Install APK on Xiaomi TV Stick: 5 proven ways (2026)

Installing third-party apps on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is a challenge faced by users who want to expand the functionality of the device beyond the Google Play Store. Unlike smartphones, Android TV- platform limits direct installation APK, but there are several ways to get around this. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including installation through file manager, ADB, Send Files to TV and alternative launchers.

It is important to understand that the Xiaomi TV Stick runs on Android TV 9/11 (depending on the model), where the default option to install applications from unknown sources is disabled, this is done for security, but also creates limitations, we will show how to enable this option, what tools you need, and how to avoid typical errors (for example, INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK or Parse Error).

If you're a beginner, start with the simplest way, through the Send Files to TV app. For experienced users, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable, which allows you to install APKs even without physical access to the device. And for those who want full control, consider installing an alternative launcher like ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher.

1.Preparation of Xiaomi TV Stick for APK installation

Before installing any APK- file, you need to do two key things: allow installation from unknown sources and connect the file system (if you plan to use a USB- drive or network exchange).

Check out the Android TV version on your device:

1. Go to Settings → About the device → Android TV version.
2. Remember the version (like Android TV 11) as it’s a bit of a step.

Now turn on the installation from unknown sources:

1. Open Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources
2. Select the application you use to install the APK (e.g. File Commander or Send Files to TV).
3. Activate the switch Allow application installation.

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi TV Stick firmware (especially Chinese versions) may have hidden the Unknown Sources option, requiring unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware, which voids the warranty.

We also recommend connecting a mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth – this will greatly simplify navigation on the menu and installing APK.

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the search mode and connect the mouse/keyboard.

Check out the Android version TV|Allow installation from unknown sources|Connect the mouse/keyboard via Bluetooth|Download APK-file USB-storage-storage|Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection-->

2. Method 1: Install APK via Send Files to TV

The easiest method is to use the Send Files to TV application, which allows you to transfer files from your phone to the Xiaomi TV Stick over a local network. The advantage of this method is that you do not need a USB- drive or ADB.

Instructions:

1. Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone (available on Google Play and AppGallery).
2. Install the same app on Xiaomi TV Stick via Google Play Store.
3. Open the app on both devices and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. On your phone, select the APK- file and send it to the TV Stick.
5. On the TV, confirm the file’s reception and open it through the built-in file manager.

If the installation does not start automatically after the file transfer, find the APK in the Download folder through any file manager (such as File Commander or X-Plore) and run it manually.

⚠️ Warning: Some APK- files may not be installed due to the processor architecture. Xiaomi TV Stick uses ARM64, so download the application versions for this architecture, which you can find in the device settings or through the AIDA64 app.

Through Send Files to TV|Through ADB|Through USB-accumulator|Through an alternative launcher|Other-->

3 Method 2: Installation of APK via USB- drive

If you don’t have a smartphone or network problem, you can use a USB- flash drive with a FAT32 file system or exFAT. This method is universal and works on all Xiaomi TV Stick models, including Mi TV Stick 4K and TV Stick 2.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the APK- file to your computer and save it to the USB- drive (preferably to the root directory).
2. Connect the flash drive to the Xiaomi TV Stick via the OTG- cable (if the USB Type-C port) or directly (if the USB-A port).
3. Open any file manager (such as File Commander) on TV Stick.
4. Go to the USB- drive section and find your APK- file.
5. Launch the file and confirm the installation.

If the file manager does not see the flash drive:

• 🔌 Check that the USB- drive is formatted in FAT32 (most compatible).
• 🔄 Reboot the Xiaomi TV Stick with a plug-in flash drive.
• 🛠️ Try another OTG- cable (some cheap cables don't support data transmission).

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If the Xiaomi TV Stick doesn't see the flash drive, try plugging it in via an externally powered USB-Hab. Some models don't work well with high-power drives.

4 Method 3: Installation of APK via ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for those who want to install APK remotely from a computer or automate the process, which is especially useful if you need to install multiple applications or test different versions.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB- Cable (to connect TV Stick to a PC) or Wi-Fi access.
• 📦 Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging on USB on Xiaomi TV Stick.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging on TV Stick: Settings → About Device → Build Number (click 7 times until the message "You're a developer" appears) Settings → Developer Preferences → USB debugging (enable)
2. Connect the TV Stick to your computer via the USB- cable (use the OTG port if needed).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Install the APK command: adb install path to file.apk For example: adb install C:\Downloads\app.apk

If the USB connection does not work, you can use ADB over Wi-Fi:

1. Connect your TV Stick and your computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Execute the command: Adb tcpip 5555
3. Disable the USB- cable and connect to IP: adb connect IP_ address your TV_Stick:5555 (You can find out IP in Settings → Network)
4. Install APK as usual through adb install.

⚠️ Warning: When using ADB over Wi-Fi, make sure your router does not block local connections (sometimes disabling the firewall on your computer helps). Also, after installation, disable debugging by USB in settings unless you plan to use it further.

5. Method 4: Install APK via alternative launcher

The standard launcher on Xiaomi TV Stick severely limits the user’s experience, including installing an APK. The solution is to install an alternative launcher such as ATV Launcher, Wolf Launcher or HalLauncher.This will not only simplify the installation of applications, but also add flexibility to the interface setup.

How to install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the APK- launcher file (e.g., ATV Launcher) to the USB- drive or send it via Send Files to TV.
2. Install the launcher as a regular application (via file manager).
3. After installation, go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher.
4. Select the installed launcher (such as ATV Launcher) and confirm the change.

Advantages of alternative launchers:

• 📁 Full access to the file system and installation APK without limitation.
• 🎨 Ability to configure the interface (themes, icons, background images).
• 🔍 Built-in file manager for quick application installation.
• 🔄 Easy switching between installed applications.

Once you install the alternative launcher, you can install the APK directly from its interface without using ADB or USB- drives. For example, the ATV Launcher has an Apps section that displays all installed and system applications, and the ability to run APK- files directly.

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The alternative launcher not only simplifies APK installation, but also solves the problem with “gray” app icons that do not appear in the standard Android TV interface.

6. Method 5: Install APK via cloud storage

If you don’t have a USB- drive or the ability to use the ADB, you can upload the APK- file to cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex Disk) and download it directly to the Xiaomi TV Stick.

Instructions:

1. Upload the APK- file to your cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive).
2. On Xiaomi TV Stick, open a browser (such as Puffin TV or Google Chrome).
3. Log in to your Google/Yandex account and find the downloaded file.
4. Download APK to your device (usually files are saved to the Download folder).
5. Open the file through the file manager and install it.

Important:

• 🔒 Some cloud services (like Google Drive) may block downloads of APK for security reasons, in which case use Dropbox or Mega.
• 📥 If the browser does not allow you to download a file, try opening a link to download in incognito mode or through another browser.
• 🛡️ Always check the sources of APK- files. Only download from verified sites (APKMirror, APKPure).

7.Typical errors and their solutions

When installing APK on Xiaomi TV Stick, users often encounter errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.

If the app is installed but not displayed in the menu:

• 🔍 Check the All Apps section in the launcher.
• 🔄 Reboot Xiaomi TV Stick.
• 📌 Install an alternative launcher (e.g., ATV Launcher) that shows all installed applications.

Critical information: On some Xiaomi TV Stick models (especially those with firmware for the Chinese market), APK installation may require pre-rooting of the device.This voids the warranty and can lead to unstable system operation.

8. FAQ: Frequent questions about installing APK on Xiaomi TV Stick