How to set up channels on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: Automatic and manual search

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact device that turns any TV with a HDMI-port to smart TV. But many users face difficulties in setting up the etheric or IPTV-Unlike the classic set-top boxes, there's no traditional remote with a "Search for Channels" button, but an Android interface. TV Hide the necessary settings in the depth of the menu.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for both types of broadcasting: traditional terrestrial broadcasting (DVB-T2) modern IPTV. We will understand how to connect the antenna, set up automatic and manual search, add playlists.m3u, And we'll also solve the typical problems, from no signal to no signal to nozzle channels. TV Stick 2020-2026.

If you've just unpacked your device or updated your firmware, start with the initial setup section. IPTV via third-party apps โ€“ here we compare LivenetTV, SS IPTV and built-in player.

Preparation of the device: what to do before setting up channels

Before looking for channels, make sure your Xiaomi Mi is a good choice. TV Stick is ready to go. Many people skip this stage, and then wonder why the TV doesn't find a single channel or constantly loses signal.

First, check the antenna connection (DVB-T2) You'll need a digital TV antenna and an adapter if the connector on the console doesn't match the cable. TV Stick does not have a built-in tuner โ€“ external TV is required to receive on-air TV USB-tuner (for example, Hauppauge WinTV or AVerMedia). Without it, you can only customize it. IPTV.

Connect the antenna to USB-tunero DVB-T2)

Make sure the TV is plugged into the 220V outlet

Connect Mi. TV Stick to port HDMI (preferably HDMI 2.0)

Put it in. USB-tuner to the console port (if necessary, use the hub)

Check the stability of the Internet connection (for the IPTV minimum 10 Mbps)-->

Second, update the firmware, because the old software may not support new broadcast standards or may contain channel search errors, to check the version:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ About the device โ†’ Update the system.
  2. If a new version is available, confirm installation. Do not turn off power during the upgrade - this can lead to a "brick" of the device.

For IPTV You also need to install a player app. The built-in Live Channels is unstable, so we recommend that you use the app. SS IPTV Or TiviMate (paid version) and you can download them from Google Play on the console itself.

Connecting the antenna and USB-Tuner: step-by-step instructions

If you plan to watch on-air TV (20-30 free channels in Russia), you can not do without an external tuner. TV The Stick doesn't have a built-in signal receiver, so you'll have to buy an adapter. Below is a guide for tuners based on Realtek chips. RTL2832U or Silicon Labs. Si2168 (most compatible with Android TV).

First, connect the equipment:

  1. Insert the antenna cable into the tuner connector (usually marked as RF IN).
  2. Connect the tuner to the Mi TV Stick through USB-If you don't have enough ports, use the port. USB-externally powered hub (tuners consume a lot of energy).
  3. Turn on the TV and go to Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ TV tuners and entrances.

The system must automatically identify the new device, if it does not,

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Check the power: some tuners require an additional power supply (comes complete).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the console: remove it from HDMI-port for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Update drivers: this may require manual installation APK-file from the manufacturer's website.
List of compatible tuners for Mi TV Stick
Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD (RTL2832U) โ€” supportive DVB-T2 and DVB-C AVerMedia AVerTV Volar HD PRO (A835) โ€” It works without additional Geniatech drivers. T230 โ€” Budget option, but may require manual MyGica setup T230C โ€” supportive CI-pay-TV modules

Once you successfully connect the tuner to the TV tuner menu, the name will appear. Click on it and select Channel Customization. If you don't have a point, your tuner is not compatible with Android. TV 11/12 (See the section on problem solving).

Automatic search of air channels (DVB-T2)

This is the easiest way to set up free digital channels, and automated search is best if you live in a confident area (like a big city), and in rural areas or in the suburbs, you'd better use manual search.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ TV tuners and entrances โ†’ [The name of your tuner] โ†’ Channel setting.
  2. Select Automatic Search.
  3. Specify the source of the signal: antenna (DVB-T2).
  4. Select country: Russia (or your region, if available).
  5. Click Start Search and wait until it is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).

