Redmi Smart Fire TV Launch in India: Facts

Yes, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Smart Fire TV in India on March 18, 2021. It was the first Redmi-branded smart TV to run Amazon’s Fire OS, and it came in a single 32-inch HD-ready model. The launch marked Xiaomi’s attempt to offer an affordable Fire TV experience in a market where most budget smart TVs run on Android TV or PatchWall.

Background: Why a Fire TV Edition?

Xiaomi had been selling Android TV-based Mi TVs in India since 2018, and its own PatchWall interface was a key differentiator. However, Amazon’s Fire TV platform had a strong following in India, especially among Prime Video users, because of deep Alexa integration and a simple, content-first interface. By partnering with Amazon, Xiaomi could tap into that user base without building a new ecosystem from scratch. The Redmi Smart Fire TV was positioned as a budget-friendly entry point to the Fire TV ecosystem, competing directly with Amazon’s own Fire TV Stick and budget TVs from other brands that used Fire OS.

Key Specifications and Features

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 32 launched with specifications typical of an entry-level smart TV in India at the time. It had a 32-inch HD-ready (1366×768) display with a 60Hz refresh rate, a 20W speaker setup with DTS Virtual:X support, and 1GB RAM with 8GB internal storage. It ran on Fire OS 7, which is based on Android 9, and came with support for Dolby Audio, HDR10, and multiple connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, two HDMI ports, and two USB ports. The TV also featured a dedicated microphone button on the remote for Alexa voice commands, which allowed users to search content, control smart home devices, and ask general questions.

How Fire OS Works on This TV

Fire OS on the Redmi Smart Fire TV works like any other Fire TV device. The home screen is a horizontal row of content recommendations from various streaming apps, with a search bar at the top. You navigate using the included remote, which has a circular directional pad, a back button, a home button, and a dedicated Alexa button. The TV supports all major streaming apps available on the Amazon Appstore, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube, and SonyLIV. Unlike Android TV, you cannot install apps from the Google Play Store, but you can sideload APKs if you enable “Apps from Unknown Sources” in settings. The Alexa integration is a major selling point: pressing the voice button lets you search across apps, control playback, and even control compatible smart home devices like lights and thermostats.

How to Choose: Is It Right for You?

When deciding whether the Redmi Smart Fire TV is suitable for you, consider the following factors:

Screen size: The 32-inch model is best for small rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens where viewing distance is 3-5 feet. If you need a larger screen, this model is not available in other sizes.
Resolution: HD Ready (1366×768) is lower than Full HD (1920×1080). For a 32-inch screen, the difference is noticeable only if you sit very close or play high-resolution content.
Ecosystem: If you are heavily invested in Amazon’s ecosystem (Prime Video, Alexa, Echo speakers), Fire OS will feel familiar. If you use Google services like Google Assistant or Chromecast, an Android TV might be better.
Storage: 8GB internal storage is limited. After the OS and pre-installed apps, you may have about 4-5GB free. That is enough for a few apps, but not for heavy gaming or storing offline content.
Budget: This TV was priced competitively at launch, but prices have since dropped or the model may be discontinued. Check current market prices before buying.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Users have reported a few common issues with the Redmi Smart Fire TV. The most frequent is slow performance, especially when navigating the home screen or launching apps, due to the 1GB RAM and low-end processor. To improve performance, you can clear app caches, uninstall unused apps, and restart the TV regularly. Another issue is Wi-Fi connectivity drops; this can often be fixed by rebooting the router and TV, or by switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands in the TV’s network settings. Some users have also experienced audio sync issues with certain apps; turning off “DTS Virtual:X” in the audio settings sometimes resolves it. If the TV becomes unresponsive, a factory reset (Settings > Device & Software > Reset to Factory Defaults) usually fixes it, but remember to back up any important data.

