Why You Need to Sideload Apps on a Xiaomi Projector
Xiaomi projectors run Android or a custom MIUI TV OS, which means they have an app store — but it is not always the full Google Play Store, and even when it is, certain apps like Netflix are not available because the device lacks the Widevine L1 DRM certification required for HD streaming. Sideloading (installing apps from APK files outside the app store) is the workaround, and it is entirely legal. This guide shows you exactly how to do it safely.
What You Need
- A Xiaomi projector with Android OS (Mi Smart Compact, Redmi Projector, or similar)
- A USB drive (FAT32 formatted) or a file manager app on the projector
- APK files for the apps you want to install (downloaded on your phone or computer)
- A Bluetooth keyboard (highly recommended for easier navigation)
Step 1: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources
By default, Android blocks installation of apps from outside the official store. To allow sideloading, go to Settings > Device Preferences > Security > Unknown Sources and toggle it on. On some Xiaomi models the path is Settings > Additional Settings > Privacy > Unknown Sources. Confirm the warning prompt. This setting only needs to be enabled once.
Step 2: Get the APK onto the Projector
Method A: USB Drive
- On your phone or computer, download the APK file for the app you want. Use a trusted source such as APKMirror.com for popular apps.
- Copy the APK file to a USB drive (formatted as FAT32).
- Plug the USB drive into the USB port on your Xiaomi projector.
- Open the built-in File Manager on the projector (or install ES File Explorer from the app store first).
- Navigate to the USB drive and locate your APK file.
Method B: Download Directly on the Projector
- Install a browser on the projector from the app store (for example, Firefox or Chrome).
- Open the browser and navigate to the APK download page.
- Download the APK directly to the projector’s internal storage.
- Open the File Manager and locate the file in the Downloads folder.
Step 3: Install the APK
In the File Manager, tap on the APK file. The Android package installer will launch. Select Install and wait for the installation to complete. Once done, the app will appear in your app drawer. You may need to give it permissions (like storage or microphone access) when it first launches.
Step 4: Getting Netflix to Work
Netflix via sideloaded APK will install successfully, but due to the lack of Widevine L1 certification on most Xiaomi projectors, it will only stream in standard definition or may show a “This device is not supported” error for HD content. There are two practical workarounds:
- Cast from your phone: Open Netflix on your Android phone and cast the video to the projector via screen mirroring or Chromecast. The phone handles decryption, so quality is much better.
- Use a streaming stick: Plug a Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV into the projector’s HDMI port. These devices are Netflix-certified and support HD/4K streaming.
For more on connecting your phone to cast content, see our guide on how to connect a Xiaomi projector to your phone.
Step 5: Install Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is available on the Google Play Store on most Xiaomi projectors and works well without sideloading. Search for it in the Play Store and install it. Sign in with your Amazon account. If it is not available in the store, sideload the APK from APKMirror — Prime Video generally works better than Netflix on sideloaded setups because it has more lenient DRM for standard-definition playback.
Common Problems and Fixes
“Parse Error” during APK installation
This usually means the APK was downloaded incompletely or is built for a different CPU architecture. Download the APK again from a reliable source. For arm64 devices (most modern Xiaomi projectors), make sure you download the arm64-v8a or universal variant.
App installed but crashes on launch
The app may require Google Play Services to be installed on the projector. If your projector does not have GMS (Google Mobile Services), apps that depend on them will crash. In this case, casting from your phone is the more reliable solution.
Unknown Sources option not visible
On Android 8 and above, unknown sources is per-app rather than a global toggle. When you try to install an APK, Android will ask you to grant installation permission to the specific app (like File Manager or the browser). Grant it, then proceed with the installation.
Apps That Work Well via Sideload on Xiaomi Projectors
- YouTube (usually pre-installed, but update via APK if needed)
- MX Player and VLC — excellent for local video files
- Kodi — great for media library management
- Disney+ Hotstar — generally works with sideloaded APK
- JioCinema and SonyLIV — available on Play Store or as sideload
Before sideloading, make sure your projector is correctly set up and connected to WiFi — our Xiaomi projector setup guide covers all the initial steps. For a broader look at what the best portable projectors can do, check out our best portable projectors in India roundup.
Browse Xiaomi Projectors on Amazon India ↗