Many users of Xiaomi smart TVs face an unexpected obstacle: the inability to fully use the Internet browser or find the standard Google Chrome application in the preinstalled menu.This is due to the features of the PatchWall shell, which the Chinese manufacturer installs on top of the Android TV operating system.
However, the absence of a visible icon does not mean that the functionality is blocked. In fact, the file system and the program code of the TV allow you to run web surfing or install the necessary utilities to access the search engine. You only need to perform a few specific actions to circumvent the interface limitations and gain full access to the capabilities of the Smart TV.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the available ways, from simple voice search to third-party browser installations. You’ll learn how to activate hidden settings and why standard methods may not work in your area. The key is to understand the difference between built-in content search and a full-fledged web browser. Let’s get started with setting up your device.
Why Google Chrome is not on your TV
The first question that comes to the owner of the new TV is: where did the browser go? The fact is that the Android TV interface was not originally designed to be controlled from a remote control in the format of a classic desktop. Google did not develop a full version of Chrome for large screens with button navigation, since the mouse cursor is not here.
TV makers, including Xiaomi, are licensed to use the operating system with certain restrictions, designed to make it easy to watch videos on YouTube, Netflix or embedded theaters, while browsers require complex navigation, which degrades the user experience when using a standard remote.
Why does Google ban browsers on TV?
However, the operating system remains an open platform, which means you can install it yourself. APK-Application files that are not certified for TVs but are capable of running on TVs open the door to installing any version of browsers, including mobile or special editions. TV-version.
Use of built-in search and voice assistant
The easiest way to find information without installing unnecessary software is to use the built-in features of the system. Xiaomi TVs with a PatchWall shell or a pure Android TV have a powerful search for content and web queries. It is integrated directly into Google Assistant.
To activate the function, look for a microphone button or a color circle on the remote control, and if you press it, you activate voice input, say "Open YouTube" or "Find a video about car repairs," and the system will either offer results from the Internet or launch an app.
If you need to enter a text request manually:
- 🔍 Click the “Menu” button or select the search bar on the home screen.
- ⌨️ Use the on-screen keyboard to enter a query in Google Search.
- 📱 Use the Google Home app on your smartphone to enter text from your phone that will instantly appear on your TV screen.
This method is ideal for fast queries, but it is not suitable for full surfing of sites with a form of data entry or complex structure.
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Use your smartphone as a remote to type. Google Home or YouTube has a feature to type text from your phone's keyboard, which is much faster than typing letters with the remote buttons.
Installation of the browser through the Google Play Store
Despite the limitations, the official Google Play app store has several browsers adapted to control from the remote, which have a simplified interface and large navigation elements, and is the safest and most stable way to access the Internet.
To install, go to the app menu and select the Play Store icon. In the search bar, type the word "Browser." Note that popular Chrome won't be there. You'll be offered alternatives like Puffin TV Browser, TV Bro, or Firefox (in some regions).
Recommended browsers for installation:
- 🚀 Puffin TV Browser – has built-in cloud data processing, which speeds up the loading of heavy pages.
- 🦊 Firefox – allows you to synchronize bookmarks with your computer and supports the installation of add-ons.
- 🌐 TV Bro – completely free, has built-in ad blocker and supports video playback in the background.
Once you select the app, click the "Install" button, which will take a few seconds depending on your Internet connection speed, and after you complete the app menu, you'll see a new icon that you can use to access any site.
☑️ Installation of a browser from the store
Third-party installation APK-File (Sideloading)
If you don't like standard browsers from the store, you can install a full Google Chrome or Opera on the mobile version, a process called sideloading, which requires you to download the.apk installation file from a trusted source and allow the system to install applications from unknown sources.
First you need a file manager. If it's not included, install File Commander or Send Files to TV From the Play Store. Then download. APK-A browser file on a computer or smartphone. Pass the file to the TV via a computer or smartphone. USB-drive-in.
When you try to start the installer, the system will give you a security alert.
- Go to Settings → Security and limitations.
- Find the item Unknown sources.
- Allow installation for a specific application (e.g., file manager).
⚠️ Attention: Download APK-files only from official developer sites or trusted repositories, such as APKMirror. Installing modified files can lead to the TV being infected by a miner virus.
After installation, the mobile version of the browser may not work properly due to the lack of a mouse cursor. USB-port the TV with a regular computer mouse or use the Air Mouse mode through the application on the smartphone.
Customization of the control and mouse cursor
The main problem when installing conventional browsers on Android TVChrome or Yandex Browser, you need to emulate the cursor.
There are two main solutions. One is to connect a wireless mouse through a wireless mouse. USB-Xiaomi's TVs are great at peripheral recognition, and the arrow will appear on the screen, and this makes the TV a full-fledged computer.
The second option is to use a smartphone. Remote applications like CetusPlay or the official Android TV Remote Control often have a touchpad function. The phone screen becomes the touchpad that controls the cursor on the TV.
| Management method | Pluses | Cons | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Mouse | Accuracy, familiar interface | It takes up the port, you need a free USB. | 100% compatible |
| Bluetooth Mouse | No wires, convenient. | Consumes the battery of the remote / mouse | BT module required |
| Smartphone (App) | Always at hand, no need for additional devices. | There could be cursor delay. | We need Wi-Fi. |
| Remote (D-Pad) | No need to adjust. | It does not work in conventional browsers | Only TV-browser |
The choice of method depends on your preferences. For rare use, a smartphone is enough, but for constant surfing, it is better to purchase a compact wireless mouse with a touchpad that lies next to the remote control.
Broadcasting the screen from a smartphone (Cast)
If you don't want to mess with installing browsers on your TV, you can use it just as a large monitor. Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) technology allows you to broadcast a browser tab from your phone or computer directly to the Xiaomi screen.
Make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open your Chrome browser on your phone, click on three dots on the menu, and select "Cast." From the device list, select your Xiaomi TV.
This method has its advantages:
- 📱 All complex calculations and page rendering takes over a powerful smartphone processor.
- 🔐 You can enter passwords and card data safely without fear of saving them in your TV’s memory.
- 🚫 Websites that block TV will think you’re on your phone and open correctly.
⚠️ Warning: When broadcasting a smartphone screen, the battery of the mobile device will discharge much faster.It is recommended to keep the phone on charge during prolonged use.
You can also stream a tab directly from the Chrome desktop browser on your computer. Right-click anywhere on the page and select Translate to Device, then select the TV, which will turn your TV into a huge web browsing monitor.
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Screen broadcasting is the safest way to enter sensitive data, as the information is not stored in the TV system.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter various technical difficulties during the setup process. It is common for the browser to install but not open pages. This may be due to an incorrectly set date and time on the system. Check the settings in Settings → Device → Date and time and enable automatic synchronization.
Another common problem is a lack of RAM: Browsers consume a lot of resources, and Xiaomi TVs do not always have excess power. If the system is slow, close the background applications and clear the browser cache through the Android settings menu.
If the video is not played in the browser, there may be no codec required, in which case you should try installing Puffin, which uses cloud servers to process video, or use specialized player applications by opening links through them.