Owners of modern Xiaomi TVs often face the need to initially configure the device immediately after unpacking. Channel setting is one of the primary tasks, since without this, it is impossible to fully use the built-in tuner for watching terrestrial television. The interface of the Android TV or PatchWall operating system, which is installed on the brand’s devices, may differ from the usual menus of old button TVs, which raises questions for new users.
The frequency scanning process is not that time-consuming, but requires the right antenna cable connection and the right signal source. In this article, we will go through all the steps from physically connecting the antenna to fine-tuning the broadcast list and eliminating common signal reception errors. Xiaomi Mi TV has a powerful built-in module that is able to receive both analog and digital signals of the DVB-T2 standard.
Preparation of equipment and connection of antenna
Before you start the software setup, you need to make sure that the physical connection of the equipment is correct. The signal must enter the TV without any hindrance, so the quality of the antenna cable and the antenna device itself is critical. If you use a room antenna, make sure that it is located in the area of confident reception, preferably at the window facing the TV tower.
Connect the antenna cable to the ANT IN or RF Input connector on the back or side of the TV. This connector is usually signed accordingly and has a threaded connection for reliable fixation. Do not use damaged cables, as this can lead to image artifacts or complete absence of signal even at high levels of radiation from the tower.
- 📡 Check the integrity of the antenna cable and the density of the plug in the TV socket.
- 🔌 Make sure that the active antenna (if used) is connected to the power supply.
- 📺 Disable other devices that may interfere with the airwaves while you set up.
- 🔍 Select the optimal antenna location for the maximum signal level.
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Use an antenna cable with a copper vein and a shielding of at least 60 dB to minimize interference in the digital signal.
Once the components are physically connected, you can go to the software part, turn on the TV and go to the settings menu, the next logical step. The Android TV system on board the device will provide all the necessary tools to automatically find the available frequencies.
Navigating the TV settings menu
Xiaomi TVs can vary depending on the firmware version and regional modification of the device. However, the general logic of the arrangement of the controls remains similar. You will need a remote control that comes with the kit, or a remote application on your smartphone if the physical remote is temporarily unavailable.
Click the Settings menu button, which is often indicated by a gear or three dots in a row. In the list that opens, you need to find the channel configuration section. In different versions of the software, it can be called Channels, Broadcasts or located inside the Device Settings tab.
⚠️ Note: In some versions of the PatchWall interface, the feed settings menu may be hidden deep within the system. If you don't see it right away, try going to the Applications section and running the system app Live Channels or Translations».
Access to advanced parameters sometimes requires switching the TV mode to TV mode or selecting the appropriate input in the signal source list. Without this action, the setting menu item may be inactive or hidden, this is done in order not to overload the interface when the user is watching content through HDMI.
Starting an automatic channel search
The easiest and most efficient way to fill a broadcast list is to use automatic search, which allows the TV to scan the entire frequency range and save the multiplexes found. To start the procedure, look for AutoSearch or Channel Search in the previously opened menu.
The system will suggest choosing the type of signal received. For most users in Russia and CIS countries, the DVB-T2 (digital on-air) and DVB-C (digital cable) standards are relevant. If you use a conventional antenna, choose on-air broadcasting. If the signal comes from the provider directly to the cable, choose cable TV.
The scanning process will display the progress bar and the number of channels found, which is not recommended to be interrupted, as this may lead to incorrect data retention and the need to repeat the procedure.
☑️ Auto-search algorithm
When you've finished your search, the TV will suggest you sort the channels or go straight to the viewing, and if the list is empty, it means that the signal is too weak or the wrong source type is selected, and then you should go back to checking the antenna connection.
Manual setting and frequency selection
In situations where automatic search fails or misses certain channels, manual adjustment is used, which allows you to specify a specific frequency or channel number for scanning, and this is especially true in areas of uncertain reception or when using specific equipment.
To go manual, select Manual Customization from the channel menu. You will need to enter the frequency in MHz or the channel number, which you can find on specialized resources, such as a digital TV coverage map. Enter data using the on-screen remote, and start scanning a specific frequency.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Type of scan | Choosing between a full and fast search | Full (for the first time) |
| Frequency (MHz) | Operating frequency of multiplex | Depends on the region (e.g. 546 MHz) |
| Modulation. | Signal encoding method | Auto or 64 QAM / 256 QAM |
| Symbolic speed | Symbols transfer speed (for cable) | 6875 kSim/s (standard) |
Manual mode requires precision. A single frequency digit error will make the TV unable to signal. Multiplex frequencies in Russia are strictly standardized and do not change arbitrarily, unlike analog broadcasting in the past.
What to do if you find 0 channels?
Sorting, editing and removing channels
Once scanned successfully, the channel list is often mixed or contains unnecessary positions. Xiaomi TV allows you to edit the list for user convenience. You can move your favorite channels to the top of the list, hide advertising or technical broadcasts.
To edit, go to channel management mode, often triggered by the OK button or a special menu button while watching TV. Drag-and-Drop or arrow-move functionality is available here. Channel removal is usually done by highlighting an item and selecting the appropriate context menu item.
- 📝 Rename channels for convenience (e.g., "First" instead of "1") HD»).
- 🚫 Hide channels with poor signal quality so they don’t horn your eyes when switching.
- 🔢 Change the order of the route by putting the most frequently viewed channels first.
- 💾 Keep a list of channels on USB-flash drive for quick transfer to another TV.
⚠️ Note: The function of saving the list of channels on USB may not be available in some firmware versions or require formatting of the drive into the file system FAT32 beforehand.
Regularly maintaining a list of channels improves the user experience, eliminating the need to search hundreds of positions in search of the desired program, and sorting helps to structure content into thematic groups.
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Correct sorting of channels saves time when finding the right gear and makes using the TV more comfortable for all family members.
Solving Signal and Image Quality Problems
Even after the right setup, users can experience problems: a picture scattering into squares, no image or sound at all, most often due to a weak signal level or problems with the broadcaster's encoder, and the signal level check is available on the engineering menu or in the status bar during setup.
If the signal level is low (less than 50-60%), try replacing the antenna, using an amplifier or raising the antenna higher. For cable TV, it is worth checking the integrity of the cable from the provider to the TV. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply restarting the device through the Settings menu → About TV → Reboot.
In the case of channels that are located but not opened (black screen), it is possible that an unsupported codec or broadcast format is used that is not supported by the built-in tuner of this model. In such situations, the salvation is the installation of third-party IPTV applications that use the Internet channel to transmit video streams, bypassing the limitations of the built-in tuner.