Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall or Google operating system TV (Depending on the model, they offer convenient tools for finding content, but not all users know how to set them up correctly. Show irrelevant results, ignore some applications, or even block access to web search. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to optimize search, from basic customization to hidden features for power users.
Xiaomi TVs often use their own PatchWall shell, which integrates search across multiple sources: embedded apps (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video), local files (if you have a hard drive attached), and even web pages through a browser. However, without the right setup, this functionality works “as it happens.” For example, many people are faced with the fact that the search engine stubbornly ignores Kodi or other third-party applications even though they are installed.
It's important to understand that the search settings depend on the firmware version and the TV model. TV 4S mi TV Q1 The interface may be different, and the Mi Box S generally uses pure Android. TV We will look at the universal methods that work on most devices, and also point out the key differences for popular models.
1. Basic search engine setup in PatchWall
If your Xiaomi TV runs on the PatchWall shell (these are most models released after 2018), then the default search engine is integrated into the main menu.
- Open the main menu with the Home button on the remote.
- Select the magnifying icon (search) at the top of the screen.
- Press and hold the button. OK on the remote to open additional settings (on some models you need to press Menu) → Search settings).
In the search settings menu, you will see several key options:
- 🔍 Search Sources – You can turn on or off search for specific applications (e.g., disable Prime Video if you don’t use it).
- 🌐 Web search is an option that allows you to search the Internet through a built-in browser.
- 📁 Local files – search by connected USB-drives or network folders (only works if enabled) DLNA or SMB).
- 🔄 Source Priority – allows you to set the order in which the results will be shown (for example, YouTube, then Netflix).
Note that if you don't have a web search option in your settings, it means your TV model doesn't support it out of the box, and then you can use workarounds, which we'll talk about in the section on alternative web search methods.
2.Setting up Google Search TV (For Mi Box and new models)
Xiaomi TVs powered by Google TV (For example, Mi Box S or Mi TV Q2 2023) uses Google's search engine, which works differently than PatchWall, where search is more integrated with Google's services, but less flexible in customization.
To optimize the search:
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote (microphone) or say “OK, Google”.
- Make a request or enter it manually using the on-screen keyboard.
- To change search sources, go to Settings → Annexes → Special access → Search by application.
Unlike PatchWall, you can’t manually prioritize sources, but you can:
- 🔧 Disable unnecessary apps from search (for example, if you don’t use Disney)+, It can be removed from the results).
- 📱 Connecting a Google account will allow the searcher to consider your preferences (for example, often watch sports broadcasts on YouTube).
- 🌍 Change the region in Google settings TV, If the search does not show content for your country.
An important point: on Google TV The default search engine only looks for content in official apps from Google Play. APK manually (like Kodi or Wink), search will not work on them.
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If voice search doesn’t work, check if the microphone is enabled in the remote settings: → Remote and accessories → Microphone.
3. Why the search engine does not find installed applications
One of the most common problems is that the TV doesn't show apps you installed manually in search results (not through Google Play). TV By default, only “official” apps are indexed.
The solutions depend on the type of firmware:
| Type of firmware | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| PatchWall | He doesn't. APK, hand-mounted | Use the Sideload Launcher or add the app to the Favorites |
| Google TV | Ignoring third-party APK | Install TV App Repo or use voice commands |
| Old models (MIUI TV) | Search only works on built-in services | Update firmware or use the browser to search |
For PatchWall, the most reliable way is to install the Sideload Launcher from Google Play.
- Open the Sideload Launcher.
- Find the app you want (like Kodi) and click Add to the home screen.
- The app will now appear in PatchWall search results.
For Google. TV You can go another way, you can use Google Assistant to run apps in voice, like, "OK, Google, open Kodi in the voice." TV App Repo. This will work even if the app doesn’t show up in standard search.
How to install Sideload Launcher on TVs without Google Play?
