Xiaomi TVs on Android TV or Google TV offer a built-in browser, but finding one is not always easy — especially if you are first configuring a device. Many users face the problem: the browser is either hidden in the depths of the menu or not in the list of applications. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to access the browser on Mi TV, including models with PatchWall and Google TV, and also tell you how to install alternative browsers if the standard one does not suit.
It is important to understand that the functionality of the browser on the TV is limited compared to a computer or smartphone. For example, many sites are not adapted for remote control, and some functions (such as downloading files) may not work correctly. However, a browser on Xiaomi TV will come in handy for watching videos, reading news or even working remotely with web services.
1. Where is the built-in browser on Xiaomi TV
In most models of Xiaomi Mi TV (for example, Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Mi TV A2) the browser is sewn into the system, but its location depends on the version of the shell:
- 📺 PatchWall (Mi TV 2018–2022: The browser is called the Browser or the Internet and is hidden in the Apps section → All applications. Sometimes you have to search for it).
- 🖥️ Google TV (Mi TV Q2, A2 2023+): The browser is integrated into the system like Chrome, but by default may not be in the main menu. F3 (Google Assistant on the remote and say: Open Chrome».
- 🔍 Old models (Mi) TV 3, 4: The browser is called TV Browser and hidden in Settings → Additionally. → Annexes.
If you don’t see the browser in the list of apps, try updating the TV firmware. In some cases, the browser only appears after upgrading to the latest version of Android TV. Check the relevance of the software in Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. How to open the browser through the remote control
The easiest way is to use a standard remote from Xiaomi TV. The instructions are suitable for most models:
- Press the Home button on the remote to open the main menu.
- Go to the Apps section (or Apps in English firmware).
- Scroll down to All Apps (or See All).
- Find the browser icon: 🌐 PatchWall – an icon with the words Browser or Internet. 🔎 Google. TV — Chrome icon (blue circle with white dot in the center).
OK
If the browser is not listed, try an alternative method:
- Press the Microphone button on the remote (or Google Assistant on new models).
- Say in your voice, “Open browser” or “Run Chrome”.
- If the voice assistant finds the app, confirm the launch.
To install the browser:
- Open Google Play on your TV (if you don’t have one, update your firmware).
- Type the browser name (such as Firefox) in the search.
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- Launch the browser from the Application section.
If Google Play is missing or doesn’t find the app, use alternative methods:
- 📁 Install the browser through APK-Flash drive file (you need to enable Unknown sources in security settings).
- 🖥️ Use Send Files to TV transmit APK smartphone.
Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Download APK browser from a verified source|Connect the flash drive to the TV|Run the installation through the file manager-->
5. Configure the browser for convenient use
After launching the browser on Xiaomi TV, it must be configured for comfortable work:
- 🖱️ Control cursor: on the Xiaomi remote, the navigation buttons (arrows) move the cursor, and OK Click. Use Page to scroll through the page. Up/Down (if there is one, or hold the arrows.
- 🔍 Search: enter in the address bar URL Or a request. To speed up, add bookmarks to frequently visited sites.
- 📱 Keyboard/mouse connection: via Bluetooth or USB-OTG You can connect the periphery for easy input.
To improve productivity:
- ⚡ Turn off animation in the browser settings (if there is such an option).
- 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly in Settings → Annexes → browser → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- 🔄 Update your browser to the latest version via Google Play.
To view video in the browser, it is recommended:
- 🎥 Use sites with responsive design (e.g. YouTube, Twitch).
- 🔊 Set up the sound through HDMI ARC External speakers if the built-in speakers are weak.
- 📶 Connect to the network via Ethernet cable for stable streaming video.
💡
To view video in high resolution (4K) on Xiaomi TV through the browser, you need to connect to the Internet at a speed of at least 25 Mbit / s.
6. Solving browser problems on Xiaomi TV
If the browser is not working correctly, use these tips:
⚠️ Note: if after updating the firmware browser stopped starting, try to roll back the system to the previous version through Settings → On TV. → Updating the system → Recoil. This option is not available on all models.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| The browser flies off when it opens | Lack of RAM | Close the background applications in Settings → Applications → Launched |
| Websites are opened but not displayed correctly | An outdated version of the browser | Update your browser or install an alternative (Firefox, Opera) |
| Browser video slows down | Weak iron or slow internet | Reduce video resolution or connect via cable |
| The remote control's not working. | Firmware conflict | Connect the wireless keyboard or update the software |
If the browser does not start at all, check:
- 🔌 Internet connection (without a network, the browser may not open pages).
- 📦 Free memory (minimum 500 MB required).
- 🔄 Update the firmware (update to Settings) → On TV).
On Xiaomi Mi TV 4A and 4C models, the browser may not be available due to hardware limitations, in which case the only way out is to install a third-party browser via APK or use the Miracast function to broadcast the smartphone screen.
7.Security when using a browser on TV
Browser on TV is a potential security threat, as many users do not update software and use outdated versions of applications to protect their data:
- 🔒 Do not enter passwords from important services (banks, mail) through your browser on TV.
- 🛡️ Install an ad blocker (e.g. AdGuard for Android) TV).
- 🔄 Regularly update the browser and firmware of the TV.
- 🚫 Avoid downloading files from unverified sources.
If you use your browser frequently to log in to your accounts, set up:
- 🔑 Two-factor authentication on important sites.
- 📱 Connecting via smartphone (for example, scanning) QR-authorization).
- 🗑️ Autoclean history and cookies after closing the browser.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with firmware older than 2020 may not support modern security protocols (e.g., the company said, TLS 1.3 This means that some sites (e.g. government services or banks) may block access, the solution is to update the firmware or use a smartphone to authorize.