Xiaomi Mi Box S – popular Android TV-The console, but many users face a problem: standard firmware does not have a browser, without it you can not open web pages, log in to some services or download files directly. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install a browser on the Mi Box S (models). MDZ-22-AB and MDZ-24-AA), including bypassing Google restrictions, working with APK-file-use ADB.
Important: instructions are relevant for firmware based on Android TV 9.0–11.0 (including the latest updates from 2026) If your device is running an older version, update it first through Settings → About the prefix → System updates. Also note that some methods require additional devices (PCs, USB-storage) or technical skills.
Why is the Xiaomi Mi Box S not the default browser?
Android Manufacturers TV-Devices often exclude browsers from standard configuration for several reasons:
- 🎯 Optimization of the interface: Google and Xiaomi position consoles as media centers, where the main focus is streaming services (Netflix, YouTube), not web surfing.
- 🔒 Security: Browsers on TV-consoles can become a vulnerability to phishing or malicious scripts due to limited security mechanisms.
- 📱 Alternative solutions: Google suggests using Chrome Cast or screen mirroring from your phone instead of the built-in browser.
However, the absence of a browser is a inconvenience, for example, without it, it is impossible:
- ✅ Sign in to a service account if you need web authorization (e.g. Disney)+ bank-apps).
- ✅ Download files directly to the console (for example, subtitles or APK).
- ✅ View web versions of sites that do not have TV-Applications (forums, documentation).
Fortunately, you can install your browser on the Mi Box S in a number of ways, from simple to advanced.
Method 1: Install your browser via Google Play (the easiest)
If you have an Internet connection and you have a Google account, it takes no more than 5 minutes, but the caveat is that the official Google Play for Android TV often hides browsers.
- Open the Google Play Store on the console.
- In the search bar, enter the query: "browser for Android tv" (without quotes).
- If the results are not displayed, try alternative queries: 🔍 "web browser tv" 🔍 "Puffin tv (the name of the popular one) TV-browser)
Puffin TV
Firefox
Install
If browsers don’t appear in search, it means they are locked for your region or device model, in which case go to Method 2 (install via APK).
⚠️ Note: Some browsers (e.g. Chrome) may not support the Mi Box S remote. They will need to connect a keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth.
Google Play Store is open on the console
The console is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
Google account added to the system
The remote is charged (or the keyboard is connected)-->
Method 2: Install the browser through APK-File (if the Play Store is not working)
If browsers are not available on Google Play, they can be installed manually by downloading APK-This method requires additional devices (PC or smartphone) and a little more time, but it works 99% of the time.
Step 1: Download the browser's APK
We recommend using verified versions of browsers optimized for Android TV:
| browser | Download link | Support for the DU remote | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puffin TV | Official website | ✅ Complete. | Cloud rendering, high speed, but requires registration |
| Firefox for Fire TV | APKMirror | ✅ Partial (needs a mouse) | Extensions support, sync with Mozilla account |
| TV Bro | Official website | ✅ Complete. | Simple interface, optimized for remotes |
Download APKs only from trusted sources (APKMirror, official sites) and avoid third-party storage sites, which may contain viruses.
Step 2: Move the APK to Xiaomi Mi Box S
There are three ways to download APK to the console:
- 📁 Through USB-drive: Copy APK-flash-file (format) FAT32). Connect the flash drive to the Mi Box S via the port USB-A. Open the File Manager (if not, install it). FX File Explorer via Play Store. APK and start the installation.
- ☁️ Through Cloud Storage: Download APK Google Drive or Dropbox. On the console, open the web version of the storage through any browser available (for example, built into YouTube.
Through Send Files to TV
- Install the Send Files to TV app on your smartphone.
- Send APK from your phone to the console over the local network.
Step 3: Allow installation from unknown sources
Before installing the APK, you need to enable the appropriate setting:
- Go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources.
- Select the File Manager (or the application you use to install the APK).
- Activate the switch to Allow installation.
