Owners of the popular TV-set-top box from the Chinese giant often wonder how to expand the functionality of the device at the expense of local services. Xiaomi Mi Box S, running on the basis of Android TV, provides a huge opportunity, but out of the box deprived of many Russian applications, this limitation is due to the lack of certification of Google Play Services for some regional services in the international content store.
Installing applications from Yandex turns the console into a full-fledged multimedia center with access to online cinema, music and browser. The process does not require complex technical knowledge, but it differs from the standard download from Google Play.
In this article, we will look at all the ways that the ecosystem can be integrated into your system, how you install it over your computer, how you use cloud storage, and how you transfer files, and how you can customize your management, because the standard remote doesn't always work properly with the mobile interface.
Preparation of prefixes for the installation of third-party applications
Before you download installation files, you need to change the operating system security settings. Android TV by default blocks installation from sources that have not been verified by Google, a basic level of protection that you need to temporarily bypass to manually add software.
To start, go to the main menu and select the settings section. Find the Settings of the device or System, depending on the firmware version. Inside you are interested in the Security or Privacy section. This is where the switch that allows installation is hidden. APK-file.
In newer versions of Android TV, the system can request permission for the specific application you will install through, such as a file manager or browser, activate this option by confirming the system's warning about potential risks.
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Use File Commander or X-plore file manager, as they have a built-in installation rights request mechanism, making the process easier for beginners.
Once activated, the system will allow the installer to run any program. Remember that you should only download files from trusted sources to avoid getting malicious code on the device. Now your Xiaomi Mi Box S is ready to receive external data packets.
Method of installation via USB-drive
The most reliable and fast method of data transmission is the use of USB-This is ideal if you have access to a computer and a stable Internet connection on a PC. You need to download the installation file. APK pre-appendix.
First, download the current version of Yandex (Cinema, Music or Browser) to your computer. It is important to choose versions adapted for Android TVs or universal versions, as they are better scaled on the big screen. Save the file to the root folder of the flash drive or create a separate directory for convenience.
Put the drive in USB-The system automatically recognizes the new device, as indicated by the pop-up notification. If there is no notification, go to any installed file manager and find the partition of the external drive.
☑️ Installation algorithm with a flash drive
Find the file you want in the list and click on it. The system will request installation confirmation. Click Install and wait until the process is complete. Once you have successfully integrated, you can open the application right away or find its icon in the shared program list.
Using cloud storage for downloading
If you don't have a flash drive, cloud services are a great solution. On the Xiaomi Mi Box S, you can install the Google Drive, Yandex Drive or Drops app, which requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Download. APK-You can log in to your cloud storage from your computer or smartphone. Then, on the console, open the cloud service app and log in to your account. Find the file you downloaded from the document list.
When you try to open APK-The system may tell you that it cannot view the file, in which case select the "Open with..." option and specify your file manager or package installer.
The problem with opening APK in the cloud
The advantage of this is that you don't need physical media, and you can manage the installer library directly from the cloud, which is especially useful when you reinstall the system frequently or reset the settings to the factory.
Transfer files via Send Files to TV
One of the most popular ways for Android console owners is to use a specialized application to transfer data over a local network. Send Files to TV (SFTTV) program allows you to quickly transfer files between your smartphone and TV.
Install the SFTTV app on the console via the Google Play Store. The same program must be installed on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
Run the app on both devices. On your TV, select Receive mode and Send on your phone. Your Xiaomi Mi Box S will appear on the list of available devices.
| Parameter | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Same Wi-Fi. | It is mandatory for both devices |
| Annex | Send Files to TV | Version 2.x or higher |
| File. | APK format | Yandex Cinema, Music, etc. |
| Action. | Select and send | Automatic start of installation |
Pick the right one. APK-You can send it to your smartphone, and you can ask for confirmation on your TV, and when you download it, you can automatically start the installer, and it's very fast, and it doesn't require any cables.
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The Send Files to TV app uses a local area network, so the transfer speed is limited only by the speed of your router, not the ISP’s tariff.
Control setting and working with the remote
After installing apps from Yandex, users often face the problem of malfunctioning the remote.The standard Xiaomi remote is designed to navigate on Android TV, while many apps were originally created for touch screens of smartphones.
To solve this problem, we recommend installing Mouse Toggle, which emulates how a computer mouse works, allowing the cursor to be moved around the screen using a remote, which is critical for fully using the browser version of services or applications without TV adaptation.
In the Mouse Toggle settings, you need to turn on the service and assign a button combination to activate the cursor (usually double pressing OK or a combination of volume buttons).
⚠️ Note: Some versions of the apps may not support cursor control even with a mouse emulator. In such cases, try using voice input (if supported by the application) or install a third-party keyboard.
It’s also worth noting that the standard direction buttons are often enough to navigate inside the Yandex Movie or Music interface, problems arise mainly when you type text or use complex menus, and the most convenient way to enter passwords is to use the Android TV Remote Control app on your smartphone, which turns the phone into a full-fledged keyboard.
Solving common problems and errors
There may be technical difficulties in installation or operation, and one of the common mistakes is to say "App not installed" and this may be due to a corrupt APK file or a conflict of Android versions.
Another common problem is the lack of sound or video stream in the Yandex Kino app. Make sure the date and time on the console are set correctly. DRM-Protection used by streaming services.
If an application crashes immediately after launch, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → Find an application → Clear the cache. In extreme cases, it will help to delete and re-install an older or, conversely, a newer version of the program.
Video encoder error
It is also worth checking for updates for the Xiaomi Mi Box S system itself. Manufacturers regularly release patches that improve compatibility with popular software. Go to Settings → About the system → Update the system for verification.
Alternative ways to access content
If installation APK-You may find your files too complicated or unstable, and there are alternative ways to do this. Many of Yandex's services support Chromecast built-in, which is built into the console's operating system.
You can play video or music on your smartphone in the Yandex app, click the broadcast button and select your Mi Box S. The content will play on the TV and the phone will serve as a remote control. This reduces the load on the console processor.
Another option is to use the built-in browser, if it is available, or install the Puffin TV or TV Bro browser. Through the browser you can open the web version of the site kinopoisk.ru or music.yandex.ru. The interface will be adapted to control from the remote is not ideal, but the functionality will remain completely.
⚠️ Note: When using web versions through a browser, the quality of the video stream may be limited by the browser and not reach the maximum resolution available in the native application.
The choice of method depends on your preferences: the native application provides the best user experience and support for high resolution, while the streaming from a smartphone is convenient for quick access without unnecessary settings.