Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV They offer a lot of opportunities to expand the functionality, from streaming movies to running games from the gamepad. TV-Android versions are often limited, and some useful utilities simply don’t appear in the directory. In this article, we’ll discuss which apps really should be installed on your Xiaomi Mi. TV, Redmi Smart TV Xiaomi TV A Pro to unlock the full potential of the device.
It's important to understand that not all apps in the mobile version of Android work correctly on a TV, many require big screen adaptation and remote control. TV 11/12 (Up-to-date versions for most Xiaomi models 2022–2026 Optimized for touchscreen-free use, you’ll also learn how to bypass the regional restrictions of Google Play and install apps manually through the app. APK, If they are not available in your country.
1. Streaming services: films, series and TV-channel
The basic streaming app set on Xiaomi TV typically includes YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video, but the functionality can be significantly expanded, such as the official YouTube app on Android TV does not support background play, and some regions lack local services like Okko or Ivi.
To access all the opportunities, install:
- 🎬 Kodi – universal media player with support for plugins for torrent streaming, IPTV It allows you to set up your own library with covers and descriptions.
- 📺 TiviMate is the best app to watch IPTV supportive EPG (TV programs) and multiscreen, ideal for replacing cable TV.
- 🌍 Smart YouTube TV — Alternative YouTube client with background playback, ad blocking and support 4K HDR (requires manual installation APK).
- 🎥 Plex or Jellyfin – to stream your local film collection NAS Both of these services have official Android apps. TV.
⚠️ Note: When installing Kodi or TiviMate through APK Turn off the option Unknown sources in the settings of the TV → Locking the installation (path: Settings) → Annexes → Special access, otherwise the system will block the launch.
Games and Emulators: How to Turn TV into a Game Console
The processors in Xiaomi TVs (such as MediaTek MT9638 or Amlogic T972) are quite capable of running games, but for comfortable gameplay you will need a gamepad (any Bluetooth controller, such as Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualSense, will do).
The best games and emulators for Android TV:
- 🎮 Moonlight – streaming games from your PC (requires) NVIDIA GPU It allows you to play Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring directly on your TV.
- 🕹️ RetroArch – a universal emulator for running games with NES, SNES, PlayStation 1 and other retro consoles. Supports saves and multiplayer.
- 🃏 Board Games (such as Chess Ultra or Monopoly) – board games with an adapted interface for the large screen.
- 🏎️ Asphalt 9: Legends is one of the few heavy-duty racing games optimized for Android TV (gamepad management is mandatory!).
⚠️ Emulators like RetroArch can slow down on weak Xiaomi models TV (For example, Redmi Smart. TV X50 processor-based S905Y4). Before installing, check the characteristics of your TV in the Settings menu. → On TV. → Model.
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To connect the gamepad, switch the Xiaomi TV remote to Game Controller mode (press Menu + OK for 3 seconds). This will reduce the input delay to 20-30 ms.
3. Utilities for optimization and management
Android TV on Xiaomi often suffers from interface freezes, slow app loading and overheating, problems that can be partially solved with specialized utilities that clear cache, turn off background processes and monitor the temperature of the chipset.
Useful system applications:
- 🧹 TV Bro – analogue of CCleaner for Android TV. Clears the cache, deletes junk files and shows the occupied space in memory.
- ⚙️ Button Mapper – allows you to reassign buttons on the remote control (for example, make a double press) OK voice-search).
- 📊 AIDA64 — displays full information about the “iron” of the TV: processor model, RAM volume, temperature and firmware version.
- 🔄 Send Files to TV — Transfer of files from phone to TV over a local network (without the USB-It supports photos, videos and APK.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Button Mapper require rights ADB To provide them, connect the TV to the PC and execute the command:
adb shell pm grant flar2.homebutton flar2.homebutton.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICEYou can find instructions for setting up ADB for Xiaomi TV in the FAQ at the end of the article.
| Utility. | Appointment | Does he require ADB? | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Bro | Cleaning up cache and garbage | No. | All models. |
| Button Mapper | Reassignment of remote buttons | Yes. | Android TV 9+ |
| AIDA64 | Diagnostics of iron | No. | All models. |
| Send Files to TV | Transfer of files from the phone | No. | Android TV 8+ |
4. Sports and fitness applications
If you use TV for training or watching sports, standard apps like YouTube won’t be enough, and you’ll need specialized services to easily access live matches, training videos and team statistics.
