Modern Xiaomi TVs on Android TV or Google TV offer ample opportunities for installing applications, but with the Google Chrome browser, there are often difficulties. Despite the fact that the standard set preinstalled browser based on Chromium, many users want to install a full Chrome to sync with a Google account, extensions or familiar interface.
The problem is that Google Chrome is not officially adapted for TVs – in Google Play on Xiaomi TV But there are workarounds, from installation through APK-file prior to using alternative methods such as Mi Share or ADB. In this article, we will analyze all relevant methods, including nuances for different models (Mi). TV 4S, Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV We also warn against common errors that can block the system.
Important: The installation procedure may vary depending on the Android version TV (8.0, 9.0, 10.0 or 11.0) and the firmware region, such as TVs for the Chinese market (CN-version) may be additional restrictions requiring pre-unblocking Developer Options.
Why is Xiaomi TV not Google Chrome on Google Play?
The main reason for Google Chrome’s absence from the official TV app store is Google’s policy: the company shares ecosystems for mobile devices (Android) and TVs (Android TV/Google TV). Chrome browser is optimized for touch controls and small screens, while the TV platform offers a simplified browser based on Chromium (for example, TV Browser or Mi Browser).
There are also technical limitations:
- 📱 Lack of mouse/keyboard support: Full Chrome requires precise control that is difficult to implement via remote control.
- 🔒 Google blocks installation of uncertified APK Android TV default.
- 📦 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi may remove or hide applications that conflict with their branded services (e.g. Mi Browser).
However, you can get around these limitations. Below we will look at all the working methods, starting with the simplest.
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If you only need a browser to browse websites, try a pre-installed TV Browser – it consumes less resources and is better optimized for the remote.
Method 1: Install Chrome through APK-file (for all models)
This is a versatile method that works on most Xiaomi TVs (including Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X, etc.).
- Download APK-Google Chrome file for Android TV.
- Move it to the TV.
- Install it through the file manager.
Detailed instructions:
- Download APK: Use trusted sources like APKMirror. Look for a Chrome version marked Android-tv or armeabi-v7a (for most Xiaomi TVs). Never download APK from unknown sites, which can lead to malware installation.
- Telecommunication transfer: 📁 Through USB-Driver: Copy the file to a flash drive, connect it to the TV and open it through the File Manager. 📲 Through Mi Share: Send the file from your phone to your TV (if the feature is enabled in the settings). ☁️ Through Cloud Storage: Download APK Go to Google Drive or Mi Cloud, then open it on TV.
Installation
- Open the file manager on the TV.
- Find the downloaded Chrome.apk and run it.
- If the “Installation locked” warning appears, go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and allow installation for your file manager.
If the TV is not displayed in the list or the installation does not start:
- 🔄 Restart the TV and check your internet connection.
- 🔧 Update Google Play services on TV: Go to Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Update.
- 📋 Make sure your TV is syncing with your Google account.
Why Chrome Cannot Be Installed Through Google Play
Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)
If previous methods didn’t work, you can install Chrome via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for all Xiaomi TV models, but requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV → Android TV version. Click on Android TV version 7 times until the message “You’re a developer!” appears. Return to Settings → For developers and turn on “Debugging on USB” and “Install via ADB”.
Connect the TV to the computer
- Use it. USB-cable USB 3.0 on TV is preferable).
- Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your computer.
- Install Chrome through ADB: adb connect [IP-TV address] adb install chrome.apk To find out IP-TV address, go to Settings → Network → State of the network.
⚠️ Attention: Some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV 4A PatchWall can be blocked ADB After restarting, in which case, just execute the command before connecting:
adb tcpip 5555| Model Xiaomi TV | ADB support | Unlocking required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S/4A | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | It may be necessary to include OEM-unlock. |
| Mi TV 5/5 Pro | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (on) CN-version) | On Chinese firmware, ADB may be limited. |
| Redmi Smart TV X | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Supports ADB over Wi-Fi without USB. |
| Xiaomi TV A Pro | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | The latest version of Platform-Tools is required. |
Method 4: Alternative browsers for Xiaomi TV (if Chrome is not installed)
If you can’t install Google Chrome, consider alternative browsers optimized for Android TV:
- 🌐 TV Bro: Lightweight browser with mouse and keyboard support. Available on Google Play.
- 🦊 Firefox for Android TV: Full browser with bookmark synchronization. APK.
- 🛡️ Puffin TV Browser: Cloud browser with high page loading speed. Supports Flash.
- 🔍 JioPages: India's low-resource browser. works well on weak models (Mi) TV 4A).
Use the same methods as for Chrome (via APK or Google Play) to install alternative browsers, and the main advantage of these browsers is that they are adapted for remote control and have an interface optimized for large screens.
Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi TV:
| Browser | Mouse support | Synchronization | Speed | Available on Google Play |
|------------------|----------------|---------------|----------|------------------------|
| Google Chrome | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| TV Bro | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. |
| Firefox | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| Puffin TV | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. |
Problem Solving: Chrome won't open or crash
If Google Chrome is installed but does not start or is not running properly, try the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot the TV: Sometimes a basic reboot helps (Settings) → Reboot).
- 🗑️ Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Google Chrome → Storage. Click "Clear cache" and "Clear data".
Update Google Services
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- Find Google Play Services and upgrade to the latest version.
Install a different version of Chrome
APK
115.0.5790
114.0.5735
Xiaomi TV
⚠️ Note: On TVs with 1 GB of RAM (Mi) TV 4A 32) Chrome can slow down or crash. In this case, it is recommended to use the TV Bro or Firefox that are less resource-intensive.
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If Chrome doesn’t appear in the app menu after installation, check the All Apps folder in the settings. Often it’s hidden and requires manual launch.
Security: How to Avoid Viruses When Installing APK
Installing apps from unknown sources always comes with risks. To protect your Xiaomi TV from malware, follow these rules:
- 🛡️ Download. APK Only from verified sites: APKMirror or APKPure. Avoid torrents and file sharing.
- 🔍 Check the hash amount of the file: Compare MD5 or SHA-1 downloaded APK Official data (can be found on the developer’s website).
- 📋 Use antivirus: Before installing, scan the file on your computer using VirusTotal or Kaspersky.
- 🔒 Limit permissions: After installing Chrome, go to Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Permissions and disable unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to contacts or SMS).