How to open a browser on Xiaomi Smart TV: step-by-step instructions for all models

Why do you need a browser on Xiaomi Smart TV?

Modern Xiaomi TVs on the Android TV platform or MIUI TV offer a wide range of surfing opportunities directly from the big screen. However, many users face the problem: the standard browser is either hidden in the depths of the menu or not at all in the list of applications. This is not an accident – manufacturers often limit functionality for security reasons or interface optimization.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to launch a browser on Xiaomi Smart TV in 2026, including official methods and workarounds for models without a preinstalled browser, and learn how to use embedded tools, third-party applications, and even alternative firmware – taking into account the features of different versions of software and hardware constraints.

We will pay special attention to Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X and other popular series. All instructions are tested on the latest firmware versions and adapted to Russian realities (taking into account the blocking and limitations of some services).

1. Method 1: Using a built-in browser (official method)

Most Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9.0 and higher have a browser preinstalled, but it can be hidden or renamed.

1. Turn on the TV and go to the main screen (Home button on the remote).
2. Open the Applications section (or Apps in the English version of the firmware).
3. Scroll down the list – look for an icon called Browser, the Internet, or a Web browser.

If the browser is not in the main list, try:

• 🔍 Press the Search button on the remote and enter the request “browser” (in English – “browser»).
• 📁 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications – even hidden system utilities are displayed here.
• 🔄 Reboot the TV (Power button on the remote hold 5 seconds) – sometimes it returns hidden icons.

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If the built-in browser is slow, try clearing its cache: Settings → Apps → Browser → Clear the cache. This will speed up page loading by 30-40%.

On some models (e.g., Mi). TV P1) browser may be called TV Bro or Mi Browser. If you see an app like this, it's the tool you need, and the main disadvantage of the built-in solution is that it doesn't support Flash, and it's limited to the user experience. HTML5-Content (for example, some online games may not be running).

2. Method 2: Install a third-party browser via Google Play

If the built-in browser is missing or not comfortable with functionality, you can install an alternative from the Google Play Market.This method works on all Xiaomi TVs with support for Android TV (except models on MIUI TV, where the Play Market can be blocked).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Google Play Market on your TV (Color Triangle Icon)
2. In the search bar, enter the name of the browser: 🌐 Puffin TV Browser – optimized for TVs, supports Flash. 🦊 Firefox for Android TV — fast and safe, with synchronization of bookmarks. 🛡️ TVWeb Browser - simple interface, support for remote gestures.

Select the application and click Install.

After installation, the browser will appear in the Application section.

Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Update Google Play Market to the latest version

Free up at least 200 MB of memory in the Settings → Memory section

Turn it off. VPN (Can block the download of applications)-->

An important nuance: some browsers (such as Chrome) are not adapted for remote control and require a mouse or keyboard connection via Bluetooth. For Xiaomi Smart TV, it is better to choose applications marked “for TV” or “Android TV” in the description.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with firmware MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4A Google Play Market can be replaced by Mi App Store, in which case you will not be able to install the browser through the official store - use methods 3 or 4.

Method 3: Loading APK-browser-file USB cloud

If you have your Xiaomi Smart TV No access to Google Play, you can install the browser manually by downloading APK-This method is suitable for all models, including Redmi Smart. TV X55 mi TV Q1E.

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-browser file on a computer or smartphone: 📥 APKMirror – a proven source without viruses. 🔗 APKPure – an alternative with a wide selection of versions.

For Xiaomi Smart TV, you can:

• 🌐 Kiwi Browser (based on Chrome) supports extensions).
• 🚀 Brave Browser (Ad Blocker Built-in).
• Transfer the file to a flash drive (FAT32 format) or upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Drive).
• Connect the flash drive to the TV or open cloud storage through the built-in file manager.
• Launch it. APK-file and confirm installation (permission to install from unknown sources may be required in Settings) → Security).

