How to turn on the browser on the Xiaomi TV: all the ways and subtleties of setting up

Introduction: Why do you need a browser on Xiaomi Smart TV?

Modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV, Xiaomi TV A) are equipped with a full-fledged Android TV or Google TV operating system, which provides access to thousands of applications from streaming services to games. However, many users overlook the built-in browser that allows you to access the Internet directly from the big screen, which is especially convenient for viewing web versions of videos (for example, YouTube without ads), reading news or even working with documents through Google Docs.

Unlike smartphones, where the browser is always at hand, it is not so obvious on the TV to launch it. The manufacturer often “hide” the app icon in the depths of the menu, and in some firmware the browser is not at all by default. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on the browser on Xiaomi TVs, from standard to alternative, and also explain how to solve typical problems with its work.

Important: the functionality of the browser depends on the TV model and firmware version. For example, on Mi TV 4S (2018-2020), a stripped-down version of Android TV 9 is used, where the browser may not be available, and on Xiaomi TV Q2 (2023) with Google TV 12, a full-fledged Chrome is available.

Method 1: Standard launch through the main menu

On most Xiaomi TVs, the browser is installed by default, but its icon is not always visible on the home screen.

1. Press the Home button on the remote (home) – the main menu will open.
2. Go to the Apps section (or Apps in English firmware).
3. Scroll down the list and look for icons: 🌐 Browser (standard browser from Xiaomi). 🔍 Internet or Web Browser (on new models). 🎯 Chrome (if the TV is on Google) TV).

OK

If the browser is not on the list, try:

• 🔍 Use search by application (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).
• 📁 Check the folder All applications (sometimes the browser is hidden there).
• 🔄 Reboot TV: Press the Power on the remote for 5 seconds.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (India, China), the browser can be blocked by regional restrictions, in which case changing the region in settings or installing an alternative browser will help.

Method 2: Install your browser via Google Play

If there is no standard browser or it does not suit the functionality, you can install an alternative one - for example, Google Chrome, Firefox or TV Bro (optimized for TVs).

Open Google Play Store on your TV

Type the browser name (e.g. Chrome) into the search

Select an official application from the developer

Click Set and wait until it is completed.

Launch the browser from the application menu-->

Important nuances:

• 📱 Not all browsers are optimized for remote control. Chrome, for example, requires a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard connection for easy surfing.
• 🔒 Some applications (such as Firefox) may not support DRM, This will not allow Netflix or Disney to play videos.+.
• 📦 Memory: Browsers take 50 to 200 MB. Make sure there is enough space on the TV (check Settings). → Memory).

For models without Google Play (e.g. Mi) TV 4A For the Chinese market, you will have to install the browser manually through APK-This is in the next section.

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If the browser doesn’t open after installation, try clearing its cache: Settings → Apps → Select a browser → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Install the browser via APK (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for Xiaomi TVs without access to Google Play or with a stripped-down firmware.

• 📁 APK-browser file (for example, APKMirror).
• 💾 USB-A storage device or cloud storage (such as Google Drive).
• 🔧 Installation from unknown sources.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the browser’s APK (we recommend TV Bro or Puffin TV – they are optimized for the remote).
2. Move the file to a flash drive or to the cloud.
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV or open a file from the cloud through the File Manager.
4. Run the APK and confirm the installation.
5. After installation, find the browser in the application menu.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Set up. APK Only from verified sources – viruses on Android TV They are less common than on smartphones, but there is a risk.
• ⚠️ Some browsers (such as Chrome) require architecture. ARM64. Clarify the supported architecture of your Xiaomi model in the documentation.

Method 4: Running a browser through voice search

On Xiaomi TVs with Google Assistant (Models 2021 and later), the browser can be opened with a voice command.

1. Press and hold the Microphone button on the remote (or say OK, Google).
2. Say one of the commands: Open browser Launch Chrome Show YouTube site (opens in browser)

If the voice assistant does not recognize the command:

• 🎤 Check if Google Assistant is enabled in the settings (Settings) → The device → Voice search).
• 🌐 Make sure the TV is connected to the Internet (without the network, voice commands do not work).
• 🔊 Switch voice to English – sometimes recognition works more accurately.

On Xiaomi TVs with firmware for the Chinese market (without Google services), voice search works through XiaoAI, but only supports Chinese, in which case, to launch the browser with voice, you will need to change the firmware region.

Problem Solving: The browser does not open or does not work correctly

If the browser is installed but does not start or gives errors, check the following points:

1. Internet problems

• 🔌 Make sure the TV is connected to the network (Settings) → Network).
• 📶 If you use Wi-Fi, check the strength of the signal (must be at least 2-3 divisions).
• 🔄 Restart router and TV.

2. Browser errors

• 🗑️ Clear the cache and browser data (Settings) → Annexes → Select your browser → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Update your browser through Google Play.
• 📥 If the browser is installed through APK, Try re-installing it.

Regional restrictions

On some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market), the browser may be blocked.

• 🌍 Change the TV region to the US or Europe (Settings) → System system → Region).
• 🔧 Install. VPN (For example, Windscribe or ProtonVPN via Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the region may cause some settings to reset (e.g., a list of channels) pre-write down important settings or back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

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If the browser opens but the sites don’t load, check your DNS settings. Try using Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

Alternative ways to surf the Internet on Xiaomi TV

If the built-in browser is not satisfied, consider alternative options:

1. Web-browsing applications

Some applications have a built-in browser:

• 📺 YouTube – allows you to open links in a mini browser.
• 🎮 Steam Link – you can broadcast a PC screen with a full browser.
• 📱 Miracast – Duplication of the smartphone screen on the TV.

2. Connecting peripherals

For easy browser management:

• 🖱️ Connect a wireless mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Use a gamepad (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller) – some browsers support joystick navigation.

3. Smart consoles

If the browser on the TV is slow, consider connecting an external device:

• 📦 Android TV-boxing (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S).
• 💻 Mini-PC (on Windows or Linux) with output HDMI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the browser on Xiaomi TV