Where to find a browser in a Xiaomi TV: hidden menus and alternative solutions

Owners of Xiaomi Mi TVs often face a problem: after buying or updating the firmware, the browser icon from the home screen disappeared. Even the instructions do not always specify how to quickly access web surfing through the big screen. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to find an integrated browser on any Xiaomi model – from budget Mi TV 4A to flagship Q2/QLED, and also consider alternative solutions if the standard browser is removed or blocked.

Complicating the problem is that PatchWall is regularly updated and menu items can change, and in some regions (e.g. Russia), the browser is hidden by default due to manufacturer restrictions, but don’t rush to install third-party apps – 90% of the time the built-in browser is simply hidden in the depths of settings.

We tested all the methods on the current firmware in 2026, and we identified the ones that work consistently, and if you're trying to open a website on a TV screen but don't know where to start, this guide is for you, and if you don't have a browser at all, we'll tell you how to return it or replace it.

1. Standard method: search for the browser through the main menu

So, to start with the obvious, check the home screen and the app menu, and even if the browser icon is not visible, it can be hidden in one of the folders or on the second page.

Here's what we need to do:

• 🔍 Scroll through all the pages of the main screen left/right – sometimes the browser is placed on the last one.
• 📁 Open the All Apps folder (usually in the lower right corner) and find an icon called Browser, the Internet, or a Web browser.
• 🔎 Use the search by application: click on the magnifying glass in the top menu and enter the "browser" (in English layout, try "browser").

If you find a browser but don't start, try updating it through Settings → Apps → Browser → Update. On some models (Mi TV 5 Pro, Mi TV Q1), the browser may be called TV Browser or Mi Browser.

⚠️ Note: On TVs with firmware for the European market (models with a prefix) EU) The browser is often missing due to licensing restrictions, in which case you can go to the section on alternative solutions.

2. Hidden menus: how to find the browser through the system settings

If there's no browser on the home screen, it could be turned off in settings or hidden in service menus. Here are two proven ways:

Method 1. Through "All Applications" in the settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. In the list, look for Browser or the Internet.
3. If the application is disabled, click on it and select Enable.
4. Return to the main screen and check for the icon.

Method 2. Through the developer menu (for experienced users):

This method works on MIUI TV firmware version 3.0 and higher. Activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the build number and click on it 7 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the option Debugging by USB and Factory unlock.
5. Now in the application menu can appear hidden browser System WebView.

After activation of the developer mode, it also becomes available. ADB-access through which you can manually install the browser (more about this in the next section).

3. Installation of the browser via ADB (for advanced users)

If the built-in browser is removed or blocked by the manufacturer, it can be returned using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC and basic command line skills, but produces 100% results.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

Download ADB Tools from Google |

Install drivers for Xiaomi TV on PC|

Enable debugging over USB in TV| settings

Download the browser's APK (e.g. TV Bro or Puffin TV)|

Connect TV to PC via USB-cable

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Step 1: Connecting the TV to the PC

Download. ADB Tools and unpack the archive. Connect the TV to your computer through USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 for stability. In the TV settings, activate:

Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB

Step 2. Check the connection

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

If the TV is connected correctly, you will see its serial number in the list of devices.

Step 3: Installation of the browser

Download. APK-browser file (for example, TV Bro) and install it with a team:

adb install path to file.apk

Once installed, the browser will appear in the application menu. For security, pin it on the home screen.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of third-party APK This can violate warranty and cause unstable TV performance. Use only verified sources (APKMirror, Aptoide) TV). On models with Google Play (e.g. Mi) TV Q2) The browser can be installed directly from the store.

4. Alternative browsers for Xiaomi TV

If you can't restore the built-in browser, consider alternatives. Not all browsers are optimized for remote control, so we've selected the best options with D-pad support.

To install alternative browsers:

1. Open Google Play on your TV (if supported).
2. Enter the browser name in the search.
3. Install and launch the application.

On models without Google Play (e.g. Mi TV 4A for the Chinese market), use the ADB method from the previous section.

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If the browser is slowing down, try turning off animation in the settings: Settings → Display and Sound → Animation → Off.. This will speed up work on weak models (for example, Mi TV 4S 32).

5. Problem Solving: The browser won't open or crashes

Even if you find a browser, it may not work properly. Consider the typical errors and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The browser opens and closes immediately.

Reasons:

• 🗑️ Damaged cache data.
• 🔄 An outdated version of the browser.
• 📥 Lack of memory.

Decision:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Browser → Clear the cache.
2. Update your browser through Google Play or manually through ADB.
3. Close the background apps (click Home → Recent → Close the unnecessary ones).

Problem 2: The keyboard or remote is not working.

Some sites (such as those with input forms) may not have a standard Xiaomi keyboard.

• 🖱️ Connect your wireless mouse via Bluetooth or USB-receiver.
• 📱 Use the Mi Remote remote app on your smartphone (there is a virtual keyboard).
• 🔄 Reboot the TV: Settings → Reboot.

Problem 3: The browser does not load pages

Check it out.

• 🌐 Internet connection (open Settings) → Network and check speed).
• 🔒 Settings DNS: Try changing to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
• 🛡️ Antivirus or parental controls (turn off Settings) → Security).

6. How to use a browser on Xiaomi TV: tips and tricks

Controlling the browser from the remote is not the most convenient activity, but several tricks will help to simplify the task:

1. The remote's hot keys

• 🔍 Loop (Search Button) – Quickly Opening the Search Line.
• ↩️ Back – Returns to the previous page.
• 📺 Home – opens the main menu of the browser.
• 🔄 Menu (hold) – updates the page.

2.Voice search

On models with Google Assistant (e.g. Mi TV Q2), you can use voice commands:

1. Press the microphone button on the remote.
2. Say: "Open [website name]" or "Find on the Internet [request]."

3. Selected and history

Not to enter website addresses every time:

• 🌟 Add a page to your favorites: press Menu → Add to the select few.
• 🕒 Watch the story: Menu → History.

4. Reading mode

Some browsers (like TV Bro) have a read mode that removes ads and makes navigation easier:

1. Open the article.
2. Press Menu → Reading Mode.

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For comfortable surfing, connect a wireless keyboard via Bluetooth - this will speed up text input and navigation on sites at times.

7. Frequent questions about the browser on Xiaomi TV