4K-You'll need a version:
- 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32 exFAT).
- 📱 Smartphone or PC for download APK.
- 🔌 OTG-cable (if Mi) TV Stick doesn't have USB-port).
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-file on a computer or smartphone. We recommend using proven sources, for example, APKMirror or official developer sites.
- Connect. USB-drive to PC / smartphone and copy it to it APK.
- Put the flash drive in the Mi TV Stick (or connect via OTG-adapter).
- On your TV, open the File Manager (if not, install it via Google Play, such as FX File Explorer).
- Find it. APK-file on the flash drive and start the installation.
Format the flash drive in FAT32
Download APK from a verified source
Check the file for viruses
Connect the drive to the Mi TV Stick
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⚠️ Note: If you are connected USB-Mi storage TV Stick does not see the file, check: Flash drive format (should be) FAT32 Presence of hidden files (enable the display of hidden elements in the file manager settings). APK (Re-download the file if it is damaged).
Method 2: Download APKs via cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
If you're not on hand USB-storage device, you can download APK It's convenient, but it requires a stable Internet connection:
- 📁 Google Drive (preferably integrated with Android) TV).
- 🌐 Dropbox or Yandex Drive (browser required).
Instructions for Google Drive:
- Download. APK-file to your cloud from a computer or smartphone.
- On Mi TV Stick, open the Google Drive app (install it from Google Play if it’s not available).
- Find the downloaded APK and click Open → Install.
For other cloud services:
- Install a browser (such as TV Bro or Firefox for TV).
- Go to the cloud storage site and log in.
- Download the APK directly to the device, then open it through the file manager.
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If Google Drive blocks APK installation, try renaming the file by adding the.zip extension (e.g. app.apk.zip). After downloading to Mi TV Stick, rename it back to.apk via file manager.
Method 3: Install APK via ADB (for power users)
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable for advanced users and allows you to install APKs without a physical media.
- ⚡ Quick installation without unnecessary manipulation.
- 🔧 Ability to debug and manage the device from PC.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 🔌 USB-cable (for connecting Mi) TV Stick to PC).
- 📄 APK-computer-file.
Step-by-step:
- Enable Developer Mode on Mi TV Stick: Settings → About Device → Build Number (click 7 times)
- Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
- Connect Mi TV Stick to your PC via USB and confirm debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb install path to file.apk For example: adb install C:\Downloads\app.apk
| ADB Team Team | Description |
|---|---|
| adb devices | Checking connected devices |
| adb install app.apk | Installation of APK on the device |
| adb uninstall com.package.name | Deletion of the application by packet name |
| adb shell pm list packages | List of all installed applications |
How to find out the name of the application package?
Method 4: Transfer APK from smartphone to Mi TV Stick
If you have an Android smartphone, you can transfer APK directly without using USB or the cloud.
- 📲 Send Files to TV (simpler).
- 🌍 LocalSend or Snapdrop (for local area network transmission).
Instructions for Send Files to TV:
- Install the app on your smartphone and on Mi TV Stick (available on Google Play).
- Open Send Files to TV on both devices and connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your smartphone, select APK-file and send it to Mi TV Stick.
- On the TV, confirm the file reception and start the installation.
For LocalSend:
- Install the app on both devices.
- On your smartphone, select Send → File and specify Mi TV Stick in the recipient list.
- Confirm reception on the TV and install APK.
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When transferring APKs over Wi-Fi, make sure both devices are connected to the same network. Using mobile internet (hotspot) can cause errors.
Solving Common Errors When Installing APK
Even with the right APK boot, there can be failures. Consider typical problems and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Application not installed | Incompatible APK architecture (ARM/x86) | Download the APK version for armeabi-v7a or arm64 |
| The parsing of the package ended with an error | Damaged. APK-file | Re-download the file or check its checksum |
| The device is not supported | APK is for smartphones, not Android TV | Look for versions marked TV or Android TV |
| Lack of memory | Place taken in /data section | Clear the cache or remove unnecessary apps |
If the APK is installed but not started:
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi. TV Stick.
- 📋 Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes.
- 🔧 Update Google Play Services (via Google Play).
How to Avoid Malicious APKs on Mi TV Stick
Installing applications from unknown sources always involves risks, so that the device can be protected by:
- 🛡️ Download. APK only from verified sites: APKMirror (checks files for viruses); official developer sites (for example, Kodi.tv for Kodi).
- 🔍 Check the permissions of the application before installing. SMS Geolocation or geolocation is suspicious.
- 📊 Use an antivirus. Use an antivirus. TV Malwarebytes or Bitdefender is suitable.
Signs of malicious APK:
- 🚫 Ask for Administrator Rights for No Reason.
- 📥 It downloads other files by itself.
- 💰 Shows ads outside the app.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation APK Mi TV Stick started to slow down or show ads, immediately delete the application and perform a factory reset (Settings) → The device → Reset).