How to Install Google Chrome on Xiaomi’s Android TV: 3 Proven Methods

Xiaomi Android TVs offer ample entertainment options, but many users face a limitation: there is no pre-installed Google Chrome browser. Without it, you can not comfortably browse the web, use online services or upload files directly to TV. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install Chrome on Xiaomi Mi TV, Mi Box and other models with Android TV, including bypassing the system restrictions.

It is important to understand that the manufacturer deliberately blocks the installation of some applications through the official store due to the optimization of the interface for the remote control. However, this does not mean that installation is impossible. We will consider both legal methods through the Play Market and alternative methods using APK- files and commands ADB. Each method is suitable for different versions of firmware and models, so you can choose the best option.

Why Xiaomi Android TV doesn’t have Google Chrome

Unlike smartphones, Xiaomi TVs come with a simplified version of Android TV, where many of Google's standard apps have been replaced by branded ones. Instead of Chrome, it uses a built-in WebView-based browser, which often runs slowly and does not support extensions.

• 🎮 Optimization for remote control: Chrome interface is not adapted for remote control, which creates inconvenience when navigating.
• 📦 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi blocks installation of some APK through the Play Market for system stability.
• 🔒 Security: Open browser installation can lead to vulnerabilities, especially on devices with outdated firmware.
• 📺 Alternative solutions: The company promotes its own services, such as Mi Browser or integration with Xiaomi Cloud.

However, these limitations can be circumvented. The main thing is to choose a method that matches your TV model and the Android version. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2020) with Android 9 firmware, installation via ADB will suit, and on new models with Android 11 you can use Send Files to TV.

⚠️ Warning: Installing applications from unknown sources may violate warranty. On models with Mi TV Stick or Mi Box S, locking is stricter - this may require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Install Chrome through Play Market (official method)

The easiest way is to find Chrome in the Play Market, but it doesn't work on all devices, because Google hides some Android TV apps unless they're big-screen optimized, to get around this limitation:

1. Open Play Market on your Xiaomi TV.
2. In the search bar, type "Google Chrome".
3. If the app doesn't show up, try using the Play Market web version on your phone or PC: 🌐 Go to play.google.com/store. 🔍 Find Chrome and select it. 📱 Click Install and select your Xiaomi TV from the device list.

If Chrome doesn't install anyway, your model is locked, so go to alternative methods, and if you install it successfully through the Play Market, you can automatically update your browser and minimize the risk to your system.

Method 2: Installation through APK-File (for experienced users)

If Play Market is not suitable, you can install Chrome manually by downloading the APK- file.This method requires you to turn on Unknown Sources mode and use the file manager.

Enable Unknown Sources in your settings

Download APK Chrome for Android TV

Transfer the file to TV via USB or cloud

Install a file manager (e.g., File Commander)-->

1. Download the correct version APK: Use only verified sources, such as 🔗 APKMirror (choose the Android version TV). 🔗 APKPure (filter by architecture arm64 or armeabi). ⚠️ Attention: Don't download APK from questionable sites - this can lead to malware installation. Check the hash file (MD5) for compliance with the original.
2. Move APK to TV: Use one of the ways: 📁 USB- Drive: Copy file to flash drive and connect to TV. ☁️ Cloud Storage: Download APK to Google Drive or Mi Cloud and open to TV. 📲 Send Files to TV: Google's App for transferring files from your phone (powered on Android 8+).

Install APK.

Open the file through File Commander or another manager and confirm the installation. If you see an "App not installed" error, try:

• Remove the previous version of Chrome (if any).
• Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → Google Play Services.
• Use an APK of a different architecture (e.g. armeabi-v7a instead of arm64).

Once installed, Chrome may not appear in the app menu. To fix this, go to Settings → Apps → Special Access → Display on top of other apps and enable permission for Chrome.

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If Chrome doesn’t start after installing, try resetting your special features access settings: go to Settings → Device → Reset → Reset app settings.

Method 3: Installation via ADB (for advanced users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable for devices that block APK installation or require bypassing system constraints, and it's the most reliable method, but it requires connecting the TV to the computer.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-A (or adapter for Mi Box).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download it in Android) SDK).
• 📄 APK- Chrome file (see Method 2).

Installation instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging on TV: Go to Settings → About TV → Build number and click on it 7 times until the notification “You became a developer” appears. Then go back to Settings → For developers and turn on: Debugging on USB Installation via USB (if any)

Connect the TV to the computer.

Use the USB-A → USB-A cable (for the Mi Box you need a OTG- adapter). You will see a request for debugging permission on TV - confirm it.

Check the connection via ADB

Open the command line (or Terminal) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, go ahead. If not, check the drivers or cable.

Install Chrome

Download the APK to the adb.exe folder and execute the command:

adb install chrome.apk

If the error "INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS" appears, download APK for another architecture.

The Mi Box S may require an additional command to unlock the bootloader:

fastboot oem unlock

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device! Backup of Xiaomi settings TV can be done through Settings → Account → Backup.

Solving Common Errors When Installing Chrome

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, try alternative browsers optimized for Android TV:

• 🌐 Firefox for Android TV – supports extensions and sync with your Mozilla account.
• 🌐 TV Bro is a lightweight browser with an adapted remote interface.
• 🌐 Puffin TV is a cloud browser with high page loading speeds.

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On Xiaomi Mi TV models with Android 11+ firmware, it is better to use the official Play Market or Send Files to TV. ADB method is recommended only for older devices or when blocking other methods.

How to use Chrome on Android TV Xiaomi

After successful installation of Chrome, it needs to be properly configured for easy work with the remote. Here are some tips:

• 🖱️ Connect your mouse: For comfortable surfing, use a wireless mouse via Bluetooth or a USB- receiver. Xiaomi TV supports Logitech, Microsoft and others.
• 🔍 Voice search: Press the microphone button on the remote and query – Chrome supports voice input.
• 📋 Rescale: By default, text may be displayed too fine. Press Ctrl (on the keyboard) or use gestures on the remote's touchpad to zoom in.
• 🔒 Sync with your Google account: Log in to your profile to sync your bookmarks, passwords, and history with other devices.

To speed up the browser:

1. Disable unnecessary extensions in chrome://extensions.
2. Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → Chrome → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Activate Light mode in Chrome settings to save traffic.

If Chrome is slowing down, try limiting the number of tabs open or using alternative browsers from the list above. On weaker models (such as the Mi Box S), it is better to prefer TV Bro or Puffin TV.

Chrome security and updates on Xiaomi TV

The manually installed Chrome will not be automatically updated through the Play Market, to keep the browser up to date:

• 🔄 Manually update APK: Check for new versions on APKMirror every 1-2 months and install them on top of the old version.
• 🛡️ Disable unnecessary permissions: Go to Settings → Apps → Chrome → Permissions and disable access to contacts, microphone or location if you don’t need them.
• 🔍 Use VPN: For safe surfing, install VPN- a program (e.g., ProtonVPN or Windscribe) via APK.

Devices running Android 9 and below may have a WebView vulnerability exploited by malicious sites to minimize the risks:

1. Don’t save passwords in your browser – use managers like Bitwarden or KeePass.
2. Turn off auto-complete forms in Chrome settings.
3. Regularly check your device for viruses using Malwarebytes (installed via APK).

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi TV with root rights (root) Chrome can access system files. If you are not using root, disable this option in the developer settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Chrome on Xiaomi TV