How to set up on-air TV on Xiaomi TV: full instructions from connecting antenna to finding channels

Setting up an antenna on a Xiaomi TV is a challenge that users face after buying a device or moving to a new place of residence. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: from choosing the right type of connection to choosing the right type of connection (DVB-T2, cable or satellite TV, to fine-tune signal parameters, in this article, we will examine all the steps from the physical connection of the cable to the preservation of the channels found, and also consider the typical errors that cause the TV to not catch the air.

Feature of Xiaomi TVs (series Mi) TV 4S, Mi TV 5, Mi TV Q1 and others – use of the Android operating system TV It's a PatchWall-branded device, which means that the path to setting up the antenna may be different from the traditional push-button TVs. MIUI TV 3.0 and later) and give universal recommendations working on models 2020-2026.

If you haven’t experienced digital TV setup before, don’t worry: there’s a section in the article that answers frequent questions, and we’ve highlighted the critical points in the form of warnings and checklists. For convenience, we’ve added interactive polls and spoilers with additional information.

1. Which antenna to choose for Xiaomi TV: types and recommendations

Before you connect the antenna, make sure it is compatible with your TV. Xiaomi TVs support the following broadcast standards:

• 📶 DVB-T2 — terrestrial digital TV (20 free channels in Russia) Requires a decimeter antenna with support for the 470-862 MHz band.
• 📺 DVB-C — cable TV (connects via a provider, for example, Rostelecom or MTS) You need an antenna with an F-connector.
• 🛰️ DVB-S/S2 — Satellite TV (Tricolor, NTV-Plus) + receiver (built-in TV There is no tuner in all models of Xiaomi).

For most users, the actual TV (DVB-T2). That's the case:

• 🏠 Room antenna - if you live in a city near a TV tower (up to 15 km) Examples: Rolsen RLA-10, BBK DA32.
• 🏡 Outdoor antenna for country houses or remote areas. LA-20U, Remo BAS-5113.

Important: Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 4A (Models before 2021 may not have built-in DVB-T2 Check the specifications of your model on the official website or in the instructions. If there is no tuner, you will need an external console (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box S).

2. Connecting the antenna to the TV: step-by-step instructions

Before setting the channels, physically connect the antenna to the TV.

1. Turn off the TV (this will prevent static electricity from damaging the ports).
2. Find a connector on the back. ANT IN (or RF IN) — It is usually indicated by an antenna pictogram.
3. Put the cable in the socket clockwise, don't use excessive force to keep the contacts from getting damaged.
4. If you use an amplifier or filter, connect them to a circuit between the antenna and the TV.

For models with a hybrid connector (for example, Xiaomi Mi) TV Q2 75) which combines ANT IN and SAT IN, Select the desired mode in the settings menu (we will talk about this in the next section).

Check availability DVB-T2 tuner-in-character TV|

Turn off the TV from the network |

Connect the cable to the connector ANT IN|

Ensure that there is no damage to the cable (curves, cracks)-->

Warning: If you connect a satellite dish, make sure the TV supports DVB-S2. Otherwise, an external receiver will be required.A list of compatible Xiaomi models:

After connecting, turn on the TV and go to the signal source setting.

3.Selecting the signal source in the Xiaomi menu TV

So, in order for the TV to start looking for channels, you need to specify the type of antenna you're connecting.

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to Settings. → Device and preferences → TV and entrances.
3. Select the Signal Source (or the antenna in older firmware versions).
4. Specify the type of connection: 📶 On-air TV (DVB-T/T2) — digitally; 📺 Cable TV (DVB-C) — If connected through the provider; 🛰️ Satellite TV (DVB-S/S2) — plate-cloth.

For on-air TV (DVB-T2) customize:

• 📡 Search mode: select Auto (recommended) or Manual (if you know multiplex frequencies).
• 📶 Country: Indicate Russia (or your region) so that the TV automatically downloads the list of channels.

Attention! If you live in a border zone (e.g., near Belarus or Kazakhstan), you may need to manually specify multiplex parameters. You can find a list of frequencies for your region on the RTRS website.

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If the TV doesn't find the Signal Source menu, upgrade to the latest version. MIUI TV The path to settings may be different: try settings → Channels → Adjustment of the antenna.

4.Search and save channels: automatic vs manual mode

Once you've selected the source, start searching for the channels. You have two options:

Automatic search (recommended)

It's good for most users. The TV will find all the channels available and sort them out.

1. In the signal source menu, select AutoSearch.
2. Click Start and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-10 minutes).
3. After the search, the TV will suggest you save the channels you found.

Manual search (for experienced users)

It is important if the automatic search does not find a part of the channels or you know the exact parameters of multiplexes.

1. Choose Manual Search.
2. Specify the frequency of the multiplex (for example, 546 MHz for the first multiplex in Moscow).
3. Specify flow rate (usually Auto) and modulation (256) QAM for DVB-T2).
4. Click Search and wait for the result.

If channels are found but not saved, check:

• 🔋 Is there enough free memory in the TV (for a list of channels required) ~50MB).
• 🔄 Has the search process been interrupted (for example, due to firmware updates).
• 📶 Signal level (must be at least 60%) checked in Settings → Channels → Signal status.

5. Signal quality tuning: how to improve reception

A weak signal is the main reason why Xiaomi TVs don't catch channels or they "split" into squares.

• 📡 Position antenna: place the TV antenna in the room, preferably windows. Point the street towards the TV tower (see the RTRS website for directions).
• 🔌 Signal amplifier: If the signal level is below 50%, connect an active amplifier (e.g., Terra) HA123).
• 🔗 Cable: Use a coaxial cable with a wave resistance of 75 ohms. Avoid long wires (more than 10 m) without an amplifier.
• 🚫 Interference: remove sources of interference from the antenna - Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, powerful electrical appliances.

Check the signal level in the TV menu:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Signal status.
2. Note two parameters: Signal level (should be 60–100%) and Signal quality (optimally 80–100%).

Critical information: If the signal level is below 40% and the quality jumps, the problem may be a faulty cable or antenna. Check the circuit with a multimeter (resistance between the central vein and the flyer should be infinite).

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Optimal ratio of signal and quality — 70%/90%. If the signal level is 100%, a low quality, it is a sign of overload (you need to reduce the gain or use an attenuator).

Typical errors and their solution

Even with the right antenna setup, users are having problems.

Attention! ⚠️ If all channels are missing after the firmware update, don't try to restore them through backup. MIUI TV The format of the channel list storage has changed. Instead, do a re-search from scratch.

If the problem is not resolved, check:

• 🔌 Powering antennas: some active antennas require a network connection 5V (through USB oral).
• 📡 Settings of the region: in Settings → Channels → The region should be your country.
• 🔄 Reset TV settings: in extreme cases, reset the tuner settings in Settings → Annexes → TV → Drop it.

7. Additional settings: sorting, parental control, timer

After successful channel search, you can sort them, hide unnecessary channels or set up automatic turn on.

Channel sorting

To change the order of the channels:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Channel Management.
2. Select a channel and press Move (or hold the button) OK remote).
3. Drag the channel to the right place on the list.

Parental control

To limit access to certain channels:

1. In the channel management menu, select the desired channel.
2. Press the Lock and install it. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).

Timer of inclusion

Set up automatic turn on the TV on your favorite program:

1. Go to Settings. → Device and preferences → Timer.
2. Turn on the inclusion timer option.
3. Specify the time, day of the week and source of the signal (e.g, DVB-T2).

Tip: If you frequently switch between your antenna and other sources (such as Netflix or YouTube), add a quick switch button to the home screen. To do this, hold the TV icon on the remote and select Add to the home screen.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions