Why VK doesnโt work on Xiaomi TV out of the box
Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Google TV They don't have an official VK app in the standard set of services -- and there are three reasons for that. TV-And then there's the mobile interface. TV redmi TV They use a modified PatchWall firmware, which prioritizes Chinese services and affiliate streaming platforms. TV Block the installation of most social networks through the official store.
But that doesn't mean that big screen entry is impossible. There are at least 5 workarounds, from using a browser to installing an APK through third-party sources. The main thing is to take into account the firmware version of your TV (MIUI TV 3.0 and later support more options) and the presence of a remote control or keyboard for easy login/password entry. Next, we will analyze each method with the nuances of specific models Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV X and others.
Method 1: Browser Login (the easiest method)
If you need to urgently go to the VK without installing additional applications, use the built-in Google Chrome browser or Mi Browser. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi TV models on Android 9.0 and higher, but has a limitation: the social network interface is not adapted for the remote, so navigation can be inconvenient.
Instructions:
- ๐บ Open the main menu of the TV and select the Apps โ Browser (or search for it by voice by saying "Open browser").
- ๐ In the address bar, type vk.com and click Go (for convenience, use the on-screen keyboard or connect the Bluetooth keyboard).
- ๐ค Enter your login (phone number or email) and password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS application VK ID smartphone.
- ๐ To avoid entering data every time, check the โRemember Meโ box (but keep in mind safety โ this is not recommended on shared TVs).
โ ๏ธ Note: In the mobile version of VC, the TV may not work in high-resolution video due to browser limitations.
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If the browser is slowing down, clear the cache in the application settings (Settings โ Applications โ Browser โ Clear the cache).
Method 2: Install VC via APK (for advanced users)
For Xiaomi Mi models TV Unlocked installation from unknown sources (Unknown sources in security settings) can be manually installed APK-VKontakte file. This method requires preparation:
- Download the current version of APK from a trusted source (such as APKCombo or APKMirror).Look for the Android TV version (if any) or the regular mobile version.
- Transfer the file to USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) Or upload directly to the TV via the browser.
- In settings of the TV, enable installation from unknown sources: Settings โ Device โ Special features โ Unknown sources.
Next:
- ๐ Connect. USB to the TV and open the file manager (Applications) โ Files).
- ๐ฑ Find the downloaded one. APK If you see a compatibility warning, click "Install" anyway.
- ๐ After installation, open the VC, log in to your account and allow all the permissions you request (especially access to storage for uploading photos/video).
Download APK from a trusted site | Format USB in FAT32|Enable "Unknown Sources" |Connect keyboard for easy input-->
What to do if the APK is not installed?
| Model Xiaomi TV | APK support | Recommended version of the VC | nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S (2018โ2020) | Yes (Android 9.0) | 5.12โ6.5 | May brake when scrolling the tape |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2021โ2023) | Yes (Android 10/11) | 6.0+ | Supports remote gestures for navigation |
| Redmi Smart TV X (2022) | Yes (Android 11) | 6.5+ | Required to disable battery optimization for VC |
| Mi TV A2 (2023) | Limitedly. | Only through the browser | Blocks the installation of social networks |
Method 3: Using Mi Account to synchronize
If you have a Mi Account (the same as Xiaomi smartphones), you can sync some data, including login services, which is semi-official and doesnโt work on all models, but avoids manual login/password entry.
How to set up:
- ๐ Make sure that the same Mi Account is used on the Xiaomi TV and smartphone. โ Accounts. โ Mi Account.
- ๐ฑ On your smartphone, open the Mi Remote app (remote for the remote). TV) And connect to the TV.
- ๐ In the settings of the TV, find data synchronization โ Cloud services and enable account synchronization.
- ๐ Try to open VK through the browser - the system can automatically substitute the saved data for entry.
โ ๏ธ Note: This may not work if the TV is disabled cloud services Xiaomi or using firmware for the European region (for example, EEA). In this case, the synchronization of data is limited due to the GDPR.
Method 4: Alternative launchers (for power users)
If the standard PatchWall or Google TV interface is not satisfied, you can install a third-party launcher that supports Android TV applications.
- ๐ฎ ATV Launcher โ optimized for gamepads and remotes, supports widgets.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Leanback Launcher โ Minimalist Launcher with Quick Access to Applications.
- ๐ง Sideload Launcher โ Shows all installed APK, including hidden system.
Installation instructions:
- Download. APK pick-up USB-accumulator.
- Install it on the TV (as described in Method 2).
- Launch the launcher and select it as the default launcher in the settings.
- Now you can see the installed VK application (if it was hidden by the standard interface).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Installing third-party launchers may cause PatchWall malfunctions, especially on Mi models TV P1 Before experimenting, back up your settings through Settings. โ System system โ Backup.
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The side launchers allow you to bypass the restrictions of Xiaomi on displaying applications, but can conflict with branded services (for example, Mi Home).
Method 5: Connecting a smartphone as a second screen
If all previous methods failed, you can bring VC to the TV from your smartphone, which is a universal way, independent of the TV model, but requires additional devices:
- ๐ฑ Wireless: Use Miracast (built into Android) or Google Cast (via Google Home app) with a 1โ2 second latency.
- ๐ By cable: Connect your smartphone to your TV through USB-C โ HDMI Adapter (requires DisplayPort Alt Mode support) No delay, but compatible cable is required.
Step-by-step instructions for Miracast:
- On TV: Settings โ Connection and Sharing โ Miracast (or Wireless Display).
- On your smartphone: Settings โ Screen โ Wireless display and select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
- Open the VK app on your phone - the image is duplicated on the TV.
For Google Cast:
1. Install Google Home on your smartphone.
2 Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3.In the VC app, click the broadcast icon (in the upper right corner of the video) and select your TV.โ ๏ธ Note: When broadcasting from smartphone to TV, Xiaomi can automatically reduce the resolution to 720p To avoid this, select Transfer screen in high quality in Google Home settings.
Problem Solving: What to Do When the VC is Not Working
Even after a successful installation of VKontakte on a Xiaomi TV, errors can occur, and letโs look at typical scenarios and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The application does not open after installation | Incompatibility of APK with Android TV | Install an older version of the VC (e.g. 5.0) |
| The remote control's not working. | The VK interface is not adapted for TV | Connect Bluetooth keyboard or use Mi Remote on your smartphone |
| Videos in VK are not being reproduced | No codec support (e.g. H.265) | Update the TV firmware or use the browser |
| He's always flying out with a mistake. | Lack of RAM | Close the background applications through Settings โ Applications โ Launched |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- ๐ Firmware Updates: Go to Settings โ On TV. โ Update the software and install the latest version.
- ๐ ๏ธ Factory reset: Extreme measure, but sometimes helps. Pre-save data in Settings โ System system โ Backup.
- ๐ง Appeal in support: Write to the chat Xiaomi through the official website, specifying the model TV and the firmware version (you can find it in Settings) โ On TV. โ Version. MIUI TV).