Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV PatchWall is often devoid of the pre-installed Google Chrome browser, and the Google search bar is hidden in the depths of the menu. This creates problems for users who want to quickly find information on the Internet or use Google services (Mail, Maps, Translate) directly from the big screen. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to launch Google Chrome, search Google and alternative solutions for Xiaomi Mi TVs. TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X, Mi TV Q1/Q2, and Google models as well. TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A Pro).
It is important to understand that the functionality depends on the firmware version and the region of the TV. In some countries (e.g. China), Google services are blocked at the system level, and their use will require additional manipulation, we will look at both standard methods and workarounds for such cases.
1. Method: Use of built-in browser (if available)
New Xiaomi models (such as the Q2 2023+ series or TV A Pro) may have a Chromium-based browser preinstalled.
- Take the remote and press the Home button.
- Go to the Apps (or Apps) section.
- Scroll down the list β look for an icon called Browser, Internet or TV Browser.
- If a browser is found, open it and enter google.com in the address bar.
If the browser is not in the main menu, try:
- π Go to Settings. β All apps and find it there.
- π± Use voice search on the remote (button with microphone) and say: Open browserΒ».
- π Update the firmware of the TV β sometimes the browser appears after the update.
β οΈ Note: The built-in browser on Xiaomi is often stripped down β it may not support some Google features (such as voice search or page translation).
2. Method: Google Search through Voice Assistant
If your Xiaomi TV has Google Assistant (available on Android TV 9.0+ or Google TV models), you can use voice search:
- Press and hold the Microphone button on the remote (or say βOK, Googleβ).
- Say a query, such as βGoogle the weather for tomorrowβ or βOpen Google.β
- The system will display search results or prompt them to open in the browser.
If voice search doesnβt work:
- π Check if the TV is connected to the internet.
- πΆ Make sure that the settings are enabled by Google Assistant (Settings) β The device β Voice input).
- π Change your regional settings to the US or Europe (if you bought your TV in China).
Voice search is convenient for fast queries, but not for web browsing. For example, you can find out the dollar rate or the translation of a word, but you can not go to Google Drive or Gmail.
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If voice search doesnβt understand you, try talking more slowly and clearly, or use a keyboard remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Pro).
3. Method: Install Google Chrome via Google Play
The most reliable way is to install a full Google Chrome from the app store, which is possible if your TV is running Android TV (rather than PatchWall without Google services).
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV (the icon with the color triangle).
- In the search box, type βGoogle Chromeβ.
- Select the official application from Google LLC and click Install.
- After installing, launch Chrome and log in to your Google account (if necessary).
If Google Play is not available:
- π± Install Chrome with Send Files to TV (file-transfer).
- π₯οΈ Download. APK-Chrome file from the official website and install through the File Manager.
- π§ Use alternative stores, such as Aptoide TV (But be careful with the sources!).
β οΈ Note: On PatchWall TVs (e.g. Mi) TV 4A Google Play may be blocked, in which case you will need to manually install Google services through the Internet. ADB (see method 5).
Make sure the TV is connected to Wi-Fi
Check for Google Play (if not, download APK)
Free 200+MB of memory in storage settings
Disable βUnknown Sourcesβ in the security settings (if you install them) APK)-->
4. Method: Alternative browsers (if Chrome is not installed)
If Google Chrome is not available for your model, you can use other browsers optimized for Android TV:
| browser | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference to installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefox | Support for extensions, synchronization with PC | Slower Chrome on weak TV | Google Play |
| TV Bro | Optimized for remote, mouse support | Advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| Puffin TV | Cloud rendering (works even on weak TV) | Time limit in the free version | Google Play |
| Kiwi Browser | Support for Chrome extensions | Not adapted for TV remotes | Official website |
To install alternative browsers:
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- Enter the browser name in the search.
- Install and launch the application.
- In the address bar, type google.com.
If you want Google Search, not a browser, you can install a separate Google Go app, a lightweight version of search that is optimized for weak devices.
How to turn on the mode for visually impaired in the browser?
5. Method: Manual installation of Google services (for Chinese models)
If your Xiaomi TV is bought in China or doesnβt have Google services out of the box, you can manually install them via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for power users and requires a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (part of the Android SDK) on your PC: official website.
- On your TV, turn on USB Debugging: Settings β About TV β Software Version (click 7 times) Settings β Additional β For Developers β USB Debugging (On)
- Connect the TV to the PC via USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 for stability).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and execute the commands: adb devices adb shell If the device is determined, continue.
- Install Google Services (GMS) with script or manually: adb install gmscore.apk adb install gsflogin.apk adb install prebuiltgmscore.apk (APK files can be downloaded from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.)
- Restart the TV: adb reboot.
After the reboot, Google Play, YouTube and other services should appear on the menu, and you can now install Google Chrome in the standard way.
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect installation GMS This can cause a cyclical reboot of the TV. Before the procedure, back up the settings in Settings. β System system β Backup: If the TV doesn't turn on after installation, you'll need to reset to factory settings (Settings) β Additionally. β Reset).
6. Method: Connecting a mouse or keyboard for easy search
Controlling your browser from the remote is not always convenient β especially when you type long queries. Solution: connect a wireless mouse or keyboard to your Xiaomi TV.
How to connect:
- π±οΈ Bluetooth Mouse/Keyboard: Open Settings β Devices β Bluetooth. Enable mouse/keyboard pairing. Select the device from the list and confirm the connection.
USB-mouse/keyboard:
USB
Using a smartphone as a remote:
Xiaomi TV Remote
Unified Remote
After connection:
- π― The mouse cursor will appear on the screen - it can be controlled by the browser, as on a PC.
- β¨οΈ Keyboard will allow you to quickly enter queries in Google Search.
- π For convenience, set up hot keys (for example, Ctrl)+T for the new tab).
If the mouse or keyboard is not defined:
- Check the compatibility of the device (must support) HID-protocol).
- Update your TV firmware to the latest version.
- Restart the TV after you connect.
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Connecting a keyboard makes it much faster to use your browser on your TV, especially if you need to type in text frequently (for example, to work with Google Docs or mail).
7. Method: Transfer of screen from phone or PC
If no methods have helped to run Google directly on the TV, you can use the Mirroring feature from your smartphone or computer.
From the phone (Android/iOS):
- π± Android: Use Google Cast or Miracast (in your TV settings, turn on Settings) β Connection β Wireless display).
- π iPhone: Use AirPlay (Apple required) TV TV with AirPlay 2 support, for example, Xiaomi TV A Pro).
From the computer (Windows/Mac):
- π₯οΈ Windows 10/11: Press Win. + K and select the TV from the list (Must be on Miracast on TV).
- π Mac: Turn on AirPlay in the menu bar and select the TV.
- π Any OS: Use Google Chrome with Transmit to TV (Chromecast or Google Cast built-in).
Advantages of this method:
- β Full access to all Google features (Mail, Drive, Maps).
- β No restrictions on regional blocking.
- β You can use browser extensions (for example, adblock).
Disadvantages:
- β Lag (image delay) with weak Wi-Fi.
- β The TV must support Miracast or AirPlay.
- β The battery of the phone/laptop will run out faster.
If Google Play is not available, download the latest version of Chrome in APK format from the official website and install manually.