4. How to enable web search if it is not in the settings
Many users of Xiaomi TV There are some people who are not able to search for web, and this is because PatchWall, by default, blocks access to the browser from the search bar:
- 🔗 Use your browser manually. Install Google Chrome or Firefox for TV from Google Play, then open search queries directly in the browser.
- 🔄 Set up quick access. Add your browser to Favorites on the home screen to open it in one click.
- 🛠️ Change the region of the TV. In some regions (e.g. India), web search is enabled by default. → System system → Region and select another country.
- 📱 Use your smartphone as a remote. Mi Remote allows you to type text in your voice, which speeds up your browser search.
If you want web search to work directly from PatchWall, you can try the following method (it doesn’t work on all models):
- Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
- Find the Browser (usually Mi Browser or Internet) and click Clear Data.
- Reboot the TV.
- Try entering a query in the search bar – sometimes after resetting the browser, the web search option appears.
On firmware TVs. MIUI TV (Web search through PatchWall cannot be enabled – you will have to use the browser separately.
Install the browser (Chrome/Firefox)|Check the Internet connection|Update the TV firmware|Reset browser settings|Change the region (optional)-->
5. Alternative launchers for advanced search
If the built-in Xiaomi search engine does not suit you, you can install a third-party launcher that offers more features.
- 📺 TV Launcher – allows you to create your own categories of applications and add any APK.
- 🔍 Search+ for Android TV — Expands standard search by adding support for third-party apps.
- 🌐 Wolf Launcher – flexible launcher with the ability to configure hotkeys for quick search.
To install an alternative launcher:
- Download. APK Launcher from a reliable source (for example, APKMirror).
- Transfer the file to USB-drive and connect it to the TV.
- Open the File Manager on your TV and install the APK.
- In the settings of the TV (Settings) → Annexes → Default Launcher: Select a New Launcher.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- ✅ Support for all installed applications (including APK).
- ✅ Possibility of sorting and filtering search results.
- ✅ Integration with cloud services (e.g. Google Drive).
There are, however, downsides:
⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with the PatchWall shell, causing the interface to slow down.
6. Optimizing search for children and family browsing
If you have a Xiaomi TV, a standard search engine can produce unwanted content, and to avoid this, set up a family search:
- Go to Settings → Accounts and Security → Parental Controls.
- Enable the option to limit content and install PIN-code.
- In search settings (Search settings) → Filters) Select Family or Child Mode.
- Turn off web search if you don’t need it, or set up a secure browser search.
Additional security measures:
- 🔒 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Security → Unknown sources).
- 📵 Remove unnecessary apps from SERPs (such as TikTok or games).
- 🕒 Set up a use timer for a child profile.
If you need to block access to the search engine:
- Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
- Find the PatchWall app or Google (depending on the firmware).
- Choose Disable or Hide.
On Google TVs TV You can create a separate profile for a child with limited rights. → Accounts. → Add a profile and select the option "Children profile".
7. Solving search engine problems
If the search engine on the Xiaomi TV is not working correctly (it does not find content, gives out errors or slows down), try the following steps:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Search engine won't open. | Failure in PatchWall operation | Restart the TV or reset the PatchWall settings (Settings) → Annexes → PatchWall → Clear the data) |
| Doesn't find any app. | Applications are not installed through Google Play | Use the Sideload Launcher or add the app to Favorites |
| Search is slowing down. | Cache overload | Clear the PatchWall cache or Google TV application settings |
| Web search doesn't work | Browser disabled or outdated | Update your browser or install Chrome for TV |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the TV settings to factory:
- Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Choose Reset all settings (does not delete apps) or Complete Reset (removes everything).
- After resetting, set up the search engine again, following the instructions from this article.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models TV (Especially Chinese builds, the search engine can be limited to the manufacturer, in which case only the flashing on the global version of the software will help.
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If the search engine stopped working after updating the firmware, try to roll back to the previous version through Settings. → System system → Update of the PO → Recoil.