Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs, which run on Android TV or Google TV, have become powerful multimedia hubs. However, many users face difficulties when trying to go beyond a pre-installed set of applications and open web pages directly. The standard interface may seem limited, but the system’s capabilities are much broader than it seems at first glance.
There are several proven ways to run any web resource on a big screen, from using built-in tools to advanced synchronization with a smartphone. The choice of method depends on your TV model, firmware version and personal management preferences. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the options available so that you can enjoy the content in the maximum quality.
Before you start setting up, it is worth noting that for comfortable surfing the Internet on the TV you need a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network. You may also need to connect a wireless mouse or keyboard, since control from the remote in text fields is often inconvenient. Let's look at the main ways to solve the problem.
Use of the built-in browser and its features
Many Xiaomi TVs come with a basic web browser that is often hidden in the back of the system folders or not installed by default depending on the region. If you have a Browser or Chrome app on your device, the task is solved by simply starting. However, if there is no shortcut, it can be found through an application search or install from the Google Play store.
The main difficulty is navigation. The standard remote control is not designed to actively navigate the web. USB-You can use a mouse or a control function from your phone. URL-Addresses and page scrolling are much more convenient.
It’s worth considering that Android TV browsers may not support all modern web standards as well as desktop versions. Some heavy sites with a lot of scripts may open slowly or display incorrectly.
Why is there no default browser?
If you still decide to use the built-in features, make sure that the date and time in the settings Settings. → The device → Date and time are set correctly. An error in system time often causes sites to fail to open due to problems with the system. SSL-safety certificates.
Installation of third-party browsers through Google Play
The most efficient way to get full internet access is to install a dedicated app. The Google Play store on Xiaomi TVs offers several optimized solutions, with the leaders in this niche being TV Bro, Puffin TV and Firefox for Android TV.
To install, go to the Apps → Google Play Store. In the search bar, type your browser name. Please note that regular mobile browsers may not start or work properly without emulating the touch screen. So look for versions labeled TV or Android TV.
Once you install and run the app, you'll get an interface adapted to the big screen, and the navigation is done by the remote arrows, and text input is often duplicated through the screen. QR-code on the screen, allowing you to dial the site address on your smartphone.
☑️ Choosing the optimal browser
An important advantage of third-party browsers is the ability to install extensions or ad blockers, which makes viewing content safer and more enjoyable, and some also support uploading files directly to the TV's memory.
Broadcast screen from a smartphone (Chromecast and Mi Cast)
If you're not comfortable with the TV interface, the smartest solution is to use your smartphone. Chromecast built-in and Mi Cast technology allows you to instantly stream your browser tab from your phone to the big screen, ideal for watching videos or showing content.
Make sure your smartphone and Xiaomi TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open your browser on your phone (like Chrome), go to the desired site. Click on the broadcast icon (a rectangle with waves) and select your TV from the list of available devices.
This method allows you to use a powerful smartphone processor to process web pages, and the TV acts only as a monitor, so you avoid problems with the performance of the TV itself when opening heavy sites.
💡
To minimize broadcast delays, make sure the router distributes the network at 5 GHz, not 2.4 GHz. This will significantly improve the quality of image and sound transmission.
It is worth noting that when broadcasting the entire screen of the phone can be seen by others, including notifications. Before the session, it is recommended to activate the Do Not Disturb mode on the mobile device.
Comparison of Connection Methods and Their Efficiency
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparative table of the main ways to open sites, each method has its advantages depending on the use case.
| Method | Management convenience | Image quality | Dependence on the smartphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in browser | Low (needs mouse) | Average. | No. |
| sideways TV-browser | High (adaptation) | High. | No. |
| Broadcast (Cast) | Excellent (from the phone) | Depends on Wi-Fi. | Yes (constantly) |
| HDMI cable | Excellent. | Maximum. | Yes (physically) |
As you can see from the table, you'd better have a dedicated browser for continuous use, and if you want to quickly show a photo or video from a site, the stream will be out of competition in terms of speed.
Using HDMI cable, while not listed as the main method in the headlines, remains the most reliable way to transmit a signal without compression and delay, which is critical for quality content.
Connecting the periphery for comfortable surfing
Without a full keyboard and mouse, navigating websites on a TV is torture. Fortunately, Xiaomi's ecosystem supports connecting peripherals through a network of devices. USB-port.
The wired mouse and keyboard are usually determined automatically by the system, without the need to install drivers. USB-So the connector, and the cursor will appear on the screen. USB-The adapter of the action is similar.
If you prefer Bluetooth devices, go to the Settings menu. → Remote and accessories → Add an accessory. Put the keyboard or mouse in pairing mode and wait for the device to appear in the list.
⚠️ Note: When connecting a set of USB-devices (such as hard drive, webcam and keyboard at the same time) the TV may not have enough power. USB-hub.
Using the outer periphery turns your Smart TV into a computer, allowing you to fully work with documents, mail and complex web services right from the sofa.
Solving and eliminating errors
Even if you set it up properly, you can have technical difficulties, and one of the most common problems is the "No Internet connection" error, even though Wi-Fi works. DNS-Addresses (e.g. from Google: 8.8.8.8) in the settings of the TV network.
Another common problem is that fonts or images are displayed off-screen, whether by changing the page scale in the browser settings or changing the aspect ratio of the image in the settings of the TV itself (Settings → Image → Screen Format).
If the browser is crashing or running slowly, clear the app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → Your browser → Clear the cache. This will free up RAM and can speed up the system.
💡
Clearing the browser cache is the first action when slowdown work or page loading errors on the TV.
In rare cases, the problem may be in the antivirus or router settings that block certain ports, check if the router has Parental Control, which may restrict access to web resources.
Safety when surfing on Smart TV
Remember that a TV is a full-fledged computer and is also vulnerable to online threats, avoid clicking on suspicious links and entering bank card details in unverified stores on the big screen.
Use only verified browsers from the official Google Play Store. Regularly update your TV firmware through the Settings menu → About TV → System Update to close security vulnerabilities.
⚠️ Warning: Never use the "Remember Password" feature in your TV browser for important accounts. If you are still logged in, be sure to log out after the session is over.
Compliance with simple digital hygiene rules will allow you to safely enjoy all the benefits of the Internet in your home theater Xiaomi.