How to go to the browser on Xiaomi TV: an expert guide

Smart TV owners often face the desire to access full-fledged Internet right on the big screen, bypassing smartphones or laptops. The standard Android TV operating system installed on most Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV models does not initially contain a pre-installed web browser in its interface. This decision is dictated by the specifics of using a TV, where priority is given to streaming services and media content, rather than web surfing.

However, the technical ability to run a full-fledged web browser on the device exists and is implemented quite simply: you will either need to use the built-in app store or resort to manual installation of apk files if standard methods do not give the desired result. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways on a Xiaomi TV to get into the browser, ensuring maximum comfort when browsing the web.

It's worth noting right away that cursor control with the remote may not be the most convenient, so for comfortable work, it is recommended to prepare a wireless mouse or keyboard in advance. The absence of Google Chrome in the standard launcher is not a bug, but a feature of interface certification that we can easily bypass. Let's look at the basic methods for solving this problem.

Search for built-in browser in the Google Play store

The most obvious and safe way to access the Internet is to use the official Google Play Store, which is already integrated into Xiaomi’s Google-certified TVs, but because of the adaptive nature of the interface to large screens, many popular browsers may not show up in the default search.

You first need to go to the app section and search for the browser name you want. Often, the system offers customized versions, such as Puffin TV Browser or TV Bro, that are optimized for remote control. If the search doesn't yield results, try typing in "browser for android tv" to filter out compatible apps.

Installation is automatic, but you have to be careful about the permissions you're asking for. Some applications may require access to a microphone or geolocation, which is unnecessary for simple surfing. Once installed, the shortcut will appear in the general list of your programs, and you can run it at any time.

It is important to understand that not all websites display correctly on TVs due to differences in font and video codec rendering. If you plan to actively use web services, it is better to choose browsers with hardware acceleration support.

Installation of the browser through USB-accumulator

If the official Google Play store does not have the right app, or it is marked as incompatible with your device, the most reliable option will be manual installation. USB-flash drive formatted in the file system FAT32 or NTFS.

First, download the installation file (apk) of the selected browser to your computer. The optimal choice for Xiaomi TVs is often Google Chrome in the smartphone version (since the best choice for Xiaomi TVs is Google Chrome in the smartphone version). TV-No version available or specialized TV Bro. Only download files from trusted resources, such as APKMirror or 4PDA, to avoid malicious code.

⚠️ Note: When installing applications from unknown sources, the Android system TV You will be required to confirm the permission for the file manager you use to run the apk file.

After downloading the file, transfer it to the flash drive and connect the drive to USB-The system automatically prompts you to open the file manager or view the contents of the drive. If the automatic opening does not occur, find a standard conductor (often called File Manager or Media Center) in the application menu).

Find the downloaded file and click on it, and the installation process will begin, which will take a few seconds, and in some cases, you may need to switch the input mode to the settings menu to activate the installation from unknown sources.

Use of Send Files to TV Application

Finding a flash drive is not always a convenient option, especially if the TV is hanging on the wall far from the outlets, in which case the use of a local Wi-Fi network and a specialized application for transferring files is a great solution.

You will need to install the Send Files to TV (SFTTV) app on your phone (Android or iOS) and on the Xiaomi TV itself. On the TV app you can find in the Google Play Store. Once installed, run the program on both devices, making sure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

The interface is simple: on the TV, select Receive mode and on the smartphone, Send mode. Find a pre-downloaded browser apk file in your phone's memory and send it. The TV will receive the file and prompt you to immediately go to install it.

This method is particularly useful because it allows you to quickly test different versions of browsers, so you can download three different apk files to your phone and in a couple of minutes, throw them all on your TV to see which one works more stable.

The speed of the transfer depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi signal. For heavy files (over 100 MB), the process can take time, but for browser installers (usually 50-150 MB), it is a matter of seconds.

Comparison of popular browsers for Android TV

Choosing the right browser is key to making sure you're comfortable. Not all apps running on a smartphone are equally good on the big screen with remote control. Below is a comparison table of the main solutions.

The leader in convenience is often called the Puffin TV Browser, as it has a built-in touchpad emulation and is optimized for navigation. However, it is worth remembering that the free version may have session or speed limits.

Google Chrome, the most popular browser in the world, behaves like a tablet on TVs, without connecting a mouse or using a smartphone as a touchpad (via the Google Home app), it is extremely inconvenient to use it due to the lack of a cursor.

💡

To enter text in the fields on the TV, use the “Input from the phone” function in the Google Home or Yandex.House application. This will save you from having to flip through the virtual keyboard with the remote.

If you need a browser solely to view videos from sites that do not have an app in Smart TV, choose solutions with built-in player and support for codecs, for example, VLC in conjunction with a simple browser.

Advanced installation via ADB (for experienced)

For users who want to gain full control of the Xiaomi Mi TV system and install exactly the version of the browser they want (like the latest Chrome beta), there is a method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and connecting both devices to the same network.

First, activate the developer mode on your TV. Go to Settings → Device → Build and press 7 times on Build until you have become a developer. Then a new Settings for developers will appear in the settings menu, where you need to enable USB debugging.

adb connect 192.168.1.XX


adb install -r path_to_browser.apk

Instead 192.168.1.XX set up IP-The address of your TV, which you can find in the network settings, the team will install the application silently (quietly) or with a confirmation on the screen, depending on the firmware version.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Installation of system packets or removal of critical components through ADB This method can cause the TV to run unstable, and only use it to install custom applications (apk).

This method also allows you to install browsers that are hidden in the Play Store for your region. However, remember that horizontal interface orientation can break the layout of some sites, since TVs work in landscape mode by default.

Setting up and optimizing work in the browser

After successful installation and launch of the browser, it is recommended to conduct an initial setup to improve convenience.First of all, change the page zoom if the text looks too small. Most browsers have a setting "Scale of text" or "Zoom by default".

It’s also worth clearing the cache and data if you’ve installed the new version on top of the old one to avoid conflicts. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Your Browser → Clear the data.

Pay special attention to ad blockers. On TV, pop-ups and heavy advertising can significantly slow down the interface and even cause the system to freeze. Installing an extension or using browsers with built-in AdBlock (like Puffin or Brave) will significantly speed up page loading.

💡

Optimizing the browser on the TV is to turn off unnecessary animation, install an ad blocker and connect the periphery (mouse) for navigation.

Remember to update your browser periodically as web standards change and older versions may stop displaying modern sites, especially video services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)