Installing Google Chrome on a Xiaomi TV gives you access to full web surfing, streaming platforms and cloud services right from the big screen. However, standard methods for downloading apps via Google Play to Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV often do not work – the browser is simply not in the official store. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install Chrome on Xiaomi TVs (including models on Android TV 9/10/11), as well as alternative solutions for devices without support for Google Services.
The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policy of pre-removing many Google services from firmware, replacing them with its own counterparts (such as Mi Browser). But that doesn’t mean that installing Chrome is impossible. Below you will find instructions for different scenarios, from manually downloading APKs to using workarounds for TVs without Google Play Services. Importantly, the methods are different for Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and full-fledged Smart TVs on Android TVs.
1. Check the compatibility of your Xiaomi TV
Before you start installing, make sure your model supports Google Chrome.
- 📺 Android models TV: Mi TV 4S/4X/5X, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q1/Q2 (Google Play by default – suitable for standard installation.
- 🖥️ Mi Box S/4K mi TV Stick: Requires manual downloading APK because of the limited storage.
- ⚠️ Google Services: Mi models without Google Services TV P1 (Chinese versions, Redmi TV A – need workarounds (see section 5).
- 🔄 Firmware: Android 9 and newer Chrome is stable; Android 8.1 possible lag.
To check the OS version, go to Settings → About TV → Android TV version. If there is no Google Play menu, your device is a “headless” version – they will do the method of downloading APK via USB.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a processor MTK (Like Redmi. TV A55) Chrome may slow down due to poor optimization, in which case we recommend using Firefox or Kiwi Browser.
Method 2: Install Chrome via Google Play (for official Android TV versions)
If your Xiaomi TV has Google Play preinstalled, follow this instruction:
- Turn on your TV and connect to the internet (preferably via Ethernet cable for stability).
- Open Google Play (a color triangle icon).
- In the search bar, type “Google Chrome” and select the official app from Google LLC.
- Click Install and wait until the download is complete (may take up to 5 minutes).
- After installation, run Chrome through the app menu or voice search (button with microphone on the remote).
If Chrome doesn’t show up in Google Play search, it means your Xiaomi model isn’t certified for that region.
- Go to Settings → Accounts and Login → Google → Country.
- Select the United States or the United Kingdom (where Chrome is available by default).
- Restart the TV and search again on Google Play.
Check the Internet connection
Update the TV to the latest version
Free up at least 200 MB of memory
Disable VPN (if used)
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Method 2: Manual installation APK through USB-storage device (sideloading)
For Xiaomi TVs without Google Play or with limited access to the store, the sideloading method is suitable - installation APK-It's manual. You're gonna need it:
- 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
- 🖥️ Computer or smartphone for download APK.
- 🔗 Stable Internet connection.
Steps:
- Download APK Chrome for Android TV from a trusted source (recommended by APKMirror).Select the arm64 version for most Xiaomi TVs.
- Copy the file (for example, chrome_124.0.6367.91_apkmirror.com.apk) on USB-accumulator.
- Connect the flash drive to the USB port on the TV.
- Open File Manager (or Explorer) on your TV and find the APK.
- Launch the file and confirm the installation by allowing access to Unknown Sources in the security settings.
Critical: Install only APK for Android TV (not for smartphones!) The mobile versions aren't optimized for the remote and may not work with voice search.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pro) block the installation APK In this case, use the method. ADB.
How to check the architecture of the TV processor?
Method 3: Installation via ADB (for power users)
Method ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable for TVs where installation is blocked APK You'll need a computer with drivers installed. ADB.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging on TV: Settings → About TV → Assembly number (click 7 times) Settings → Developers → USB debugging (enable)
- Connect the TV to the PC via cable USB-A → USB-A (You might need to. OTG-adapter).
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into a folder.
- Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe and execute: adb devices (should display the Xiaomi device).
- Install Chrome with the command: adb install chrome.apk (replace chrome.apk on the path to your file).
If there is an error INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS, So you've downloaded. APK Use APKMirror and choose the version for the wrong architecture. arm64.
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If ADB Do not detect your TV, try to disable Verify apps over USB In the developer settings or use another USB-port.
5. Alternative ways to get TVs without Google Services
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi TV P1 for the Chinese market) lack Google Play Services, which blocks Chrome.
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation via Aptoide TV | A large selection of APKs optimized for TV | Risk of malicious files, slow download | ⭐⭐ |
| Use TV Bro (Chrome shell) | Full support for extensions, sync with Google account | Requires manual adjustment, possible lags | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Replacement with Firefox or Kiwi Browser | Work without Google Services, support voice search | Less optimization for the remote control | ⭐ |
| Installation via Magisk (root) | Full access to the system, the ability to install GApps | Risk of “bricking”, loss of guarantee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
To be installed via Aptoide TV:
- Download. APK Aptoide TV on USB-accumulator.
- Install it on the TV through the file manager.
- Open Aptoide, search for Google Chrome and install it.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party stores (such as Aptoide), disable automatic app updates in your TV settings to avoid installing unstable versions.
6.Setup Chrome after installation
After successfully installing Google Chrome, set it up for easy use:
- 🔍 Voice Search: Press the microphone button on the remote to activate voice search (only works with the official Chrome version for Android) TV).
- 📚 Sync: Sign in to Google account through Settings → Sync to access bookmarks and stories from a smartphone.
- 🖥️ Desktop Mode: In the Chrome Menu, select Three Dots → Desktop version so that websites appear as if on a PC.
- 🔒 Security: Enable pop-up locking in Settings → Confidentiality.
If Chrome is slowing down, try:
- Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → Chrome → Clear the cache.
- Disable animation in the developer settings (Settings → For developers → Animation scale (off)).
- Use Lite mode (includes in the experimental Chrome settings at chrome://flags/#enable-lite-mode).
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For Chrome to run smoothly on weak TVs (like Redmi TV A), limit the number of open tabs to 3-4 and turn off automatic video playback on sites.
7. Solving common problems
If Chrome doesn’t start or doesn’t work properly, check out the following:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome is not installed ("App is not compatible") | Inappropriate APK architecture or outdated firmware | Download the version for arm64 or update the TV. |
| The application is immediately closed after launch | Google Play Services is not available | Install GApps via ADB |
| Voice search is not working. | The microphone is turned off in the settings or there is no Internet connection | Check permissions for Chrome in Settings → Apps |
| Videos on the sites are not reproduced | No support for DRM (Widevine) | Install DRM Info from APK and check the Widevine level |
If Chrome crashes all the time after installing, try rolling it back to an earlier version, like Chrome 115 for Mi TV 4A, and newer versions can crash.