What apps can you install on your Xiaomi TV with Android TV: Guide 2026

Xiaomi’s Android TVs offer users a wide range of options to expand their functionality by installing additional apps. Unlike other brands’ classic smart TVs, the full-fledged Google Play Store with large-screen versions of services is available here. However, not all programs from the mobile Play Market are compatible with the TV, with restrictions on architecture, screen resolution and control.

In this article, we will look at what apps can be installed on Xiaomi TV officially and through workarounds, how Android TV versions differ from mobile versions, and what services are really worth downloading for comfortable viewing of movies, games, streaming and content. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of installing APK- files, compatibility with Mi Remote remotes and performance optimization – even powerful models like Xiaomi TV Q2 75" or Mi TV 5 Pro can slow down if you configure.

Official sources of applications for Xiaomi TV

The main legal way to replenish the collection of software on your Xiaomi is the built-in Google Play Store for Android TV. It differs from the mobile version not only in design, but also in the catalog: here you can see only those programs that have been certified for the large screen and support control from the remote control.

1. Press the Home button on the Mi Remote remote.
2. Go to the Apps section (Applications).
3. Select the Google Play Store (Color Triangle icon).

At the top of the catalog you will find standard services: YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, as well as games from Gameloft or NVIDIA. However, many useful utilities (for example, Kodi or VLC) may not be in the search, in which case the web version of Play Market will help:

• 🌐 Go to play.google.com/store from your computer or smartphone.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type the name of the application you want (e.g., Plex).
• 📺 In the filters, select the Android category TV.
• 📥 Press Install and select your TV from the list of devices.

⚠️ Warning: Some apps (such as Twitch or TikTok) may not appear in the web version of the store for TV, even if they officially support the platform. In this case, try changing the Google account region or using alternative installation methods.

Top-10must-have applications for Xiaomi TV in 2026

Among the thousands of software available, we selected those that are truly enhancing the TV experience and optimized for remote control, and here's a list of the most useful apps for current trends:

SmartTubeNext, an alternative YouTube client with ad blocking and background playback, which is installed via APK, deserves special attention. Its main advantage is the absence of annoying videos before the video and the ability to download content directly to the USB- drive. However, it will require you to disable automatic updates of the standard YouTube drive.

For sports fans, DAZN or Match TV will be indispensable, and for family viewing – Kinopoisk HD with a large library of films in Russian. Don’t forget to check the compatibility of applications with the resolution of your TV: for example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 with a resolution of 3840×2160 may incorrectly display the interface of programs optimized only for Full HD.

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If the app doesn't start after installation, try resetting the cache through Settings → Apps → [program name] → Clear the cache. Often this solves the freeze problems.

How to install APK- files on Xiaomi TV

Not all the programs you need are available on the Play Store, but you can install them manually through APK- files, a method called sideloading that requires pre-preparation.

Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About TV → Build Number – press 7 times)

Activate debugging over USB (Settings → Device → For developers)

Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Personal Information and Security)

Download APK flash-drive-->

The easiest way to download APK is to use a file manager (e.g., FX File Explorer) and open the file directly from the USB- drive. An alternative method is to install via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for power users.

1. Connect your TV and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Find out IP- TV address in Settings → Network and Internet.
3. On PC, open the command line and type: adb connect [IP- TV address]:5555 adb install [path to APK- file]

It is important to note that not all APK- files will work correctly. For example, mobile versions of Instagram or VK are not adapted for remote control and require a mouse/keyboard connection. For such cases, there are modified versions (for example, TV VK or Leanback Launcher), optimized for Android TV.

⚠️ Warning: Installing APK from unverified sources can lead to malware infection of the TV. Always download files from official developer sites (e.g., kodi.tv for Kodi) or trusted repositories like APKMirror.

Constraints and compatibility issues

Even if you manage to install the app, it doesn't guarantee it will work smoothly.The main problems faced by Xiaomi TV owners are:

• 🎮 Unsupported games: Many mobile games (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) require touch controls or a gyroscope that are not available on TV. The solution is emulators like BlueStacks TV (but they slow down).
• 🖱️ Lack of mouse/keyboard support: Some applications (such as Photoshop Express) do not have a remote interface and require a Bluetooth keyboard connection.
• 📶 Geolocking problems: Services like HBO Max or Peacock may not run in Russia without VPN. However, not all VPN- applications run on Android TV — proven options: Windscribe or ProtonVPN.
• 🔄 Automatic updates: The system can update the application to an incompatible version (for example, YouTube stops supporting modifications like SmartTubeNext after the update).

