Dumb question (i'm a #n00b) ... I just bought Mi Box from Walmart and I can't download and can't install most the apps I like because it has no browser and no google play ... and when I search for them (in mi box search) 99% of the time I get only YouTube videos or unrelated results ...how to install unlisted android apps? do i have to root? how? ..i tried searching Reddit and no clear answer so-far
Try #sideloadtag
You don't have to root but you do need to understand what you just bought. This is a TV device. Not a full Android device. The apps need to be designed for remote control navigation or it won't be approved by Google for Android TV use nor will they work properly without bringing a mouse or air mouse into the mix.
I would suggest you search on Youtube for sideloading for Android TV videos. There are many ways to get apps sideloaded to your device. So some research will be required of you.:)
google play is on there. don't expect all the android apps though. it's mostly games and movie/tv apps with a little bit of everything else added in.
i donwload the apk on phone/ tablet then start a share server from mixplorer and open it on the mibox with chrome or total commander ftp plugin.