Xiaomi Mi Box S is a popular media player based on Android TV, which turns a regular TV into a smart entertainment center. However, the standard set of applications from Google Play for Android TV is often limited, and many users want to install YouTube Vanced, Kodi, IPTV- players or games that are not available in the official store. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install programs on the Mi Box S - from simple to advanced, including bypassing the system limitations.
The main problem when installing third-party APKs on the Xiaomi Mi Box S is blocking unknown sources by default. Even if you download a.apk file, the system will not allow it to be opened without additional settings. We will show you how to properly unlock the installation, what tools to use (from Send Files to TV to ADB), and how to avoid typical errors like “Application not installed” or “Parcing of the package failed.”
Important: The instructions are valid for Android TV firmware 9.0–11.0 (including the latest Mi Box S updates from 2023–2026).If your device is running on an older version, some methods may need to be adapted.
1. Preparing Xiaomi Mi Box S for application installation
Before installing programs, you need to configure the device, and without these steps, the system will block the launch of third-party APKs or limit functionality.
The first thing you need to do is allow installation from unknown sources.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Move to Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources.
- Turn on the switch for the application you will install the APK through (for example, File Commander or bootloader).
On the Mi Box S with Android TV 11+ firmware, the path to settings has changed: now you need to go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications and choose a browser or file manager.
We also recommend:
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings → About device → System update).
- 📁 Install a file manager (e.g., FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) for easy management of APK.
- 🔒 Disable "Google Play Protect" (in Google Play settings) if it blocks the installation of modified applications.
⚠️ Warning: Once you unlock unknown sources, do not install APK from unreliable sources. Android TV viruses can steal account data or display ads over videos.
2. Install applications through the Google Play Store
The safest and easiest way is to use the official store, but Google Play for Android TV doesn't have all the apps that are available in the mobile version.
Method 1: Installation via the web version of Google Play
- Open the Google Play website on your computer or smartphone.
- Log in to the same Google account as the Mi Box S.
- Find the application you want (such as Kodi or VLC) and click Install.
- In the drop-down list of devices, select your Xiaomi Mi Box S.
Method 2: Use the Send Files to TV app
- 📱 Install the Send Files to app on your smartphone TV (available on Google Play).
- 📺 Install it on the Mi Box S via Google Play search on TV.
- 🔗 Send APK- a file from your smartphone to the Mi Box S and open it through the file manager.
| Method | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Installation via the web version of Google Play | ✅ Secure, does not require APK✅ Automatic updates | ❌ Not all apps are available for Android TV |
| Send Files to TV | ✅ Fast and convenient✅ Supports large files | ❌ Requires additional software installation |
| File Manager + Cloud | ✅ Works without a smartphone✅ Suitable for larger APK | ❌ You need to download files manually |
⚠️ Warning: Some apps (e.g. Netflix or Disney+) in the web version of Google Play may not show up for installation on Android TV. In this case, use methods with APK.
3 Installation of APK- files with USB- drive or cloud
If the app is not in Google Play, you can install it via APK.
- 📁 File Manager (e.g., FX File Explorer).
- 💾 USB- drive (formatted in FAT32) or access to the cloud (Google Drive, Mega).
- 🔗 APK- file (download only from verified sources: APKMirror, Aptoide TV).
Step-by-step:
- Download APK to your computer or smartphone.
- Transfer the file to USB-drive or upload to the cloud.
- Connect the USB to the Mi Box S (use the OTG- cable if the USB-Type C port is available).
- Open the file manager on Mi Box S and find the APK.
- Start the installation and confirm the permissions.
For cloud services:
1. Install the Google Drive or Mega app on the Mi Box S.
2. log in to your account and download APK.
3. After downloading, open the file through a notification or file manager.☑️ What to check before installing APK?
If you have an error "Application not installed", try:
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S.
- 🗑️ Remove the old version of the app (if any).
