Android TV on Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV 4/5, A Pro, P1 etc.) often comes with a pre-installed browser that leaves much to be desired: slows down when scrolling, does not support HDR-content and requires a mouse to be comfortable with, meanwhile, a properly selected browser can transform your TV-box or smart TV in a full-fledged media center - with support 4K-video, convenient control from the remote and even blocking advertising.
In this article, we tested 5 browsers optimized for Android TV 9-12 (current for Xiaomi models 2019-2026), and made a rating on the key criteria: page load speed, compatibility with the new model. DRM Widevine L1 (for watching Netflix, Disney+ High-resolution, support for remote gestures and the ability to install extensions, and youโll find step-by-step installation instructions (including bypassing Google Play restrictions for the user experience). TV-applications) and tips for setting up for maximum performance.
โ ๏ธ Important: On Xiaomi TVs with Amlogic processors (e.g. Mi) TV 4S 55") some browsers may be slower due to hardware limitations. TV ยซIt is still โsuspendingโ even when watching Full. HD-Video, check the section FAQ โ It describes the optimization methods.
1. TOP-5 browsers for Xiaomi TV: comparison-table
We tested browsers on Xiaomi Mi TV P1 65" (2023) and Mi Box S (2022) with the latest firmware updates. The table below shows the key options that influence your choice:
| browser | Speed (point 1-10) | Support for Widevine L1 | Control remote. | Blocking Advertising | Support4K/60fps | Size, MB. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Bro | 9 | โ Yes. | โ Gestures, voices. | โ Built-in AdBlock | โ Yes. | 45 |
| JioPages | 8 | โ Yes. | โ Courier + gesture | โ No. | โ Yes. | 32 |
| Puffin TV | 7 | โ L3 (max. 480p) | โ A virtual mouse | โ Cloud filtering | โ Do 1080p | 58 |
| Firefox for TV | 6 | โ Yes. | โ Demands a mouse. | โ uBlock Origin | โ Yes. | 61 |
| Kiwi Browser | 8 | โ Yes. | โ Difficult. | โ Chrome extensions | โ Yes. | 72 |
A critical nuance for Xiaomi owners TV: Chromium-based browsers (like Kiwi) can conflict with the PatchWall shell, causing lags when switching between apps. If you use Prime Video or YouTube frequently, look out for the Widevine column. L1 โ Without it, these services will restrict the permission to 720p.
2. TV Bro is the best choice for most users
TV Bro is the only browser in our ranking that was originally developed for Android. TV. Its main advantages:
- ๐ฎ Optimized control: cursor moves gestures from the remote (up/down/left/right), voice search is supported (via Google Assistant).
- ๐ Speed: uses its own engine based on Chromium, but with optimizations for the TV-Pages load 20 to 30% faster than Firefox for TV.
- ๐ก๏ธ Built-in ad blocking: does not require extensions โ filters banners and pop-ups at the level DNS.
- ๐บ Support 4K HDR: Properly plays YouTube, Twitch and Vimeo videos in maximum resolution.
โ ๏ธ Note: In some regions (for example, in Russia) TV Bro may not appear on Google Play on your TV.The solution is to install it through APK-File (instructions in the section "How to install a browser on Xiaomi" TVยป).
Set in the settings โ "Performance mode"|Disable animations in "Additional"|Activate "Fast loading of pages"|Add frequently visited websites to the main screen-->
Cons:
- ๐ฑ No sync with Chrome or Firefox (bookmarks and history are not portable).
- ๐ Sometimes it hangs when you open heavy websites (such as Facebook or TikTok).
3. Puffin TV: cloud browser with virtual mouse
Puffin TV It's unique in that it processes web pages on remote servers, and it only transmits a picture to your TV:
- It works even for the weak. TV-Boxes: for example, on the Mi Box S with 2 GB of RAM, the browser does not brake thanks to cloud processing.
- Virtual mouse: the screen displays a cursor that can be controlled from the remote โ convenient for sites that are not adapted for the user TV (For example, public services or online banks).
๐ด Main disadvantage: due to the cloud architecture of Puffin TV Only supports Widevine L3. That means that:
- ๐ฌ Netflix and Disney+ The video will be shown in no higher resolution. 480p.
- ๐ Some banking sites may block access (due to suspected use of proxy).
๐ก Tip: If you need a browser solely for viewing 4K-content, Puffin TV โ But if the priority is stability on the weak gland or working with the "not"-TV-Optimized websites will be a great solution.
How to get around the Widevine restriction L3 Puffin TV?
