How to Add a Web Browser to Your Samsung TV

Samsung smart TVs come with a default web browser that can be used for basic searches, but it’s pretty limited. For example, you can’t download images and certain files. Not to mention that it’s very slow, which can be irritating to anyone accustomed to fast browsing on the smartphone or laptop.

You can’t delete the native browser, but you can simply forget about it and use another. There are multiple ways to do so.

Connect a Media Streaming Device

If you have any media streaming device, you can plug it into your Samsung TV and use the built-in web browser. You’ll have all the options as if the browser was installed on your TV, and for that, you’ll just have to use another remote control.

If you have an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can choose between Firefox and Silk, which are both excellent web browsers. The best thing is that you won’t even need a remote control, as you can navigate these browsers with your voice through Alexa.

If you have a Roku, you could use a free POPRISM browser, but bear in mind that it’s almost as limited as Samsung TV’s default browser. If you want something better and faster, it may be a good idea to pay $4.99 a month for Web Browser X.

Finally, if you use an Apple TV, it may be a bit more complicated. Unfortunately, you can’t install a web browser on your Apple TV directly. You may need to download AirWeb to your iPhone or iPad and then mirror it on your Samsung TV through your Apple TV.

Plug-In Your Laptop

If you want to use multiple browsers without limitation, the best thing you can do is to plug your laptop into your TV. Some people prefer not to mess with HDMI cables, but this method can actually save you some time. How? It allows you to navigate the web faster and easier.

Working a web browser with a remote control can be really frustrating, mainly because you can’t do everything you want. When you plug in your laptop, you can use your trackpad and keyboard. This is a great solution if you need to use the web extensively or if you have to open multiple windows.

Screen Mirroring

Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid cables together! Precisely, you can use screen mirroring to transmit content from the laptop or smartphone to any other screen. It’d mean that you can open any web browser of your choice, navigate it on your device, and then mirror it on your Samsung TV. All you need is a stable Wi-Fi connection.

All of the newer Samsung TVs have this option, although it may be embedded in different places. Here are the three most common ways to find it:

1. Press the Source button on your remote control. When the Source menu opens, select Screen Mirroring, among other options.
2. Press the Menu button on your remote control. Click on Network and then select the Screen Mirroring option.
3. Press the Menu button on your remote control. Click on Network and then open Expert Settings and click on Wi-Fi Direct.

If none of these options work for you, you may need to contact Samsung customer support to find out how to activate Screen Mirroring on your particular Samsung TV.

Can I Download a Web Browser App to My Samsung TV?

Although you can install numerous apps on your Samsung TV, unfortunately there’s no way to install another browser. You’re limited to the pre-loaded web browser, which can vary from model to model. If you want to use another browser, you’ll need another device, be it your phone, laptop, or streaming device.

What Options Are Missing on Samsung TV Web Browser?

If you’ve been trying to do some of the following and wondering what’s wrong with your Samsung TV, know that it’s not you or your device’s fault. That’s the way the Samsung TV browser was designed.

Here’s a quick list of things that you can’t do with your Samsung TV default browser:

1. You can’t download images, videos, and certain types of text files.
2. You can’t play Flash video.
3. You can’t open as many windows as you want.
4. Some websites may not be accessible.
5. There isn’t a Copy-Paste function.

There are some other limitations as well, but the above are the most pertinent to an average user. Finally, the Samsung TV web browser is slower and less responsive in general, especially if you’re using multiple TV functions at the same time.

You Get to Choose

As you can see, there are multiple ways to use another web browser on your Samsung TV. Those who have a Roku or Amazon Fire TV would almost always go with the corresponding first method as outlined above. However, if you don’t have any streaming device, don’t worry as you can always use your phone or laptop.

Which browser are you using on your Samsung TV? Which method seems the most convenient to you? Let us know in the comments below.