How to access the browser on the Xiaomi TV: all the ways and solutions

Xiaomi's Android TVs or Google TVs offer a lot of surfing options, but it's not always obvious how to launch a browser. Unlike smartphones, where the browser icon is always at hand, the set-top boxes and Smart TV interface are organized differently, and many users find that the standard browser is hidden in the depths of the menu or not at all in the application list.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to access the browser on Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models of the brand, from embedded solutions to installing third-party applications. We’ll focus on the typical problems: why the browser can not open, how to configure access to the network and what to do if pages are not loaded. If you want not only to watch YouTube, but also to fully use websites on the big screen, this guide is for you.

Why Xiaomi TV doesn’t have a browser in its app menu

On most Xiaomi TVs, the browser doesn’t appear on the default home screen, for several reasons:

• 📱 UI optimization: The manufacturer hides underused applications to avoid cluttering the desktop. Browser on TV is used less often than, for example, Netflix or Prime Video.
• 🔄 On older models (until 2020), the browser could be pre-installed, and on new ones - require manual activation.
• 🛡️ Google restrictions: Chrome or Android WebView is disabled on some regional firmwares due to licensing agreements.
• 📦 Minimalist approach: Xiaomi aims to simplify the interface for users who do not plan to use TV to surf.

It's important to understand that the browser on your TV isn't always a full Google Chrome, but it's often a simplified version based on WebView that supports basic features but may not display complex sites (such as social networks or online banks) correctly. If you want a full browser, you'll have to install it separately.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware for the Chinese market (for example, models with suffixes) CN In the name of the browser, the built-in browser can be blocked, in which case you will need to change the region or install alternative software.

Method 1: Launching the built-in browser through the settings menu

The easiest way to open a browser is to find it through the system menu. The instructions are relevant for most models of Mi TV 4/4S/4A, Redmi Smart TV X and others on Android TV 9.0+:

1. Turn on the TV and press the Settings button on the remote.
2. Go to the Appendix section → All Appendices.
3. Scroll down and find the Browser item (can be called the Internet, TV Browser, or Web Viewer).
4. Select it and press OK on the remote. If the browser doesn't start, click Install or Update.

If there is no browser in the list of applications, try an alternative path:

1. Open the settings → Device → About the program.
2. Quickly click on the Build Number line several times (Developer Mode is activated).
3. Go back to the main settings menu and find a new section for developers.
4. Turn on the USB Debugging option and connect the TV to your computer via a USB-Type C cable (if supported).
5. From the computer via ADB, execute the command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://google.com"

This command will force the built-in browser to open, and if it's not in the system, an Activity not found error will appear.

Is the TV connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)?

Has the firmware been updated to the latest version?

Is there any space in the memory (minimum 200 MB)?

Is the developer mode activated (if required)?

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Method 2: Install an alternative browser via Google Play

If the built-in browser is missing or not working properly, you can install a third-party app. On Xiaomi TVs with Google Play Store, the following options are available:

• 🌐 TV Bro – optimized for TV, supports remote control, advertising blocking.
• 🦊 Firefox for Fire TV — Firefox version with extension support (requires manual installation) APK).
• 🔍 Puffin TV Browser – a cloud browser with high download speed, but requires registration.
• 📡 Kiwi Browser – Lightweight browser based on Chromium, supports a dark theme.

Installation through Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV (the icon in the app menu).
2. In the search bar, enter the browser name (for example, TV Bro).
3. Select the application from the list and click Install.
4. After installation, launch the browser from the All Applications section.

If the Google Play Store is not on your TV (relevant to the Chinese versions), you will have to install the browser manually through the Internet. APK-- For that, file:

1. Download. APK browser (for example, with APKMirror) USB-accumulator.
2. Connect the flash drive to the TV.
3. Open the File Manager (or ES Explorer if installed) and find the downloaded file.
4. Start the installation by pre-allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From unverified sources, you can infect your TV with malware. Use only official sites like APKMirror or APKPure, and check hash files before installing them.