The best sports apps:
- ⚽ DAZN match TV — Legal broadcasts of football matches, hockey and other sports. DAZN Not available in all regions (required) VPN).
- 🏋️ Nike Training Club -- training with video instructions adapted for the big screen, HIIT and strength-training.
- 📈 FlashScore – Real-time match results tracking with notifications. supports more than 30 sports.
- 🚴 Zwift Companion – for synchronization with exercise bikes and treadmills (requires additional equipment).
⚠️ Attention: Apps like DAZN match TV They can block broadcasts when used VPN. If the image does not load, try to turn off VPN or change the region in the account settings.
How to watch blocked broadcasts?
5.Apps for children: safe content and parental controls
If children use the TV, it is important to limit access to unwanted content and provide safe entertainment apps. Xiaomi TV has built-in mode for children (includes in Settings → Accounts and Security → Parental Control), but its functionality is limited.
Additional annexes for children:
- 👶 YouTube Kids – version of YouTube with age filtering and usage timer.
- 🎨 PBS Kids Games – educational games for children 3-8 years old (English content).
- 📚 Epic! – library of children’s books and audiobooks with reading aloud.
- 🔒 Kids Place – application blocker with password and use timer.
⚠️ Attention: YouTube Kids on Android TV There is no search blocking feature (unlike the mobile version).To completely limit content, create a separate Google profile for your child and set up restrictions through Google Family Link.
Enable parental control in settings TV|Install YouTube Kids and Kids Place|Create a Google Child Profile|Block the installation of new applications-->
6.Music and podcasts: sound on the big screen
Xiaomi TV can be used as a full-fledged music system, especially if it is connected to a soundbar or a home theater. The standard Google Play Music app (or YouTube Music) is not always convenient for controlling playlists from the remote, so it is better to choose alternatives.
The best music apps:
- 🎵 Spotify – official app with Spotify Connect support (you can control playback from your phone).
- 🎧 Tidal – for fans of high quality sound (supports Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio) MQA).
- 🎙️ Podcast Addict – listening to podcasts with the ability to create playlists and speed up playback.
- 📻 TuneIn Radio – access to 100,000 radio stations from around the world, including local radio stations FM-stationery.
⚠️ Note: When using Spotify on Xiaomi TV Crossfade may not be available. To enable it, log in to the Spotify web version on your PC and activate the option in your account settings.
7. How to Install Apps That Are Not in Google Play
Many useful apps (such as Smart YouTube TV or TiviMate Premium) are not available in the official Android TV store.
- Through APK-File: Download APK on USB-Send to the TV via Send Files to TV. Open the File Manager on the TV and start it. APK. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access.
- Through ADB (for power users): adb install name apk To do this, connect the TV to your PC via USB (enable Debugging over USB in Settings → About TV → Build Number – press 7 times to unlock the developer mode).
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From unverified sources, you can get viruses on your TV. Check the hash file on sites like VirusTotal or download it before installing it. APK only from official resources (for example, APKCombo or APKMirror).
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Before installing the APK, disable automatic app updates in Google Play to avoid version conflicts.
8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When installing apps on Android TV, users often face typical problems: apps don’t launch, crash or appear on the menu. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:
- 🚫 "The app is not supported on your device, which means that APK assembled ARM64, And your TV is working on ARMv7 (Check the processor architecture in the AIDA64 and download the corresponding version.
- 🔄 "The app is constantly restarted" - reset the app cache to Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- 📵 "No sound in the app – check if the sound is turned off in the settings HDMI-CEC (Path: Settings → Sound. → HDMI ARC).
- 🖥️ "The application interface is not adapted to TV" — Turn on in Android settings TV Forced scaling (Settings) → Screen and sound → Screen size).
If the app doesn’t work, try:
- Remove and re-install it.
- Update the TV firmware (Settings → About TV → System Update).
- Reset the TV to factory settings (data will be deleted!).