How to open a browser on Xiaomi Smart TV: 5 ways for all models

Introduction: why you need a browser on Xiaomi Smart TV

Modern Xiaomi TVs on Android TV or Google TV offer ample opportunities to surf the Internet directly from the big screen. However, many users face the problem: the standard browser is either hidden in the depths of the menu or not at all in the list of applications. This situation is especially relevant for low-end models Mi TV 4A, Mi TV P1 or Redmi Smart TV, where the manufacturer often restricts preinstalled software.

In this article, we will explore all the current ways to access the browser on Xiaomi TVs, from standard solutions to workarounds for models without a preinstalled browser. You will learn how to enable a hidden browser through settings, install third-party applications like TV Bro or Puffin TV, and solve typical network connection problems.

It is important to understand that the functionality of the browser on TV is limited compared to computers or smartphones. There is no Flash support, many sites are not displayed correctly due to the lack of optimization for large screens, and remote control is often uncomfortable. However, for viewing news, checking email or streaming videos from obscure platforms, the browser on Xiaomi Smart TV remains an indispensable tool.

Method 1: Standard browser in the application menu

On most Xiaomi TVs (except for the most budget lines), the browser is pre-installed, but can be hidden in an unobvious place.

1. Open the main menu with the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to the Apps section (or Apps on English firmware).
3. Scroll down the list – the browser icon can be called Browser, Internet or TV Browser.
4. If there is no icon, try using the search bar (the magnifier in the top corner) and enter the browser request.

On Mi TV 4S and later, the browser is often integrated into the system as a "Web browser".

Settings → Device → About the program → Software Version → Click 5 times on the build number

After that, a hidden section for developers will appear in the menu, where access to the browser is sometimes activated.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (India, China), the standard browser can be blocked by regional restrictions, in which case you will need to change the region or install an alternative browser.

Method 2: Install a third-party browser via Google Play

If there is no standard browser or it is unstable, the best solution is to install an alternative from the Google Play Store.

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV (if not, see the Google Play install section).
2. In the search bar, enter: 🌐 TV Bro Browser – optimized for TV, supports gestures from the remote. 🦅 Puffin TV Browser – fast, Flash-enabled (paid). 🔍 JioPages – a lightweight browser for weak TVs (free).

Annexes

For models without Google Play (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) TV Stick or some Redmi TV) will require manual installation APK-Download the browser file (for example, file, TV Bro) on the flash drive, connect it to the TV and install it through the File Manager or ES Conductor.

Method 3: Access via "Screen Mirror" (Miracast)

If the browser on the TV is slow or does not support the desired sites, you can use the projection of the screen from a smartphone or computer. This method is suitable for all models of Xiaomi Smart TV, including the old Mi TV 3 and Mi Box.

Instructions for Android-smartphone:

1. On TV: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Mirror.
2. On your smartphone: open Settings → Connections → Transmission (or Smart View on Samsung).
3. Select your TV from the list of devices.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Press Win + K and select Connect to the wireless display.
2. In the list, find your Xiaomi TV (should be called MiTV).
3. Confirm the connection on the TV.

⚠️ Note: When mirroring from a PC, video may be delayed up to 1-2 seconds. For comfortable surfing, it is recommended to use a wired connection of the TV to the router (via Ethernet or adapter). USB-LAN).

Method 4: Using Google Assistant to Open a Browser

On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (such as Mi TV Q1 2022 or Mi TV A2 43), the browser can be launched by voice.

1. Press the Google Assistant button on the remote (microphone).
2. Tell me: 🎤 "Open the browser" 🎤 "Launch the Internet" 🎤 "Show the website [name]" (e.g., "Show the Yandex website")

If the voice assistant doesn’t find the browser, try alternative commands:

"Run the TV Bro app."


"Open Puffin TV Browser"

Important: On PatchWall firmware models (such as the Indian versions of the Mi TV 5X), voice search can be blocked, in which case only manual APK installation will help.

💡

If voice search doesn’t work, upgrade your TV firmware to the latest version. Go to Settings → About → System Update.

Method 5: Unlocking a Hidden Browser via ADB

For advanced users, there is a method of activating a hidden browser via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for models where the browser is disabled by the manufacturer, but its files remain in the system (for example, Redmi Smart TV X50 or Mi TV 4A 32).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on TV: Settings → About → Click 7 times on “Build Number” → Back to Settings → For developers → Debugging on USB
2. Connect the TV to your PC via a USB-OTG adapter (or Wi-Fi if supported).
3. On your computer, open the command line and type: adb devices (should display your device).
4. Run the command to run a hidden browser: adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.web.WebBrowserActivity or for new models: adb shell am start -n com.mitv.tvhome/.web.WebBrowserActivity

If the browser gives an error "Not supported" when trying to play a video, install the MX Player or VLC application - they support most formats.

💡

On Xiaomi TVs with 1 GB of RAM (such as Mi TV 4A 32), the browser can run extremely slowly, in which case it is recommended to use screen mirroring from a smartphone or PC.

How to install Google Play on Xiaomi Smart TV without a browser

Some Xiaomi models (especially low-end or Chinese) lack the Google Play Market, and you can't install third-party browsers without it, and the solution is manually installing Google services.

Instructions:

1. Download 4 files (versions for Android TV): GoogleAccountManager.apk GoogleServicesFramework.apk GooglePlayServices.apk Phonesky.apk (this is Google Play)

You can find the files on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums (see Google Play for Xiaomi TV).

File manager

ES Conductor

Settings → Reboot

Google Play

If Google Play does not open after installation, reset to factory settings:

Settings → System → Reset → Erase all data

This procedure will remove all installed apps and accounts!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the browser on Xiaomi Smart TV