If the search is successful, the channels will appear in the Live Channels app to organize them:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Sort: Go to Channel Settings โ†’ Order and drag channels in the right order.
  • ๐Ÿ” Filtering: You can hide unnecessary channels through Settings โ†’ Hide.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Grouping: Create folders (e.g., News, Sport) in the List Management menu.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the console finds channels, but they do not show the image, try to change the Broadcast Mode in the tuner settings to the following: 256QAM (for cable TV) or COFDM (airy).

If the search engine does not find any channels:

โš ๏ธ Check if your tuner supports the standard DVB-T2/HEVC. Old models (up to) 2018 year) can only work with the old format DVB-T (MPEG-2), russia-disabled 2019 year-end.

Manual Channel Search: When Automatic Canal Fails to Work

Manual adjustment will be required in three cases:

  1. You live in a low signal area (for example, outside the city).
  2. Automatic search finds channels, but they "glutch" (artifacts, hanging).
  3. You want to add a specific channel that is not automatically detected.

For manual search, you'll need multiplex frequencies for your region, which can be found on the RTRS website (enter your city in search).

MultiplexFrequency (MHz)Channels
RTRS-1 (MUX-1)546One, Russia.-1, Match TV, NTV, 5 channel...
RTRS-2 (MUX-2)498REN TV, STS, TNT, MUZ-TV, TVC...
RTRS-3 (MUX-3)666Carousel, OTR, TV3, Friday!, Star...

Now we move on to the setting:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ TV tuners โ†’ [Your tuner] โ†’ Channel setting โ†’ Manual search.
  2. Select the signal type: DVB-T2.
  3. Enter the frequency of the first multiplex (e.g., 546) and click Search.
  4. Repeat for the rest of the frequencies.
  5. Save the channels found (Ready).

If the channels are found but do not show the image:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Check the signal level: the tuner menu should have an indicator (green scale), if it is red, move the antenna closer to the window.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Change the search options: try other bandwidth values (8 MHz for Russia) or Modulation (256-QAM).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the tuner settings: Settings โ†’ Tuner data reset.

On-air TV (DVB-T2)|IPTV via|Cable TV|Satellite TV|I don't know.-->

Setting up IPTV: playlist M3U and EPG

IPTV โ€” It's an alternative to over-the-air broadcasting that runs over the Internet, and it's got more channels (including paid channels), a stable signal (if the Internet doesn't lag), winding capabilities and recordings:

  • ๐ŸŒ Playlist.m3u: It can be obtained from the provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS TV).>) Free sources (but quality is not guaranteed).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ App-player: SS IPTV, TiviMate, LivenetTV or Built-in Live Channels.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก High-speed Internet: at least 15 Mbps for HD-25 channels+ Mbps for 4K.

Let's look at the settings by example. SS IPTV (free-app EPG):

  1. Install. SS IPTV Google Play.
  2. Open the app and select Add Playlist.
  3. Insert a link.m3u-file (e.g, http://example.com/playlist.m3u) or download the file from the device.
  4. Click Update and wait for the channels to load.
  5. To set up EPG (Transmission programs) go to Settings โ†’ EPG and give a reference XMLTV-file (usually provided by the provider).

Comparison of popular IPTV-player:

AnnexFree of charge.EPGRecording.Multiscreen
SS IPTVYes.Yes.No.No.
TiviMateConditionally (5 days of trial period)Yes.Yes (in Premium)Yes.
LivenetTVYes.Yes.No.No.
Live Channels (built-in)Yes.No.No.No.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Free playlists from the Internet often contain illegal content or malicious links. Use only verified sources (for example, official playlists from Rostelecom or Tricolor TV).

If IPTV brake:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Check the Internet speed through Settings โ†’ Network โ†’ Check speed.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Switch to a wired connection: Use a USB-Ethernet adapter (e.g. TP-Link) UE300).
  • โš™๏ธ Change the codec: in the player settings, select Software Decoding instead of hardware.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the channels correctly, these are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

1. no signal or channels are found

Reason: weak antenna signal, incompatible tuner or incorrect settings.

