Xiaomi MiTV 2 - Installing Additional Apps Outside of Xiaomi App Store

Apps inside MiTV app store are very limited.

Sideload of apps is possible.
However, caution that MiTV 2 does not enable mouse pointer installation.
Thus, apps require a mouse pointer to operate are less optimal even you are able to install.

Preparation:

• Get an Micro SD card, Enable save all apps to SD card in setting
• Get ready an Android smartphone OR tablet
• Connect both TV and smartphon/ tablet on same WiFi Network
• Note: Most video apps from China restrict for China usage only.  A VPN or DNS routing is required to access these content

General Sideload Steps:

1.  MiTV
• Go to App Store
• Go to Right most page & Choose installing via smart devices
2. Android Smartphone/ Tablet - get APK file
• Open browser
• Go to the dedicated website to download your wanted APK file
3. Android Smartphone/ Tablet - install APK file
• Open new tab, enter the IP address shows on MiTV
• Tap choose file - open Explorer - choose Phone memory - choose Download folder (This is the download directory of Chrome browser, other browser's file location may be different) - choose the APK file - upload & install

Recommended TV App Store:

• 沙发管家 www.shafa.com - Fully TV remote compatible apps
• Install by following steps in section above.
• Once installed, you will find its app on the right most of MiTV UI
• Any apps you choose within Shafa app store on MiTV -- one click install
• You can even find TaoBao App here!!
• Amazon apps 
• Most are mobile/ tablet based apps, some may not work properly on MiTV via TV Remote
• Apps that is here but not in Shafa e.g.
• Plex
• YouTube
• Netflix
• Amazon app itself does not allow you to search
• Work around: 
1. Install amazon app (get APK from amazon website) on your phone
2. On your phone, install the wanted apps from amazon app store to your phone
3. Go back to MiTV's Amazon app - go to My Apps - install from there

Other notes:

• Plex - Managed to install Android version (get via PlexPass member forum access) but the navigation is not native TV experience
• Manage to navigate all menus
• Not manage to Play as the navigation some how skipped "Play" button
• UPDATE: PLEX works on TV.  Please read the detail in this post.
• YouTube from Amazon - very mobile touch screen base access. 
• YouTube from Google TV - Yet to install, may work.  However, remark from forum stated not able to sign-in due to lack of Google account sign-in on the Android OS.

My personal learning:

• After some play around, I have decided to play following apps from Computer/ Mac via HDMI:
• Popcorn Time
• Plex