How to install a browser on Xiaomi Mi Box S: from APK to workarounds

Why there is no browser on the Mi Box S and how to fix it

Xiaomi Mi Box S (model) MDZ-22-AB) — one of the most popular Android TV-There are many browsers, but many users are not equipped with a pre-installed browser, and the reason is because of Google's policy: starting with Android. TV 9.0, browsers are excluded from the basic firmware for TVs and set-top boxes, this is done to optimize the interface for the remote control and prevent the installation of "unadapted" applications.

However, the lack of a browser creates problems: it is impossible to go to sites for IPTV-playlists, log in to services via the web version or download APK-Fortunately, there are 5 working ways to install Chrome, Firefox or alternative browsers, from official methods to workarounds using third-party launchers. Next, we will analyze each option with the limitations of the Mi Box S and the features of Android. TV.

Important: All methods are tested on firmware MIBOX3_ATV-user 9 PKQ1.190918.001 (relevant 2026 If your version is different, some steps may require adaptation.

Method 1: Install your browser through the Google Play Store (official method)

Although there is no browser in the standard set, some versions of the Mi Box S allow you to install Google Chrome or Firefox via the Play Market, a method that is the easiest, but doesn’t work on all devices due to regional restrictions.

Instructions:

📱 Open the Google Play Store on the Mi Box S home screen.
🔍 In the search bar, type Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
📥 If the application is available, click Install and confirm the action.
🔄 After installation, the browser will appear in the Application section (reboot may be required).

If the browser does not appear in the search, it means that your device falls under the restrictions of Google for Android TV.

📊 Which browser do you prefer on TV box?

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Opera

Samsung Internet

Other

Method 2: Installation APK-File via Send Files to TV or USB-accumulator

The most universal method is manual installation APK-It's a browser file:

📱 Android smartphone or computer for download APK.
📁 Send Files app to TV (available on the Play Market on the phone, or USB-accumulator.
🔧 Installation from unknown sources on Mi Box S.

Step-by-step:

Download. APK browser: 🌐 For Chrome: Use the Version TV-Optimized (e.g., APKMirror). 🦊 For Firefox: the standard version from the official website is suitable.
Transfer of the file to Mi Box S: 📲 Through Send Files to TV: Install the app on your phone and TV box, select APK and send him. 💾 Through USB: Copy the file to a flash drive, connect it to the Mi Box S, and use the File Manager (e.g., X-Plore).

APK installation

Settings → Device → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources → [Include for your file manager]

Then open the APK through the conductor and confirm the installation.

☑️ Preparation for installation APK

Download the correct version of the browser (TV-optimized)Insert "Unknown Sources" in the settingsPrepare. USB-transmitterCheck the vacant space (minimum 200 MB)

Done: 0 / 4

Important: Not all browser versions work correctly on the Mi Box S. Avoid APK for smartphones - they may not support control from the remote control.

🔹 Chrome for Android TV (80+).
🔹 Firefox (version 90)+ mouse-supported).
🔹 TV Bro (specialized browser for TV).

What to do if the APK is not installed?

If you install an error called “Application not installed”, try: 1. Delete the Google Play Services cache (Settings → Apps → Show System → Google Play Services → Cache). 2. Use a smaller APK (e.g. Chrome Beta instead of a stable version). 3. Check the integrity of the downloaded file (damaged APKs are not installed).

Method 3: Use of alternative launchers (Aptoide TV, TVAppRepo)

If the Play Market restricts the installation of browsers, you can use third-party app stores optimized for Android TV.

📦 Aptoide TV — Play Market analogue with extended catalog.
📦 TVAppRepo - a specialized store for TV set-top boxes.
📦 APKMirror Installer – for manual installation APK without USB.

How to install your browser via Aptoide TV:

Download APK Aptoide TV from the official website (tv.aptoide.com) and install it on the Mi Box S (see Method 2).
Open Aptoide TV, search for Chrome or Firefox.
Select a version marked TV or Android TV and install it.

Advantages of the method:

✅ Access to browsers not available in the Play Market.
✅ Automatic update of applications.
✅ Support for remote control (unlike smartphone versions).

💡

If the browser does not open from the remote after installation, connect the wireless mouse via Bluetooth. This temporarily solves the control problem before setting up the cursor emulation.

Method 4: Emulate a smartphone via ADB (for power users)

This method is suitable if previous methods have not worked, and involves changing the device ID (build.prop) through ADB so that the Mi Box S is defined as a smartphone and accesses the full Play Market directory.

Warning:

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files may result in loss of warranty or device inoperability.It is recommended to back up before starting.

