Xiaomi Mi Box S: how to put the browser - a detailed guide

While many users expect to get a full-fledged multimedia station with Xiaomi Mi Box S, standard Android TV firmware has a significant limitation: no built-in web browser. This decision is dictated by the specifics of using TVs, where remote control is not always convenient for navigating web pages. However, the need for access to Internet content that is not presented in the official Google Play store remains high.

Installing a third-party browser gives access to thousands of websites with movies, news and online games that cannot be run by regular means. The installation process does not require a deep knowledge of programming, but involves performing a number of specific actions, since direct installation from the Play Store on TVs is often unavailable or limited. USB-storage device.

In this guide, we will discuss the most effective methods for solving the problem, paying special attention to interface compatibility with the remote control. We will look at why standard mobile versions of browsers can be uncomfortable, and what specialized versions of the browsers are used for the development of the Internet. TV-Browsers are best suited to the Android ecosystem TV. Choosing the right app is half of the success, because the comfort of your interaction with the device depends on it.

Why there is no browser on the Mi Box S and which one to choose

The lack of a pre-installed browser in Xiaomi Mi Box S is a conscious decision by Google and Xiaomi, focused on consuming content through certified applications. However, for many users this becomes a barrier. The market offers many options, but not all of them are adapted to control from the remote. The key criterion for choosing is the availability of support for D-Pad navigation.

Conventional mobile browsers, like standard Chrome or Firefox for Android, require mouse control or touchscreen. Trying to install them on the console will result in the fact that you simply can not click on the right link or enter the site address. You will need either special mouse emulator utilities, which is inconvenient, or specialized versions created specifically for large screens.

The best solution for Mi Box S owners is apps like TV Bro, Puffin TV or JioPages. They have a horizontal interface and button management. Unlike desktop counterparts, they consume less RAM, which is critical for a console with its 2 GB RAM. Choosing the right software will save you from lags and freezes.

Preparation of prefixes for the installation of third-party applications

Before you download installation files, you need to change the security settings of your Xiaomi Mi Box S. By default, the system blocks the installation of applications from unknown sources to protect the user from malware. This is a standard procedure that must be performed once before any manipulations are initiated. APK-file.

You need to get into the system settings menu. On the remote, press the gear button or hold the menu button to call for quick access. Next, follow the Settings → Security and Restrictions → Unknown Sources. In the list that opens, you need to find the file manager through which you will run the installation and allow it to install applications.

⚠️ Note: By allowing installation from unknown sources, you are taking responsibility for the security of downloaded files. APK-files only from verified resources, such as the official developer site or large repositories like APKMirror.

Also make sure that the console is on. USB-Setting up or debugging over Wi-Fi if you plan to transfer files remotely. For most users, the easiest way is to use the data. USB-Format the drive into the file system. FAT32, The Mi Box S is guaranteed to recognize it without additional drivers.

Method of installation via USB-drive

The most reliable and quickest way to install a browser on the Xiaomi Mi Box S is to use an external drive. This method does not depend on the speed of the Wi-Fi connection during installation and allows you to check the file with antivirus on your computer in advance, USB-flash drive and APK-file of the selected browser (for example, TV Bro).

First, download the installer to your computer. Make sure you download the Android version. TV (Usually there is a note in the file title. TV Copy the file onto a flash drive, paste it into the flash drive. USB-The system must automatically notify you of the connection of a new device or prompt you to open the file manager.

If you don’t automatically start, use the Explorer built-in app or install File Commander from Google Play Store. Find your flash drive in the list of connected devices, go to the folder with the APK-You can click on it, and the system will ask for installation confirmation, and you can just accept it and wait for the process to be completed.

After successful installation, take your time to launch the application. It is recommended to first check for updates for the browser itself through its internal settings or the Play Store, if it appears there. This will ensure stable operation and fix known security bugs.

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If the remote does not respond in the installation menu, try using the "Mouse Toggle" app or plug in a regular computer mouse in the installation menu. USB-port.

Alternative way: transfer via Send Files to TV

If there is no flash drive at hand or USB-You can use wireless data transmission, and you need the Send Files to do that. TV (SFTTV), It's available on the Google Play Store for both smartphones and TVs. It's a convenient way to deliver quickly. APK-file on Mi Box S.

Install the SFTTV app on the console via the Play Store. Then install a similar app on your smartphone (Android or iOS). Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app on your TV and select Receive mode.

On your smartphone, launch the app, select Send mode, and find your console in the list. APK-The browser file is in the phone's memory, and the file is instantly transferred to the console and the installation window automatically opens, which is especially useful when you need to install several applications in a row.

Setup and optimization of the TV Bro browser

One of the best solutions right now is TV Bro. It's an open source browser that's completely free and doesn't have ads. Once installed on the Xiaomi Mi Box S, it requires minimal customization for a comfortable experience. The application interface is as simple as possible and adapted to the navigation remote.

When you first run, you'll be prompted to set up the default search engine. You're advised to choose Google or DuckDuckGo for privacy. In Settings, look at Hardware Acceleration. Make sure it's on, as this puts the load of page rendering on the console's GPU, making scrolling smooth.

An important aspect is tab management. TV Bro allows you to open multiple pages at once, switching between them with remote buttons, also supports incognito mode and lock trackers. Use Google voice input to type text, which is activated by the microphone button on the remote, which is much faster than typing letters with a cross.

Remember to clean your browser cache periodically. Over time, the accumulated data can slow down the Mi Box S, especially given the limited amount of internal memory, which can be done through the browser settings or in the system menu of Android applications.

Solution: If the browser is not working

During operation, you may find that some sites are not displayed correctly or video is not played. Often the problem lies in the lack of codec support or an outdated version of WebView. In Android TV, this component is updated regardless of the system, so check for updates for Android System WebView in the Google Play Store.

If the mouse cursor runs away or doesn't respond to commands, try reconnecting the Bluetooth remote or replacing the batteries. In some cases, resetting the browser itself to factory settings helps. Go to Settings → Applications → Your browser → Reset settings.

⚠️ Attention: If after installing the browser, the console began to warm up strongly or work slowly, perhaps the background process consumes too many resources.

Also, consider that heavy web pages with an abundance of scripts can hang the system. Use built-in ad blockers, which are often built into the system. TV-And it's not only going to speed up the load, it's also going to save traffic.

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The stability of the browser depends on the version of Android System WebView and the availability of free RAM. Close unused tabs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)