Modern Smart TVs from Xiaomi are based on the Android TV operating system, which opens up wide opportunities for expanding the functionality of the device. However, the basic version of the Google Play Store does not always contain the applications that users need, especially if we are talking about Russian services such as Yandex Browser, which creates the need to find alternative ways to install software.
The lack of a pre-installed browser from Yandex in the official app store often puts TV owners at a dead end. Many simply do not know that the system can be easily modified by installing a third-party. APK-This allows you not only to surf the Internet, but also conveniently stream content from sites to the big screen.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available installation methods. USB-The drive, how to configure remote access and what nuances should be considered when working with the file system of the TV. TV Mi Box.
Preparation for installation: necessary tools and settings
Before you start the installation, you need to make sure your device is ready to accept third-party files. - Android's Standard Security Policy TV You will not be able to install applications from unknown sources, you will need to access the Internet and, depending on the method chosen, USB-flash-drive.
First, check the operating system version in your TV settings. Go to Settings → Device → Android Version. Make sure the device has enough free internal memory. The browser weighs a little, but it will require space to work properly and caching pages.
⚠️ Note: download installation files only from verified resources. Using modified versions of software from questionable sources can lead to malware infection of the system.
You'll also need a remote control if you can connect it. USB-If you use a mouse or a keyboard, it will make it much easier to navigate in the browser after installation.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Method One: Installation through USB-accumulator
The most reliable and common way is to use an external drive: you will need a computer or laptop to preload the installer. Find the official Yandex website and download the browser version designed for Android TV or the universal version for tablets.
Copy the downloaded APK-file on a flash drive formatted in a file system FAT32 or NTFS. Put the drive in USB-port of your Xiaomi TV. The system must automatically identify the new device and prompt it to open its contents. If that doesn't happen, use the built-in file manager.
Run a file manager (like File Commander or Explorer) and find your drive. Go to the browser folder and click on the file to run. If you're doing this for the first time, the system will ask permission to install from unknown sources. Confirm the action by switching the appropriate slider in the security menu.
What to do if the TV can’t see the flash drive?
The installation process will take a few seconds. Once completed, you will see the corresponding notification. Now the browser will appear in the list of your applications and will be available to run at any time.
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Use of the USB-The most stable method, independent of the speed of the wireless network and the limitations of the local network.
Method Two: Transfer APK via Send Files to TV
If you don't have a flash drive, you can use wireless data transfer, and you need to install a special Send Files to TV (SFTTV) app on your TV, your smartphone (Android) or your computer, and both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
On your TV, launch SFTTV and select Receive mode. On your smartphone, open the app, select Send mode, and find the previously downloaded browser installation file. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
The file will be transmitted over a local network. Once the transfer is complete, a notification will appear on the TV screen. Click on it to start the installer. This method is convenient because it does not require physical media, but the transfer speed depends on the quality of your router.
Setting up Yandex Browser to control from the remote
Once installed, it is important to properly configure the interface for comfortable use. The standard version of the browser can be optimized for touch screens, making it difficult to control from the remote. In the application settings, find the Interface or Remote Settings section.
Activate the mode. TV-This will increase the size of the fonts and controls, making them readable from a distance of several meters. It is also recommended to enable automatic start in full screen mode to hide the Android system panels.
To enter complex passwords and site addresses, use the synchronization function. Sign in to your Yandex account on your smartphone or PC, and your bookmarks, history and passwords will automatically be loaded onto the TV, eliminating the need to type text with a virtual keyboard.
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Incognito mode | Hiding his history of visits | Used to enter personal offices |
| File downloading | Downloading content on TV | Requires the connection of an external HDD or flash drive |
| Broadcasting | Cast technology | Convenient to show photos from the phone |
| Voice search | Searching through the remote microphone | It only works with the support of the system. |
Alternative methods: using bootloader and ADB
For advanced users, there is a method of installing through the bootloader app. It's a utility that allows you to download files directly from the address bar inside the TV. Find bootloader in the Google Play Store on your TV, launch it and enter a direct link to it. APK-Yandex Browser file.
An even more complex but powerful tool is Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to install applications remotely from a computer on the same network, so you need to turn on the developer mode in your TV settings and activate debugging over USB.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555
adb install -r yandex_browser_tv.apkUsing ADB commands gives you complete control over the system, allowing you to not only install but also remove system applications, but careless use of these commands can lead to unstable operation of the Smart TV.
⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Be careful with removal commands. Do not remove Android system components TV, Otherwise, the TV may stop loading.
Solving problems and errors in installation
During installation, users may encounter an error Application not installed, most often due to a conflict of versions. Make sure that the downloaded version of the browser is compatible with the architecture of the processor of your TV (usually ARM or x86). For Xiaomi Mi Box and most TVs, the version for ARM is suitable.
Another common problem is blocking Google Play Protect. When you start the installation, the system can warn you of danger. If you are sure about the source of the file, ignore the warning and allow installation. Also check if the option “Install from unknown sources” is enabled for the exact application through which you run the file (for example, for Explorer or SFTTV).
If the browser is slow, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Yandex Browser → Memory → Clear the cache. This will free up the system resources and can speed up the interface response.
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To speed up your browser on your TV, turn off automatic video playback and heavy animations in its settings, if such options are available in the TV version.
Features of using the browser on the big screen
Using a full desktop browser on a TV has its own peculiarities: screen resolution 1920×1080 or 3840×2160 requires proper zooming. Some sites may not display correctly if mobile adaptability is not enabled.
Navigation with the remote can be slow, and the cursor moves through the elements of the page, which is sometimes inconvenient, in such cases, the Flying Mouse mode on a smartphone or the connection of a regular computer mouse in the Internet comes to the rescue. USB-television-port.
Keep in mind security. A TV is a computer, and saving passwords from banking services in a browser on TV is not recommended. Use your browser primarily to watch videos, read news, and work with entertainment content.