Why Xiaomi TV doesnโt have Google Chrome and how to fix it
Xiaomiโs Android TVs (or PatchWall in China) are initially devoid of official Google Chrome support, and the reason is because it offers a lightweight version of TV Browser or Mi Browser, which are often stripped down in functionality, such as not supporting extensions, having trouble displaying complex sites, and not synchronizing with a Google account.
Meanwhile, the need for a full-fledged browser on the big screen is growing, from viewing web versions of streaming services (like Twitch or VK Video) to working with documents in Google Docs or online games. Fortunately, there are three ways to install Chrome on Xiaomi TV, and we will take a detailed look at each, including the nuances for the Mi TV 4S models, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV and others.
It is important to understand that the installation process depends on the firmware version and regional modification of the TV. For example, the Chinese versions (CN ROM) may not have Google Play Market, which will require additional actions. And on models with Android TV 11+ (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 2023), the algorithm is different from older devices on Android 9.
Method 1: Install Chrome through Google Play Market (for global versions)
This is the easiest method, but it only works on global firmware TVs (e.g., models for Europe or Russia labeled EEA or RU).If your Xiaomi TV supports Play Market, follow the instructions:
- Turn on the TV and go to the main menu.Look for the Google Play Market icon (usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the Apps section).
- In the search box, type Google Chrome. Importantly, don't confuse it with Chrome Custom Tabs or Chrome Beta, you need the standard version.
- Click Set and wait until the download is complete. The process can take up to 5 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet.
- After installation, run the browser through the application menu or voice search (button with microphone on the remote).
If Google Chrome is not in the Play Market, it means your TV model doesn't officially support the app, in which case you'll move to Method 2 or 3.
โ๏ธ Preparing for Chrome installation via APK
โ ๏ธ Note: On some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV 4A 32โฒโฒ after installing Chrome, you may not have any mouse or touchpad support, in which case use an air mouse remote (such as Xiaomi Mi Remote Pro) or connect a wireless keyboard via Bluetooth.
Method 2: Install Chrome through APK-file (for all models)
This method is universal and is suitable even for TVs with Chinese firmware (for example, Mi TV 5 Pro CN), where there is no Google Play.
- ๐ APK-Chrome file for Android TV (Download from APKMirror - look for a version marked tv or Android-tv).
- ๐พ USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) Cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive).
- ๐ง File Manager (e.g. X-Plore or embedded Files).
Step-by-step:
- Download APK Chrome for TV to your computer. Pay attention to the Android version of your TV (you can find out in Settings โ About TV). For example, Chrome 114.0.5735.196 will work for Android 9, and Android 11+ needs an update at least 120.0.6099.0.
- Transfer the file to a flash drive (the folder should be at the root of the disk) or upload to the cloud. Connect the drive to the TV.
- Open Settings โ Security and Restrictions โ Unknown Sources and Allow APK installation (select your file manager).
- Search the file manager for APK and run the installation. If you see an "Application not installed" error, try another version of Chrome.
| Model Xiaomi TV | Supported version of Android | Recommended version of Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A (2018) | Android 8.1 | Chrome 90โ100 |
| Mi TV 4S / Redmi Smart TV X | Android 9.0 | Chrome 100โ114 |
| Mi TV Q1 / Q2 (2020โ2022) | Android 10.0 | Chrome 114โ120 |
| Xiaomi TV A2 / A Pro (2023) | Android 11+ | Chrome 120+ (only TV-version) |
Critical detail: On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor (such as the Mi TV 4A), some versions of Chrome can slow down or crash. In this case, try alternative browsers: Firefox for TV or Kiwi Browser (installed similarly via APK).
What to do if the APK is not installed?
Method 3: Install Chrome via ADB (for power users)
If the first two methods fail, you'll have to install it through ADB debugging, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but it guarantees results even on blocked firmware.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed drivers ADB.
- ๐ Cable USB-A โ USB-A (Connecting TV to PC or a router with support ADB Wi-Fi.
- ๐ฆ APK-chrome file TV (method 2).
Instructions:
- Turn on the developer mode on the TV: go to Settings โ About TV and 7 times click on the build number. Then go back to Settings โ For developers and activate debugging over USB.
- Connect the TV to your computer by cable or Wi-Fi (use the adb connect command for wireless connection) [IP-TV address]:5555).
- Open the terminal (or cmd in Windows) and check the connection command: Adb devices should appear the name of your TV.
- Install Chrome with the command: adb install chrome.apk If the file is in a different folder, specify the full path (e.g. adb install C:\Downloads\chrome.apk).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (Chinese version) debugging ADB It can be disabled at the kernel level, and it requires unlocking the bootloader or firmware on the global software, which is risky and will void the warranty.
๐ก
If Chrome doesnโt open some sites (such as banking or government) after installing, check the user agent settings. In Chrome for TV, go to Settings โ Additional โ User-Agent and select Desktop over Mobile.
Alternative browsers for Xiaomi TV (if Chrome is not suitable)
If Google Chrome is unstable or not installed, consider alternatives:
- ๐ฆ Firefox for Android TV โ Supports extensions (e.g. uBlock Origin), but can slow down on weak models (Mi) TV 4A).
- ๐ Kiwi Browser is based on Chromium, but optimized for the TV-Supports synchronization with Google account.
- ๐ฑ TV Bro is a lightweight browser with gesture and voice search support, but no extensions.
- ๐ฎ Puffin TV โ Cloud browser with high performance, but requires a subscription for full functionality.
Comparison of alternatives:
| browser | Speed. | Expansion | Synchronization | Mouse support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | โญโญโญโญ | โ (no TV) | โ (Google-account) | โ |
| Firefox for TV | โญโญโญ | โ | โ (Firefox Account) | โ |
| Kiwi Browser | โญโญโญโญ | โ | โ | โ |
| Puffin TV | โญโญโญโญโญ | โ | โ | โ |
For watching Netflix or YouTube in high resolution, it is better to use official apps โ browsers often limit streaming video to 720p because DRM-defense.
๐ก
If your goal is to view streaming services (such as Twitch or Wink), install the SmartTubeNext app via APK instead of a browser. It is optimized for Android TV and supports up to 4K resolution without ads.
Solving Common Problems After Installing Chrome
Even after successfully installing Google Chrome on Xiaomi TV, there may be errors.
1. Chrome doesn't start or close right away
Reasons:
- Incompatible version APK (download TV-Chrome version, not mobile version).
- Insufficient RAM (close the background applications in Settings โ Applications).
- Firmware conflict (update your TV to the latest version of the software).
Solution: Remove Chrome (Settings โ Apps โ Google Chrome โ Delete) and install a different version.
2. No sound in the browser
This is a typical problem for Xiaomi TV with Android 9.
- Volume in the browser itself (the Volume button in the upper right corner).
- Settings of sound in Settings โ Sound โ HDMI ARC (turn off if you do not use the sound bar).
- Application rights: Settings โ Applications โ Chrome โ Permissions โ Microphone and Sound.
3. The remote or mouse is not working
On some models (Mi TV 4C, Redmi TV 70), Chrome can ignore the standard remote.
- Use an air mouse remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Pro).
- Connect a Bluetooth keyboard or game controller (such as Xbox Wireless Controller).
- Enable Touch Simulation in Chrome (in the address bar, type chrome://flags/#enable-touch and activate the flag).