How to download and install a browser on a Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55: a detailed guide

Why Xiaomi TV 4S 55 doesn’t have a browser and how to fix it

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 (L55M5-5ASR, L55M5-5AN and similar) comes with a PatchWall shell that does not include a pre-installed browser. This is a decision of the company related to optimization of performance and promotion of its own services. However, the lack of a browser limits the possibilities: you can not open web pages, watch online broadcasts outside of applications or use the web versions of services.

In this article, we’ll look at three official and semi-official ways to install a browser on Xiaomi. TV 4S 55: via the PatchWall app store (if available), manual download APK-file-setting USB-We also look at common errors, like "Installation locked" or "App not supported," and how to get around them without root rights.

Before you start, check your TV firmware version: go to Settings → About TV → Software version. Current firmware (starting with MIUI TV 2.0.19) supports third-party APK installation, but may require additional security settings.

Method 1: Install your browser through the PatchWall Store

The easiest method is to download the browser from the official PatchWall store. However, not all Xiaomi TV 4S 55 models have access to a full app catalog.

1. Open the main menu of the TV, select the tab "Apps" (icon with a grid of dots).
2. At the top of the screen, search for the search bar (magnifying glass icon) and enter the browser name: “TV Bro”, “Puffin TV” or “Firefox”.
3. If an app is found, click “Install” and confirm the action. Some browsers (such as Chrome) may require a Google account.

⚠️ Note: On TVs with firmware older MIUI TV 1.4.56 PatchWall Store may not have a search bar, in which case use voice search (button with microphone on the remote) and say, "Find browser" TV Bro».

Check your Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Update the TV to the latest version

Clear the store cache (Settings → Applications → PatchWall → Clear the cache)

Connect to your Xiaomi account (if required)-->

If the desired browser in the store is not, try alternative options from the table below:

Method 2: Manually install APK via File Manager

If the browser is not in the PatchWall Store, it can be installed manually through the APK-This method works on 90% of Xiaomi firmware TV 4S 55, but requires pre-setting:

1. Download. APK-browser file on a computer or smartphone. TV Bro (link above) or JioPages (optimized for India but works everywhere).
2. Transfer the file to USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) or in cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive).
3. Connect USB to your TV, open the File Manager (the folder icon in the menu) and find the APK.
4. When you try to install, you may see a “Installation locked” error. To fix it, go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and allow installation for File Manager.

⚠️ Attention: Some APK-files (especially modified versions of Chrome) may contain malicious code:

• 🔹 APKCombo - vetted APK version-history.
• 🔹 APKMirror - original files without modifications.
• 🔹 F-Droid – Open source without advertising.

💡

If the TV can't see USB-try another port or format the flash drive to the exFAT file system (but not NTFS!).

Method 3: Installation via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can install the browser via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but guarantees installation even on blocked firmware.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools on PC and unpack the archive.
2. On your TV, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV. Click 7 times in a row on the "Build Number" line (you will be notified "You've become a developer"). Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on "Debugging on USB".
3. Connect the TV to the PC via USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 on TV for stability).
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and execute the commands: adb devices (device should display, for example, 192.168.x.x:5555) adb install path to file.apk

⚠️ Note: On some of the firmware Xiaomi TV 4S 55 debugging by USB If the adb device command does not find the device:

• 🔹 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Restart the TV and PC.
• 🔹 Enable the option “Allow debugging over the network” in the developer settings and connect to IP.

Problem Solving: Installation and Locking Errors

Even after successful installation, the browser may not start or work correctly. Consider typical problems and their solutions:

If the browser is installed but does not open sites (such as YouTube or Kinopoisk), the problem may be in the network settings:

• 🔹 Check your Internet connection: Settings → Network → Speed test.
• 🔹 Turn it off. VPN or proxy (if you use it).
• 🔹 Drop it. DNS: In the network settings, specify 8.8.8.8 (Google) DNS) or 1.1.1.1).

💡

On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware, Chromium-based browsers (such as Chrome or Kiwi) may not work due to the lack of Google Play Services. In this case, use Firefox or TV Bro.

Browser optimization for TV: settings and tips

Once installed, the browser may be slow or uncomfortable to control from the remote. Here's how to improve the experience:

Control setting:

• 🔹 Turn on TV mode in your browser settings (if any). This makes it easier to navigate from the remote.
• 🔹 Connect the Bluetooth keyboard or mouse through USB/Bluetooth easy-to-use.
• 🔹 V TV Bro activate “Gestural Management” (setting in the browser menu).

Acceleration of work:

• 🔹 Turn off animations: in Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations.
• 🔹 Clear the browser cache once a week (in the app settings).
• 🔹 Use lightweight versions of websites (e.g. m.youtube.com instead of youtube.com).

Safety:

• 🔹 Turn off autocomplete passwords (risk of data leakage).
• 🔹 Install an ad blocker (e.g. uBlock Origin for Firefox).
• 🔹 Regularly update your browser through Settings → Annexes → [Browser name] → Update.

💡

To quickly switch between tabs in the browser, assign the button “Netflix” or “Prime Video” to the Xiaomi remote as the hot key to open a new tab (in the browser settings).

Alternative ways to get online on Xiaomi TV 4S 55

If you can’t install the browser or it is unstable, consider alternative options:

1. Applications with built-in browser:

• 🔹 YouTube – has built-in web browsing via Open in Browser (not always working).
• 🔹 Kodi – Media Player with Web Content Plugins (install via PatchWall).
• 🔹 SmartTubeNext – Alternative YouTube Client with Web Link Support.

Connection of external devices:

• 🔹 Android TV Box (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S) – connects to the box HDMI It has a full-fledged browser.
• 🔹 Amazon Fire Stick supports Silk Browser and other apps.
• 🔹 Laptop or PC – connect through HDMI and use it as a monitor.

Telephone broadcast:

• 🔹 Miracast – wireless screen transfer from Android-smartphone (enable in Settings) → Connections → Miracast).
• 🔹 Google Cast – Broadcast Chrome tabs from phone to TV (requires Google Home).
• 🔹 TeamViewer – remote control of the PC from the TV.

⚠️ Note: When using Miracast or Google Cast, video delay (lag) may occur. DLNA (built-in → Devices DLNA).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a browser on Xiaomi TV 4S 55