How to Download a Different Samsung TV Internet Browser

This article explains how to use an alternative to Samsung's Smart TV web browser, which is preinstalled on your TV. While you can't install a new browser on the TV, there are other options using the TV as a screen for other devices.

Option One: Connect a Media Streamer That Offers Another Browser

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Fire TV offers both the Firefox and Silk web browsers, which provide more flexibility than the Samsung Smart TV browser. Once installed, they will appear on the home screen labeled as Firefox and Internet (Silk).

One feature of the Firefox and Silk browsers on a Fire TV device is that, in addition to using the navigation controls on the Fire TV remote, you can also use Alexa commands to search the web.

However, bookmarking specific pages and saving passwords is not available on the Fire TV version of Firefox. Also, although you can view images and content, you cannot download them. The Fire TV version of Firefox also looks different than the PC or mobile version.

The Silk web browser may display one of two screens as shown below. On the left is the Silk browser home page, and on the right is its default Bing search engine. These options provide flexibility for both accessing content and conducting a general web search.

When you close Silk browser, the last website you were viewing will automatically appear the next time you open the browser. However, just as with Firefox (and the built-in Samsung browser), you cannot download images or other content using Silk.

Google Chromecast

If you're using Chrome on your PC or Laptop, select Cast to send anything visible on your PC or Laptop to a Samsung TV via Chromecast. The Chromecast stick must be connected via HDMI to the back of the Samsung TV.

In Chrome, go to settings and activate Casting.

The Chrome browser from your PC will display on your Samsung TV. You can scroll through pages and open them from a single browser tab. However, if you open or close a tab you will need to disconnect and reconnect Chromecast in order to see the new tab(s) on your TV screen.

Apple TV

Apple TV does not offer a web browser that can be installed directly, but you can download and install AirWeb on a compatible iPhone or iPad. Using Airplay, you can mirror the "Air Web" browser through the Apple TV connected to your Samsung TV.

You can also AirPlay your Mac's screen to a connected Apple TV device. There are some additional web browsers available for Apple TV that can be viewed on a Samsung TV.

Why a Plug-in Media Streamer May Not Be the Best Option

Unless you already have an external media streamer, it may not be the best option for getting a web browser on your Samsung TV. This is because you are paying for a device that provides duplicate access to a lot of the same streaming apps that your Samsung Smart TV may already offer.

If you are satisfied with the streaming app selection on your Samsung Smart TV, using another method to get an alternative web browser to work with your TV might be more efficient. One such option is to plug a PC directly into your television.

Option Two: Plug a PC Into Your TV

Instead of connecting a media streaming stick or box to your Samsung Smart TV, you can integrate a PC into your home theater system and then view web browser search results (as well as almost all tasks you can do on your PC) on the TV screen.

The benefit of this method is that you can use the browsers you are familiar with as well as perform other PC functions on your TV screen. Any web browser you have installed on your PC, including Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and others discussed in this guide, will be viewable on your Samsung TV screen. And you can use the keyboard or mouse you have connected to your PC to navigate the web browser.

Option Three: Use Screen Mirroring

If you would rather not have to physically connect a media streamer or PC to your TV, a wireless alternative is to use screen mirroring, which is sometimes also referred to as Miracast Wireless or Wi-Fi Direct.

Wireless Screen Mirroring is available on most Wi-Fi-enabled PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Screen mirroring allows you to transmit any browsers, as well as everything else displayed or stored on your PC or smartphone, to your Samsung TV screen.

Screen Mirroring Setup on Samsung TVs

Screen Mirroring is supported on almost all Samsung Smart TVs. Although its setup varies depending on model year and series.

• Example One: Press the Source button on your remote, then select the Screen Mirroring source option in the TV menu.
• Example Two: Select Menu on your remote, then select Network > Screen Mirroring.
• Example Three: Select Menu > Network > Expert Settings > Wi-Fi Direct.

In addition to activating Screen Mirroring on your Samsung TV, you also need to activate it on your PC or smartphone.

Screen Mirroring Setup for PCs: Windows 10

Here's how to set up screen mirroring on a Windows 10 device.

1. Go to Settings on your PC.

2. In Bluetooth & other devices, select Add Bluetooth or other device. This will take you to the Add a Device page. 

3. The PC will scan for available devices.

   Your TV must be on during this step.

4. Once your Samsung TV shows up on the device list, select it and wait for your PC to connect to your Samsung TV.

5. When your connection is confirmed, your PC screen will be displayed on the Samsung TV. 

Screen Mirroring Setup for Smartphones

Here are some common methods for setting up screen mirroring on a smartphone.

• Samsung: Go to Notifications > Screen Mirroring (or Smart View or Quick Connect). The phone will look for the TV, usually identifying it by the model number. When the model number appears, select it. You may be asked to enter a PIN provided by the TV.
• HTC: Go to Settings > HTC connect. Open it and scan for the TV.
• LG: Check for Screen Mirroring, Screen Share, Wi-Fi Direct, or Miracast and go through the scanning procedure.
• Other brands: Check for Screen Mirroring and follow the prompts.