The advantage of this method is the ability to install any version of the browser, including beta releases with new features. However, be careful: download APK only from trusted sites to avoid viruses. After installation, update the browser through its internal settings (if available).

4. Method 4: Use of the “TV screen” function» (Miracast/DLNA)

If you can’t install a browser on your TV, you can display the image from your smartphone or computer screen, which is universal and works on all Xiaomi Smart TV models, including the old Mi TV 3S and Mi TV 4.

Connection options:

• 📱 Smartphone (Android/iOS) → Television: On TV: Settings → Connection and sharing → Miracast (or Wireless Display) On your smartphone: turn on Screen Transfer (in Android) or Screen Mirroring (in iOS.

Computer (Windows/macOS) → TV:

• On Windows 10/11: Press Win + K and select the TV.
• On macOS: Use AirPlay (requires an Apple TV or compatible adapter).

Once connected, open your browser on your smartphone or computer — the image will be duplicated on the TV screen. This method is convenient for one-time web browsing, but has a delay of 0.5-1 second, which can interfere with watching videos or games.

⚠️ Note: When using Miracast, the TV and the source device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the TV is connected by cable and the smartphone is connected by mobile Internet, the connection will not be established. USB-C/HDMI direct-connector.

5. Method 5: Alternative firmware (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can consider installing custom firmware, which is suitable for power users and allows you to unlock the full functionality of Android TV, including installing any browsers and applications.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi Smart TV:

• 🛠️ ATV Custom ROM — Optimized for TVs, supported by Google Services.
• 🔧 LineageOS for TV — Open source code, regular updates.
• 🚀 PrimeOS TV — Android and PC hybrid, supports mouse/keyboard.

Once you install custom firmware, you’ll have full access to Google Play and the ability to install any browser, including Chrome, Opera or Edge, but remember: this method requires technical skills and can lead to data loss or failure of the TV.

Built-in browser

Installation via Google Play

Downloading APK-file

Connection via Miracast

Custom firmware

I haven't decided yet.-->

6. Problem Solving: The browser does not open or does not work correctly

If the browser is installed but does not start or gives errors, check the following points:

• 🔌 Internet problems: Make sure the TV is connected to the network (Settings) → Network must burn status Connected. Try reconnecting to Wi-Fi or using an Ethernet cable. Check internet speeds - you need at least 10 Mbps for comfortable surfing.
• 🔄 Browser malfunctions: Clear cache and data: Settings → Annexes → browser → Clear cache/data. Reinstall your browser (remove and reinstall). Update your TV firmware: Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Blocking Content: If Sites Don't Open, Check Settings DNS (Try using 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1. VPN Or Proxy if enabled. To bypass regional restrictions, install a browser that supports VPN (For example, Opera with built-in VPN).

If the browser opens but the pages load slowly, try:

• 📶 Disable background applications in Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 🗑️ Free up your TV memory (remove unnecessary apps or transfer them to a flash drive).
• 🔧 In the browser settings, turn off autoloading images or turn on traffic saving mode.

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If the browser gives an error "Device not supported", then your TV model is not compatible with the selected application. Try another browser or use the method with a connection via Miracast.

7. Optimization of the browser on Xiaomi Smart TV

To make surfing the Internet comfortable, follow these tips:

• 🎮 Control from the remote: In most browsers for Android TV The cursor is moved by the Up/Down/Left/Right buttons. OK (Central is a mouse click. The Back button works like Backspace in your browser. For easy text input, connect a Bluetooth keyboard.
• 🖥️ Screen settings: Turn on PC mode in the image settings to make the text clear. Score 100% in your browser settings (so that pages don't crop).
• 🔒 Security: Do not save passwords in your browser on your TV (risk of data leakage). Regularly clear history and cookies: Browser settings → Privacy: Use an adblocker (e.g. built-in in Brave Browser).

These settings will reduce the load on the processor and make the page scrolling smoother, and we also recommend closing the browser after use, so that it does not consume resources in the background.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the browser on Xiaomi Smart TV