4. Firefox for TV: extensionist
Firefox for TV โ The only browser on our list that supports full extensions (such as uBlock Origin or Dark Reader) makes it an ideal choice for users who care about the browser:
- ๐ก๏ธ Deep privacy setting: you can disable trackers, block scripts, and even emulate a user agent (User-Agent).
- ๐ Dark subject: unlike the TV Bro, there is a built-in night theme for all sites.
- ๐ Sync: Bookmarks and history are automatically synced with other devices via Firefox account.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Firefox for TV There is a critical problem at Xiaomi. TV โ There's no normal remote control support:
- Connect a wireless mouse via Bluetooth.
- Use a remote app on a smartphone (e.g. Xiaomi) TV Remote).
- Install a virtual mouse through ADB (guideline).
๐ How to Enable a Virtual Mouse in Firefox for TV:
- Connect the TV to the PC on ADB (instruction).
- Adb shell settings put global settings pointer_location 1
- Reset the browser. Now, hold the button. OK The cursor will appear on the remote.
5. Kiwi Browser: Chromium with Extensions Support
Kiwi Browser is an open source Chromium adapted for Android. TV. Its main advantage is the support of extensions from the Chrome Web Store, which allows you to use the browser:
- ๐งฉ Install AdBlock Plus, Tampermonkey or Stylus to customize sites.
- ๐ Use Google Translate to Automatically Translate Pages.
- ๐ Activate Dark Mode Everywhere for Forced Dark Theme.
๐ด Problems with Xiaomi TV:
- Complex control: the interface is not optimized for the remote โ many elements require precise getting stuck of the cursor.
- PatchWall conflicts: on some models (Mill) TV 5 Pro) the browser may spontaneously close when folded.
- High power consumption: because of the background of Chromium TV warms up more than with TV Bro or JioPages.
๐ก Tip: If you need extensions but Kiwi Browser is unstable, try Firefox for TV โ It is less resource-intensive, but also supports add-ons.
6.JioPages: Lightweight Browser for the Weak TV
JioPages is a little-known browser from Indian operator Reliance Jio, but itโs great for Xiaomi. TV Amlogic-powered S905 (Like the Mi Box. 4K or Mi TV 4A). His key pieces:
- โก Minimalist interface: no extra buttons and animations โ ideal for weak devices.
- ๐ Built-in translator: supports 10+ languages, including Russian.
- ๐ต Media Optimization: Automatically determines video players and offers to go to full screen mode.
โ ๏ธ Note: JioPages does not block ads or support extensions, but it is the only one on our list who works correctly for Xiaomi. TV with 1 GB of RAM (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 32").
๐ How to speed up JioPages:
- Open the Settings. โ Privacy and disable "Data Collectionยป.
- B Settings โ Select โTraffic Saving Modeยป.
- Add frequently visited sites to Quick Access on the home screen.
How to install a browser on Xiaomi TV: 3 ways
Installation of the browser on Android TV It's different from a smartphone -- many apps just don't show up on Google Play on your TV. We've compiled 3 work methods that are relevant to firmware. MIUI TV 2023โ2026:
Method 1: Installation via Google Play (officially)
Some browsers (such as Firefox for) TV Puffin TV) They're available on the Play Market, but you need to look for them from your TV, not your smartphone:
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- In the search, type the browser name (for example, TV Bro).
- If the app is not available, try changing your account region to the US or India (in Google Play settings).
- Click "Install" and confirm permissions.
Method 2: Installation APK via Send Files to TV
If the browser is not in the Play Market, download APK-file on your smartphone and transfer it to the TV:
- Download it on your smartphone. APK from a verified source (e.g. APKCombo).
- Install the Send Files to app on your smartphone TV (link).
- Open the app on your phone and TV, select a file APK and send him.
- On the TV, confirm the installation in the Settings menu โ Security โ Unknown sources.
๐ก
Before installation APK Check the hash on VirusTotal, which will keep you from viruses, especially for browsers like Kiwi, which are often faked.
Method 3: Installation via ADB (for experienced)
If the previous methods have not worked, use them. ADB (Android Debug Bridge):
- Download Platform Tools from the Android Developers website.
- Turn on the TV to debug. USB: Settings โ On TV. โ Software version (click 7 times) Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers โ Debugging by USB
- Connect the TV to the PC on USB (or over the network, if supported by).
- In the command line, run: adb install path to file.apk
๐ก
If the browser does not open after installation, clear the cache in Settings โ Annexes โ [Browser name] โ Clear the cache. TV With 2GB of RAM, it solves 90% of startup problems.