If you're tired of paying for multiple subscriptions and the idea of free live TV appeals to you, Xiaomi TV+ sounds appealing: over 200 channels, instant access, and no registration required. But of course, the question is straightforward: is it really worth installing and using this app on your TV or mobile device, compared to other streaming alternatives?
In the following lines we gather everything you need to know after reviewing what Xiaomi itself and the specialized media say: what exactly Xiaomi TV+ is, how to install it, on which devices it works , what channels and categories it offers, what the user experience is like, what its real limitations are and in what cases it is worthwhile compared to other alternatives.
What is Xiaomi TV+ and how does it work?
Xiaomi TV+ is Xiaomi's FAST platform (free television with advertising) that broadcasts linear channels over the internet. The concept combines the best of traditional TV—simply turn it on and watch—with the advantages of streaming—a wide variety of themes and channels not available on terrestrial television—in exchange for shorter commercial breaks than on a conventional network.
The selection ranges from over 200 to over 240 channels , according to various sources, with specific figures varying by region and time: you'll see references to 200+, 222, 230, or even 240-plus channels. The important thing is that the catalog grows over time and is organized by category so you can quickly find what you're looking for.
As a FAST service, you don't need to pay or register : you open the app and start watching. However, there is advertising during broadcasts and, as is typical with this model, the service may collect usage and telemetry data, which you agree to when you first launch the application.
On a technical level, the picture quality automatically adjusts to your connection and what each channel offers. The exact resolution isn't displayed on screen, so you'll notice that some channels look better than others depending on their source and your bandwidth.
Compatible devices and how to install it
On Xiaomi TVs, the app comes pre-installed within PatchWall , Xiaomi's Smart TV interface (see Mi Smart TV features ). To access it, simply press the 'Mi' button on the remote control and locate Xiaomi TV+ among the apps or from the PatchWall shortcuts.
If your TV isn't a Xiaomi, the good news is you can install Xiaomi TV+ on your Smart TV with Android TV or Google TV by downloading it from the Play Store or installing the APK . The process is quick, free, and doesn't require registration: simply open the app, accept the terms, and you're ready to watch channels.
Regarding mobile devices, there are references to an Android app for watching channels on the manufacturer's smartphones and other devices. However, other sources emphasize that the platform is designed for televisions with Android TV/Google TV and that there is no web version. This distinction may depend on the region or the version of the app currently available.
It's worth noting that there's no web browser version , so if you're looking to watch it on a PC without emulators, this isn't the right option. However, on Chromecast with Google TV and Android TV sticks, the app works by downloading it from the store (see troubleshooting guide if you encounter any problems).
What channels it includes and how they are organized
The Xiaomi TV+ catalog is extensive and varied: movies, series, soap operas, sports, children's programming, news, music, comedy, cooking shows, science and nature programs, crime, education, lifestyle content, and video games , among others. In addition, the app includes a 'Spanish' section to filter channels and content in Spanish.
Within the film and television section, you'll find channels from Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, and Runtime TV , as well as other themed channels like 'Tu Cine HD' and linear channels dedicated to specific series. The content rotates regularly, and there are often seasonal specials, marathons, or themed programming around times like Halloween or Christmas.
The news offering is strong, mixing international and local channels: Euronews, Bloomberg, Reuters, and El País , among others. Some listings also include El Confidencial within the news section available in Spain, all under the umbrella of temporary or permanent channels depending on agreements.
For those looking for documentaries and factual content, there are options like WildEarth, TravelXP, One Terra and true crime channels, in addition to 'Rakuten TV Documentaries' and themed spaces on science and nature.
Sports and motorsports: what you can watch
If you're a sports fan, Xiaomi TV+ includes LaLiga+ channels with reports, interviews, and programs, as well as specific disciplines like boxing, MMA, billiards, and darts. It's important to note that they don't broadcast live league matches , so it's not a substitute for a premium sports subscription.
Motorsports also has its place with MotorV, Power Nation, and MTRSPT1 , dedicated to car culture and racing. The approach is informative and provides continuous entertainment, perfect for background noise while you do other things at home.
For hardcore gamers, the video game and eSports category includes Game Play and other themed channels that are being added, with tournaments, top lists and programming focused on gamer culture.
