How to install third-party apps on Xiaomi TV Stick: all ways of 2026

Xiaomi devices TV Stick and Mi TV Stick became popular due to its compactness, performance and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. TV Often limited – many users want to install a side-by-side APK, For example, Kodi, IPTV-YouTube players or modified versions, and in this article we will discuss all the current installation methods, including circumvention of restrictions. MIUI TV and solving typical errors.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi TV Stick runs on Android TV (not classic Android), so standard methods for installing APKs from a browser or file manager don't work here. The system blocks installations from unknown sources by default, and the interface is optimized for the remote, which makes navigation difficult. However, you can bypass these restrictions - and we will show you how to do it safely without violating the warranty.

The article is relevant for all models of the line: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (2020), Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2021), Xiaomi TV Stick 2 (2023) and their clones (e.g. Redmi) TV Stick. Methods tested on firmware MIUI TV 3.0-5.0 and Android TV 9–12.

Device Preparation: Unlocking the Installation from Unknown Sources

Before installing an APK, you need to allow the installation of applications from third-party sources. In Xiaomi TV Stick, this process is different from smartphones - there is no direct switch in the security settings. Instead, the Unknown Sources system is used for each application separately.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the settings (cog in the top menu).
2. Go to Device → Special features → Security and limitations.
3. Select the item Unknown sources.
4. In the application list, find a file manager (such as File Commander or X-Plore) or a browser (such as Google Chrome) that you will use to download the APK.
5. Activate the switch for the selected application.

If the list does not contain the desired application, first install it through Google Play. For example, installing an APK from a flash drive will require a file manager, and downloading from the Internet will require a browser.

⚠️ Warning: After unlocking unknown sources, avoid installing apps from unreliable resources. TV They can steal data from Google and Mi Accounts, and use the device to mine cryptocurrency.

Method 1: Installation APK s USB-flash-drive

The most reliable and simple method is the use of USB-A drive (a flash drive or hard drive with an adapter) is suitable for users who do not have access to a computer or stable Internet on a TV.

What you need:

• 📁 USB-flash-drive (FAT32 or exFAT, up to 32 GB)
• 📱 APK-file of the desired application (downloaded to a computer or smartphone)
• 🔌 OTG-cable (if the flash drive does not connect directly to the port of Xiaomi) TV Stick)

Step-by-step:

1. Download APK to your computer or smartphone from a trusted source (such as APKCombo or APKMirror).
2. Connect the flash drive to the computer and copy it to it. APK-file (better in the root directory).
3. Remove the flash drive and connect it to Xiaomi TV Stick through OTG-cable (if required).
4. On the TV, open a file manager (e.g., File Commander).
5. Go to section. USB-Select the storage device and select the downloaded APK.
6. Click Set and confirm permissions.

If the file manager does not see the flash drive:

• Check the file system format (should be FAT32 or exFAT).
• Reconnect. OTG-Or try another port or another port.
• Update the Xiaomi TV Stick firmware to the latest version.

Method 2: Installation via cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox)

If you don't have a flash drive, you can download APK directly to your device through cloud storage, which is convenient, but requires a stable Internet connection on your TV.

Supported services:

• 📁 Google Drive (via browser or application)
• ☁️ Dropbox (Requires client installation)
• 🌐 Yandex Drive (works through the web version)

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. Download. APK-file in your Google Drive cloud from your computer or smartphone.
2. On Xiaomi TV Stick, open your browser (Chrome or Firefox) and go to drive.google.com.
3. Log in to your Google account.
4. Find the downloaded APK, right-click on it with the remote button (hold OK) and select Download.
5. After downloading, open the file through the file manager and install.

For Dropbox:

1. Install Dropbox from Google Play on Xiaomi TV Stick.
2. Download the APK to your Dropbox folder from another device.
3. Open the app on your TV, find the file and download it.
4. Install APK through the file manager.

⚠️ Attention: Some APK-files (especially modified versions of applications) may be blocked by Google Play Protect. If installation is interrupted with the "Installation locked" error, disable Play Protect in the Security settings → Google Play Protect.

Method 3: Installation via ADB (for power users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable for advanced users who want to install an application without using a flash drive or the cloud.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Quick installation without unnecessary manipulation on the TV.
• 🔧 Possibility of installing system APK (For example, Lawnchair to replace the launcher).
• 📶 It works even when blocking installations from unknown sources.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Android installed SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (for connecting Xiaomi) TV Stick to PC).
• 📄 APK-computer-file.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging on Xiaomi TV Stick: Go to Settings → Device → Version Info. Click 7 times on Build Number until the notification "You're a developer" appears. Go back to Settings → Device → Developer Settings. Activate Debugging over USB.

Xiaomi TV Stick

command-line

terminal

adb

cd C:\platform-tools

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb install path to file.apk

For example: adb install C:\Downloads\kodi.apk.

If there is an error "adb: device unauthorized", confirm the debugging permission on the TV screen.

Method 4: Use Send Files to TV

One of the most convenient solutions for transferring files to Xiaomi TV Stick is the Send Files to TV app, which allows you to send APK directly from your smartphone to your TV over a local network.

Advantages of the method:

• 📲 No need for a computer – a smartphone is enough.
• 🔗 It works on Wi-Fi, without wires.
• 📁 Supports transfer of multiple files at the same time.

Instructions:

1. Install Send Files to TV on Xiaomi TV Stick from Google Play.
2. Install the same app on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
3. Open the app on both devices and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. On your smartphone, select APK-file and send it to the TV.
5. On Xiaomi TV Stick, confirm the file acceptance and open it through the file manager.

If the file is not transmitted:

• Make sure that both devices are connected to the same network.
• Turn off VPN on your smartphone or TV.
• Restart the application on both devices.

Solving Common Errors When Installing APKs

When installing third-party apps on Xiaomi TV Stick, users often encounter errors. Let’s consider the most common and ways to fix them.

If the application is installed but not running:

• Check compatibility with Android TV (not all smartphone APKs run on a TV).
• Update the Xiaomi TV Stick firmware to the latest version.
• Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.

💡

If the app requires Google Play Services but doesn’t work, install the latest version of Google Play Services for Android TV via APKMirror.

How to Remove Installed Third Party Applications

Removing unnecessary APKs on Xiaomi TV Stick is done in a standard way, but with nuances. Some system applications (such as those preinstalled by Mi Video or PatchWall) cannot be removed without root rights.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click Remove (if the button is inactive, the application is system).
4. Confirm the action.

To remove system applications:

• Use ADB with the command: adb uninstall --user 0 name.packet (you can find out the name of the package via App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages)
• Or get root access (not recommended - the risk of a brick device).

Removing system applications can cause Xiaomi TV Stick to work unstable or loss of functionality (e.g., the remote disappears in the settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing APK on Xiaomi TV Stick

💡

For secure APK installation, always download files from trusted sources (APKMirror, APKCombo) and check them for viruses through VirusTotal. Avoid "hacked" versions of applications - they often contain malicious code.