Instructions:

Enable debugging by USB: Settings → Device → Version Information → Click 7 times on “Build Number” Settings → Device → Debugging by USB → Enable
Connect to the Mi Box S via ADB: 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer. 🔌 Connect the TV box to the PC USB or via the network (Wi-Fi) ADB). 📋 Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices

Change build.prop

adb pull /system/build.prop


[Edit the file in the notebook by replacing the lines:]




ro.product.model=Mi Box S → ro.product.model=Pixel 3




ro.product.brand=xiaomi → ro.product.brand=google




adb push build.prop /system/

Reset the device

adb reboot

Once you reboot, open the Play Market, and it will have all the apps, including browsers, but this method has risks:

⚠️ There may be some system applications malfunctioning.
⚠️ After the firmware update, the changes will reset.
⚠️ Some apps (such as Netflix) may stop working.

💡

The ADB method is a last resort, and only use it if other methods have not worked and you are prepared for the consequences.

Method 5: Cloud browsers and remote access (without installation)

If the browser is not possible or undesirable, you can use cloud solutions:

🖥️ Chrome Remote Desktop – PC management with Mi Box S.

Advantages:

✅ No root rights or changes to the system.
✅ It works even on locked devices.
✅ Supports Flash and other plugins (via PC).

Disadvantages:

❌ Dependence on Internet speed.
❌ Possible delays in management.

To set up Chrome Remote Desktop:

Install the app on the Mi Box S and your computer.
Sign in to one Google account.
On PC, allow remote access (Settings → Remote Access → Enable).
On TV box, select your PC from the list and connect.

Comparison of methods of installing the browser on Xiaomi Mi Box S

Method	Difficulty	Requires USB/ADB	Risks.	Suitable for beginners
Google Play Store	⭐	❌ No.	No.	✅ Yes.
APK installation	⭐⭐	✅ USB/Send Files	Minimum	✅ Yes.
Aptoide TV	⭐⭐	❌ No.	Installation of a third-party store	✅ Yes.
ADB (change build.prop)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ ADB	High (system failure)	❌ No.
Cloud browsers	⭐⭐	❌ No.	Internet dependency	✅ Yes.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful browser installation, Mi Box S users face typical problems:

1.The browser does not open from the remote control

Many browsers (especially smartphone versions) are not adapted to control from the remote.

🖱️ Connect a wireless mouse via Bluetooth.
🎮 Use a mouse-enabled gaming controller (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller).
🔄 Install a launcher with cursor emulation (for example, Mouse Toggle for Android) TV).

2. Low browser performance

The Mi Box S is equipped with an Amlogic S905X processor with 2 GB of RAM, which limits multitasking.

🧹 Close the background applications (Settings) → Annexes → Launched).
🔄 Use lightweight versions of browsers (e.g. Chrome Lite).
🚫 Turn off autoloading videos on sites (in browser settings).

Error "Not installed"

Causes and solutions:

📌 Incompatible version APK: download armeabi-v7a universally.
📌 Damaged File: Check the Checksum (MD5) APK.
📌 Insufficient memory: free up at least 300MB.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the browser Mi Box S began to slow down, reset the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → [browser] → Memory. → Cleaning the cache. This often solves performance problems.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I install a browser on the Mi Box S without a computer?

Yes, use Send Files to TV (to transfer APK from your phone) or Aptoide TV (to install directly on the TV box), and the cloud browser TVWeb Browser, which does not require manual installation, will also work.

Which browser works best on Xiaomi Mi Box S?

Optimal options for tests of 2026: 🥇 Chrome for Android TV — stable, but requires a mouse for some functions. 🥈 Firefox supports add-ons, but can slow down. 🥉 TV Bro is specialised for TV but limited in functionality. Avoid Opera and Samsung Internet, which often fly out on the Mi Box S.

Why did the browser disappear after the firmware update?

The firmware update resets all user applications if they were not installed through the Play Market. Solution: Re-install your browser (see Method 2 or 3). Use Aptoide TV to automatically restore applications. Disable automatic firmware updates (Settings → System → Software Update → Auto Update → Turn off).

Can I install a browser on Mi Box S without root rights?

Yes, all of the described methods (except for ADB with the change build.prop) work without root. Root-right to Mi Box S is difficult to obtain due to the blocked bootloader, and this is not warranty.

How to control the browser from the remote if there is no mouse?

Options: 🎯 Install Mouse Toggle for Android TV (emulates). 🖱️ Buy Air Mouse (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Mouse). 📱 Use your phone as a touchpad via Remote Mouse or Unified Remote. Voice search also works for Chrome (OK Google), but it doesn't replace full-fledged management.