How to allow the browser to access the Internet on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to Smart TV

You’ve come across a browser on your Xiaomi (whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or Mi). TV) refuses to open pages, even though Wi-Fi or mobile Internet is connected? MIUI, failure DNS In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes and ways to fix them, from basic checks to advanced methods like changing the system. DNS-server-use VPN.

Xiaomi devices are particularly sensitive to the use of proprietary services such as Mi Browser, Mi Cloud and built-in restrictions to save traffic, which sometimes work too aggressively, blocking access to the network even for legitimate requests. We will not limit ourselves to standard tips like β€œreset the device” (although this will help in 20% of cases), but will analyze the unique nuances for Xiaomi, including settings Private DNS, working with APN and circumventing regional restrictions.

Importantly, if the problem occurred after updating MIUI or firmware TV, the cause may be a reset network settings, in which case manual adjustment will help, which we will also discuss below.

1. Verification of basic network parameters

Before you dig deep, make sure the problem isn't with the basics. Start by checking the connection:

  • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi: Make sure the device is connected to the network. On Xiaomi smartphones, the Wi-Fi icon in the notification panel should be active (without an exclamation point). TV Check the status in Settings β†’ Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ“± Mobile data: If you use mobile Internet, enable data transfer in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data transfer. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12) There is a separate switch for 4G/5G.
  • πŸ”„ Airplane Mode: Sometimes it activates accidentally. Turn it off in the notification curtain or in Settings β†’ Airplane mode.

If you have a connection but your browser is not working, try opening another site (e.g. mi.com or google.com). If some sites are opening and some are not, the problem may be DNS or carrier blocking.

⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV (especially the Mi models TV 4S/5) If you have Wi-Fi on, but the Internet is not working, try forgetting the network and reconnecting with your password.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi device do you have?
Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Mi)
Television (Mi TV)
Tablet (Mi Pad)
Laptop (Mi Notebook)
Other

2.DNS setup: Why it matters to Xiaomi

Xiaomi devices are used by default DNS-If they are unstable or block certain resources, the browser may produce errors such as ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED or server DNS It's not answering. DNS public, such as Google or Cloudflare.

How to do this:

  1. On your smartphone, go to Settings β†’ Wi-Fi, tap on your network β†’ Change the network β†’ Additional settings.
  2. In the IP Settings field, select Static (or User-on-new MIUI versions).
  3. Scroll to the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. Enter: 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 (this is Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 (this is Cloudflare DNS).
  4. Save the settings and restart the device.

For Mi TV, the path will be different: Settings β†’ Network β†’ Network setup β†’ Additional β†’ DNS. You can enter only one address (for example, 8.8.8.8).

DNS-serverAddress 1Address 2Features
Google DNS8.8.8.88.8.4.4High speed, but can be blocked in some regions
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1Supports encryption, good for bypassing locks
Yandex DNS77.88.8.877.88.8.1Optimized for Russian-language websites
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.1494.140.15.15Blocks ads and trackers

πŸ’‘

If the Internet is working after changing the DNS, but some sites still do not open, try a combination of Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.4.4) - this increases the chances of bypassing the blockings.

3. Network resetting: when necessary

If changing the DNS didn't work, the next thing to try is resetting the network settings, which will delete all the stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and VPN settings, but often solves connection problems.

For smartphones and tablets:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ All the characteristics.
  2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
  3. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Resetting β†’ Resetting network settings.
  4. Confirm the action.

For Mi TV:

  1. Open Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset and Update β†’ Network Reset.
  2. Enter. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
  3. Wait until the TV restarts.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs may require re-assignment to your Mi Account after resetting the network. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Make sure you know the Wi-Fi passwords.

Save important VPN settings (if you use them)

Remember the current DNS (if you have changed them manually)

Check if you have access to your Mi Account.-->

4. Checking MIUI restrictions: traffic savings and background activity

MIUI's proprietary shell is known for aggressive battery and traffic optimization, sometimes blocking Internet access for the browser to "save power" or data. Here's what to check:

  • πŸ”‹ Traffic Savings: Go to Settings β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Traffic savings: Make sure your browser (such as Mi Browser or Chrome) is not added to your list of restricted apps.
  • πŸ”„ Background activity: C Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ App Management Find Your Browser, Open Permissions and Enable: πŸ“‘ Mobile data 🌐 Wi-Fi πŸ”„ Auto-start πŸ”‹ Background work
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Protection and optimization: In Settings β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Optimize the battery, select No browser restrictions.

On Mi TV, similar settings are hidden deeper: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ [Select browser] β†’ Permissions. Here you need to enable network access and disable all restrictions.

What to do if the browser disappeared from the list of applications?
If a browser (such as Mi Browser) does not appear in Application Management, it may mean that it is disabled as system software. To return it: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three dots (menu) β†’ Show all the apps. Find the browser in the list and click Enable. If there is no button, try updating the firmware through Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

5. Bypassing blockings with VPN

If your browser doesn't open certain sites (such as social networks or streaming services), the problem may be blocked by your ISP, the solution is using a VPN. There are two ways to use Xiaomi devices:

Method 1: Built-in VPN in MIUI (for smartphones)

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ VPN.
  2. Click Add VPN and select PPTP or L2TP type (if you have the data to connect).
  3. For free solutions, download an app like ProtonVPN or Windscribe from Google Play.

