Xiaomi TVs on Android TV or Google TV offer ample opportunities for installing applications, but with the Google Chrome browser, there are often difficulties. Despite the fact that the manufacturer pre-installes its own Mi Browser browser, many users want to use the usual Chrome – for synchronization with a Google account, extensions or simply because of the user-friendly interface.
The problem is that Google Chrome is not officially optimized for TVs and is not available in the Google Play app store on Xiaomi. TV. However, there are several proven ways to get around this limitation: from installing through APK-files before using alternative browsers with Chrome Cast support. In this article, we will analyze all current methods, their pros and cons, and also warn about possible risks.
It is important to consider that the procedure may differ depending on the TV model (e.g. Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Xiaomi TV A Pro) and the firmware version.If your TV is running on PatchWall (a Xiaomi branded shell), some steps may require additional action.
Why Google Chrome is not officially available on Xiaomi TV
The main reason for the absence of Google Chrome in the official store is the lack of optimization for control from the remote control. The browser was developed primarily for touch devices (smartphones, tablets) and PCs, and adaptation for TVs requires:
- 🎮 Support navigation through DPAD (pole-handle)
- 🖥️ Optimize the interface for the large screen (scale fonts, buttons)
- 🔒 Certification from Google for working on Android TV
Xiaomi is also pushing its own Mi Browser browser, which is integrated by default, as part of the company’s strategy to create a single ecosystem of devices, but the Mi Browser has limited functionality compared to Chrome:
| Function | Google Chrome | Mi Browser (Xiaomi) |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronization with Google account | ✅ Complete. | ❌ No. |
| Support for extensions | ✅ Yes (through developer modes) | ❌ No. |
| Google Cast (transfer from the phone) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (only via Mi Share) |
| Ad-blocker | ✅ Through expansion | ❌ No. |
Google’s only officially supported Android TV browser is Google TV Browser (formerly Android TV Browser), but its functionality is severely curtailed compared to Chrome.
Method 1: Install Chrome through APK-File (for experienced users)
The most reliable method is manual installation APK-Google Chrome file via third-party sources, but there are nuances here:
⚠️ Note: Installing apps from unknown sources can cause your TV to become infected with malware. Use only proven resources such as APKMirror or APKPure. Also, disable automatic Chrome updates in Settings before installing. → Annexes → Google Chrome to avoid crashes.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-The latest version of Google Chrome for Android TV (Look for versions marked tv or leanback in the title: com.android.chrome-120.0.6099.216-tv-minAPI21.apk
- Transfer the file to the TV: 📁 Through USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) 📲 Through the Send Files to app TV (available on Google Play) ☁️ Through cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive if you have a file manager installed on your TV)
Installation from unknown sources
Go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown sources and allow installation for the file manager (e.g. File Commander or X-Plore).
Install APK.
Download APK proven-source|Check out the Android version TV (less than 9.0)|Turn off automatic Chrome updates|Connect the mouse/keyboard for easy settings-->
Once installed, Google Chrome may not work as smoothly as possible, such as not supporting remote gestures or displaying the interface in a mobile format.
- 🖱️ Connect your wireless mouse via Bluetooth or USB-Ports will make navigation easier.
- 🔧 In Chrome settings, enable Desktop site mode for correct display.
- 🔄 If the browser crashes, try installing an older version (e.g. Chrome 115 instead of 120).
What to do if the APK is not installed?
Method 2: Use alternative browsers with Chrome support
If installing Google Chrome seems too complicated, consider alternative browsers that support key Chrome features:
- 🦊 Firefox for Android TV — It is officially available on Google Play, supports sync with Mozilla account and has extensions (e.g. uBlock Origin).
- 🌐 Kiwi Browser – based on Chromium (like Chrome), but optimized for TVs, can block ads and supports Chrome Cast.
- 🛡️ Brave Browser is a browser with built-in ad blocker and torrent client. Available on Google Play for Android TV.
Advantages of alternative browsers:
| browser | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Firefox | Official support for Android TV, synchronization of bookmarks | Slower than Chrome, no full compatibility with extensions |
| Kiwi Browser | Chrome Cast Support, Ad Blocker | The interface is not adapted for the remote control |
| Brave | Built-in VPN, tracker lock | It can brake on weak Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TV 4A) |
To install any of these browsers:
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- In the search, type the browser name (for example, Firefox TV).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
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If the browser you want isn’t in Google Play on your TV, try installing it via the store’s web version: open play.google.com on your phone, find the app and send it to your TV via the “Install on your device” button.
