Why to install Chrome on a Xiaomi TV and what you need
Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV or MIUI TV They offer a limited set of pre-installed browsers that often run slow or do not support modern web technologies. Installing Google Chrome solves these problems: You get a full desktop browser with bookmark synchronization, extensions (through developer modes) and support HTML5/WebGL. But there are nuances: not all Xiaomi models officially support the installation APK-Google Play is restricted in some regions.
Before you start, check: 1) Version of your TV operating system (path: Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version or Android TV version). 2) USB connector (required for manual installation). 3) Access to Google account (if you plan to use Play Market). On Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/4A (2018-2020) TVs with firmware below MIUI TV 3.0 Chrome installation is possible only through ADB - other methods are blocked by the system.
In this article, we will consider 5 Chrome workflows, including bypassing regional restrictions, manual downloading APK and tuning through ADB. You will also learn how to speed up your browser on weak models and avoid common errors (for example, ERROR_PARSING_PACKAGE or INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK).
Method 1: Install Chrome via Google Play (official method)
The easiest option is if your Xiaomi TV supports Google Play Store. This is true for Android TV models (e.g. Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X 2022-2026). Check if there is an app store on the menu - if there is none, go to method 2 or 3.
Instructions:
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV (the icon is a color triangle).
- In the search bar, type Google Chrome.
- Select the official application from Google LLC (icon with a multi-colored circle).
- Click Set and confirm the action.
If Chrome is not displayed in the search:
- 🔄 Update Google Play to the latest version (in store settings).
- 🌍 Check the Google account region – some countries (like China) are blocking Chrome access.
- 📱 Try installing Chrome on your phone and then sending a link to your TV via Send to your device (the feature is available in the Play Market app menu on your smartphone).
⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV (Android TV) Google Play may not be available even after resetting. In this case, use methods 2-5.
Method 2: Manual installation APK-file-through USB-accumulator
If Google Play is not available, you can download it. APK-Chrome file on a flash drive and install it manually.This method works on most Xiaomi models, but requires permission to install from unknown sources.
Steps:
- Download the current Chrome APK for Android TV from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).Importantly, choose the Android-tv or armeabi-v7a version (for most Xiaomi TVs).
- Copy the file to USB-storage device FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and open the File Manager (or Explorer).
- Find it. APK-If you see a warning, you'll be able to click on Settings and allow installation from that source.
If installation does not begin:
- 🔧 Make sure that in the settings → Security → Unknown sources included permission for File Manager.
- 📁 Rename it. APK-file in a simple name (for example, chrome.apk), avoiding Cyrillic and gaps.
- 🔄 Try a different version of Chrome (like Beta or Dev).
Format the flash drive into FAT32|Download APK proven-source|Check the file for viruses|Use a short file name (Latin)|Connect to USB-port 2.0 (not 3.0)-->
Method 3: Installation via Send Files to TV (wireless method)
If you don't. USB-storage device, you can transfer APK-file on the TV via the local network using the Send Files to app TV (available on Google Play for TVs and smartphones, which is suitable for models with Miracast or DLNA.
Step-by-step:
- Install Send Files to TV on your phone and TV (find it in the App Store on TV).
- Open the app on both devices and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On the phone, select Send. → specify APK-chrome → Choose your TV from the list.
- Confirm receipt of the file on TV and start the installation.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Faster than copying to a flash drive.
- 🔒 No risk of damage. USB-port.
- 📱 You can send files directly from your phone.
⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV P1 (2021) when transferring large files (>50 MB) may cause a Failed to receive error. APK using the archiver or using the USB.
Method 4: Installation via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods didn't work, then there's ADB, the Android Debug Bridge, a debugging tool that lets you install applications over the command line, which requires a computer and you turn on the developer mode on your TV.
Preparation:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV and click on Build Number 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Download ADB Tools on PC and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
Installation of Chrome:
- Connect your TV to your PC via USB (use the USB 2.0 port on your TV).
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:
cd C:\adb
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, continue:
adb install chrome.apkCommon mistakes and decisions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| device unauthorized | ADB's access to TV is not confirmed | On the TV will be a request for debugging permission – confirm it |
| no devices/emulators found | Drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty | Install Xiaomi drivers ADB Or try another one. USB-cable |
| INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK | Incompatible version of APK | Download APK for armeabi-v7a or arm64-v8a |
How to find out the architecture of the TV processor?
Method 5: Use alternative browsers with Chrome extensions
If you can’t install Chrome, consider alternatives that support extensions from the Chrome Web Store or have similar functionality:
- 🦊 Firefox for Android TV — Supports add-ons (e.g. uBlock Origin).
- 🌐 Kiwi Browser – based on Chromium, there is a desktop mode.
- 🛡️ Brave Browser – Blocks Ads, Faster Chrome on Weak TV.
- 🔍 TV Bro – Optimized for remote control, but does not support extensions.
How to install Firefox (example):
- Download APK with APKMirror (the Android TV version).
- Install via USB or Send Files to TV (see Methods 2–3).
- After installation, open Firefox Settings → Add-ons and add the desired extensions.
Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi TV:
| browser | Support for extensions | Speed. | Convenience with remote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | ✅ (developer modes) | ⚠️ Medium (brakes on the weak) TV) | ❌ Not optimized. |
| Firefox | ✅ Complete. | ⚡ Fast. | ✅ Adapted for TV |
| Kiwi Browser | ✅ Partial | ⚡ Fast. | ❌ Uncomfortable. |
| TV Bro | ❌ No. | ⚡ Very fast. | ✅ Best for remote control. |
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If Chrome is slowing down on your TV, open chrome://flags in the address bar and turn off the Hardware-accelerated video decode and GPU rasterization options.
Solving common problems after installation
Even after a successful Chrome installation, errors can occur. Here's how to fix them:
- 🔄 Browser crashes at startup: clear cache (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome → Clear the cache) or reinstall APK.
- 🖱️ Mouse/keyboard not working: Connect devices via Bluetooth or use Remote Mouse app on your smartphone.
- 📶 No video loading (YouTube, Netflix): Update Google Play Services or install SmartTubeNext for YouTube.
- 🔒 Blocking for regional restrictions: use VPN (For example, Windscribe for Android TV).
If Chrome is not displayed in the app menu:
- Restart the TV (Settings → Reboot).
- Check the All Apps folder (may be hidden in the Systems section).
- Install an ATV Launcher or Sideload Launcher to access manually installed APKs.
⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV Chrome Stick may not start due to a lack of RAM. In this case, use Firefox or TV Bro.
💡
If none of these methods worked, check to see if the installation of third-party APKs at the firmware level is blocked. On some Chinese versions of the Mi TV, this restriction can only be removed through a full factory reset (Settings → Restore and Reset).