How to install the app on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K

Google Play Market

Android TV

Many Mi TV Stick 4K owners mistakenly believe that the device supports all Android applications, but in fact, it uses Android TV 11 with strict restrictions: there is no full access to ADB, there is no ability to enable Unknown sources globally, and some applications are simply not optimized for remote control, but you can circumvent these restrictions — and we will show how.

📊 What version of Mi? TV Stick you're using?
Mi TV Stick (1st generation)
Mi TV Stick 4K
Mi TV Stick 4K Max
Another Xiaomi console

1. Install applications through Google Play Market

The easiest and safest way is to use the official Google Play Store. On the Mi TV Stick 4K, it is pre-installed, but runs in Android TV mode, where many apps (such as TikTok or VK) are missing.

To find a compatible application:

  • 🔍 Enter the name in the Google Play search box.
  • 📱 If the app doesn’t show up, try finding it through the web version of Play Market on your smartphone by selecting the Android category in the filters. TV.
  • 🖱️ Some applications (such as YouTube Music) require installation via a browser on a PC and then sending to the device.

Note that even if the app is installed, it may not support control from the Mi TV Stick remote, in which case you will need to connect a Bluetooth mouse or use the TV Remote app on your smartphone.

💡

If the app doesn’t show up in search, try resetting the Google Play cache: go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Market → Clear the cache.

Manual installation APK-Files: step-by-step instructions

If the application is not available in Google Play, it can be installed manually through the APK-It's gonna take a file:

  1. Download APK on USB-A storage device or cloud storage (such as Google Drive).
  2. Connect the flash drive to Mi TV Stick 4K or download the file via the browser.
  3. Enable installation from unknown sources for a specific application (more on this below).

Important: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K does not support global inclusion Unknown sources. You need to give permission separately for each file manager or browser. For example, if you downloaded an APK through Chrome, then you need to give permission for it.

Download APK from a verified source (APKMirror, APKPure)

Connect USB-drive-in

Enable installation from unknown sources for file manager

Check compatibility APK Android TV 11-->

3. How to enable installation from unknown sources

On the Mi TV Stick 4K, the path to security settings is different from smartphones. To allow APK installation:

  1. Open Settings → Device → Special features.
  2. Choose Security and Restrictions.
  3. Find Unknown Sources and select an app (like File Commander or Chrome).
  4. Activate the switch Allow application installation.

Mi TV Stick 4K cannot be installed from unknown sources globally – it is only for specific applications – this is a restriction of Android TV 11, which can only be circumvented through ADB (see section 5).

What happens if you install an incompatible APK?
Incompatible applications may fail to run, fail to respond or run without remote support, at worst, cause the system to freeze. It is recommended to use APKs optimized for Android TV (for example, versions marked tv in the title).

4.Use of the file manager to install APK

The file manager is the most convenient to install the APK. The File Commander is preinstalled on the Mi TV Stick 4K, but it doesn't always work properly with external drives.

  • 📁 X-Plore File Manager – supports dual-panel mode and cloud storage.
  • 🔗 FX File Explorer – easy to work with Google Drive and Dropbox.
  • 💾 Solid Explorer – paid, but with better support OTG.

Instructions for installation via File Commander:

  1. Connect. USB-storage APK prefixed.
  2. Open File Commander and go to the section USB-accumulator.
  3. Select the APK file and click Install.
  4. Confirm the installation in the window that appears.

💡

If the console doesn't see USB-The storage device, try formatting it in FAT32 use OTG-plug-in.

5. Install applications via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to install applications without restrictions.

Steps to install through ADB:

  1. Turn on Debugging. USB on Mi TV Stick 4K: Settings → The device → Version information → Click 7 times on "Assembly Number" → Return to "Device Settings" → Developer → Turn on "Debugging by" USB"
  2. Connect the console to the PC through USB-cable (use the port) OTG prefixed).
  3. Install ADB Tools on PC and execute the command: adb install path to file.apk

Warning: Some applications (such as modified APKs or pirated versions) may block Mi TV Stick or disrupt the system.

