How to install Google Chrome on Xiaomi Mi Box S: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Mi Box S is a popular Android TV-But many users are facing a problem: the standard Google Play Market for this model does not have an official version of the Google Chrome browser. Why is this happening? TV, Where Google is promoting its own browser based on Chromium — TV Web Browser, optimized for remote control. However, the functionality of this browser is reduced: there is no synchronization with a Google account, extensions or full support for websites.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to install Chrome on the Mi Box S (including models) MDZ-22-AB and MDZ-16-AB), The pros and cons, as well as recommendations for setting up for comfortable surfing from the remote, will pay special attention to bypassing the error "App is not compatible with your device", which occurs when you try to install Chrome through the Play Market.

Why is Chrome not in the Play Market for Xiaomi Mi Box S?

The reason lies in Google’s policy and Android architecture. TV:

• 📱 Device type restriction: Chrome in Play Market is only available for smartphones and tablets (android.mobile), and Mi Box S is in the category android.leanback (TV-device).
• 🎮 Advancing Alternatives: Google is Actively Promoting TV Web Browser as a Standard Browser for Android TV, Blocking Chrome installations through official channels.
• 🔧 Technical limitations: Not all Chrome features (such as gestures or extensions) are adapted to control from the remote, which creates usability problems.

However, these limitations are software-based and easy to get around, and the key is to choose the right installation method depending on your goals:

⚠️ Note: Installing Chrome on the Mi Box S could slow down the console due to high RAM consumption (the model has only 2 GB) RAM). We recommend closing the background applications before launching the browser.

Method 1: Install Chrome through APK-file (the simplest method)

This method is suitable for users who do not want to mess with the settings of the Play Market or connect the console to the PC. All actions are performed directly on the Mi Box S.

Step 1: Allow installation from unknown sources

By default, Android TV blocks APK installation from third-party sources to unlock this feature:

1. Go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources.
2. Select the File Manager app (or bootloader if you use it) and enable permission.

Step 2: Download APK-chrome

Use one of the proven solutions:

• 🌐 APKMirror official website: [link to the latest version of Chrome for Android] TV](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/chrome/). Look for versions marked AndroidTV.
• 📱 bootloader App: Enter in the address bar https://bit.ly/chrome-mi-box (shorthand APK).

Downloaded Chrome file APK (version no older than 2023)

Installation from unknown sources is allowed

All background applications are closed (released) ≥500MB of RAM)

Connected remote with keyboard (optional)-->

Step 3: Install Chrome

Open the downloaded one. APK You can use File Manager or bootloader and follow the instructions. If you see an "Application not installed" error, check it:

• 🔄 Version compatibility APK Android TV 9.0 (this version of the OS is installed on the Mi Box S).
• 🗑️ Is there enough space in the memory (required) ≥200 MB).
• 🔧 Is Unknown Sources Properly Allowed.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Chrome may not support remote control, in which case connect a wireless keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth.

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If Chrome doesn’t open after installing, try rebooting the console (Settings) → The device → This will reset the system cache and solve the startup problem.

Method 2: Bypass Play Market Restrictions (for automatic updates)

This method allows you to install Chrome through the official Play Market, which guarantees automatic update of the application.

Step 1: Install the "Device" app ID Changer"

Download the Play Market Device app ID Changer (or BuildProp Editor) will allow you to change the ro.product.model parameter, which determines the type of device.

Step 2: Change the device model to a smartphone

In the app, find the ro.product.model parameter and replace it with:

Pixel 4

This will trick the Play Market into showing smartphone apps. After the change, reboot the console.

Step 3: Install Chrome and return the settings

Now the Play Market will be able to install Chrome.

1. Return the original value of ro.product.model (Mi Box S).
2. Reset the device.
3. Chrome updates will come automatically.

Method 3: Installation via ADB (for power users)

The method is suitable for those who are ready to connect the Mi Box S to a computer, the advantage is the ability to install any version of Chrome, including beta releases.

Step 1: Enable debugging over USB

On the console:

1. Go to Settings → About the device → Software version.
2. Click 7 times on the Build Number to activate Developer Mode.
3. Go back to Settings → For developers and enable USB debugging.

Step 2: Connect the console to the PC

Use the USB-Type C cable (included in the Mi Box S).

1. Download the Android SDK Platform-Tools.
2. Open the command line in the adb folder and do:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb install chrome.apk

Step 3: Check the installation

After the process is complete, Chrome will appear in the app menu. INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK, download APK architecture arm64-v8a (Supported by Mi Box S).

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ADB-This method allows you to install any version of Chrome, including modified builds (such as Chrome Beta or Chrome Canary.

Method 4: Use of alternative stores (APKMirror, Appoide)

If previous methods didn’t work, try installing Chrome through third-party app stores.

• 🛒 Aptoide TV: Optimized for Android TV, containing APK. Install it through [the official website](https://tv.aptoide.com/), Then find Chrome in the directory.
• 🔍 APKMirror Installer: A secure installation application APK APKMirror supports verification of digital signatures.

The advantage of this method is that it automatically updates Chrome through the store itself (as opposed to manual installation). APK). But be careful:

⚠️ Note: Some apps in third-party stores may contain malicious code. Check the reviews and ratings of the app before installing. TV or APKMirror.

Method 5: Install Chrome with Firefox (non-standard method)

If none of these methods worked, you can use the workaround through the Firefox browser, which is available in the Play Market for the Mi Box S.

Step 1: Install Firefox

Download Firefox for Android TV This browser supports the installation of.apk files directly from the Internet.

Step 2: Download Chrome APK Firefox

Open the APKMirror website in Firefox and find the latest version of Chrome. Download the file.

Step 3: Install Chrome

Firefox will offer to open the downloaded APK Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

This method is convenient because it does not require changing system settings or connecting to a PC. APK Firefox can be lower than Downloader.

Set up Chrome for easy control from the remote

After installing Chrome, you will encounter a problem: the browser is not optimized for the remote control.

• 🎯 Turn on the mouse cursor: In Chrome Settings → Special features activate the option Mouse Pointer. Now the remote will emulate the movements of the mouse.
• 🔍 Use Voice Search: Press and hold the Microphone button on the remote to activate voice input in Chrome.
• ⚡ Turn off animations: Enter in the address bar chrome://flags, Find #disable-animations and turn on this flag to speed up your work.

For full control, we recommend connecting a wireless keyboard via Bluetooth:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the pairing mode on the keyboard.
3. Select the device from the list and confirm the connection.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When installing Chrome on the Mi Box S, users often face some problems.

Error: “The app is not compatible with your device”

This error appears when you try to install Chrome through the Play Market.

• 🔄 Use Method 2 (Change Device) ID) or Method 1 (installation through APK).
• 📱 Check that you are downloading the Chrome version for Android 9.0 (not for newer versions of the OS).

Mistake: "Inadequate memory"

The Mi Box S has only 8GB of internal storage, most of which is occupied by the system.

1. Remove unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes.
2. Clear the cache: Settings → Memory. → Cache data.
3. Move the applications to USB-storage device (required) OTG-cable).

Chrome does not open videos (YouTube, Netflix)

The problem is the lack of support for Widevine DRM In some Chrome builds. Solutions:

• 🎬 Use standard YouTube or Netflix apps from the Play Market.
• 🔧 Install Google Play Services for AR (Available in the Play Market – This sometimes solves the problem with the DRM.

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If Chrome is unstable, try installing Firefox or Kiwi Browser – they’re better optimized for Android. TV and consume less resources.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions