Xiaomiโs Android TVs or Google TVs allow you to expand functionality through third-party apps, from streaming services to games. But the standard Google Play Market on TV is often limited: many programs simply do not appear in the catalog, and some models (such as Mi TV Stick or Redmi TV A Series) do not have official support for a number of services. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of installing programs from simple to advanced, including bypassing the systemโs limitations.
If you've tried to find an app through a search on your TV and you haven't found it, it doesn't mean you can't install it. APK-Android files are compatible with TV-It's a version of the OS, but it requires manual booting and special security settings (ARM or x86) Android version TV. Next, we will consider each method in detail, taking into account the nuances for different Xiaomi lines.
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1. Installation via Google Play Market (official method)
The safest and easiest method is to use the built-in app store, but there are limitations.
- ๐บ Not all programs are available in TV-Google Play version, for example, YouTube Vanced or TikTok is not in the directory for TVs.
- ๐ Search performs worse than on smartphones โ many apps donโt show up even with the exact name typed.
- ๐ฑ Google Account Link: Without Authorization, Part of the Content Will Be Hidden.
To find and install the program:
- Open Google Play Market on the main screen of your TV.
- Enter the name of the application in the search bar (use the remote or keyboard over Bluetooth).
- If the program is not found, try alternative queries. For example, instead of "Kinopoisk" look for "KinoPoisk". HD" โ it TV-version.
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A/4S (2018โ2019 You may not have a full Google Play, in which case you can use the methods in the following sections.
2. Booting APK through USB-accumulator
If the app is not in Google Play, it can be installed manually through the APK-It's gonna take a file:
- ๐พ USB-flash drive (formatted in FAT32 or NTFS).
- ๐ฑ Smartphone/PC for download APK (Use proven sources like APKCombo or APKMirror).
- โ๏ธ Option Unknown sources in the settings of the TV.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-file on a computer or smartphone. Xiaomi TVs are suitable for app versions marked TV Android TV (For example, Smart YouTube. TV Instead of YouTube).
- Copy the file to the flash drive to the root folder (not nested!).
- Connect USB to your TV and open the File Manager (or Explorer).
- Choose. APK-If the button is inactive, go back to step 3 and check the security settings.
๐น How to Install from Unknown Sources:
- Go to Settings โ Device โ Special features.
- Select Unknown Sources and activate the switch for File Manager or Browser.
โ๏ธ Preparation for installation APK
โ ๏ธ Attention: Installation APK Avoid sites with suspicious domains (such as.xyz or.top) and always check the reviews of the file.
Installation via Send Files to TV (without USB)
If there is no flash drive at hand, you can transfer it to the APK-It's a file directly from your smartphone to your TV through a local network:
- Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (available on Google Play).
- Open the app and select APK-phone-file.
- In the list of devices, find your Xiaomi TV (make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network).
- Click Send and confirm receipt of the file on TV.
- After transfer, open the file through the File Manager and install it.
๐น Advantages of the method:
- โก Faster than copying to a flash drive.
- ๐ฑ No need for additional devices.
- ๐ Supports transfer of multiple files at the same time.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2022โ2026 d.) You may need to pre-enable the option to Receive files in network settings (Settings) โ Network and Internet โ File transfer).
4. Use of alternative stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)
If Google Play is not suitable, you can install a third-party app store optimized for Android TV.
| Shop | Link to APK | Features | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aptoide TV | apt.oide.tv | Large catalog of TV-applications, there is a Russian-language interface | All Xiaomi models on Android TV 9+ |
| Aurora Store | auroraoss.com | Anonymous access to Google Play, but requires customization | Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X |
| APKPure TV | apkpure.com | Convenient interface, but less TV-applications | Models with Android TV 8+ |
To install Aptoide TV:
- Download the APK link above and transfer it to your TV (via USB or Send Files to TV).
- Install the file by pre-enabled Unknown Sources.
- Open Aptoide TV, log in (optional) and find the app you want.
๐น nuance:
- ๐ก๏ธ In Aptoide. TV There is a built-in virus check, but still download applications with a high rating.
- ๐ Aurora Store requires additional proxy settings to bypass Google Play restrictions.
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Before installing a third-party store, check if it supports your version of Android TV. For example, Aptoide TV doesn't work on Mi TV 4A with Android 8.1 due to the outdated architecture.
5. Installation via ADB (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed, you can install APK via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- ๐ฆ Installation of system applications (e.g. Google Play Services).
- ๐ง Debugging and testing of programs.
- ๐ซ Bypassing manufacturer restrictions (e.g. Mi) TV Stick).
What you need:
- ๐ป Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- ๐ก USB-cable (for Mi Box) or Wi-Fi connection.
- ๐ APK-file.
Instructions for installation by Wi-Fi:
- On the TV, turn on Developer Mode: Settings โ About TV โ Build Number (click 7 times)
- Return to Settings โ Device โ Developer Settings and enable USB Debugging and Network Debugging.
- Remember. IP-TV address (displayed in the Debugging section of the network).
- On PC, open the command line and type: adb connect [IP-address]:5555 adb install [path to file.apk]
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4S 55") an additional command may be required to unlock the installation:
adb shell pm install -r -t /sdcard/[name file.apk]What if ADB canโt see the TV?
6. Features for different Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi TVs support the same installation methods, and the key differences are:
| Model | OS | Supported methods | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A/4S (2018โ2019) | Android TV 8.1 | USB, ADB, Send Files to TV | No Google Play, no Aptoide Difficulties |
| Mi TV 5 Pro (2020โ2021) | Android TV 9/10 | All methods, including alternative shops | Requires the inclusion of Unknown sources for each application |
| Redmi Smart TV X (2021โ2023) | Android TV 10/11 | Google Play, USB, ADB | Limited support for some games (due to weak GPU) |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2022โ2026) | Google TV 11/12 | All methods + Google Play with an extended directory | Requires Google Authorization to Install Some APKs |
๐น Advice for specific models:
- ๐บ On Mi. TV Stick (2020โ2023) Google Play is heavily stripped down โ use Aptoide TV or ADB.
- ๐ฎ For Redmi. TV A Series (budget models) avoid heavy apps (e.g. Netflix in the Internet) 4K may slow down).
- ๐ On Mi. TV Q2 post-installation APK You may need to restart to see the app icon.
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Before buying an app (like Kodi Premium or IPTV Pro), check compatibility with your model on the developer's website. Some programs require Android TV 11+ and don't work on older TVs.
7. Solving problems with installation
If the application does not install or start, check the following points:
- ๐ "Application not installed": APK It is designed for other architectures (for example, x86 instead ARM). File corrupted - download it again. There is not enough space in the TV memory (free up at least 500 MB).
- ๐ซ "Installation locked": Unknown sources for file manager not included. TV firmware blocks third-party APK (relevant TV 4A on MIUI TV).
- ๐ App installed but not opened: Google Play Services required - install them via ADB. The application is not optimized for TV โ Try the marked version TV.
๐น How to make room on the TV:
- Go to Settings. โ Warehouse.
- Delete the app cache (especially Netflix, YouTube).
- Move the media files to an external drive.
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4S 55") if memory is scarce, the system can automatically delete unused applications. To avoid this, add the program to Favorites on the home screen.
8. Top.-5 useful applications for Xiaomi TV
If you are just starting to learn the capabilities of your TV, we recommend you to install:
- ๐ฌ Smart YouTube TV โ User-friendly YouTube client without advertising (requires authorization via smartphone).
๐น Where to download:
- TVirl - tvirl.net (there is APK for TV).
โ ๏ธ Note: Content streaming apps (such as Kodi with add-ons) may violate the terms of use of certain services.
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