Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A Pro supports connection CI-Conditional Access Module for viewing encoded channels – from cable operators, satellite TV or digital broadcasting (DVB-T2/C/S2). However, many users face problems: the module is not recognized, channels do not open, or the TV emits an error. CI Module or Scrambled Channel. In this article, we will discuss how to choose, install and configure correctly. CI-module TV, We also solve common mistakes.
It's important to understand: CI-The module is not a universal device. It only works with certain operators (e.g. Tricolor, NTV-Plus, MTS TV, Rostelecom) and requires active subscription to a packet of channels. If you connect a module but the channels do not show, the problem may be incompatibility of the version. CAM (module) with TV firmware or in the absence of access rights of your smart card.
We have analyzed the instructions for Xiaomi Mi models TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X55, Xiaomi TV Q2 And others, Released in 2020-2026, and they've identified key tweaks, like on Android TVs. TV 10+ path CI-The module has changed and some regions require manual activation. DVB-C (cable TV) via the engineering menu.
1. Which one. CI-Module is suitable for Xiaomi TV?
Not all modules are compatible with Xiaomi TVs, but the main selection criteria are:
- 🔹 Type of slot: Make sure your TV has a slot CI+ 1.4 (most Xiaomi models support this standard). CI 1.0 may not work.
- 🔹 Operator support: The module must be certified by your provider, for example, Tricolor is suitable for you. GS E502 Or Viaccess, for Rostelecom - Conax.
- 🔹 Form factor: The modules are full-size (Type A) and compact (Type B). Xiaomi supports both types, but check the physical compatibility.
- 🔹 TV firmware: On models with Android TV 9 and below may cause errors with modules. CI+ Update the software before installation.
📌 Tip: Before buying, check with the operator the list of supported modules. For example, MTS TV officially recommends Neotion Viaccess, and NTV-Plus – AlphaCrypt or Irdeto.
Attention! Modules from satellite operators (e.g. Tricolor GS B521M) will not work with cable TV (DVB-C) and vice versa.
2 Where is the slot for CI-module on Xiaomi TV?
The location of the slot depends on the TV model:
- 📺 Mi TV 4S/4A/4X: Slot CI+ It's on the back of the right panel (when you look at it from the back) and it's covered with a plastic cap that says, CI.
- 📺 Redmi Smart TV X50/X55/X65: The slot is located on the left side panel (near the ports). HDMI and USB).
- 📺 Xiaomi TV Q1/Q2/A Pro: The slot is hidden under a folding cover on the back panel (near the antenna entrance).
🔍 If you can’t find a slot, check the specifications of your model on the Xiaomi website or in the user manual. TV A55) slot CI+ may be absent.
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If the slot is dusty, gently clean it with a dry brush or compressed air.The dust can cause reading errors of the module.
Step-by-step installation CI-module
Before installing the module, prepare:
Turn off the TV from the socket|Remove the smart card from the module (if inserted)|Check the integrity of contacts on the module and in the slot|Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->
Now, install the module:
- Insert the smart card into CI-module (tag up, chip to contacts) Make sure the card is fixed with a click.
- Carefully insert the module into the CI+ slot on the TV to the point. Don't make any effort -- if the module doesn't come in, check its orientation.
- Connect the antenna cable to the DVB-C/S2/T2 connector (depending on the type of broadcast).
- Turn on the TV and wait for the module initialization (can take up to 2 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If the TV is not making a signal or CI module not detected, check:
- 🔌 Correct connection of the antenna cable (the signal must be received on the connector) IN, not OUT).
- 📶 Signal level in the Settings menu → Channels → Manual scan. If it's below 50 percent, you need an amplifier.
- 🔄 Compatibility of the module with firmware. Some Xiaomi TVs require you to disable the option CI+ Link in the engineering menu.
4.Configuring channels after installation CI-module
After installing the module, you need to search for channels:
- Go to Settings → Channels → Channels → AutoSearch.
- Select the source of the signal: 📡 DVB-S2 — satellite-TV. 📺 DVB-C — cable-TV. 📶 DVB-T2 — digitally-on-air.
Specify search parameters (frequency, symbol speed, modulation) that your operator must provide.
Scrambled
🔧 If the channels are not:
- 🔄 Try a manual search with the exact parameters from the operator.
- 🔄 Update the list of operators in the module: go to Settings → CI-module → Update the data.
- 🔄 Reset the TV settings to factory (at last).
What if the channels are open but not open?
5. Typical errors and their solutions
Let’s discuss the most common problems and ways to eliminate them:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No CI module | The module is not recognized by the TV. | Check the density of contacts in the slot. Update the TV firmware. Try another module (possibly incompatible). |
| Scrambled channel | The channel is encoded, but the module does not decrypt. | Check subscription activity. Reboot the module (remove and paste again). Update the data in the module through the CI Settings menu. |
| Weak or no signal | Weak signal from operator | Check the antenna cable and connectors. Use a signal amplifier. Set up the antenna manually (for satellite TV). |
| CI module error | Failure of the module | Remove the module and clean the contacts with a smoother. Reset the module settings (if you have a Reset button). Update the module firmware through the operator's website. |
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the module does not work, check it on another TV.
6. Update of firmware CI-module
Sometimes the module stops working after updating the TV firmware or changing the broadcast parameters by the operator, in which case you need to update the software of the module itself, and you can do this in two ways:
Method 1: Through the TV menu
- Go to Settings. → Channels → Setting up CI-module.
- Select the option to Update the Software.
- Confirm the update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the TV!).
Method 2: Manually via USB
If the automatic update does not work:
- Download the latest firmware version for your module from the operator’s website (for example, for Tricolor – on tricolor.tv).
- Unpack the archive and copy the firmware file (usually with the.upg or.bin extension) to the flash drive formatted in FAT32.
- Put the flash drive in. USB-television-port.
- Go to Settings → Software Update → Local Update and select the firmware file.
🔄 After the update, the module will restart and you may need to re-search the channels.
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If the operator changes the broadcast parameters (for example, frequency or type of modulation), even the work unit can stop decrypting channels, in which case only updating the firmware or replacing the module will help.
7.Tune in. CI-module through the engineering menu (for experienced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can try activating hidden settings through an engineering menu, for example, to:
- 🔧 Compulsory inclusion of support DVB-C (if the option is hidden).
- 🔧 Resetting module settings at the system level.
- 🔧 Changes in regional settings (if the TV is purchased abroad).
🔐 How to open an engineering menu on Xiaomi TV:
- Turn on the TV and go to any channel.
- On the remote, press sequentially: Menu → 1 → 3 → 9 → Menu (for some models, the combination may differ, for example Menu → 1 → 1 → 4 → 7).
- In the menu that opens, select CI Module Settings or DVB Settings.
- Activate options: CI+ Link – turn on (if disabled). Force CI Detection – install in On. DVB-C Tuner – turn on if you use cable TV.
Save the settings and restart the TV.
⚠️ Warning: Unknown settings in the engineering menu can cause the TV to crash. Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose. To exit without saving, press Exit or turn the TV off the socket.