How to Download and Install a Browser on a Xiaomi TV: From Google Chrome to Alternative Solutions

Xiaomi TVs on the Android TV platform or with a proprietary shell PatchWall offer access to thousands of applications, but often users face a problem: the official Google Play store does not have a full-fledged browser. Without it, you can not open many sites, log in to the personal account of the bank or use the web version of services. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to install a browser on Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi TV and other models – from standard solutions to workarounds for old firmware.

It is important to understand that the TV’s capabilities are limited compared to a smartphone: not all browsers support remote control, and some sites may not display correctly due to lack of Flash support or specific scripts. We tested the methods on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2020), Redmi Smart TV X55 (2022) and Xiaomi TV A Pro (2023) – all methods are relevant for firmware based on Android 9-12.

Why is Xiaomi TV not the default browser?

Smart TV manufacturers, including Xiaomi, often exclude browsers from pre-installed software for several reasons:

• 🔹 UI Optimization: DU remotes are not designed to navigate web pages, and a virtual keyboard on a TV screen is inconvenient for entering long queries.
• 🔹 Browsers – a potential vulnerability to viruses and phishing, especially on devices with limited security updates.
• 🔹 License Limitations: Google requires certification to pre-install Chrome, which increases the cost of the device.
• 🔹 Alternative solutions: Xiaomi promotes its own services (for example, Mi Video) and affiliate applications instead of a universal browser.

However, it is possible to install a browser, either by using third-party software or by activating hidden functions of the system, and then we will consider all the options available, starting with the simplest one.

Method 1: Install your browser via Google Play (official method)

If your Xiaomi TV runs on Android TV (rather than PatchWall), you can install the browser directly from the app store.This method is suitable for Mi TV 5 Pro, Xiaomi TV Q2 and others with a certified OS version.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the main menu of the TV and select the Google Play Store (the icon of the color triangle).
2. In the search bar, enter the browser name: 🔍 TV Bro – optimized for TV, supports remote control. 🔍 Puffin TV Browser – fast, Flash-enabled (paid). 🔍 Firefox for Fire TV — Adapted version from Mozilla.

Install

Annexes

Important: Google Chrome browser is not officially supported on Android TV, but it can be installed by a workaround (see Method 3).

Method 2: Using a built-in browser (hidden function)

Many Xiaomi TVs have a hidden system browser that is used to log into your Mi Account or set up parental controls, and can be launched via developer mode or special commands.

Instructions for models with PatchWall (Mi TV 4, Redmi TV):

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About TV → Firmware Version (click 7 times in a row) After that, the Developers Item will appear in the settings.
2. Enable USB Debugging and Installation from Unknown Sources.
3. Connect your keyboard or mouse to your TV via Bluetooth (to make navigation easier).
4. Open the terminal on PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://google.com" -n com.android.tv.settings/.web.WebViewActivity Note: Requires a TV connection to a PC by ADB (instruction below).

If the command works, the system browser with basic functions will open, and you can add it to Quick Access through the application menu.

Method 3: Install Google Chrome via APK (for power users)

The official version of Google Chrome is not available for Android TV, but you can install a modified version of Chrome APK adapted for TVs.This method requires activating developer mode and installing files manually.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Chrome for Android TV APK from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
2. Transfer the file to USB-storage device FAT32) Upload directly to the TV through the File Manager.
3. On your TV, open Settings → Security → Install from unknown sources and allow installation for File Manager.
4. Launch the installation APK-If you see an error "Application not installed", try a different version of Chrome (e.g. Chrome 96 for older TVs).

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ Remote not working: Connect Bluetooth mouse or use app TV Remote on your smartphone.
• ❌ No sound in the browser: Check the settings HDMI-CEC or reboot the TV.
• ❌ App crashes: Clear cache in Settings → Annexes → Chrome.

💡

If Chrome doesn’t start, try installing Chrome Canary, an experimental version that supports new features.

Method 4: Alternative browsers for Xiaomi TV (TOP-3)

If Google Chrome isn’t a good fit, consider specialty browsers for TVs.They’re optimized for remote control and support Full. HD-content.

For Xiaomi models with a weak processor (for example, Mi TV 4A), TV Bro is recommended - it consumes less resources than Chrome. If you need a browser to watch videos (for example, Twitch or YouTube in the web version), you should choose Puffin TV.

Method 5: Browser via console or smartphone (if nothing works)

If none of the above methods worked (for example, on very old Xiaomi Mi TV 3 models), there are two alternatives:

1. Connecting Android consoles (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box S): 📺 The prefix is connected to the port HDMI It has its own Google Play with full Chrome. 🎮 Control is carried out from the console (more convenient than on TV).
2. Broadcasting the screen from a smartphone: 📱 Use Miracast or Google Cast to transfer your phone screen to TV. 🔄 Run your browser on your smartphone and broadcast the image.

How to turn Miracast on Xiaomi TV:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wireless projection.
2. Select Miracast and activate device search.
3. On your smartphone, turn on Screen Broadcast (in the notification curtain or in Bluetooth settings).

💡

The console is the best solution for older Xiaomi TVs. It is cheaper than new TV, but provides full functionality of Android TV, including all browsers and applications.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When you install a browser on Xiaomi TV, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the browser, the TV starts to brake or overheat, remove the app and clear the cache in Settings → Memory: Some browsers (e.g. Chrome) require at least 1 GB of free memory to work smoothly.

If no solution works, check to see if parental controls or antivirus on the router block internet access, and upgrade your TV firmware to the latest version, as new updates often fix browser compatibility errors.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions