Xiaomi TVs on the Android TV platform or Google TV (Mi TV 4/5 Series, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A Pro) out of the box are devoid of a pre-installed browser — instead, the manufacturer suggests using built-in services like Mi Video or Prime Video. However, without a full-fledged browser, you lose access to web versions of social networks, online cinemas (for example, Kion or Wink), cloud services and even some IP-TV playlists. This article will help install Google Chrome, Firefox, TV Bro or any other browser on your Xiaomi TV — even if the model does not support Google Playet.
We’ll look at 5 current installation methods (including bypassing restrictions on Chinese firmware), break down common bugs (e.g., “App Not Installed” or “Packet Parsing”), and give recommendations for optimizing your browser for remote control. All methods have been tested on MIUI TV 2023-2026 firmware and are suitable for TVs with 2GB of RAM and above. If your model is older than 2019 (e.g., Mi TV 4A 32”), some methods may not work – we’ll warn you about this in advance.
1. Install your browser through the Google Play Store (for models with certified Android TV)
The easiest way is to download the browser directly from the Play Store, but it only works for Xiaomi TVs with Google certified firmware. Check this out is easy: if there is an Apps tab on the home screen with the Google Play logo, your TV supports the method. Otherwise (for example, on the Chinese versions of the Mi TV 5 Pro) go to the APK section.
Instructions:
- 📺 Turn on your TV and connect to the internet (preferably via Ethernet cable for stability).
- 🔍 Open Google Play Store (Color Triangle icon).
- 🔎 In the search bar, enter the browser name: Google Chrome, Firefox or TV Bro (optimized for TV).
- ⬇️ Click “Install” and wait for the download to be completed.
- 🖱️ After installation, the browser will appear in the menu "All applications". For convenience, add it to the main screen (click the button). OK remote → «Add it to the screen»).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Smart) TV X55 Google Chrome may not appear in the Play Store search, in which case use alternative browsers:
| browser | Remote support | Features | Link to Play Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Bro | ✅ Complete. | Optimized for TV, support for remote gestures, ad blocker | Reference |
| Firefox | ⚠️ Partial | Support for extensions, but requires a mouse (you can connect via Bluetooth) | Reference |
| Puffin TV | ✅ Complete. | Cloud rendering (works even on weak TV), paid version without advertising | Reference |
2. Installation of the browser through APK-File (for models without Play Store)
If your Xiaomi TV runs on Chinese firmware (e.g. Mi TV 5 Pro for the Chinese market) or does not have access to Google Play, the only reliable way is to install via APK. This method is also suitable for older models (Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4S), where the Play Store is not originally available.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer or smartphone for download APK.
- 📁 USB-flash drive (formatted in FAT32) Cloud storage (such as Google Drive).
- 🔧 The option “Unknown sources” in the settings of TV.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK Browser from a verified source: Where to download APK Use only official sites or trusted repositories: - [APKMirror](https://www.apkmirror.com/) (Check the hash sums of the files) - [Aptoide TV](https://tv.aptoide.com/) (Android specialty store TV) Avoid random sites - they often spread viruses under the guise of popular apps. - Xiaomi TV Recommended versions: Google Chrome (ARM64) - Firefox for TV - TV Bro
- Move it. APK Option 1: Copy the file to the TV USB-flash drive and connect it to the port USB 2.0 on TV. - Option 2: Download APK to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Drive) and open the link on the TV through the built-in File Manager».
- Install APK: - Open Settings → Applications → Security and enable Unknown Sources. - Launch File Manager (or Explorer), find APK and click on it. - Confirm the installation with the OK button on the remote.
Make sure APK is for Android TV (not for a smartphone)|
Check the CPU architecture (ARM64 for most Xiaomi TVs) |
Disable antivirus on PC when downloading APK|
Download the latest stable version (not beta)-->
⚠️ Note: If the installation error appears "Patcher Parsing", then:
- 🔹 APK It is designed for other architectures (for example, x86 instead ARM64).
- 🔹 The file is damaged – download it again.
- 🔹 There is not enough memory on the TV (free up at least 500 MB in Settings). → Warehouse).
3. Use of alternative stores (Aptoide TV, Aurora Store)
If installing via APK seems difficult, you can use alternative app stores optimized for Android TV. The most reliable options are Aptoide TV and Aurora Store, which allow you to download apps without Google Play and often contain browser versions adapted for remote control.
How to install Aptoide TV:
- Download APK Aptoide TV from the official website: https://tv.aptoide.com/.
