Owners of modern Smart TVs often face the desire to open a web page directly from the TV screen, bypassing a smartphone or laptop. In the Android TV operating system, which is the basis of most Xiaomi Mi TV models, this feature is not implemented as clearly as in conventional desktop systems. The standard interface can hide access to full web surfing, creating the illusion of its absence.
But there is a web browser on the device, and it's fully functional for watching videos, reading news, or working with documents, and the problem is often that there's no home screen shortcut or remote input settings, and understanding the architecture of Android TV makes it easy to get around these limitations.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can run your browser, and we will look at the standard MIUI for TV, the methods of installing third-party applications, and the nuances of cursor control, and you will learn how to turn your TV into a full-fledged multimedia station for access to any resources of the global network.
Search and launch of the Mi Browser browser
The first thing Xiaomi TV owners need to do is check for an app that is pre-installed. The company often integrates its own product, called Mi Browser, directly into the firmware, which is optimized for remote control and has a simplified interface adapted to large screen diagonals.
To find the app, use voice search or the built-in menu search function. Press the button with the image of the magnifying glass on the remote or say a command if the voice assistant is configured. Type the name "Browser" or "Mi Browser" and wait for the search results in the system.
If you find an application but it's not on your desktop, you can either start it right away or add it to your favorites, which is the most stable way to surf, because it doesn't require you to install any additional software, but the functionality of this version can be limited compared to desktop counterparts.
Where to look if the search does not give results?
Keep in mind that navigation in the standard browser is done only with the remote buttons, which means that there is no full mouse cursor, which can make it difficult to interact with sites that are not adapted for TVs.
Install Google Chrome and other browsers from the Play Store
If the standard solution is not enough, the logical step is to install a more advanced browser: the Google Play Store on Xiaomi TVs provides access to thousands of apps, including popular browsers, but not all mobile versions work correctly on large screens.
You should pay attention to the versions of the apps labeled “Android TV” that have a button-based interface, and if the app is not searchable on your TV, you can install it remotely via the Google Play web version from a computer or smartphone linked to the same account.
☑️ Check before installing the browser
Among the most popular options for installation is to highlight:
- 🌐 TV Bro – a specialized browser with built-in remote support and ad blocker.
- 🦊 Firefox – has a version for Android TV synchronized.
- 🚀 Puffin TV Browser – a cloud browser that allows you to load heavy pages faster.
- 📺 JioPages – a lightweight browser with support for video codecs and incognito mode.
The installation process is standard: find the app in the Play Store search, click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed, and then the shortcut will appear in the general list of applications.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing heavy desktop browsers (such as full Chrome versions for desktop browsers) PC) through emulators if your Xiaomi TV has less than 2 GB of RAM, which can lead to a critical slowdown of the entire system and the interface freeze.
Sideload: installation APK-browser files through USB or bootloader
In situations where the desired application is not in the official Google Play store, the sideload method comes to the rescue. APK-Xiaomi TVs often use the "Send Files to" app to do this. TV" or the built-in bootloader".
First, you need to allow installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings → Security and Restrictions → Security. Find Unknown Sources and activate the switch for the selected installer. Without this step, the system will block the launch of the installation file.
Settings → Device → Security → Unknown sources → Allow for bootloaderAfter activating the permission download APK-the file of the desired browser (for example, a modified version of Chrome with remote support) directly to the TV through the built-in browser of the bootloader or toss the file through the file USB-File system.Android file system TV Find the installer and start the installation.
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Use the application "Send Files to" TV" (SFTTV), And you can put it on your phone and on your TV, and you can transmit it. APK-browser files over a local Wi-Fi network in seconds without the need to run with a flash drive.
Pay special attention to the version of Android installed on your device. For older versions (Android 8 and below), the process is easier, while newer versions of Android TV 10/11 may require additional security confirmations every time you install third-party software.
Control problem: how to move a cursor without a mouse
One of the biggest challenges when you go online on a TV is that you don't have a mouse, and standard browsers are touch screen or keyboard sharpened, and the remote has only navigation buttons, and the solution is critical for comfortable surfing.
There are several effective ways to emulate a cursor:
- 🖱️ Mouse mode in the Mi Remote app - the official application from Xiaomi on the smartphone has a touchpad mode that translates the movements of the finger on the phone screen in the movements of the cursor on TV.
- 🎮 Connection USB-The simplest and most reliable method is to connect a normal computer mouse to a computer. USB-port of the TV, and the cursor will appear on the screen.
- 📱 Applications-remotes with a gyroscope - programs like "TV Remote Control uses phone gyroscope to turn it into an air mouse.
Using a physical mouse is often the most effective solution for initial browser setup, logging into Google accounts, and entering complex passwords. Once authorized, you can switch to remote control if the browser supports navigation through interface elements.
Some advanced users connect wireless sets "keyboard" + touchpad USB-This makes the TV a full-fledged computer, allowing you to quickly type text in the search strings and navigate the web conveniently.
⚠️ Attention: When connected USB-On the periphery, make sure the TV port is producing enough voltage (usually 0.5A or 1A). Cheap, active-light wireless mice can interfere with the TV's Wi-Fi module due to proximity to the 2.4GHz frequencies.
Broadcasting browser tabs from a smartphone or PC
If the built-in browsers of Xiaomi TV seem uncomfortable or slow, there is always the option of screen broadcast (Cast) This allows you to use a powerful browser on your smartphone or computer, displaying the image on the big screen.
To implement this method, devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. In Google Chrome on your computer, click three dots in the upper right corner, select "Translate" (Cast) and specify your TV in the list of available devices. The screen or tab will instantly appear on TV.
On Android smartphones, the feature is called "Translation" or "Smart View" and is in the notification curtain. iPhone devices use AirPlay technology, which is supported by many Xiaomi models, and the image quality in this case depends on the speed of your local network.
The advantage of broadcasting is that all plugins, extensions and saved passwords remain on your main device, and the TV acts as a monitor, which removes questions about the performance of its processor when processing heavy graphics of sites.
Comparison of methods of accessing web content
To choose the best way to access the Internet, it is worth comparing the available options by key parameters. Different use cases require different approaches: a regular application will suffice to watch videos in online cinemas, and a full-fledged browser with a mouse will be required to work with documents.
| Method | Convenience of navigation | Speed of operation | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Mi Browser | Medium (remote) | Tall. | Minimum |
| Installation of APK (TV Bro) | High (remote/mouse) | Medium | Medium |
| Broadcast (Cast) | Depends on the source. | Depends on Wi-Fi. | Low. |
| PC Connection (HDMI) | Maximum. | Maximum | Low. |
As you can see from the table, the installation of specialized TV-Browser or broadcasting is the middle ground, and it balances the quality of the display with the ease of use. HDMI It should be considered as a backup option for complex tasks.
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The optimal bundle for the owner of Xiaomi TV is to install the TV Bro browser for quick access and use the smartphone as a touchpad for navigation.