Many owners of smart consoles are faced with the fact that the standard firmware Android TV is not a full-fledged web browser. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick was no exception: the system is sharpened for multimedia content, not for web surfing. However, the need to open a site, watch videos from a non-core resource or run a cloud service occurs regularly.
Fortunately, the operating system allows you to extend the functionality of the device to third-party applications. You don't need to be a programmer to install the necessary software. APK-Files are a standard procedure available to every user. In this article, we will discuss the most current methods of adding a browser.
There are several proven ways to do this, from simple to more complex. We'll look at file manager installation, cloud storage, and debugging. USB. TV-The console will receive a new functionality in just a few minutes, the main thing is to clearly follow the algorithm of actions and choose compatible versions of programs.
Which browser to choose for Android TV
Choosing a web browser to manage from the remote is not an easy task. Conventional mobile versions of sites do not display well on the TV, and cursor control can be inconvenient. TV-browsers have an adapted interface. They take into account the navigation of buttons and the correct scaling of fonts at a long distance.
One of the best solutions is TV Bro. It's an open source project that's ad-free and completely free. It can block pop-ups and has a built-in media player. For Xiaomi, the Mi TV Stick is ideal because of its lightweightness and optimization.
Google Chrome is also popular, but its mobile version requires mouse emulation. There are modified console-honed builds, but they can be unstable. If you want maximum functionality and sync with your account, you can try Puffin TV Browser, although it has limitations in the free version.
- 🌐 TV Bro – the best choice for free surfing without advertising and with remote support.
- 📺 Puffin TV — Excellent rendering speed, but paid subscription for full access.
- 🔍 Firefox TV — A good option for users of the Mozilla ecosystem with tab synchronization.
Preparation: Installation of a File Manager
Before you download the installation files, you have to prepare the environment. In the Google Play store on the console, you have to find and install the file manager. Without it, the system will not be able to find the downloaded file manager. APK-installation-file.
The most popular and reliable solution is File Commander or Send Files to TV. The first allows you to work with local files and network resources, the second is ideal for quickly transferring the installer from your smartphone to your TV over Wi-Fi.
Make sure your Xiaomi Mi is yours. TV Stick is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as a phone or computer, and it's critical to transmit data without using it. USB-Once you have installed the file manager, you can go to the installation package.
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Use the application "Send Files to" TV" fast-transmit APK-Files from phone to console over Wi-Fi without unnecessary wires.
Installation method via Send Files to TV
This method is most convenient, because it does not require entering complex addresses or connecting flash drives. You will need a smartphone on Android or iOS. First install the Send Files to TV (SFTTV) app on both devices: on your phone and on the console via Google Play.
Run the app on your TV and select Receive mode. On your smartphone, run the same program, select Send mode, and find your console in the list. APK-browser file (for example, TV Bro) and send it.
When the transfer is complete, a notification will appear on the TV screen; the file manager will automatically prompt you to open the file; the Android TV system will request permission to install from unknown sources; you must confirm the action, and the browser will be installed.
☑️ Installation algorithm through SFTTV
Installation through cloud storage
If the direct connection method doesn't work, you can use the cloud. APK-A browser file on Google Drive or Dropbox from your computer. Then install the official application of this cloud service on the console.
Log in to the cloud app on your TV, find the downloaded file and launch it, and the system recognizes it as an installation package, and the good thing about this is that the file is always at hand, even if you change devices or reinstall the system.
It is important to remember security. Only download installers from trusted resources, such as APKMirror or the official developer's website. Using dubious sites can lead to malware infecting the Android TV system.
⚠️ Note: Do not download modified versions of popular browsers from unknown forums. They may contain hidden miners or programs to steal your Google account data.
Solving installation problems from unknown sources
When you first try to install a third-party app, Xiaomi's security system blocks the process, and you'll see a window that warns you not to install from unknown sources, and that's standard behavior that you need to get around.
In the window that appears, click on the Settings link. The permissions menu of the specific application you are trying to run a file through (for example, through File Commander or Send Files to TV) will open. Find the Unknown Sources switch and activate it.
Then go back and try again. The system won't interrupt the process anymore. But don't keep this setting on all applications all the time. Once you've successfully installed your browser, you'd better turn off the permission for file managers for security.
| Type of browser | Control from the remote | Support for Flash | Weight of the application |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Bro | Complete. | No. | ~5MB |
| Puffin TV | Complete. | Yeah (cloud) | ~15MB |
| Chrome Mobile | It takes a mouse. | No. | ~100MB |
| Firefox TV | Complete. | No. | ~50MB |
What to do if the "Install" button is inactive?
Navigation and cursor use
Even with TV-Some sites may require precise cursor positioning. Xiaomi's standard remote has mouse functions, but they are not always obvious. Navigation buttons or special combinations are usually used to control the cursor.
In some browsers, such as TV Bro, the cursor is controlled automatically when getting stuck over interactive elements. If a site requires a click to a specific point, you may need to emulate a mouse. There are separate remote applications on a smartphone that turn the phone screen into a touchpad.
The alternative is to connect a conventional computer USB-Mouses to the port of Xiaomi Mi TV Stick through OTG-It turns the console into a full-fledged computer, but it's not always convenient for permanent use because of the wires and the need to keep the devices close by.
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For comfortable surfing, it is best to use specialized TV-browsers with a responsive interface, rather than trying to run desktop Chrome.