If you're into extreme action, there are places like FUEL TV where adventure sports find their 24/7 channel, with content on surfing, skateboarding, BMX and similar activities, in the style of FAST.
Children's, music, cooking and lifestyle
Kids have dedicated programming with shows like Caillou, Pocoyo, The Smurfs , or anime such as 'Yu-Gi-Oh!', all with linear schedules. It's a way to have family entertainment without jumping between apps or playlists.
There's a lot to choose from in the music section: Trace Urban, Trace LATINA, New KPOP, Clubbing TV , and more, with styles to suit all tastes, from mainstream to niche. There's even a karaoke channel called 'Party Time Karaoke' to liven up get-togethers at home.
If you enjoy cooking, you'll find Gusto TV, Tastemade, and Pluto TV Cocina among the options, with recipes, gastronomic journeys, and quick formats that fit perfectly with the casual consumption of the FAST model.
The wellness and lifestyle section includes offerings such as My Zen TV , with gentle classes to move around at home (pilates, tai-chi) and relaxation content accompanied by landscapes and practical advice.
Curious thematic series and channels
One of the best things about Xiaomi TV+ is that it has channels dedicated to a single series or genre. If you're feeling nostalgic, there are shows dedicated to 'Curro Jiménez' or 'Ana y los 7' , as well as a 'Comedy Made in Spain' block featuring highlights from classic Spanish TV.
In the factual and courtroom sections, you can check out the Law & Crime Trial Network to follow real trials, something that's become very popular with the true crime craze. And in the variety section, TED offers a series of inspiring talks from experts around the world.
For Spanish cinema, in addition to the generalist channels, there are thematic channels of national cinema within the packages of the providers that feed Xiaomi TV+, and sometimes gems appear that are difficult to see on other platforms without paying.
For light entertainment, 'FailArmy', WatchMojo and the like provide viral clips, top lists and short formats that work great on FAST when you don't feel like starting a long movie.
User experience: guide, controls and recommendations
The Xiaomi TV+ interface is designed for simplicity: use the up and down arrows on the remote to change channels , and the left arrow to open the channel menu. The guide shows you what's currently airing, and you can see at a glance what's coming up next.
According to Xiaomi's documentation, the guide can occupy half the screen and displays viewing history and recommendations for quickly jumping to related content. It also allows you to preview the programming for the next 90 minutes and access an 'All Channel Guide' to navigate the entire channel lineup.
Another useful feature is the 'Popular' section with the most viewed content , along with contextual recommendations that appear as 'related channels', so you can navigate without having to return to the main index each time.
The app includes favorites lists in certain versions, so you can pin your preferred channels and have them readily available. This option may vary depending on the build and your region.
Do you have pause, record, or on-demand content?
There's an important distinction here: in the FAST ecosystem, some platforms allow you to pause, record, or resume content, or even access previously aired broadcasts as if it were a pseudo-VOD service. However, in the case of Xiaomi TV+, the current experience is quite linear.
Sources agree that there's no video on demand, nor the option to record or pause the broadcast in many regions, so you're stuck with whatever's airing at the time. It's essentially digitized live television, with the added bonus of a thematic catalog.
This approach has advantages and disadvantages: you turn it on and watch without any fuss , but if you want to control playback like on Netflix or Prime Video, it's not the right service. For that, you still need a traditional VOD service.
On the positive side, advertising breaks are usually shorter than on conventional TV, making the experience more bearable, especially for casual or background viewing.
Language, availability and channels in Spanish
Many of the channels are international, so there's a fair amount of content in English . However, the app offers a 'Spanish' section for quickly filtering and finding dubbed or Spanish-language options.
Xiaomi also mentions that there are more than 60 Spanish-language channels in certain listings, a number that may vary depending on rights agreements and territories. In any case, the selection in Spanish, including news, entertainment, and movies, is extensive.
A clear advantage of FAST is access to foreign channels not available on Spanish digital terrestrial television (DTT). If you enjoy exploring international formats—from K-pop to global news—this offers a perspective you simply can't achieve with a traditional antenna.
It's important to note that Xiaomi TV+ does not include DTT channels . If your goal is to watch DTT online, there are specific alternatives such as aggregator apps or services like Tivify, while Xiaomi TV+ serves to broaden your horizons with FAST content and providers.