Comparison: Fire TV vs Android TV vs PatchWall

The Redmi Smart Fire TV competes with Xiaomi’s own Android TV models and other budget smart TVs. The main differences are:

Interface: Fire OS is content-centric with a row of recommendations; Android TV has a more app-grid layout; PatchWall is Xiaomi’s curated content wall that integrates live TV and streaming.
Voice assistant: Fire OS uses Alexa; Android TV uses Google Assistant; PatchWall also uses Google Assistant but with a different skin.
App availability: Fire OS uses the Amazon Appstore, which has fewer apps than Google Play, but all major Indian streaming apps are present. Android TV has access to the full Google Play Store, including more games and niche apps.
Cast support: Android TV supports Google Cast natively; Fire TV does not support Chromecast, but it supports Miracast and Amazon’s own casting from the Prime Video app.
Updates: Fire OS updates are controlled by Amazon, while Android TV updates come from the manufacturer. In practice, both get updates for a few years, but security patches may slow down over time.

Cost and Availability

At launch, the Redmi Smart Fire TV 32 was priced at ₹12,999 in India. However, prices have fluctuated with sales and discounts. As of now, the model may be discontinued or available at lower prices from third-party sellers. It is important to check current availability on e-commerce platforms like Amazon India or Flipkart, and also consider the cost of an extended warranty or a Fire TV Stick if you are buying a non-smart TV separately. Remember that the TV itself does not include a wall mount, so you may need to purchase one separately if you plan to mount it.

Safety and Usage Tips

To ensure safe and optimal use of your Redmi Smart Fire TV, follow these tips:

Placement: Keep the TV on a stable, flat surface or use a proper wall mount. Ensure proper ventilation around the TV to prevent overheating.
Power: Use only the supplied power adapter and avoid overloading power strips. Unplug the TV during thunderstorms to protect against power surges.
Cleaning: Turn off and unplug the TV before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the screen; do not use harsh chemicals or spray liquids directly.
Software updates: Keep the Fire OS updated by going to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. Updates bring bug fixes and security patches.
Parental controls: Use the built-in parental controls (Settings > Preferences > Parental Controls) to restrict content by rating and set a PIN for purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Redmi Smart Fire TV still available in India?

As of early 2025, the Redmi Smart Fire TV 32 is likely discontinued or only available from third-party sellers. Xiaomi has not released a newer Fire TV model in India, focusing instead on their Android TV and PatchWall lineup. You can still find the 32-inch model on some e-commerce sites, but it may be out of stock.

Can I install Google Play Store on this TV?

No, the Fire TV does not support Google Play Store officially. However, you can sideload the Google Play Store APK by enabling “Apps from Unknown Sources” and using a file manager. This is not officially supported and may cause instability, but it is possible. Many users prefer to simply use the Amazon Appstore.

Does the Redmi Smart Fire TV support Netflix?

Yes, Netflix is available on the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV, and the Redmi Smart Fire TV supports it. You can download Netflix from the Appstore and stream in HD, but note that the TV’s HD Ready resolution means you will not get Full HD or 4K quality.

How do I take a screenshot on the Redmi Smart Fire TV?

To take a screenshot, you need to enable developer options. Go to Settings > Device & Software > About, and click on the “Build” number seven times to enable Developer Options. Then, in Developer Options, enable “Screenshot” and you can press the Home button and the Menu button simultaneously to capture a screenshot. Screenshots are saved to the internal storage.

Can I use the Redmi Smart Fire TV as a monitor for my PC?

Yes, the TV has an HDMI port, so you can connect it to a PC or laptop using an HDMI cable. However, the HD Ready resolution (1366×768) is lower than most PC monitors, so text may appear less sharp. Also, the TV may have input lag, which is not ideal for gaming or precise work.

Why is my Redmi Smart Fire TV slow?

The 1GB RAM and entry-level processor can cause sluggishness, especially when multiple apps are running. To speed it up, close unused apps by pressing the Home button and then swiping up on the app cards in the Recent screen, clear app caches regularly, and uninstall apps you do not use. A factory reset can also help if the TV has become very slow over time.

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