Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs are powerful multimedia centers, but their basic functionality, including receiving terrestrial TV, requires the correct initial configuration. Many users are faced with a situation when the screen offers to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi, but when you try to turn on a regular TV, only shows “snow” or a message about the absence of a signal, this is because the built-in tuner does not have a preset frequency list for your region.
The frequency scanning process takes a few minutes, but is a critical step to comfortably use the device as the main video receiver. Depending on the model of your TV, whether it is Mi TV P1, Mi TV 4A or the newer series with Android TV and Google TV, the menu interface may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same throughout the brand ecosystem.
In this guide, we will go into detail all the steps of connecting an antenna, setting up the DVB-T2 digital standard and solving common problems with signal reception. Competent setting will allow you to enjoy content without delays and image artifacts, using only a room or external antenna.
Connection of antenna cable and preparation of equipment
Before you go to the software settings in the operating system menu, you need to physically connect the signal source. There is always a connector on the back or side of the Xiaomi TV body, signed as ANT IN or RF Input. This is where the coaxial cable from your antenna is inserted. It is important to make sure that the connection is dense and the plug is fully integrated into the socket, since poor contact is a common cause of signal loss.
If you use an active antenna (amplifier), be sure to connect its power supply to the socket. Passive antennas do not need power, but their effectiveness depends on the quality of the cable and the proximity of the transmitting tower. In low signal conditions, it is recommended to use an external directional antenna, installed as high as possible.
⚠️ Warning: Do not connect the antenna cable while the TV is on if you are using an old plug with a possible short-circuited braid to avoid damaging the incoming tuner cascade.
For apartment dwellers using collective antennas, the cable is usually already wired into the apartment and connected to an antenna socket on the wall, in which case you will need a standard coaxial cable with F-connectors on both sides to connect the wall and the TV.
Selection of signal source and connection type
After turning on the TV and setting up the system (language, time, network), you need to go to the choice of the signal source. In most cases, the Android TV system will itself prompt to start setting up the channels on the first run if it detects a connected antenna cable. If the automatic offer does not appear, you need to find the TV or Live TV application on the home screen.
When you start setting up channels, the system will ask you to choose the type of connection, and it is important to choose the right option for your situation. For terrestrial digital television that is broadcasted for free through the antenna, you select the Antenna mode. If you are connected to a cable provider without using a console, you select the Cable TV mode.
Xiaomi’s current models support DVB-T2 (Digital Ether) and DVB-C (Digital Cable) standards. Analog broadcasting (DVB-T) has already been disabled in many regions, so digital formats should be given priority to obtain high-resolution HD or Full HD images.
Automatic setup of digital channels
The easiest and most recommended way to get a complete list of available programs is to use automatic search, which allows the TV to scan the entire frequency range, identify active multiplexes, and store the channels found in the device’s memory.
To start the process, go to the TV settings menu. The path can look like Settings → Channels → Channel Search or through the TV app in the channel management section. Once you select the Antenna mode, the system will prompt you to start scanning. During the search, the screen will display the progress bar and the number of channels found.
☑️ Checklist of automatic settings
Automated search is usually 3 to 10 minutes long, depending on the number of frequencies in your region and the signal strength. It is not recommended to interrupt this process, as the list of channels may not be fully preserved. If the signal is unstable, the search may take longer, as the tuner will try to sync with each transponder.
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If automatic search found few channels or none, try selecting “Full Search” or “Factory Channel Settings” in the search settings to reset old frequency data.
Manual frequency setting and list sorting
In some cases, automatic mode may miss some channels or add some that are not working, and then manual adjustment comes to the rescue, allowing the user to enter the exact frequency of a particular multiplex, which is especially true in border areas or when using specific equipment.
To manually adjust the channel search menu, select Manual Customization or Channel Editing, where you need to know the broadcast frequency in your area, which can be found on the official digital television site of your region, enter the frequency in the Frequency field (e.g., 546 MHz) and start a search only for that frequency.
Once a scan is successful, you often need to sort channels so that your favorite stations are at the top of the list, so that the channel management menu (Settings → Channels → Channels → Channel list) can move channels, hide unnecessary channels or remove duplicates, making navigation from the remote much easier.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Type of tuner | Signal source | DVB-T2 (Antenna) |
| Search | Scanning mode | Full / Auto |
| Network | Choice of operator | Auto or specific provider |
| Frequency | For manual mode | According to the coverage map |
Satellite and cable TV setup
If you are a subscriber to a paid cable or satellite operator, the setup procedure may be different. In the case of cable TV, you often need to choose a specific provider from the list. Xiaomi TVs contain databases of frequencies of large operators, which simplifies the process.
For satellite TV, if your TV model has a satellite tuner (designated as DVB-S2), you need to select the appropriate signal source. However, it is worth noting that most modern thin Mi TV models do not have a built-in satellite tuner, in which case you will need a separate set-top box (receiver) connected via HDMI.
When using an external console, the channels are set up not on the TV, but on the console's menu, and the TV acts only as a monitor, and you only need to switch the signal source (Source or the button with a square and arrow on the remote) to the corresponding HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 port.
⚠️ Attention: When in use CAM-cable TV modules make sure that the access card is inserted on the correct side and to the end, and the module is fully immersed in the Common Interface slot.
Problem Solving: No signal or black screen
One of the most common problems is the message "No signal" or the constant interruption of the image to "squares." First of all, check the signal level in the TV menu (Settings → Channels → Signal Level). If the scale is filled by less than 40-50%, stable operation is impossible.
Low signal strength is often solved by replacing the antenna cable with a better one (with a copper central vein) or installing an antenna amplifier. It is also worth checking the integrity of the plugs: oxidized contact can completely block the passage of the signal.
What if the channels are gone after the update?
If there is an image but no sound, or vice versa, check the audio track settings. In digital broadcasts, multiple languages or audio formats are often available, and you can switch them using the Options button or through the menu while you are watching.
Use of TV Watching Applications (IPTV)
Owners of Xiaomi Android TVs have the huge advantage of being able to install third-party apps. If the over-the-air antenna catches poorly, IPTV can be the alternative.
To implement this method, you need to install a player application, for example, Peers.TV, Wink, Numerology. TV Or Televizo's universal player, and you can find these apps in the Google Play Store on your TV or manually install them through the TV. APK-flash-file.
Most of these services offer high-quality free federal channels and hundreds of themed channels for an additional fee, ideal for low-air regions but requiring stable Internet connections at least 10 Mbps.
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IPTV is the best alternative to an antenna if you have fast internet, as the quality of the image does not depend on the weather and the distance to the tower.