PatchWall on Xiaomi TVs: A Practical Shortcut
PatchWall, the interface on Xiaomi TVs, centralizes apps, HDMI inputs, and shortcuts in a single view, making it incredibly convenient to launch Xiaomi TV+ without having to navigate through each app individually. The 'Mi' button on the remote is the gateway to this hub.
The PatchWall integration provides a certain operator-level TV feel but without the fees: you have a live, up-to-date schedule, recommendations, and immediate access, which is appreciated when you just want to turn it on and watch.
For those coming from a television of another brand, the flow is very similar: you install from the Play Store on Android TV or Google TV and use the app like any other, with its own shortcut and channel guide.
If you use a dongle or stick with Google TV (like the Xiaomi TV Box S ), you can also pin Xiaomi TV+ to the home row for one-click access. There's no learning curve: you'll be channel surfing in two minutes.
Privacy, connection and installation
As with many free platforms, when you open Xiaomi TV+ for the first time you agree to terms that include telemetry and the collection of usage data to improve the service and serve relevant advertising. This isn't unique to Xiaomi; it's the standard price of free services with ads.
You need a stable internet connection for playback to optimize for the best possible quality. If the network is weak, the app reduces the resolution to prevent buffering, which is why you sometimes see differences between channels.
Installation is very simple: it comes pre-installed on Xiaomi TVs ; on Android TV/Google TV , it downloads from the Play Store in seconds; it's advisable to enable automatic updates . No additional accounts are required, and there are no hidden monthly fees.
If you're using a mobile device, check availability in the manufacturer's store or the Play Store in your region, as there are references to a mobile app in some scenarios and a general lack of a web version.
Advantages and limitations: is it worth it?
- Among the strong points, Xiaomi TV+ stands out for quantity and variety of channels without paying, incorporating well-known providers (Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, Runtime TV) and very specific themes that you can't find on DTT.
- The plug and play approach, with No registration, moderate advertising, and immediate access, making it a great addition for days when you don't feel like choosing a specific movie or series on an SVOD, or when you want to have a channel playing in the background.
- The less brilliant part is that no VOD, pause or recording in many regions, and the resolution isn't always consistent. If you're looking for full playback control or premium releases, this isn't a substitute for Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+.
- In times of subscription fatigue and price increases, FAST is an escape valve Very interesting: alternating between your SVOD and a free schedule with short ads can balance costs without sacrificing variety.
Examples of featured channels and topics
- For movie lovers: Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, and Runtime TV channels, with a mix of classics, recent TV films, and themed sections (including Spanish films). Occasionally, there are gems that aren't currently available on SVOD platforms.
- If you prefer easy laughter, Comedy Made in Spain It compiles zapping of national humor, and in vintage series there are marathons dedicated to titles such as 'Curro Jiménez' or 'Ana y los 7', perfect for nostalgia without searching episode by episode.
- In information, Euronews, Bloomberg, Reuters and El País They cover international and national news, with fast-paced formats that fit in with current consumption. Depending on the region, there may be more titles in rotation.
- For documentary and travel, WildEarth, TravelXP and One Terra They bring nature, expeditions, and wildlife. If you're into criminology, the true crime programs and 'Rakuten TV Crimen' keep things interesting all day long.
Quick mental comparison: Who is Xiaomi TV+ right for?
This will suit you if you value being able to turn on and watch something instantly , if you enjoy themed channel surfing, and if you want to expand your TV with international channels without spending a fortune. It's also perfect if you miss niche channels (K-pop, motorsports, courts, karaoke, etc.).
It's not for you if you need full playback control (pause, resume, continue where you left off), if you prioritize exclusive premieres, or if you're looking for DTT via the internet, which isn't integrated here and you should look for other apps.
As a complement to your SVODs it's perfect: it combines well with Netflix or Prime as background, discovery or for those dead moments when you feel like watching something without making too many decisions.
And if you have a Xiaomi TV, the integration with PatchWall and the 'Mi' button makes access as simple as changing HDMI inputs , which adds a lot to everyday use.
The proposition is strengthened: for zero euros, with moderate advertising and plenty of real variety , Xiaomi TV+ provides value as online linear television, ideal for those who want to add entertainment without paying more; its limitations in playback control and DTT make it a complement, not a substitute, but that is precisely its charm.
