Which apps does Homeway support?
In short: Homeway supports seven popular Chinese video platforms (Bilibili, Mango TV, Tencent Video, iQIYI, CCTV's Yangshipin, Youku and Migu Video) plus two music platforms (QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music), on phones, TVs and in a desktop browser. You keep using each platform's own app; switch on the moon gate in Homeway and shows that say "only available in mainland China" play normally.
Phone, TV and computer at a glance
On most platforms the phone app and the TV app are two separate apps, and the TV version usually has a different name. Use this table so you install the right one.
| Phone app | TV app | Computer | What it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilibili (哔哩哔哩) | Yunshiting Xiaodianshi (云视听小电视) | Bilibili website | Anime, documentaries, creator videos, live streams |
| Tencent Video (腾讯视频) | Yunshiting Jiguang (云视听极光) | Tencent Video website | Dramas, variety shows, movies, animation |
| iQIYI (爱奇艺) | Yinhe Qiyiguo (银河奇异果) | iQIYI website | Dramas, variety shows, movies, animation |
| Mango TV (芒果TV) | Mango TV for TV (芒果TV 电视版) | Mango TV website | Variety shows, dramas |
| Youku (优酷) | CIBN Kumiao (CIBN 酷喵) | Youku website | Dramas, variety shows, movies, animation |
| Yangshipin (央视频, CCTV) | CCTV's official TV app | Yangshipin website | Live CCTV channels, news, documentaries, sports |
| Migu Video (咪咕视频) | Migu Video for TV (咪咕视频电视版) | Migu Video website | Live sports, dramas, movies |
| QQ Music (QQ 音乐) | — | QQ Music website | Music |
| NetEase Cloud Music (网易云音乐) | — | NetEase Cloud Music website | Music |
On a computer you use the Homeway browser extension (Chrome, Edge or Firefox, on Windows or Mac) or the Windows app, then open these platforms' websites in your browser. On iPhone and iPad, download Homeway from the App Store; it works with the phone apps listed above.
Each platform abroad
- Tencent VideoThe China app vs. WeTV, and Yunshiting Jiguang on your TV.
- iQIYIThe China app vs. the international app, and Yinhe Qiyiguo on your TV.
- YoukuThe China app vs. the international app, and CIBN Kumiao on your TV.
- Mango TVHunan TV variety shows and dramas, China app vs. international app.
- BilibiliRegion-locked anime and documentaries, and Yunshiting Xiaodianshi on your TV.
- Migu VideoLive sports and dramas on phone, TV and computer.
- QQ Music · NetEase Cloud MusicFixing greyed-out songs that won’t play abroad.
Which version to use on a TV
On a TV, install the TV app, not the phone app. Phone apps on a TV often can't be controlled with the remote, show a portrait layout, or won't install at all. TV apps are built for the remote and open straight to dramas, variety shows and live channels.
- Which TVs: Homeway for TV runs on Android TV and Google TV sets and boxes, such as Xiaomi, Sony and TCL TVs and Chromecast with Google TV. Samsung and LG TVs can't run it on their own system, but an Android TV box plugged into the TV works. See Samsung and LG TVs.
- Where to get the TV apps: the TV versions of Chinese video apps are usually not listed on Google Play outside China. Download the TV installer (APK) from the platform's official website and install it on your TV. Stick to the official site and avoid unknown download sites.
- How to install an APK: the same way you install Homeway for TV, using the TV's browser, a downloader app or a USB drive. The first time, you need to allow apps from unknown sources; see the TV and box install guide.
- Once installed: open Homeway and light up the moon gate first, then open the video app. Apps that aren't on the list connect directly as usual, so you can leave Homeway on.
What about memberships?
Homeway only removes the region lock that stops playback outside China. It doesn't include a membership on any video platform. For VIP-only episodes, early access or higher picture quality, sign in to your own membership account in that platform's app.
- Without a membership, free content plays normally. VIP content still asks you to subscribe, which has nothing to do with the region lock.
- On many platforms, the phone membership doesn't cover TVs, and watching VIP content on a TV may need a higher tier (each platform names it differently). Check which devices are included before you pay.
- Signing in to your membership account from abroad works fine. Use the same method as in China: phone number, WeChat or QR code, as the app suggests.
App not on the list?
Homeway focuses on the platforms above, and each one is adapted and tested individually, so it doesn't unlock every Chinese app. Apps outside the list still work as usual with Homeway on, but their region lock isn't removed.
If a Chinese video or music app you use isn't listed, email support@homeway.tv with the app's name, the device you use it on (phone, TV or computer) and the kind of content you want to watch. We prioritise the platforms people ask for most.
FAQ
Which Chinese video apps does Homeway support?
Seven video platforms: Bilibili, Tencent Video, iQIYI, Mango TV, Youku, Yangshipin (CCTV) and Migu Video, plus QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. On a TV, the matching apps are Yunshiting Xiaodianshi, Yunshiting Jiguang, Yinhe Qiyiguo, Mango TV for TV, CIBN Kumiao, CCTV's official TV app and Migu Video for TV. On a computer, use the browser extension or the Windows app with these platforms' websites.
Tencent Video or iQIYI says the show isn't available in my region. Will a VIP membership fix it?
No. A membership decides which shows you can watch; the region lock is about where you are, so members abroad are blocked too. Turn on Homeway's moon gate, fully close the video app and reopen it, and the show will play. VIP content still needs your own membership account. See "Only available in mainland China" errors for causes and troubleshooting.
Can I install the phone version of a video app on my TV?
It's not recommended. Phone apps on a TV often don't respond to the remote and use a portrait layout. Install the platform's TV app instead: Yunshiting Jiguang for Tencent Video, Yinhe Qiyiguo for iQIYI, CIBN Kumiao for Youku and Yunshiting Xiaodianshi for Bilibili. TV apps are usually installed as an APK from the platform's official website.
Many songs are greyed out in QQ Music or NetEase Cloud Music abroad. Can Homeway fix that?
Yes. Many songs are licensed for mainland China only, so abroad they show up greyed out or won't play. Turn on Homeway on your phone and reopen the music app, or open the music website in your computer's browser, and those songs play normally. Songs that need a membership still require your own account.
Will other apps slow down while Homeway is on?
No. Homeway only relays the few region-check requests made by supported apps, such as playback authorisation and fetching the stream address. The video itself still downloads from the server nearest to you, and all other apps and websites connect directly.
To watch live CCTV channels, see How to watch CCTV live abroad. For devices and networks country by country, see Watching Chinese TV abroad.
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