Xiaomi Digital TV: What to Know Before Setup
Xiaomi Mi TVs support DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV, which means you can watch 20 free channels in high quality without a subscription fee. However, many users face problems: signal is not captured, channels are not saved, the image is “split” into squares. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connection and the typical errors that prevent stable reception.
It's important to understand that just plugging an antenna into the connector is not enough to watch digital TV on Xiaomi. You need to choose the right signal source, adjust the search parameters and sometimes even update the TV firmware. We tested the instructions on the Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 5, Mi TV Q1 and Mi TV A2 models - the differences in settings are minimal, but there are nuances for old and new versions of MIUI TV.
If you already have a DVB-T2-enabled antenna (usually labeled with a sticker), you can start setting up. If you don't, you'll have to buy one. The room antennas are only suitable for confident reception areas, and in remote areas you'll need a street-based amplifier.
What Xiaomi models support digital TV
Not all Xiaomi TVs can accept terrestrial digital TV, but here are the key points to consider:
- ✅ Supporting. DVB-T2: all Mi models TV 4S (2018–2026), Mi TV 5, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A2, Mi TV P1, Redmi Smart TV (generation).
- ❌ Not supported: early Mi models TV 3/3S (2016–2017), some OEM-versions for foreign markets (e.g. Mi) TV 4A for India).
- 🔍 How to check: in the characteristics on the official website, look for the line "Digital tuner: DVB-T/T2". If it is specified DVB-C (cable DVB-S (Satellite TV, TV will not work.
The Chinese market models (such as the Mi TV 6 OLED) are often devoid of the DVB-T2 tuner, as China uses a different broadcast standard. If you buy a Xiaomi TV in the gray way, check with the seller.
How to connect digital TV to Xiaomi TV
There are three main ways to connect and the choice depends on your tasks:
- Direct antenna connection is the easiest option if you already have an antenna with an IEC 61169-2 connector (standard plug for TV), suitable for areas with a good signal.
- Through the console (receiver) – it is relevant if the TV does not support DVB-T2 or additional functions are needed (for example, recording the air).
- Local Area Network (IPTV) – if your provider provides digital TV over the Internet (for example, Rostelecom or MTS TV).
We're going to focus on the first one, because it doesn't require any additional devices, and if you want to use the console, the instruction will be different, and we'll discuss it in a separate article.
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If you have a weak signal, try using an amplifier antenna (powered by USB or a separate unit). On Mi TV 5 and later, you can power the antenna directly through the ANT IN connector (if it supports 5V).
Step-by-step setting up digital TV on Xiaomi
Now, let's get to the practice. Follow the instructions carefully, the order is important.
- Connect the antenna to the ANT IN connector on the back of the TV, make sure the cable is intact and the connector is tightly twisted.
- Turn on the TV and press the Source (or Input) button on the remote. Choose the TV source or the antenna.
- Run channel autosearch: Go to Settings → Channels → Channel setup → Autosearch. Select signal type: Digital (DVB-T2). Specify country: Russia (or your region if available). Click Start and wait until the search is finished (may take 5-15 minutes).
If the search engine does not find channels, try manually configuring:
- In the channel settings menu, select Manual Search.
- Specify the multiplex frequency for your region (see table below).
- Configure the settings: Modulation: 256 QAM. Flow speed: Auto. bandwidth: 8 MHz.
Start your search and save the channels you find.
Check the integrity of the antenna cable|
Connect the antenna to the ANT IN| connector
Select the source of the signal "TV" on the remote |
Update the TV firmware (if there are updates)|
Make sure that the country "Russia" is selected in the settings"-->
Frequencies of digital TV multiplexes by regions of Russia
If the search engine didn't work, you'll need to manually specify the frequency of broadcasts for your city. Below is a table of current data for 2026 for major cities. For other regions, check out the information on the RTRS website.
| Region | RTRS-1 Multiplex (20 channels) | RTRS-2 Multiplex (10 channels) |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow and the region | 546 MHz (30 TBK) | 498 MHz (24 TBK) |
| St. Petersburg | 754 MHz (56 TBK) | 770 MHz (58 THK) |
| ekaterinburg | 698 MHz (49 TBK) | 786 MHz (60 TBK) |
| Novosibirsk | 570 MHz (33 TBK) | 618 MHz (39 TBK) |
| Kazan | 530 MHz (28 TBK) | 474 MHz (22 THK) |
Important: Since 2023, the frequency of the second multiplex (RTRS-2) has changed in some regions. If channels were caught before, then manually update the frequencies.
How to find out the frequency for your city?
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after you've set it up properly, you can have difficulties, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 📶 No signal or weak signal: Check the integrity of the cable and the reliability of the antenna connection. Try to turn the antenna towards the nearest TV tower (for directions, see RTRS website). If you use an amplifier, make sure it is on the network.
- 🔄 Channels are not saved after search: Reset channel settings: Settings → Channels → Reset. Update the TV firmware (instruction below). Try searching with another signal source (for example, via a set-top box).
- 📺 Image "crumbles" or freezes: This is a sign of a weak signal. Try an antenna with an amplifier. Make sure the settings are the correct standard: DVB-T2, not DVB-T. Disable other devices that may cause interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4S (2018-2019) There is a bug that can cause the TV to "forget" channels after it's turned off.Solution: in the power saving settings, turn off the Quick Start option.
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the TV to the factory settings:
- Go to Settings → System → Reset and Update → Reset settings.
- Enter. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
- After restarting, reconfigure the channels.
Update firmware for stable operation of DVB-T2
Older versions of MIUI TV firmware may have problems receiving digital signals, such as the TV not saving channels or not seeing the second multiplex, and the solution is to update the software.
How to check and update the firmware:
- Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If you have a new version, download it and install it. The TV will reboot automatically.
If the update is “hang” or not, try:
- 🔌 Connect your TV to the Internet via cable (not Wi-Fi).
- 📥 Download firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website and install through USB.
- ⏳ Wait a few days – sometimes updates roll out gradually.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV A2 43" (2022) after updating to MIUI TV 3.0 may lose sound on some channels. Solution: Select the format in the audio settings PCM auto.
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Updating your firmware often solves problems with digital TV reception, especially on older models. After upgrading, remember to re-search the channels!