Xiaomi’s Android TVs offer a lot of options for installing apps, but Google Chrome is often a challenge. Despite the fact that the Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV run a modified version of Android, the official Chrome for TV is not available in the Google Play Market by default, due to optimizing the interface for remotes and performance limitations.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods for installing Chrome on Xiaomi TVs 2019-2026, including bypassing restrictions through third-party sources, using alternative browsers with extension support, and manually loading APK. Particular attention will be paid to the Mi TV 4S/4A/5X, Redmi Smart TV X and Mi TV Q1/Q2 models, where the process may differ due to firmware versions.
Why is Xiaomi TV not Google Chrome on Google Play?
The main reason for the lack of an official Chrome for Android TV is the platform’s architectural limitations.
- 🎮 The interface is optimized for the remote, not for touch control (as in smartphones). Chrome requires adaptation to navigation using the D-pad.
- 🖥️ Performance of many models (for example, Mi) TV 4S processor-based T962) insufficient for smooth operation of a full-fledged desktop browser.
- 🔒 Google's policy restricts Chrome distribution on devices with uncertified firmware (relevant for some regions).
However, there are workarounds, such as installing Chrome for Android (mobile) through manual APK downloads or using Chromium-based browsers (Kiwi Browser, Brave) that support extensions and sync with a Google account. It is important to consider that models with 1-2 GB of RAM (such as the Redmi Smart TV A Series) may have poor performance.
Method 1: Install Chrome through Google Play (the official method for new models)
On Xiaomi TVs 2022-2026 (Mi TV Q2 2023, Mi TV A Pro, etc.) in some regions, it became possible to install Chrome through Google Play, but with reservations:
- Go to Google Play Market on your TV.
- In the search bar, type Google Chrome.
- If the app is displayed, click Install. If not, use method 2 or 3.
🔹 An important caveat: even if Chrome is available, its interface may not be adapted for the remote:
- 🖱️ Connect your wireless mouse via Bluetooth or USB-debugging.
- 🎮 Use the app. TV Remote Control on a smartphone as a virtual remote with a touchpad.
Reset the Google Play cache in Settings → Apps → Google Play Market → Clear the cache
Connect your TV to the network via Ethernet (Wi-Fi can interrupt the download)
Make sure Android TV is at least 9.0 (checked in Settings → About TV)
Turn it off. VPN (It can block access to regional versions of Chrome)-->
Method 2: Manual installation APK-chrome
If Chrome is not available on Google Play, you can download it. APK-This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including Mi. TV 4X Redmi Smart TV X50. It is important to use the Chrome version for Android TV (Not mobile!, to avoid management problems.
📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Download. APK-A file from a trusted source (recommended by APKMirror) Look for versions marked Android-tv or leanback.
- Copy the file to a flash drive (FAT32 format) or upload directly to the TV via a browser (e.g. TV Bro).
- On your TV, go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources and allow installation from your file manager.
- Launch it. APK-file and follow the instructions. After installation, Chrome will appear in the app menu.
How to check the compatibility of APK with your TV?
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources, it may lead to:
⚠️ Attention: Some APK-files contain modified code that can collect data about your activity or show hidden ads (MD5) Also avoid versions marked mod or premium, which often contain malware.
| Model TV set | Supported architecture | Recommended version of Chrome | Risk of incompatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S (2018–2020) | armeabi-v7a | Chrome 90–100 | Low (may brake) |
| Redmi Smart TV X55/X65 | arm64-v8a | Chrome 100–110 | Medium (requires mice) |
| Mi TV Q1 (2021) | arm64-v8a | Chrome 110–120 | Low. |
| Mi TV A Pro (2023) | arm64-v8a | Chrome 120+ | Minimum |
Method 3: Alternative browsers with support for Chrome extensions
If Chrome is not possible to install or the browser is unstable, consider Chromium-based alternatives that support synchronization with your Google account, extensions, and have an adapted interface for TV:
- 🦜 Kiwi Browser – full-fledged Chromium with support for extensions (installed via the app). APK). Suitable for Mi. TV 5X newer.
- 🦁 Brave Browser – Blocks Ads, There’s an Android Version TV. Available on Google Play for some regions.
- 🌐 TV Bro is optimized for remote, but without extension support.
- 🔍 Firefox for Android TV — Less brakes on weaker models (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV A32).
🔹 How to install Kiwi Browser extensions on Xiaomi TV:
- Install Kiwi Browser via APK (download the Android TV version).
- Open your browser and go to chrome://flags.
- Activate the #enable-extensions flag and restart your browser.
- Download extensions from the Chrome Web Store (e.g. uBlock Origin or Dark Reader).
💡
If the browser is slowing down, reduce the number of tabs open and turn off animations in the settings (chrome://settings → System → Use hardware acceleration (disable)).
Optimizing Chrome for working on Xiaomi TV
Even after a successful installation, Chrome can run slowly or uncomfortable with the remote. Here's how to improve the experience:
- 🖱️ Connect your mouse: via Bluetooth or USB-Hub (some models require a hub) OTG-This will make it easier to navigate the web.
- 🔄 Update the firmware: in Settings → On TV. → Software Update: New versions of Android TV Better optimized for browsers.
- 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: in Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- 📶 Use Ethernet: Wi-Fi at 5GHz can be interrupted, leading to lags when pages load.
📊 Comparison of browser performance on Mi TV 4S (2 GB of RAM):
| browser | Loading speed (seconds) | Support for extensions | Convenience with remote control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome (APK) | 4–6 | Yes. | Hardly. |
| Kiwi Browser | 3–5 | Yes. | Middle-Average |
| TV Bro | 2–3 | No. | Comfortable. |
| Firefox | 3–4 | Limitedly. | Middle-Average |
💡
On Xiaomi TVs with 2 GB of RAM or less, it is better to use lightweight browsers (TV Bro, Firefox), and Chrome only install on models with 3 GB+ (for example, Mi TV Q2 2023).
Solving problems with installing and using Chrome
If Chrome isn’t installed or isn’t working properly, check out the following:
- 🚫 Error "Application not installed": APK-The file is incompatible with the architecture of the TV. arm64 or armeabi-v7a.
- 🔄 Black screen at startup: Turn off hardware acceleration in Chrome settings (chrome://settings → System system).
- 📱 The remote is not working: Install the application TV Remote Control on your smartphone or connect your mouse.
- 🔌 Browser crashes: Clear the cache and Chrome data in Settings → Annexes.
⚠️ Attention:
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (e.g. India) may have installation blocked APK In this case, use alternative browsers from Google Play or update the firmware to the global version through Settings. → On TV. → Update of the PO → Select the update file.
How to reset Chrome settings to factory settings?
How to protect data when using Chrome on TV
Installing a browser on a TV increases the risk of data leakage, especially if:
- 🔓 You're using the informal. APK-file.
- 🌍 Connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
- 📊 Do not update the browser and firmware of the TV.
🔹 Precautions:
- Install security extensions: uBlock Origin (ad blocker and trackers), HTTPS Everywhere (traffic encryption).
- Turn off password saving in Chrome: Settings → Passwords → Turn off autocomplete.
- Regularly clear history and cookies: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData.
- Use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) to encrypt traffic, especially when logging in to accounts.
📌 Example of a secure configuration:
Browser: Kiwi Browser (with hardware acceleration disabled)
Extensions: uBlock Origin + Privacy Badger
Settings:
Blocking Third Cookies: Included
Safe Browsing: Improved Protection
Synchronization: Bookmarks only (without passwords)