Decision:

  • Check the connection of the antenna and tuner (see the section about the antenna).
  • Update the tuner drivers (download) APK manufacturer's website).
  • Try a manual search with multiplex frequencies.

2. The channels are braked or "split" into squares

Reason: weak signal (for terrestrial TV) or low Internet speed (for TV) IPTV).

Decision:

  • For DVB-T2: Move the antenna or use a signal amplifier.
  • For IPTV: Connect to the network via cable or restart the router.
  • In the player settings, reduce the bitrate (for example, in TiviMate: Settings) โ†’ Reproduction โ†’ Quality).

3.No sound on some channels

Reason: Incompatible audio codec (e.g., incompatible audio codec, AC-4 instead AAC).

Decision:

  • In the player settings, enable Software audio decoding.
  • Update the Mi firmware TV Stick (new versions added support) AC-4).
  • Use an external sound system (e.g., via a HDMI ARC or).

4. The console does not save channel settings

Reason: Cache failure or Live Channels app error.

Decision:

  • Clear the cache: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Live Channels โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Clear the cache.
  • Reset the tuner settings: Settings โ†’ TV tuners โ†’ Data resetting.
  • Reinstall the Live Channels app.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the problem persists after all manipulations, try rolling back the Mi firmware. TV Stick to the previous version. Downgrade instructions are on the forum. 4PDA (section TV").

Additional settings: favorites, parental controls and recording

Once you've set up the channels, you can customize them to your needs, and here are some useful features:

1. Add channels to "Favorites"

To switch between your favorite channels:

  1. Open Live Channels and select the channel you want (hold the button). OK remote).
  2. Choose Add to Favorites.
  3. They will now be displayed in a separate tab.

Parental control

To limit access to channels 18+:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Security and Restrictions โ†’ Parental Controls.
  2. Install. PIN-code.
  3. Include restrictions for specific channels or applications.

3. Ether recording (only for IPTV)

The feature is available in TiviMate Premium:

  1. Open the channel you want to record.
  2. Press the Record button on the remote (or in the player menu).
  3. Select a folder to save (external drive is recommended).

Records will be available in the Records section of the main menu of the application.

4. Customization of appearance

V SS IPTV Or TiviMate can be changed:

  • ๐ŸŽจ Design themes (dark/light).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Location. EPG (left, right, bottom).
  • ๐Ÿ”ค Fonts and sizes (for ease of reading).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you are using Mi TV Stick with Xiaomi TV, enable Mi Link in settings. It allows you to control the console from the TV remote without additional synchronization.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I set up satellite TV on Mi? TV Stick?
No, Mi. TV Stick does not support satellite tuners (DVB-S/S2). This will require a separate satellite set-top box (e.g., a satellite set-top box, GS U510) and connect it to the TV through HDMI.
Why do some channels show without sound?
This is due to audio codecs, and in Russia, since 2022, some channels have been broadcasting in the format of audio codecs. AC-4, Which is not supported by older versions of Android TV. Solutions: Update the console firmware to the latest version. Use an external receiver with built-in support AC-4. Enable the option Software audio decoding in the player.
How to transfer channel settings to another console?
Transfer methods depend on the type of broadcast: Etheric TV: export the list of channels through Settings โ†’ TV tuners โ†’ Export settings (.db file) Then import it on the new device. IPTV: copy the file.m3u to a flash drive or upload it to the cloud (e.g. Google Drive). For TiviMate, you can back up via Settings โ†’ Backup.
Which antenna is best for Mi? TV Stick?
For on-air TV (DVB-T2) Suitable: room antenna (for example, 1st Digital Comfort - if you live in a city with a signal tower. Street antenna (e.g. Locus Meridian) 07AF Turbo for country houses, active antenna with amplifier (for example, Rexant) RX-621) โ€” If the signal is weak, check the digital TV coverage map on the RTRS website before buying.
Can I watch TV without the internet?
Yes, but only on-air TV (DVB-T2) Or cable. To do this, connect the antenna to an external tuner. Set up channels through the TV tuner menu (see the antenna section). Use the Live Channels app to view it. IPTV Streaming services (Kinopoisk, Okko) require Internet connection.