Modern Xiaomi TVs running on Android TV or Google TV are powerful multimedia centers, but their built-in browsers often leave much to be desired. Many users face restrictions when trying to open a web page that requires a full-fledged rendering engine or support for specific plugins. It is at such moments that there is an urgent need to install the familiar Google Chrome, which provides maximum compatibility with modern web standards.
Unlike smartphones, where app installation takes place in a single click, on TVs the process may require additional manipulation.This is because Google does not officially provide a version of Chrome for large screens in the Play Store.However, there are several proven ways to get around this limitation and run your favorite browser on your device Xiaomi Mi TV or Xiaomi TV Stick.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available installation methods, from third-party launchers to mobile image transfers. You will learn how to activate developer mode, where to find secure installation files, and what alternatives can work even faster than Chrome itself.
Features of the Android TV operating system and browser limitations
The Android TV operating system on which Xiaomi TVs are based has a specific interface that is tailored to control the remote control rather than the mouse.This creates fundamental limitations for browser developers, since navigation on web pages requires accurate cursor positioning, which is why Google did not release a native version of Chrome for this platform, preferring to leave a niche for specialized applications or use the Cast feature.
However, the Android architecture allows you to install.apk applications designed for other versions of the operating system, such as tablets or smartphones. However, when running such a version on the TV, the user may encounter a lack of remote support, which makes navigation extremely difficult. USB-mouse or Bluetooth keyboard.
⚠️ Attention: Installing applications from unknown sources (sideloading) can carry security risks. APK-files only from trusted resources, such as APKMirror or the official developer site, to avoid injecting malicious code into the TV system.
It is important to understand that even after successful installation, the browser can work unstable if the hardware of the TV is limited. Processing heavy web pages with video ads and scripts can lead to slowing down the interface.
Preparing Xiaomi TV for Third Party Apps
Before you start downloading and installing your browser, you need to prepare the software environment of your TV. By default, the Android TV system blocks the installation of applications from sources other than the official Google Play Store. To change this behavior, you will need to activate the appropriate permissions in the settings menu.
First, go to the device settings section. On the remote, click the menu button or select the gear icon in the upper right corner of the main screen. Next, follow the Settings → Device → Security and Restrictions path (the path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI for TV firmware).
In the list that opens, you'll see applications that can be used to install files, most commonly file managers or installers, and you'll need to allow installation for the application you're planning to run through. APK-If you plan to use the method of transferring files over the phone, select the appropriate application for data transfer.
☑️ Preparation of the TV for installation
It is also recommended to free up space in internal memory if its volume is less than 4 GB. Browsers cache data, and crowded memory can lead to critical errors in the system. Remove unused applications through the Settings menu → Applications to ensure stable operation of new software.
Method 1: Installation through file manager and APK-file
The most common way to install Google Chrome is by using it. APK-file designed for Android TV Because there's no official store on the TV, you have to download the file separately, and you'll need a computer or a smartphone to do that. USB-drive or application for transferring files over a local network.
First, find a secure source to download.We recommend using the Chrome for Android version. TV Or an adapted version for tablets, because they scale better on larger screens. APK-file on a computer or phone. USB-flash drive, copy the file to the drive root directory to simplify the search.
Connect. USB-The system must automatically notify you of the connection of an external device. Open the file manager (for example, "File Commander" or "X-Plore", which are often preinstalled or available in the Play Store on TV). APK-file and click on it to start installing.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Source of the file | APK aggregator site | Use APKMirror or Aptoide TV |
| Android version | The TV version of the OS | Check in Settings → On TV. |
| Architecture | Processor type | Usually arm64-v8a for modern Xiaomi |
| Screen resolution | Pixel density | Choose the universal version (nodpi) |
During the installation process, the system may request confirmation of actions several times. Accept permissions and wait for the files to be copied. After successful installation, take your time to start the browser. First, make sure that you have a way to control the cursor, since the standard version of Chrome does not support navigation with the remote arrows.
What to do if the installation is blocked?
Method 2: Use Send Files to TV
If the use USB-It seems to you inconvenient or there are no free ports on the TV, you can use the wireless method of transferring files. TV (SFTTV) It is a de facto standard for fast transmission. APK-files between Android devices over a local Wi-Fi network.
