When a person buys a streaming device such as streaming sticks or Android Boxes, one expects them to play various kinds of apps and videos. Sadly, not all devices offer every video streaming service. All thanks to Google and Amazon who have been fighting like kids over their services.
While Amazon apps are usually available on all platforms (it’s Amazon, duh!), it’s Prime Video app is selective for it doesn’t work with Mi Box and most Android TVs. So how does one watch Amazon Prime videos on such TVs?
Well, there are a number of methods to bypass the restriction. Here are four tested methods that let you watch Amazon Prime on your Mi Box.
1. Cast from a Laptop
The easiest way to watch Prime Video on Mi Box or any other Android TV/Box without installing anything is to mirror your laptop to your TV. Your laptop should be Miracast enabled for this to work. You will also need the Google Chrome browser.
Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome on your laptop and visit www.primevideo.com. Sign into your Amazon account and play a video.
Step 2: Click on the three-dot icon at the top-right corner of Chrome and select Cast from the menu.
Step 3: Your Mi Box will show up in the pop-up box. Select it. The video from Prime will start playing on your TV.
Similarly, you can cast Prime video from your phone too using the Cast or Wireless display option.
2. Watch Prime Video on Chrome Browser
In this method, first, you will need to sideload Google Chrome browser on your Mi Box. Then open the Amazon’s Prime Video website.
Don’t get confused. Here is the process in detail:
Sideload Google Chrome
Sideloading means installing apps procured from an unofficial store. It’s useful when the apps aren’t available in your country or supported on your device due to manufacturer limitations. When sideloading apps, kindly make sure you download the apps from trusted sources.
DisclaimerTo sideload Google Chrome, download ES File Explorer on your Mi Box from Google Play Store. You will need a file explorer to view and install the Chrome APK file from cloud storage. Open ES File Explorer and navigate to Network > Cloud Drive. Here add cloud storage that you use.
Now, download Chrome’s APK file on your phone or laptop from APKMirror, one of the trusted sources to download APK files. Then transfer it to the cloud storage that you linked above in ES File Explorer.
Launch ES File Explorer and open the APK file that you downloaded. If you are sideloading for the first time, you will be asked to enable ‘Install from Unknown Sources’ setting. Enable it to install the file.
Note:View Sideloaded Apps
The sideloaded apps aren’t visible on the home screen of Mi Box. To open them, you will have to go to Settings > Apps. Click on Chrome and hit the Open button to launch it.
Alternatively, to reduce those steps you can install Sideload Launcher from Play Store on your Mi Box. Sideload launcher displays all the apps that you have not installed from Play Store.
Once installed, the Sideload launcher will be available under Apps on Mi Box. Click it to view sideloaded apps. You will find Chrome here. Open it.
Watch Amazon Prime
Now that you have successfully installed Chrome, it’s time to open the primevideo.com website on it. However, you need to take care of a few things before you proceed.
First, the Chrome that we installed on our TV is designed for Android phone, so the navigation via remote won’t be comfortable. You will have to install CetusPlay remote app or any other app that offers touchpad to navigate easily.
Secondly, if the mobile version of Prime doesn’t work properly or it asks you to install Prime app, click on the three-dot icon at the top-right corner of Chrome and enable Desktop site. Now the Chrome app will behave like desktop offering a better experience.
3. Sideload Amazon Prime
Another way to watch Prime video is to sideload its APK file directly on your Mi Box. To do so, first, download Amazon Prime Video’s APK from here. Then install it on your Mi Box using the sideloading method mentioned above.
NoteOnce installed, either use Sideload Launcher to view it or go to Settings > Apps > Amazon Prime. Click Sign in and select Register on the Amazon website. Now follow the on-screen instructions to link the app with your Amazon account. Once done, you will be able to watch Prime videos on your TV.
4. Install Aptoide Launcher
You can also install a third-party app store such as Aptoide to install unofficial apps. Since Aptoide supports Amazon Prime video, you can use it to install Prime Video on your Mi Box.
To do so, first, sideload Aptoide APK on your Mi Box as mentioned above. Once Aptoide is installed, launch it and look for Prime Video in it. Install it.
Sort It Out, Darlings!
If only there was an easy way to watch Prime Video on Mi Box. Until Google and Amazon sort out the differences, the above methods will let you watch Amazon Prime Video on your TV. I know that the solutions aren’t straightforward, but only the installation process takes time. After installation, everything is smooth like butter.
Next up: Want to make the best of your Android TV? Check our list of 9 must-have apps for Android TV owners.
Last updated on 03 February, 2022
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