⚠️ Warning: After installing the browser, disable the permission for Unknown Sources to protect the console from accidental malware installation.
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If you see an error when installing an APK, try downloading an older version of your browser (e.g. Firefox 68.0 instead of 100.0).
Method 3: Install the browser via ADB (for power users)
If the first two methods didn’t work, you can install the browser via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC and basic command line knowledge, but is guaranteed to work even on locked devices.
Step 1: Preparing the PC
Download and install on your computer:
- 🖥️ ADB Tools (part of Android) SDK).
- 🔌 Drivers for Xiaomi Mi Box S (if you connect by the USB).
Step 2: Connecting the console to the PC
There are two options for connecting:
- By Wi-Fi (recommended): On the console, go to Settings → About the prefix → Status. IP-On your PC, open the command line and type in: adb connect [IP-address]:5555 For example: adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555
- Po Po Po USB: Connect the console to the PC via cable USB-A → USB-A (need OTG-Adapter. Turn on Debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → About the prefix → Build Number – Press 7 times, then return to Settings → For developers).
Step 3: Install your browser via ADB
When the connection is established, execute the commands:
- Check the connection: Adb devices should show the name of your device.
- Download the browser’s APK on a PC (like Puffin TV) and remember the path to the file.
- Install. APK: adb install "C:\path/file\puffin_tv.apk"
If the installation is successful, you will see the message Success. the browser will appear in the Mi Box S application menu.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Xiaomi Mi Box S browser comparison: which one to choose?
Not all browsers work equally well on Android TV. Below is a comparison of popular options by key parameters:
| Criteria | Puffin TV | Firefox | TV Bro | Chrome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (cloud rendering) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Support for the DU remote | ✅ Complete. | ❌ Demands a mouse. | ✅ Complete. | ❌ Demands a mouse. |
| Blocking ads | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Through expansion | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Synchronization of bookmarks | ❌ No. | ✅ Through the Mozilla account | ❌ No. | ✅ Through a Google account |
| Support for Flash | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
For most users, Puffin TV is the best choice – it is fully adapted for remote control, supports Flash (relevant to older sites), and works faster than competitors thanks to cloud rendering. However, if you need bookmark synchronization or extensions, you should stop at Firefox (but you will have to connect a mouse).
Solving common errors when installing the browser
Even following the instructions, you may encounter problems, and consider common mistakes and ways to fix them:
Error "Not installed"
Causes and solutions:
- 📌 Incompatible version APK: Download the browser version for Android TV (architecture armeabi-v7a or arm64-v8a).
- 📌 Damaged. APK: Check the checksum of the file or download it again.
- 📌 Insufficient Memory: Clear the App Cache in Settings → Annexes.
2.The browser is installed but does not open
Possible causes:
- 🔄 Firmware conflict: Reboot the console (Settings) → Reboot).
- 🛠️ No rights: Check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → [Browser name] → Permits.
- 🔌 Data Error: Clear browser data in the application settings.
3. The remote control does not work in the browser
If the browser does not respond to the remote:
- 🎮 Connect a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse.
- 🔄 Install the Mouse Toggle for Android app TV from the Play Store - it emulates the cursor using the remote.
- 🔧 In the browser settings, turn on the "For TV" mode (if any).
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If the browser after installation behaves unstable (flys, slows down), try to roll it back to the factory settings: Settings → Applications → [Browser] → Storage → Clear data.
Alternative ways to get online on Xiaomi Mi Box S
If you can not install the browser or it works incorrectly, consider alternative options:
- 📱 Screen mirroring: Use Google Cast or Miracast to stream your smartphone screen to the console. To do this: On your smartphone, turn on Screen Transfer (in connection settings). On the Mi Box S, open Settings → Display and sound → Screen transmission.
- 🖥️ Connection to HDMI: If you have a laptop, connect it to the TV through HDMI And use it as a full-fledged PC.
- 🌐 TV-Web browsing apps: Some apps (like YouTube or Twitch) have built-in browsers to open links.