- 📱 Install APK via ADB (described below).
4. Install applications via ADB (for power users)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a powerful tool for installing apps that bypass the limitations of Android TV.
- 🚫 APK is not installed in a standard manner.
- 🔧 You need to install a system application (e.g., Lawnchair as an alternative launcher).
- 📦 A batch installation of several APK is required.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-Type C cable (to connect the Mi Box S to a PC)
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB Debugging on Mi Box S: Settings → About Device → Assembly Number (click 7 times) Settings → Developer Preferences → USB Debugging (enable)
- Connect the Mi Box S to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb install path to file.apk
To install several APKs, use the command:
adb install-multiple file 1.apk file 2.apk💡
If the ADB can’t see the device, try another USB- cable or port. Some Mi Box S firmwares require you to enable Network Debugging in the developer settings.
Common mistakes and decisions:
- Error: device unauthorized → Confirm permission for the Mi Box S when you first connect.
- Failed to install → Remove the old version of the application or use the flag -r: adb install -r file.apk
- INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE → Clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Google Play → Clear the cache).
5. Alternative methods: Aptoide TV and bootloader
If you don’t want to mess with APK or ADB, you can use alternative app stores optimized for Android TV:
Aptoide TV
- 📥 Install Aptoide TV via the official website (download APK and install via the file manager).
- 🔍 Apps that aren’t available in Google Play are available in the store: modified versions of YouTube, Spotify, game emulators.
- ⚠️ Be careful with pirated content — some APK may contain malicious code.
Downloader
- 🌐 Install the bootloader app from Google Play.
- 🔗 Enter URL into APK- a file (e.g. with APKMirror) and download.
- 📱 After downloading, open the file and install.
Advantages of these methods:
- ✅ No computer or USB- drive is required.
- ✅ Automatic updates (in the case of Aptoide TV)
- ✅ A large selection of applications optimized for the remote control.
How to remove a virus application if it is already installed?
6. Solving problems when installing applications
Even after unlocking unknown sources, Mi Box S users are faced with errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Packet parsing failed | A damaged APK or incompatible architecture | Download APK again from a proven source. Use the arm64 or armeabi-v7a versions. |
| Application not installed | Conflict with the existing version or insufficient rights | Remove the old app. Try installing it through ADB with the -r flag. |
| Lack of memory | Place taken in /data section | Clear the cache (Settings → Memory) or remove unnecessary apps. |
| The device is not supported | APK is for smartphones, not Android TV | Look for versions marked TV or use the Mouse Toggle to manage. |
Additional advice:
- 🔄 If the application is installed but not running, try clearing the cache (Settings → Apps → [name] → Clear the cache).
- 🖱️ For applications that are not optimized for the remote, install Mouse Toggle for Android TV (mouse emulates).
- 🔒 If Google Play blocks installation, turn off Play Protect in Google Play settings.
💡
On the Mi Box S with Android TV 11+ firmware, some APKs may not be installed due to new security restrictions, in which case use ADB or look for alternative versions of apps.
7.The best apps for Xiaomi Mi Box S (recommendations)
After setting up the device, we recommend installing these programs to expand the functionality:
- 🎬 Kodi is a media center for playing local files and streaming content.
- 📺 TiviMate or Smart IPTV – for viewing IPTV- channels.
- 🎮 RetroArch is a retro game emulator (NES, SNES, PS1).
- 🔍 File Commander is a convenient file manager with cloud support.
- 🖱️ Mouse Toggle – to manage applications that are not adapted for the remote.
- 🎵 Spotify TV or YouTube Music for listening to music.
To install modified versions (such as YouTube Vanced or Spotify++), use methods with ADB or Aptoide TV, as these APKs are often blocked by Google Play Protect.
Where to download:
- APKMirror is a secure APK with hash-sum verification.
- Aptoide TV is a store for Android TV.
- GitHub is an official repository of open source projects (e.g. Kodi).