Another common problem is memory shortage: Xiaomi TVs (especially budget models like the Mi TV 4A) often have only 8-16 GB of internal memory, of which less than half is available to the user.

• 🗃️ Use priority storage for applications on an external drive (in Settings → Memory, select the flash drive as the primary storage).
• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly with TV Bro or manually through Settings → Apps.
• ☁️ Transfer media files to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).

Best Alternatives to Standard Applications

Many of the built-in services on Xiaomi TV have limited functionality or display ads, and fortunately, most of them have more advanced counterparts:

The replacement of the standard browser is particularly prominent. The built-in Mi Browser often slows down and does not support modern web standards. Firefox for Android TV solves these problems, plus allows you to install extensions like uBlock Origin for blocking ads. To install Firefox:

1. Download APK from Mozilla's official website (TV version).
2. Transfer the file to the flash drive and connect it to the TV.
3. Open the FX File Explorer, find the APK and start the installation.
4. After installation, fix the browser shortcut on the home screen through Add to your favorites.

To view photos from cloud storage (Google Photos, Yandex Photos), the standard Xiaomi gallery is not suitable - it does not know how to synchronize. Simple Gallery solves this problem, plus supports a slideshow on a large screen with music.

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When replacing standard apps, don’t remove them completely – some of them (such as Mi Video) are associated with system processes and can cause failures when uninstallation.

Xiaomi TV Games: What Really Works

Xiaomi Android TVs are not marketed as game consoles, but some projects are launched quite tolerably, the main limitation is the lack of a gamepad in the bundle (you will have to buy a compatible controller, for example, Xiaomi Game Controller or 8BitDo Pro 2).

• 🎮 Asphalt 9: Legends is a race with gamepad support and 4K- graphics.
• 🏆 Minecraft is a creative mode perfectly adapted for TV (mouse control + keyboard).
• 🃏 Hearthstone is a card strategy game with a remote-optimized interface.
• 🚀 Stardew Valley is a farm simulator with controller support.
• 🎳 Bowling King is a simple gesture-controlled game (a gyroscope remote is needed).

For PC-based games, Moonlight (for NVIDIA) or Steam Link (for Steam) can stream from computer to TV with minimal latency, but require:

• 🖥️ Powerful PC (video card is not weaker than NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580).
• 📶 Router with Wi-Fi 5 GHz or wired connection.
• 🎮 Compatible gamepad (e.g. Xbox Controller or DualShock 4).

If you want to play Cloud Gaming services (such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW), note that they do not officially support Android TV. The workaround is to install the mobile version of APK via ADB, but managing it can be inconvenient without a touchpad.

Optimizing performance after installing applications

The more programs you install, the more the system loads, leading to interface brakes, long loads and overheating, especially on budget models like the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S with an Amlogic processor.

1. Turn off the autoload of unnecessary apps: Settings → Apps → [select program] → Autorun
2. Limit background activity: Settings → Device → Developer → Limit background processes (select "Maximum 2 Processes")
3. Use lightweight launchers: Replace the standard Mi Launcher with an ATV Launcher or HalLauncher – they consume fewer resources.

If the TV starts spontaneously restarting or crashing into the menu, it may be a memory overflow. Check the space available in Settings → Memory. If less than 500 MB is available, delete the unnecessary apps or transfer them to an external drive:

• 📁 Connect the USB- drive (recommended USB 3.0 with a read speed of 100 MB/s).
• 🔧 Format it as internal storage via Settings → Memory → [stick name] → Format it as internal.
• 📱 Move applications to Settings → Apps → [select program] → Memory → Change.

⚠️ Warning: Formatting the flash drive as internal storage binds it to the TV, then it can't be used on other devices without being completely cleaned, and it can also slow down the drive's speed over time.

For deep cleaning of the system, the utility TV Bro will do. It deletes the cache, residual files and optimizes autoboot. After cleaning, it is recommended to restart the TV through Settings → Device → Reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app installation