💡

If the adb device command does not detect the console, try restarting it or using another one. USB-Sometimes it helps to turn off the firewall on the PC.

6. Alternative ways: Send Files to TV and cloud services

If you're not on hand USB-cable or storage device, which can be transmitted APK net:

  • 📲 Send Files to TV — It's an application that transfers files from your smartphone to your console over a local network.
  • ☁️ Google Drive/Dropbox — load APK to the cloud, then open the file through the browser on the console.
  • 🌐 bootloader for Android TV — application for downloading files directly to the console via a direct link.

When using Send Files to TV:

  1. Install the application on the smartphone and console.
  2. Select the APK file on your phone and send it to the Mi TV Stick.
  3. On the console, confirm receipt and install the file.
How to get around the restriction on the installation of incompatible APKs?
Some applications (such as TikTok) are blocked by the system even when manually installed. In this case, you can: 1. Use APK marked tv (optimized for Android TV). 2. Install TVAppRepo, an alternative store for Android TV. 3. Use ADB for forced installation (adb install -r -t file.apk).

Not all apps work correctly on Mi TV Stick 4K. Below is the compatibility table of popular services:

AnnexAvailable on Google PlayWorking with the remote.Demands a mouse.The alternative
YouTube✅ Yes.✅ Completely.❌ No.—
Netflix✅ Yes.✅ Completely.❌ No.—
TikTok❌ No.❌ No.✅ Yes.TikTok Lite (APK)
VKontakte❌ No.⚠️ Partially.✅ Yes.Kate Mobile (APK)
Kodi✅ Yes.✅ Completely.❌ No.—

⚠️ Note: Apps like TikTok or Instagram aren’t optimized for Android TV You can use a mouse to make it easier to use it. TV or use the web version through the browser.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

When installing apps on Mi TV Stick 4K, users face typical problems:

  • 🚫 "App is not installed" - check that APK Android compatible TV 11 (architecture) arm64-v8a).
  • 🔄 "The package is invalid" - download APK Repeatedly, the file may have been corrupted.
  • 🔒 "Installation locked – Enable permission for Unknown sources for a specific application.
  • 🖱️ "The remote is not working – install Mouse Toggle for Android TV cursor-emulate.

If the console is getting stuck after installing the application, reset:

  1. Press the Menu button on the remote for 10 seconds.
  2. Choose Reboot or Reset to factory settings (at last).

💡

Before resetting, save your Google account details, otherwise you will have to re-enter Google Play and lose installed apps.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I install 1xBet or other bookmaker apps?
Officially not, as they are not available in Google Play for Android TV. However, you can: Download APK from the official website of the bookmaker, install via File Commander (allowing Unknown sources for it), use the web version through the browser TV Bro. ⚠️ Attention: Bookmaker applications may be blocked by the system as "unsafe", in which case the installation through the system will help. ADB.
Why not install Viber or WhatsApp?
These messengers do not have official versions for Android TV. Solutions: Use the web version via a browser (e.g. Kiwi Browser with Desktop Mode support). APK modified version (e.g. WhatsApp) TV), But it could violate security policy.
How to update the application installed through APK?
Updates for manual APKs don't come automatically. Options: Download the new version of APK manually and install on top of the old one. Use APKUpdater, an update tracking app. If the app was originally on Google Play but you installed it through APK, uninstall the manual version and install it through the store.
Can I install Google Chrome instead of a pre-installed browser?
Yes, but with reservations: Chrome for Android TV is not available in Google Play, but you can install the normal version via APK. You will need a mouse or Mouse Toggle to manage. The alternative is TV Bro or Kiwi Browser, optimized for the remote.
How to remove pre-installed apps (like Netflix) if they aren’t needed?
Completely remove system applications without root rights can not, but you can: Disable them: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Disable, hide from the menu with the help of TV App Hider. Use it. ADB For uninstallation (requires experience): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name-pack ⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can cause unstable performance of the console.