Installation of Yandex Browser on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: 3 proven ways

Why is Yandex Browser better than the standard on Mi TV Stick?

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick comes pre-installed with Google Chrome, but many users face its limitations: slow loading of pages, lack of support for Russian-language services and an inconvenient interface for remote control.

βœ… Optimized work with Russian sites (Vkontakte, Odnoklassniki, Mail.ru) without the need to change the language of the system.

βœ… Built-in ad blocker that speeds up page loading by 30-40% compared to Chrome.

βœ… Easy navigation with remote control – large buttons and adaptive interface for TV-device.

However, installing a browser on Mi TV Stick has nuances: the console runs on Android TV (not standard Android), so not all methods from the Internet will work. In this article, 3 current ways to install Yandex Browser on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (including models from 2020-2026), as well as solving typical errors.

πŸ“Š What browser is used on Xiaomi Mi? TV Stick?
Google Chrome
Yandex Browser
Firefox
Other
I don't know.

Method 1: Installation via Google Play (officially)

The easiest method is to download a browser from the Google Play Store, but there is a pitfall: the Yandex browser version for Android TV is not available in the Mi TV Stick app store.

Instructions:

  • 🌐 Open the Google Play website on your computer or smartphone and log in under the same account as on the console.
  • πŸ” In search, type β€œYandex Browser for Android” TVΒ» (It is important to specify TV"!).
  • πŸ“₯ Click β€œInstall” and select your Xiaomi Mi from the list of devices. TV Stick.
  • πŸ”„ Wait for the download to be completed (the notification will appear on the console).

If the console is not displayed in the list of devices:

⚠️ Warning: Make sure you are on the Mi TV Stick is enabled sync with Google. for this go to Settings β†’ Accounts and entrance β†’ Google β†’ Synchronize data and activate all switches.

Log in to one Google account on PC and console|Enable data synchronization on Mi TV Stick|Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection|Use the browser version specifically for Android TV-->

Method 2: Installation through APK-File (if the Play Market is not working)

If the official method did not work (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can install the browser manually through the Internet. APK-It's gonna take a file:

  • πŸ“ Yandex Browser file for Android TV (Download the latest version from the official website).
  • πŸ“± USB-Drive (flash drive) or cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
  • πŸ”Œ File Manager on the console (for example, X-Plore or FX File Explorer).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download. APK-file on the computer and move it to the flash drive (to the root folder).
  2. Connect the flash drive to the Mi TV Stick through OTG-cable (if the ports are not enough, use the cable) USB-hub).
  3. Open the file manager on the console, find the APK and start the installation.
  4. Enable permission to install from unknown sources: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Security β†’ Unknown sources.

If the installation error "Application not installed" appears:

  • πŸ”„ Try another version. APK (For example, from APKCombo).
  • 🧹 Clear the cache of Google Play Services: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Play Services β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ”§ Make sure that the console has enough memory (at least 200 MB of free space).
What if the APK is not installed due to a Parse Error error?
This error occurs if the APK is built for a different processor architecture. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick uses ARM64, so download the APK versions marked arm64-v8a. If not, try the universal version or armeabi-v7a (can run slower).

Method 3: Installation via Send Files to TV (wireless method)

If there is no handheld flash drive or OTG-cable, you can pass it on APK-File on the console over Wi-Fi using the Send Files to app TV (This is a method that is suitable for users who have Mi. TV Stick and smartphone connected to the same network.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Install Send Files to TV on your smartphone and on the console (via Google Play).
  2. On your smartphone, select APK-Yandex Browser file and send it to Mi TV Stick.
  3. On the console, accept the file and confirm the installation.

Advantages of the method:

  • ⚑ Faster than downloading through a flash drive.
  • πŸ”’ No additional accessories required.
  • πŸ”„ Allows you to update your browser in the future without connecting USB.

⚠️ Note: When transferring large files (>50 MB) connection may break down. If the transmission is interrupted, restart the router and try again.

Setting up Yandex Browser after installation

After successful installation, it is recommended to optimize the browser for comfortable use on the Mi TV Stick:

ParameterRecommended settingsWhy do you need it?
Scope of the interface120–150%Large buttons are more convenient to press from the remote
Blocking adsTurn onSpeeds up page loading by 30-40%
Voice searchTurn on (in microphone settings)Simplifies the entry of requests from the remote
Auto-filling formsShut down.Avoiding conflicts with TV-interface
Saving trafficTurn onReduces Wi-Fi load when watching videos

To resize the interface:

  1. Open Yandex Browser and go to Settings β†’ Appearance.
  2. Select Page Size and set a 120% or 150% value.
  3. Save the changes and restart the browser.

πŸ’‘

If your browser is slowing down while watching video, open Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Hardware Acceleration and turn on the option. This will reduce the load on the console processor.

Solving Typical Errors in Installation

Even when following the instructions, users face problems.

1. "Device not supported" error

Reason: You are trying to install the regular version of Yandex Browser (for smartphones), not for Android TV.

Solution: Download the correct version from the official website (the file should be called yandex-browser-tv-*.apk).

2. the application is installed, but not opened

Reason: Google Play Services cache conflict or lack of rights.

Decision:

  • Clear the cache of Google Play Services: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Google Play Services β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache.
  • Reboot the console (press the Home button on the remote β†’ Settings β†’ Reboot).
  • Check if permissions are enabled for the browser: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Yandex Browser β†’ Permissions.

3. The remote does not work in the browser

Reason: By default, the browser may not recognize the Mi TV Stick buttons as a mouse.

Solution: Enable Mouse Mode in the remote settings:

  1. Press the Home button for 3 seconds.
  2. Select the remote settings β†’ Mouse mode.
  3. Now the OK and Back buttons will work as the left mouse button.

πŸ’‘

If none of these things worked, try resetting the set-top boxes to the factory (Settings β†’ Device β†’ Reset) that will delete all the data, but solve the application compatibility issues.

Comparison of Yandex Browser with alternatives for Mi TV Stick

Before the final choice, it is worth comparing Yandex Browser with other popular browsers for Android TV:

browserSpeed.Remote supportBlocking adsRussian-language interface
Yandex Browser⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Chrome⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Firefox⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (expandable)⭐⭐⭐
TV Bro⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As you can see from the table, Yandex Browser wins by most parameters, especially if you often use Russian sites or watch videos online. The only drawback is a slightly higher RAM consumption compared to Firefox, but on Mi TV Stick with 1-2 GB of RAM this is uncritical.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installation

Can I install Yandex Browser on Mi TV Stick without a computer?
Yes, if you have a smartphone. APK-file to your phone and then transfer it to the console via Send Files to TV or upload to the cloud (for example, Yandex Disk) and open the link to the console.
Why does the browser crash when you start?
This may be due to: Incompatible version of APK (download only for Android TV); memory deficiency (clear the cache of other applications); conflict with the MIUI TV shell (try to disable automatic system updates); If the problem persists, try reinstalling the browser.
How to update Yandex Browser to Mi TV Stick?
Update is possible in two ways: through Google Play (if the browser has been installed officially); Manually download the new version of APK from the official site and install on top of the old one (the data will not be erased).
Can I use Yandex Browser without a mouse?
Yes, the browser is fully adapted to control from the Mi TV Stick remote. For convenience: Use the OK button to select links. Up/down buttons to scroll the page. Long press OK calls the context menu (like the right mouse button).
Is it safe to install APKs from third-party sites?
There are risks, but they can be minimized: APK Only from the official Yandex website or verified sources (APKMirror, APKCombo). Before installing, check the hash of the file (for example, via VirusTotal). SMS Calls or calls (not needed for work).