Homeway setup guides
Homeway lets Chinese speakers abroad watch live TV, dramas and variety shows from China in the Chinese video apps they already use. Pick the guide for your device below — setup usually takes just a few minutes.
Choose your device
- Android TV · Xiaomi TV · TV boxesInstall the TV version from Google Play, a USB drive or your TV’s app store, then use it with your remote.
- Android phones · tabletsGet it from Google Play or download the installer from our website. Android 7.0 or later.
- Windows PCWindows 10 / 11 (64-bit). Works with Chinese video apps on your PC and in your browser.
- Browser extensionChrome, Edge and Firefox on desktop — works on both Windows and Mac.
iPhone, iPad and Mac
Homeway for iPhone and iPad is now on the App Store — search for “Homeway” to install it.
- iPhone, iPad: download Homeway on the App Store (iOS 15.1 or later). It isn’t available on the mainland China App Store; use an Apple ID from another country or region. If you installed the TestFlight beta, installing the App Store version replaces it; sign in with the same email.
- Mac: install the Homeway browser extension in Chrome, Edge or Firefox and watch in your browser.
Once it’s installed: three steps to start watching
- Sign in: on phones and computers, sign in with an email verification code. Your TV shows an activation code and a QR code — scan it with your phone, or open homeway.tv/activate in your phone’s browser and enter the code. New users get a 7-day free trial on first sign-in, no card required.
- Install your usual video apps: Homeway doesn’t provide any shows itself — you keep watching live TV and dramas in the Chinese video apps you already use.
- Light up the moon gate: tap the moon gate on Homeway’s home screen. When moonlight fills the gate, it’s on — then open your video apps as usual.
FAQ
Will it work on my TV?
The TV version installs on TVs and boxes running Android TV / Google TV, and on most Android-based TVs from Chinese brands (such as Xiaomi TV). Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS) TVs aren’t supported yet — connect an Android TV box instead. See Samsung and LG TVs.
Can I use the free plan on my TV or computer?
The free plan works on one phone only. TVs, tablets, computers and the browser extension can be used during the 7-day free trial; after that, subscribe to Standard or Family to keep using them.
How many devices can one account use?
The free trial and Standard plan cover 2 devices at a time, Family covers 5, and the free plan covers 1 phone. If you hit the limit, remove devices you no longer use under My Account.
Do I need to buy a membership for the video apps?
Homeway only deals with region restrictions; it doesn’t include memberships for video apps. Free content plays right away; for members-only content, sign in to your own membership account in that app.
Can’t install it, or something won’t play? Email support@homeway.tv with your device model and system version and we’ll get back to you soon. You can also check Help & Support.