To implement this method, you will need an Android smartphone. Install the “Send Files to TV” app from the Google Play Store on both your phone and your Xiaomi TV (find it through a search in the TV app section). Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, ideally a 5GHz band for maximum transmission speed.
Run the app on your TV and select Receive mode. On your smartphone, launch the app, select Send mode, find the previously downloaded one. APK-Chrome browser file and select your TV from the list of available devices. The file will instantly download to the TV memory.
When you finish the transfer, you will see a notification on your TV screen, go to the file directly from the SFTTV application interface and click "Install" to avoid unnecessary movement on the file manager menu, which is especially useful if you plan to install a lot of apps on your Xiaomi Mi Box or TV.
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For stable transfer of large files over Wi-Fi, make sure the router is in line of sight or uses the modern Wi-Fi standard 5 (AC) and higher to avoid connection breaks during the installation process.
Method 3: Screen broadcasting (Cast) as an alternative
Often users don’t need a full browser installed on the TV, but only the ability to view content from the website on a large screen, in which case the most effective solution is the broadcast function (Cast) from a mobile device or computer, which allows you to use the powerful Chrome engine on your smartphone, displaying the image on the Xiaomi TV.
Open the Google Chrome browser on your smartphone or tablet. Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select "Translate." From the list of available devices, select your Xiaomi TV. The phone screen or a separate browser tab will appear on the TV.
This method has several advantages: you don't need to take up the memory of the TV, you don't need to control the cursor, and all the passwords and history remain on the phone, and video content is often transmitted in higher quality, since the decoding is done by the mobile device, and the TV is only a display.
However, it should be borne in mind that when broadcasting the entire screen of the smartphone, the battery of the mobile device will be consumed much faster, and there may be a slight delay in input, which makes this method unsuitable for games, but quite comfortable for watching videos or presentations.
Control and navigation: mouse, keyboard and launchers
The main problem with running desktop or mobile browsers on a TV is that there's no cursor. The standard remote controls focus, but it can't emulate the mouse movement you need to click on any point on a web page. To work fully with Chrome, you'll need an external peripheral.
The easiest way is to connect a regular computer USB-Mouse and keyboard to free ports of the TV. TV It automatically recognizes them, and a cursor will appear on the screen, which makes the interface look like a computer interface, making navigation intuitive.
If there are free ports USB no or they are inconveniently located, you can use wireless kits with USB-There are also special Air Mouse remotes that work as a TV remote and as a mouse simultaneously, controlling the movements of the hand in space.
⚠️ Note: When using a mouse, the interface may look unusual, since the Chrome controls are not optimized for the horizontal screen. It is recommended that the browser settings enable "Full version of the site" to avoid distortion of the mobile layout.
To improve the experience of use, you can also install a third-party launcher, for example, ATV Launcher or Flauncher. They allow you to display icons installed APK-files to the home screen, making launching the browser as easy as launching any other application.
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Having a physical mouse or Air Mouse remote is critical to making Google Chrome a comfortable experience on a Xiaomi TV.
Alternative browsers optimized for Android TV
If installing classic Google Chrome is difficult or unstable, look for browsers designed specifically for large screens and remote control, which have an interface sharpened for navigation with arrows, and often work faster on TVs with limited RAM.
One of the best options is TV Bro. It is an open source browser that supports file uploading, ad blocking and has a user-friendly interface for the remote.It is available from the Google Play store on the TV and does not require complex manipulation of APK.
Another popular alternative is Puffin TV Browser.It is known for its high page load speeds thanks to cloud servers, however, some of its features may be paid.It is also worth mentioning Firefox for Fire TV, which can often be installed on Xiaomi, and it supports synchronization with the desktop version.
- 🚀 TV Bro – the best choice for free and fast surfing from the remote.
- 🛡️ Puffin TV — High security and speed, but there are limitations in the free version.
- 🦊 Firefox is a familiar interface and synchronization, but requires management configuration.
- 🌐 Opera for TV — built-in ad blocker and traffic saving mode.
Using dedicated browsers often solves the problem of compatibility with video players and supports modern codecs, making them a great replacement for Chrome for everyday use on a Xiaomi TV.