How to Watch Chinese TV on a Samsung or LG Smart TV
In short: Samsung, LG and Hisense VIDAA TVs don't run Android, so they can't install the TV apps of China's video platforms, and they can't install Homeway either. The easy fix is a Google TV or Android TV streaming box plugged into an HDMI port. Install the video apps and Homeway on the box, and you can watch live TV, dramas and variety shows from mainland China with your usual TV remote.
Why Samsung and LG TVs can't install these apps
Most TVs sold in China run Android, and the TV editions of Chinese video apps (Tencent Video's TV app, iQIYI's TV app, Bilibili's TV app and others) are built as Android packages (APKs). Samsung TVs sold abroad run Samsung's own Tizen system, LG uses webOS, and many Hisense models use VIDAA. None of these can install APKs, and none of their app stores carry the TV apps of Chinese video platforms.
So the problem isn't only the region lock: on these TVs, the apps themselves won't install. Homeway's TV app is an Android app too, so it won't install either. Guides that promise to "sideload an APK on a Samsung TV" or "install iQIYI on LG with a USB stick" don't work on these systems, so don't waste an evening on it.
How to check which system your TV runs
- Open the TV's Settings and look for "About This TV", "About" or "TV Information". If it says Tizen, webOS or VIDAA, it isn't Android.
- If you see Google TV or Android TV on the start screen, or the app store is Google Play, your TV runs Android. Skip the box and go straight to the Android TV install guide.
- One brand can sell both: Hisense, for example, also sells Google TV models in some regions. Go by what your own TV shows.
Option 1: Add an Android TV box (recommended)
A streaming box is about the size of your palm. Plug it into an HDMI port, connect power, and it's ready; your TV's own system stays untouched. Switch to the box's HDMI input for Chinese shows and back again for local channels.
What to look for
- Google TV or Android TV: the box or product page should name one of these, ideally with Google Play built in. Unbranded "Android boxes" often run outdated systems with no security updates.
- 4K HDR support: on a 4K TV, pick a box with 4K output so 4K content looks as sharp as it should. If your TV is 1080p, this matters less.
- A stable connection: a box with an Ethernet port lets you plug in a cable, which is the most reliable. Without one, choose Wi-Fi 6 and keep the router reasonably close to the TV.
- At least 8 GB of storage: the TV apps of Chinese platforms are large, and three or four of them plus cache will fill a small box quickly.
Common models
- Google TV Streamer: Google TV, with an Ethernet port.
- Chromecast with Google TV: Google TV. Discontinued, but still easy to find used or as leftover retail stock.
- Xiaomi TV Box S: the international Google TV version, not the Xiaomi boxes sold in mainland China.
- NVIDIA Shield TV: Android TV, with an Ethernet port.
- onn. 4K: Walmart's house brand in the US, running Google TV.
These are just models that are easy to buy outside China. Any genuine Google TV or Android TV device will do.
After the box is set up
- Plug the box into your TV's HDMI port and follow the on-screen steps to connect to the internet and sign in to Google.
- Install Homeway on the box using the Android TV install guide, then sign in by scanning the QR code with your phone.
- Install the TV apps you watch, such as the TV editions of Tencent Video, iQIYI, Bilibili or Mango TV. If one isn't on Google Play, install its APK the same way the guide describes.
- Open Homeway, tap the moon gate on the home screen to switch it on, then open your video app.
To avoid juggling two remotes, turn on HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings (Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SIMPLINK). Your TV remote's arrow and OK buttons will then control the box, and in most setups the box wakes up when you turn the TV on.
Option 2: Connect a laptop with an HDMI cable
If you have a Windows laptop and don't want to buy a box yet, connect it to the TV with an HDMI cable and use the TV as a big screen:
- Install Homeway for Windows, or add the Homeway browser extension to Chrome, Edge or Firefox (the extension works on a Mac too).
- Open the platform's website, such as CCTV's Yangshipin, Tencent Video or iQIYI, and play full screen.
- Sound normally follows the HDMI cable to the TV. If it doesn't, switch the output device to the TV in your computer's sound settings.
Note: the free plan works on one phone only, so it can't be used on a computer. New users can use a computer during the 7-day free trial; after that you'll need the Standard or Family plan. This setup is fine for the occasional gala or match, but for everyday viewing a box and a remote are far more convenient.
What we don't recommend
- Casting from your phone to a Samsung or LG TV: each video app handles casting differently, so results vary by app, and we haven't tested them one by one. It's worth a try now and then, but for regular viewing we recommend a box.
- Amazon Fire TV: Fire TV is built on Android, but Homeway hasn't been tested on it and we can't promise it works. If you're buying a new device, choose Google TV or Android TV.
TV systems at a glance
| TV system | Can it install the video apps and Homeway? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Google TV / Android TV (Sony, TCL, Philips and others) | Yes | Follow the Android TV install guide |
| Xiaomi and other Android-based TVs | Yes, usually via APK | Install the APK from a USB stick or a downloader app |
| Samsung Tizen | No | Add a Google TV / Android TV box |
| LG webOS | No | Add a Google TV / Android TV box |
| Hisense VIDAA | No | Add a Google TV / Android TV box |
| Amazon Fire TV | Not tested | We suggest a Google TV / Android TV box instead |
FAQ
Can I install iQIYI or Tencent Video on a Samsung TV?
No. Samsung TVs run Tizen, which can't install Android APKs, and Samsung's app store doesn't carry the TV apps of Chinese platforms such as iQIYI or Tencent Video. The simplest way to watch on a Samsung TV is to add a Google TV or Android TV box and install the apps there.
Can I install an APK on an LG TV from a USB stick?
No. LG TVs run webOS, which can't recognize or install APK files, and Hisense's VIDAA system is the same. Use an Android TV box plugged into the LG TV's HDMI port instead.
Do I still need a membership for the Chinese video platforms?
It depends on what you watch. Homeway removes region locks such as "only available in mainland China", but it doesn't provide platform memberships. Free content plays once Homeway is on; for members-only content, sign in to your own membership account in the platform's TV app.
Can I watch CCTV live channels on the box?
Yes. Install CCTV's TV app or Yangshipin on the box, switch Homeway on, and the live CCTV channels will play; the exact channel list is whatever the app offers. See how to watch CCTV live abroad for details.
Can I use Homeway's free plan on a TV box?
No. The free plan works long-term on one phone only, not on TVs, boxes, tablets or computers. New users get a 7-day free trial on first sign-in, and the box works normally during that time. After that, subscribe to Standard (2 devices) or Family (5 devices); see plans and pricing.
Related reading: which apps Homeway supports; what to do about "mainland China only" errors; fixing buffering when watching Chinese video abroad; and watching Chinese TV country by country.
Try Homeway
New users get a 7-day free trial, no card required. Once your box is set up, scan to sign in and you'll be watching Chinese live TV within minutes.