Modern Xiaomi TVs are no longer just screens for receiving an air signal, becoming full-fledged multimedia centers running on the Android TV or Google TV operating system. The ability to expand the functionality of the device by installing third-party software makes these models one of the most popular on the market. Users often wonder what kind of software is available for their model and how to install programs to turn the gadget into a universal hub for entertainment.
Xiaomi's ecosystem offers a wide range of pre-installed solutions, but the real power comes from manually configuring: you can turn a TV into a game console, a movie theater with access to global streaming platforms, or even a smart home control center. It's important to understand that the availability of a particular software depends on the version of the operating system and the region in which the device was purchased.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the official download sources, methods of installing programs from unknown sources, and the features of working with file managers, and you will learn about the nuances of working with Google Play Market on TVs of different generations.
Official sources of downloading programs
The main and most secure distribution channel for TVs Xiaomi Mi TV redmi TV Depending on the firmware version and year of release, it can be Google Play Store or its own GetApps store (formerly Mi Store). TV, The second is more common in Chinese versions or older models.
The use of official repositories ensures that the downloaded code has been tested for viruses and optimized for control from the remote control. The interface of such programs is adapted for horizontal orientation of the screen and navigation with buttons, which is critical for comfortable use.
To find the right software, you just need to go to the corresponding menu section and use the search bar. The system will automatically filter out the sentences, showing only the options compatible with your TV. If the application is not in search, then the developer has not provided support for television platforms.
- 📺 Google Play Store – The main store for global versions of Android TV, It contains thousands of optimized programs.
- 📦 GetApps is a Xiaomi branded store, often used in devices for the Asian market or older models.
- 🎮 Game section – a separate category inside stores, offering games adapted for gamepads and remotes.
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Always check the rating of the app and the date of the last update before installing it – this will help to avoid bugs on the big screen.
It’s worth noting that some services may be geographically restricted, such as content on Netflix or Hulu, which may not be available without the appropriate network settings, even though the app itself will work correctly.
Installation of applications from APK-file
When the built-in directory is not enough, users resort to installing programs manually through the APK-This method allows you to install software that is not available in your local store or use modified versions of software, but this process requires prior system preparation and an understanding of security risks.
First of all, you need to allow installation from unknown sources. In modern versions of Android TV, this is not done globally for the entire system, but for a specific bootloader application, such as a file manager or browser, you will need to go to the security settings and activate the appropriate item for the selected tool.
⚠️ Attention: Download APK-files only from verified resources such as APKMirror or 4PDA. Installation of software from dubious sources can lead to infection of the system with malicious code.
To upload files to your TV, you can use the built-in bootloader browser or transfer the file over a local network. If you use a browser, just type in. URL-The file address and start the download. Once the download is complete, the system will automatically prompt you to install the package.
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
Many programs require touch input that is not available in a standard remote, in which case you may need to connect a wireless mouse or use a special remote application on your smartphone.
- 📥 Send Files to TV — pop-up APK-Files from phone to TV via Wi-Fi.
- 📂 X-plore File Manager is a powerful tool for file system management and packet installation.
- 🌐 bootloader – a specialized browser for downloading and installing applications directly on TV.
Third-party launchers and interface change
The standard PatchWall shell or Android TV Home may not suit all users due to the abundance of advertising or intrusive recommendations. Fortunately, the system architecture allows you to install third-party launchers that completely change the appearance of the main screen and the principle of navigation.
The most popular solutions are FLauncher, ATV Launcher and Nova Launcher, which allow you to remove banner ads, change the order of the lines, add weather widgets or watches in the style of minimalism, installing such a launcher requires the same actions as installing any other launcher. APK-The file, but with one important nuance.
After installing a new launcher, the system may not suggest switching to it by default, in which case you will need to use special utilities such as Button Mapper or Default Launcher Switcher, which force the new application to start when you turn on the TV.
Why does the ad return after the reboot?
The use of custom shells significantly speeds up the interface, as they consume less RAM resources, and this is especially true for models with a small amount of RAM, where the standard system can slow down.
- 🚀 FLauncher is a lightweight, open launcher with no ads, perfect for weak devices.
- 🎨 Nova Launcher – the king of customization, allowing you to customize each element of the interface to the smallest detail.
- 📺 ATV Launcher – the classic Android interface TV Possibility of hiding unnecessary lines.
Top apps for watching movies and TV
The main purpose of a smart TV is to consume video content. There are a huge number of streaming services available on the Android platform,IPTV-The choice of a particular application depends on your preferences: paid content in high quality or free sources.
IPTV is the most common way to view live streaming over the Internet, requiring dedicated players to which the user downloads a playlist from their provider or from open sources, allowing hundreds of channels to be watched digitally without an antenna.
Popular streaming platforms also have their own native apps. However, it is worth considering that some global services may not work in certain regions without additional network settings. Local theaters such as ivi, Okko or Wink are usually available in the official app store.
| Annex | Type of content | I need a subscription. | Support for 4K HDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Movies, TV shows | Yes. | Yeah (depends on the fare) |
| YouTube | Videos, streams | No (there's Premium) | Yes. |
| ViX / Wink | TV channels, movies | Partially. | Yes. |
| TiviMate | IPTV player | No (playlist needed) | Yes. |
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For comfortable IPTV viewing on Xiaomi TVs, TiviMate is best suited due to its user-friendly interface and fast channel change.
Remember that to play heavy content in 4K resolution and codecs like HEVC requires a stable Internet connection at a speed of at least 25 Mbps.
Gaming opportunities and emulators
Xiaomi TVs have enough hardware to run not only simple arcades, but also emulators of old gaming consoles, which turns the TV into a retro console capable of running games with Dendy, Sega, PlayStation 1 and even PSP.
To start games, you will need to install an emulator and files BIOS, also ROM-The process of customization may seem difficult to a beginner, but the result is worth it. USB-joystick.
In addition to retro games, you can also run modern cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allow you to play heavy novelties using the power of remote servers, broadcasting images on the TV screen.
- 🎮 RetroArch is a universal emulator that supports multiple gaming platforms in one interface.
- ☁️ GeForce Now is a cloud service for playing modern PC games without a powerful computer.
- 🕹️ Steam Link – an application for streaming games from your PC to your TV on a local network.
⚠️ Note: When using emulators, make sure you have licensed copies of the games.Using pirated software may violate copyright laws.
It is important to consider that long gaming sessions can cause the TV processor to heat up, and although the overheat protection system will shut down the device, it is better to ensure good ventilation of the back panel.
Utilities for Advanced Users
For those who want to get the most out of their Smart TV, there are a number of specialized gates that allow you to monitor the state of the system, clear cache, manage network connections and even access the command line.
One of the most useful tools is Sending & Receiving Files, or analogues that allow you to turn a TV into a network storage, you can download photos and videos from your phone directly to a hard drive connected to your TV, or stream media files over the network.
Also worth mentioning are development tools like ADB TV, which let you control your TV from your smartphone or computer by installing apps remotely or taking screenshots, which is especially useful when typing from the remote becomes tedious.
Regular maintenance of the system with garbage cleaners such as Files by Google helps to keep the interface running at a high level even after years of operation.
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s TV app ecosystem offers almost limitless possibilities, from just watching YouTube to running a full-fledged smart home server, it all depends on your needs and willingness to experiment with settings.