Method 3: Transfer of screen from phone or PC (Chrome Cast)
If you only need Google Chrome to view specific sites, the easiest way to use Chrome Cast (or Miracast for Windows) is to install a browser on your TV, but it depends on the stability of the network.
How to set up Chrome Cast:
- Make sure that the TV and phone/PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your TV, turn on the Reception Mode: For Google TV: Settings → Devices and Networks → Screen Transfer. For PatchWall: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Miracast.
- 📱 Android: Open Google Chrome, click on it ⋮ → Pass it on. → Choose a TV.
- 💻 Windows: press Win + K → Select the TV from the list.
- 🍎 Mac/iOS: Use AirPlay (if the TV supports).
⚠️ Note: The screen may be delayed (lag) up to 1-2 seconds, especially when watching high-resolution video. HDMI (if the TV supports USB-C → HDMI).
Benefits of Chrome Cast:
- ✅ You don’t have to install anything on the TV.
- ✅ Full access to all Chrome extensions and settings on your phone/PC.
- ✅ Automatic synchronization of bookmarks and history.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Dependence on the speed of Wi-Fi (with a weak signal will slow down).
- ❌ It is impossible to interact with content through the TV remote.
Method 4: Using Developer Mode (for Advanced)
If you're ready to experiment, you can try installing Google Chrome via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting your TV to your PC and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the developer mode on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV → The firmware version and click on the version number line several times until the notification You became a developer appears!.
- Activate USB debugging: Return to Settings → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and Installation via ADB.
- Connect the TV to the PC via USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 for stability).
- Install ADB on PC: Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into any folder.
- Check Connection: Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Should appear with the serial number.
- Install Chrome: Download APK-Chrome file (as in the method) 1) Enter the command: adb install chrome.apk
If the installation is successful but Chrome is not running, try the following commands:
adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.INTERNET
adb shell am start -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not follow commands that you do not understand the meaning of. For example, the command adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome will delete all browser data without the ability to restore it.
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Developer mode gives you access not only to app installation, but also to hidden settings on your TV (such as color calibration or changing the DPI screen). However, the wrong changes can lead to a device "brick" - be careful!
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When installing Google Chrome on Xiaomi TV, users face typical problems. Let’s consider the most common and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| App not installed | Incompatible version of APK or processor architecture | Download the version for arm64 or armeabi-v7a. Check the architecture through AIDA64. |
| The browser opens, but the remote does not work | Chrome is not optimized for DPAD-navigation | Connect your mouse/keyboard or use the Mouse Toggle (cursor emulation app). |
| No sound in Chrome. | Conflict with system codecs | Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Format and select PCM instead of Dolby. |
| Chrome crashes when it launches | Lack of RAM | Close the background applications through Settings → Applications → Launched. |
| Chrome Cast is not working. | Blocking traffic by router | In the router settings, turn on Multicast (IGMP) and turn off AP Isolation. |
If none of these methods helped, check:
- 🔄 Update firmware - old versions of Android TV (Down to 9.0 may not support modern Chrome versions.
- 🛠️ Resetting – sometimes conflicts arise due to corrupted system files!
- 📡 Internet connection quality – slow Wi-Fi can cause loading errors APK Or work Chrome Cast.
Security: Risks of installing Chrome on Xiaomi TV
Installing applications from third-party sources always comes with risks, and here's what to look out for:
- 🕵️ Malware — APK-files may contain viruses or spyware. Always check the hash amount of the file and download only from official mirrors (APKMirror, APKPure).
- 🔓 Chrome vulnerabilities - legacy versions of the browser may have unpatched vulnerabilities.Regularly update Chrome manually.
- 🚫 Blocking Xiaomi – some TV models block the installation of third-party browsers at the firmware level, in which case only firmware reflashing (a risky process) will help!).
- 📉 Performance – Chrome can slow down on weak models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 1GB of RAM, in which case you should use Firefox or Kiwi Browser.
To minimize the risks:
- Install an antivirus for Android TV (such as Malwarebytes).
- Turn off Chrome automatic updates in the app settings.
- Do not log into your Chrome account on your TV if you are using the unofficial version.
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Before installing an APK, check the reviews on the file in forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers). Often users share hashes of verified builds.