what to know
- The preinstalled browser is the only browser available. However, there are multiple ways to connect different browsers.
- Use a media streaming device like Fire TV (Silk or Firefox) or Chromecast (Chrome).
- For more web browser options, plug your laptop into your TV using an HDMI cable.
This article explains how to use an alternative to the Samsung Smart TV web browser that comes pre-installed on your TV. While you can't install a new browser on your TV, you have other options.
A media streaming device with its own web browser is one solution. Simply plug the streaming stick into your TV and use its built-in browser, or download a different browser through its app store.
Amazon Fire TV offers Firefox and Silk web browsers, which offer more flexibility than Samsung Smart TV browsers. Silk (called Internet ) is built-in; you can find it by selecting Apps from the home screen. You need to download Firefox via the search icon in the upper left corner.
In addition to using the navigation controls on the Fire TV remote, a handy feature included in these browsers is that you can also use Alexa commands to search the web. However, typical browser options, such as saving passwords and downloading images, are not available on the Fire TV version of Firefox. Additionally, Mozilla has stopped supporting Firefox on Fire TV, but it is still available for download.
If you're using Chrome on your computer, select Cast from the menu button in the upper right corner to send anything visible on your screen to your Samsung TV. Chromecast must be connected to the back of the TV via HDMI.
If you open a new tab or close an existing one, you'll need to cast the new tab to see it on the big screen.
Apple TV doesn't offer a web browser that can be installed directly on the device, but you can use AirWeb on your iPhone or iPad. Using AirPlay, you can mirror your AirWeb browser through your Apple TV connected to a Samsung TV. You can also AirPlay your Mac's screen to a connected Apple TV device.
Unless you already have an external media streaming player, it may not be the best option for installing a web browser on your Samsung TV. That's because you're buying a device with re-access to many of the same streaming apps that your Samsung TV may already offer.
If you're happy with the selection of apps on your Samsung TV, it might be more effective to use other methods of getting an alternative web browser to use with your TV. One option is to plug your computer directly into your TV.
The next best option is to plug your computer into your TV. This will stream everything on your computer directly to your TV. This includes any web browser that can run on your PC, as well as software programs and even your entire desktop. You'll be able to use a keyboard and mouse and stream audio via cable.
To do this, just connect your computer and TV to each other using an HDMI cable. Learn more in our guide: How to connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI (the same goes for your desktop).
Wireless screen mirroring is supported on most Wi-Fi-enabled PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Screen Mirroring allows you to transfer any browser and everything else displayed or stored on your PC or smartphone to your Samsung TV screen. See How to mirror your laptop to your TV for help.
To mirror your Samsung phone's screen to your TV, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Smart View , Quick Connect , or Screen Mirroring . The phone will look for the TV, usually identifying it by its model number. When the model appears, select it. You may be asked to enter the PIN provided by your TV.
Other devices may refer to this as "Screen Sharing , " "Wi-Fi Direct," or "Miracast." Search for these options in the Settings app.
Almost all Samsung smart TVs support screen mirroring. If you don't see your TV in the list, you may need to turn on mirroring manually. Setup varies, so refer to your TV's user guide or online manual for the exact steps for your model. Here are some things you can try:
- Press the Source button on the remote control and select the Screen Mirroring option on the TV menu.
- Select the menu on your remote and go to Network > Screen Mirroring .
- Navigate to Menu > Network > Expert Settings > Wi-Fi Direct .
To reset and clear your Smart TV browser's cache, go to Settings > Apps > System and find and select the browser. Next, select the option to clear cache.
First, check to make sure your browser is up to date, then download any updates you may be missing. If this doesn't work, try closing and reopening your browser. If you still don't see any improvement, try restarting your smart TV, or unplugging the TV for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.
From the home screen, open the app > select Browser > Menu > Settings . Next, go to Privacy and check your cookie options.
You can use parental controls to block web browsers and other apps on your smart TV. Under Apps , select Settings , select the web browser (or other app) you want to lock, and then select Lock or Unlock .