Method 2: VPN on Mi TV

Xiaomi TVs don’t have a built-in VPN, but you can:

  1. Install VPN-App via Google Play (if TV is on Android) TV).
  2. Set up a VPN on the router – then the traffic of the entire device will go through a secure connection.
  3. Use Smart DNS in network settings (e.g., from ExpressVPN or NordVPN).
VPN-serviceFree fareXiaomi supportSpeed.
ProtonVPNYes (with limitations)Smartphones, TV (via APK)Medium
WindscribeYes (10GB/mo)All devices.Tall.
NordVPNNo (7-day trial)Smartphones, routersVery high.
1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)Yes.DNS only (not full VPN)Tall.

πŸ’‘

If VPN It is connected, but the sites still do not open, check the settings of Private DNS In Settings β†’ The Internet and the Internet β†’ Private DNS. Automatic mode must be selected here or the address must be indicated. VPN-Provider (e.g. dns.google).

6. Problems with APN on the mobile Internet

If the Internet does not work only when connecting via a mobile network (3G/4G/5G), The problem may be in the wrong settings. APN (This is true for Xiaomi smartphones, especially after the change of access points. SIM-maps or firmware updates.

How to check and correct:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. If there is no record here or it is alone but does not work, click Add APN.
  3. Enter your operator's details. For example, for MTS: Name: MTS APN: internet.mts.ru Proxy: not specified Port: not specified Username: mts Password: mts Authentication Type: PAP or CHAP Type APN: default,supl
  4. Save and select a new APN in the list.

For other operators, settings can be found on their official websites or in help services.

  • πŸ“‘ Beeline: APN β€” Internet.beeline.ru, user name and password - beeline.
  • πŸ“‘ Megaphone: APN β€” Internet, user name - gdata, password - gdata.
  • πŸ“‘ Tele2: APN β€” internet.tele2.ru, usernameless.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom) settings APN They can be reset after rebooting, and then you can reset to factory settings or flash through Fastboot.

7.Browser problems: cache, data and alternatives

Sometimes the problem isn't the network, it's the browser itself, for example, Mi Browser might be bugged after an update or because of a crowded cache.

  • 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Mi Browser β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ”„ Data Reset: In the same menu, click Clear Data (deletes history, bookmarks and settings!).
  • πŸ› οΈ Reinstallation: If the browser is system and is not deleted, disable it in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three points. β†’ Show all applications β†’ Mi Browser β†’ Disable and then install an alternative (Chrome, Firefox).
  • πŸ” Virus Check: Use Mi Security or Malwarebytes to scan your system.

On Mi TV, the default browser is Mi TV Browser, which cannot be deleted, but you can:

  1. Clear the cache in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ App management β†’ TV Browser β†’ Clear the cache.
  2. Install an alternative via Google Play (such as TV Bro or Puffin TV).
  3. Update the firmware of the TV – sometimes browser bugs are fixed in new versions.

πŸ’‘

If the browser is slower after cleaning the cache, try turning off the Traffic Savings feature in its settings. It compresses data, but may conflict with some sites.

8.Router or Provider Level Problems

If none of these things worked, the problem could be outside your device, on the router or ISP side.

  • πŸ“‘ Reboot router: Turn it off power for 30 seconds and turn it on again. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router) resets to factory settings (Reset button on the back panel) helps).
  • πŸ”’ Filtration MAC-Addresses: If the router is linked to MAC, add MAC-The address of your Xiaomi device is on the list of allowed. MAC You can set up β†’ The phone. β†’ All characteristics β†’ Status (or Settings) β†’ Network β†’ In addition to TV).
  • 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some providers block access to certain resources. Check this by connecting to another network (e.g., via mobile hotspot).
  • πŸ“ž Support call: If you suspect a blocking by the provider, ask them if they have a ban on access to certain ports or protocols (e.g., a ban on access to a specific port or protocol, HTTP/3 or QUIC).

For Xiaomi Mi TV devices, IPv6 is also a problem. If your provider does not support this protocol, turn it off in the settings of your router or TV (Settings β†’ Network β†’ Additional β†’ IPv6 Protocol β†’ Disable).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the Internet on Xiaomi

The browser says "No Internet connection," although Wi-Fi works. What do you do?
First, check if sites open in another browser (e.g. Chrome). If so, the problem is with the current browser settings (clear the cache or reinstall). If not, check the DNS (section 2) or try connecting to another network.
After the MIUI update, the Internet stopped working in the browser. How do I fix it?
Updates often reset network settings. Try: Reset network settings (section 3). Update your browser via Google Play. Check if Traffic Saving mode is enabled in Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing. If nothing helps, roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
On Mi TV, the browser only opens the home page, and the rest of the sites don't. What's the matter?
It's a typical problem with DNS Or lock by region. Solutions: Change. DNS as 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 (section 2). VPN-App (e.g. Windscribe) via Google Play. Check if Parental Controls are enabled in your TV settings.
Mobile Internet works, but the browser doesn't open websites. What do you check?
The most likely problem is APN settings (section 6) or MIUI restrictions: Check that the browser allows mobile traffic in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ [Browser] β†’ Mobile data. Make sure that the mode is not activated Save Traffic. Recreate the APN hotspot (see settings from your operator).
Can I use Tor Browser on Xiaomi to bypass locks?
Yes, but with reservations: On smartphones Xiaomi Tor Browser is installed from Google Play, but can run slowly. on Mi TV it can only be installed via APK, but it is inconvenient to control from the remote. For stable operation, it is better to use a VPN (section 5).