- Transfer the file to your TV (via USB or cloud) and install it (see the instructions above).
- Open Aptoide TV, search for the browser name (such as TV Bro) and click “Install”.
Advantages of Aptoide TV:
- 🔄 Automatic update of applications.
- 🛡️ Verification APK pre-installing viruses.
- 🎮 Optimized interface for remote control.
⚠️ Attention: In Aptoide TV You may encounter unofficial modifications to your applications:
- 📌 App rating (should be) ≥4.0).
- 📌 Number of downloads (select versions from the >100K download).
- 📌 User reviews (especially note virus complaints).
4. Installation of the browser via ADB (for experienced users)
If previous methods have failed (e.g., on Xiaomi TV Stick or custom firmware), you can install the browser via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but guarantees installation even on locked devices.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (to connect TV to PC).
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).
- 📁 APK-browser file (see section about APK).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on TV: Settings → About TV → Build Number (click 7 times in a row) → Back to Settings → For developers → Debugging on USB
- Connect the TV to your computer through USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 for stability).
- Open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and check the connection: Adb devices must show your TV serial number.
- Install the browser by command: adb install path to fil.apk For example: adb install C:\Downloads\tv_bro_latest.apk
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV Q1) ADB It can be turned off at the firmware level if the adb device command doesn't show the device:
- 🔹 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
- 🔹 Restart the TV and computer.
- 🔹 Install Google Drivers USB Driver (for Windows).
1. Enable Wi-Fi debugging in the developer settings.
2. Enter the command:
adb connect IP_address:5555
(IP You can find out in Settings → Network).-->
5. Optimization of the browser for control from the Xiaomi remote
Even after successful installation, the browser may not be convenient to use with a standard Xiaomi remote.
Setting up Google Chrome:
- 🖱️ Enable Simplified Mode: - Open Chrome, go to Settings → Special facilities → Simplified mode. - This will increase the size of the elements and simplify navigation.
- 🔍 Use voice search: – Press the microphone button on the remote (if any) or say “OK, Google” (you need a microphone connected to the TV).
- 📱 Connect Bluetooth Mouse: - Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Find a mouse in the list. – This will make it much easier to work with Firefox or desktop versions of sites.
Tune in TV Bro:
- 🎮 Activate "Gympad Mode": - Settings → Management → Gamepad mode. - Now the remote buttons will work as arrows and buttons A/B joystick.
- 🔄 Set up gestures: - Moving the remote left / right = - To move up/down. - To move up/down. = page-scroll.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with 1GB of RAM (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 32") browsers may slow down. To improve performance:
- 🔹 Close the background applications (Settings) → Annexes → Launched).
- 🔹 Turn off animation: Settings → For developers → Animation Scale (select No Animation»)
- 🔹 Use Puffin. TV — It works through the cloud and does not load iron.
6. Solving typical problems when installing a browser
Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "An appendix not installed" | Incompatible version of APK or insufficient memory | Download APK for Android TV (not for smartphone) and free up space |
| "Parsing the packet" | Damaged APK or installation lock | Download the file again and turn on “Unknown Sources” |
| The browser does not open after installation | Lack of RAM or conflict with firmware | Restart TV and try to start your browser through Settings → Annexes |
| No sound in the browser | Failure in audio settings | Check the settings → Sound → HDMI/ARC output |
If the browser is installed but the keyboard is not working:
- 🔹 Install the Gboard. TV (Keyboard from Google for Android TV) Playmarket.
- 🔹 Connect a Bluetooth keyboard (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard).
- 🔹 Use voice input (Microphone button on the remote).
💡
If your browser is slowing down, try turning off autoplay video in your site settings (e.g. YouTube), which will reduce the load on the TV processor.
7.The best browsers for Xiaomi TV: comparison and recommendations
Not all browsers work equally well on Xiaomi TVs, and we tested 7 popular options and ranked them:
| browser | Speed. | Convenience with remote control | Support for video | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Bro | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Full HD) | ❌ No. |
| Puffin TV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (server-dependent) | ⚠️ There is (cleaned in the paid version) |
| Google Chrome | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4K) | ❌ No. |
| Firefox | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| JioPages | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (Full HD) | ⚠️ There is. |
🔹 To view the video (YouTube, Kinopoisk): TV Bro or Puffin. TV.
🔹 To work with text (mail, documents): Firefox + Bluetooth keyboard.
🔹 To save resources: JioPages or Puffin TV (cloud rendering).