Modern Xiaomi TVs running Android TV offer users a wide range of multimedia capabilities, but the basic function remains to watch terrestrial TV. The transition to DVB-T2 digital broadcasting requires the correct initial setup of the receiver to ensure stable signal and high picture quality without interference. Many owners face difficulties in the first run, not knowing exactly where the desired menu items are hiding or why the TV does not see any channel.
In this article, we will discuss the process of scanning the airwaves, paying attention to the nuances of the MIUI for TV interface and various versions of Android. You will learn how to connect the antenna correctly, choose the desired type of signal and perform manual or automatic configuration. Competent configuration will allow you to enjoy content in HD or FullHD resolution using a built-in tuner without the need to connect additional consoles.
Before you start the software part, you need to make sure that the equipment is physically ready, and the reception quality depends on the state of the antenna cable and the signal level in your area, and if you just unpacked the device or moved, following the step-by-step algorithm will help you avoid common mistakes and save time finding lost settings.
Preparation of equipment and signal verification
The first and most important step is to connect the antenna cable to the TV connector correctly. On the back or side of a Xiaomi device, you need to find a port with the Antenna In signature or an antenna image where the plug is tightly inserted. Don't ignore the quality of the cable itself: if it is old, has insulation damage or oxidized contacts, even the most powerful tuner will not be able to decode the signal.
After you have a physical connection, you should turn on the TV and make sure that the TV or Live TV mode is chosen as the source of the signal (Source). In modern models with the Android TV operating system, this interface can start automatically at start, but sometimes you need to manually switch to it through the source menu. If a message appears on the screen that there is no signal, this is a normal reaction of the device before the scan is performed.
It is important to consider the geographic location and type of antenna used. To confidently receive a digital packet in areas far from towers, an active antenna with its own amplifier powered by the network or the mains may be required. USB-Passive room antennas often only operate in the line of sight of the repeater, which is worth checking before beginning a deep diagnostic software.
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Use the antenna extension only when absolutely necessary, as each extra joint weakens the signal level, which is critical for digital broadcasting.
- 📡 Check the density of the plug connection in the nest RF Input.
- 🔌 Make sure the active antenna is connected to the power source.
- 📺 Switch the input source to the built-in tuner DVB-T2.
- 🏠 Place the antenna closer to the window facing the TV tower.
Automatic Channel Configuration through the Menu
The easiest and most recommended way for most users to find programs is to use automatic scanning mode. To start the process, you need to go to the main menu of the TV and find the gear icon for Settings. Depending on the version of the MIUI TV firmware, this item can be located in the upper right corner of the screen or be accessed through the sidebar.
In the menu that opens, select Channels or Broadcast, then click on Channel Configuration. The system will suggest choosing the type of connection: in this case, we are interested in Antenna or Etheric TV. Once confirmed, the TV will start the search process, which can take from two to five minutes depending on the number of frequencies available and the signal power.
During the scan, the screen will display the progress bar and the current number of channels found. Interrupt this process is not recommended, as this may lead to incorrect preservation of the frequency list. Upon completion of the operation, the device will automatically sort the programs found, assign them names and store them in memory, making them available for viewing.
☑️ Auto-setting algorithm
Manual setting of frequencies and reception parameters
In situations where automated search does not produce results or not find all available multiplexes, manual adjustment is required, which requires knowing the exact frequency of the nearest repeater, which can be found on specialized resources, such as a digital TV coverage map. Manual mode allows you to ignore weak signals and focus on a specific range.
To enter this mode, you need to select Manual settings from the channel setting menu instead of automatic settings, where the user is asked to enter the channel number or frequency in megahertz, and also select the bandwidth. Usually for terrestrial digital television, the 8 MHz standard and QAM 64 or QAM 256 modulation are used, but these parameters are often determined automatically when entering the frequency.
Once you enter the parameters, you need to start a search by a specific frequency. If the signal is stable, the TV will show the quality and strength of the signal as a percentage; if the scales are filled by more than 60-70%, you can save the channels found. This method is especially useful in boundary areas of reception, where the automation stumbles about interference.
⚠️ Note: When manually configured, do not change the modulation and error code settings unnecessarily, as incorrect values will result in the absence of an image even if there is a signal.
| Parameter | Value for DVB-T2 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | UHF (470–862 MHz) | Ultrahigh frequency range for broadcasting |
| Channel width | 8 MHz | Standard bandwidth |
| Modulation. | QAM 64 / QAM 256 | Signal encoding method |
| Protective interval | 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 | Echo control parameter |
Working with Android TV and MIUI interface
The interface of Xiaomi TVs can vary significantly depending on the year of release and the installed version of the operating system. TV The TV viewing app is often a separate widget or Live Channels app that requires a primary configuration via the system menu. MIUI TV Integrates channel settings deeper into the system, making it accessible through general device settings.
If a standard application fails to start or fails, it may not have been given the necessary permissions, so you need to find a TV tuner in the App section and make sure it has access to the equipment to receive the signal, sometimes cleaning the application cache helps, which eliminates software failures accumulated over time.
User experience also depends on the remote control. Some remote models have a separate button to quickly call a list of channels or switch login modes. Learning the functions of the Input and Menu buttons can greatly simplify navigation through the complex structure of the settings menu.
Hidden functions of the engineering menu
Solving the Problem of Lack of Channels
The most common problem is the message "No signal" or zero number of channels found after scanning. First of all, you need to check whether the digital standard itself is activated in the settings. In some regions or versions of the software, analog broadcasting or satellite TV may be priority, so you need to force DVB-T or DVB-T2 to be placed on the signal type selection menu.
If the TV sees channels but they don't play, or if the picture is split into squares, the problem is low signal strength, and this is where reinstalling the antenna cable, checking the integrity of the plug, or buying a more powerful antenna, helps, and you should try redirecting the antenna to the nearest tower using information from the coverage maps.
The software failure of the tuner can be eliminated by completely resetting the channel settings or returning the TV to factory parameters. This action will delete all installed applications and accounts, so it is recommended to synchronize important data before the procedure. After the reset, you need to reconfigure the channels, as when the device is first turned on.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings will delete all your Google accounts and installed apps, so only use this method if other methods have not helped.
- 🔄 Completely reset the TV settings through the System menu.
- 🔌 Turn off the TV for 10 minutes to reboot the modules.
- 📡 Replace the antenna cable with a shorter or better quality cable.
- 📡 Check the relevance of the TV firmware in the section About TV.
Updating the tuner software
Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates that may contain fixes for the digital TV module. If you have tried all methods but the channels are not found, it is worth checking for system updates. Often patches improve the compatibility of the tuner with certain coding standards or regional frequencies.
The update process is done via the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. It is recommended to connect the TV to the network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable for stable download of files. Once the update is installed and rebooted, the search procedure for channels should be repeated.
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Regular firmware updates are a key factor in the stable operation of the built-in tuner and the elimination of program errors in signal reception.