Xiaomi's built-in browser|TV Bro|Firefox|Puffin TV|Other-->

Method 3: Use the Screen Mirroring (Phone Screen) function

If the browser on the TV is unstable or does not support the desired sites, you can display the screen of the smartphone on TV. This method is suitable for all models of Xiaomi Mi TV and does not require the installation of additional applications on the TV.

How to turn on Screen Mirroring:

1. On your TV, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Phone screen (or Miracast).
2. On your smartphone (Android), lower the notification curtain and find the screen transfer option (or Smart View on Samsung, Wireless Display on other brands).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the TV connection.

Once synchronized, you can open your browser on your smartphone, and the image will be duplicated on the TV screen.

• 📺 Watch videos from websites that don’t have TV apps.
• 🎮 Online browser games (such as Agar.io or Slither.io).
• 📊 Work with web versions of messengers (WhatsApp Web, Telegram Web).

Cons of the method:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption of the smartphone.
• 📶 Possible lags with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
• 🖥️ Not all websites are properly displayed in the mobile version on the big screen.

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If you connect to an image artifact, try to reduce the screen resolution on your smartphone in the developer settings (Minimum width → set 720dp).

Solving problems: the browser does not open or load pages

If the browser on the Xiaomi TV refuses to work, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try resetting your browser settings:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find the browser in the list and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reboot the TV (Power button on the remote → Reboot).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 32") the built-in browser may block access to certain sites due to parental control. To disable restrictions, go to Settings → Security → Parental control and reset PIN (default: 0000 or 1234).

Optimizing the browser on Xiaomi TV: tips for convenience

To surf the Internet on the big screen was comfortable, use these tips:

• 🔍 Control from the remote: In most browsers for TV, the cursor is moved by arrows on the remote, and the choice is moved by a button OK. For convenience, connect a wireless mouse via Bluetooth or USB-port.
• 📱 Voice search: in Google Chrome or TV Bro can be used by voice input via microphone on the remote (if supported). Press and hold the Google Assistant button.
• 🌓 Dark Topic: To reduce eye strain, turn on dark mode in your browser settings or through Settings → Display. → Dark subject on TV.
• 🔒 Ad Blocking: Install a browser with a built-in blocker (for example, TV Bro) or use DNS-filtering (in network settings specify) DNS 1.1.1.3 to block advertising).

On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV firmware (such as Mi TV 5 Pro), the built-in browser supports control gestures: swipe up/down on the remote scrolls the page, and double-click OK brings the image closer.

For frequent visits to certain sites:

1. Add them to bookmarks (in most browsers – the Star button on the toolbar).
2. Create a shortcut on the home screen: open the site, click Menu on the remote → Add to the home screen.

Security when using a browser on a Smart TV

Android TVs are vulnerable to the same threats as smartphones: viruses, phishing, data breaches, to protect their devices:

• 🛡️ Update your firmware: Check for updates to Settings regularly → About the programme → Updating the system.
• 🔐 Use it. VPN: To access blocked sites, install VPN-Application (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe).
• 🚫 Block pop-ups: In browser settings, disable permission to display notifications from sites.
• 📋 Clear History: Periodically delete your browsing history and cookies in your browser settings → Confidentiality.

Pay special attention to phishing: on the big screen, fraudulent sites can look more convincing.

• The site address (should start with https://, not http://).
• The presence of a lock in the address bar.
• Spelling errors in URLs (e.g. paypa1.com instead of paypal.com)

⚠️ Warning: Never enter bank card details or account passwords through your browser on your TV unless you are sure of the security of the site. For financial transactions, it is better to use official applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) or a smartphone.

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The safest way to surf on Xiaomi TV is to use a browser with built-in protection (for example, Firefox with Reinforced Protection enabled) and regularly clean the cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the browser on Xiaomi TV