Modern Smart TVs from Xiaomi, running on the operating system Android TV, originally equipped with a built-in digital tuner standard DVB-T2. This means that to watch free terrestrial TV you do not need additional external devices or consoles from providers if your home has a high-quality antenna signal. Many users mistakenly believe that the interface MIUI TV requires the mandatory connection of third-party equipment, but the internal hardware is fully ready to work with the antenna cable directly.
The setup process can seem complicated only at first glance due to the localization of menus and frequency scanning algorithms. The correct configuration allows you to get an image without delays and artifacts typical for Internet broadcast. It is important to understand that the built-in DVB-T2 module in Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Mi Box and full-fledged TV series Mi TV 4, 4A, 4S, P1 and others works according to the same principles, although the paths in the menu may differ slightly depending on the firmware version.
In this guide, we will go into detail all the steps of connection, from checking the antenna cable to fine-tuning the frequencies manually if the automatic search failed. You will learn how to bypass typical scan errors and why a TV can not see the signal even when the antenna is working. Digital broadcasting requires accuracy in settings, and following the sequence of actions ensures stable television operation.
Compatibility check and equipment preparation
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the physical ability to receive the signal. All modern Xiaomi TVs released after 2016 support the DVB-T2 standard, which is used for digital broadcasting in Russia and many CIS countries. However, some export versions or older models may only have a cable standard DVB-C or satellite DVB-S, so visual verification of the specifications or the presence of an antenna input type RF In is a mandatory first step.
The quality of the received image depends on the state of the antenna cable and the antenna itself. If you use a room antenna without an amplifier, and the TV is a few meters from the window or in the area of insecure reception, the built-in tuner may not be able to decode the signal. In such cases, even the correct software setup will not help, and you will need to install an external active antenna or signal amplifier that is powered by the power of the device. USB-port-of-television.
⚠️ Note: Do not connect the antenna cable to the TV connector during a thunderstorm or during strong static discharges if the antenna is displayed on the roof. The built-in Xiaomi tuner is very sensitive to voltage surges and can burn, after which the recovery will require replacing the motherboard or using an external one. USB-prefix.
Use only high-quality coaxial cable with 75 Ohms to connect. Cheap cables with a thin central conductor can cause signal attenuation, which manifests itself in the form of a scattering of the picture into squares or complete absence of image. Make sure that the plug sits tightly in the Antenna In or RF In socket on the back of the device.
Physical connection of antenna cable
The process of switching equipment requires care, as the connectors on Xiaomi TVs are often located in hard-to-reach places or pointing sideways, which creates mechanical stress on the cable. Carefully insert the antenna plug into the appropriate socket until the characteristic click or stop. If your TV has a combined connector (often found in compact models), where one input serves for the antenna and composite video, be sure to use the adapter that comes with the kit, selecting the side marked with ANT.
After the physical connection, you need to power the active antenna if it requires it. Many modern room models are powered by USB. Xiaomi TVs have a special USB port that can provide current for such needs, but not always. If the antenna does not receive power, it will not be able to amplify the signal, and the tuner will not see any channel. Check the indicator on the antenna body - it should burn.
If you're using a multi-television system in your apartment, make sure that the signal is distributed through a quality divider (splitter) rather than just twisted. Every extra meter of cable and every cheap divisor weakens the signal level, which is critical for digital broadcasting, where the principle of all or nothing operates.
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Use ferrite rings on the antenna cable near the TV if you notice interference from a Wi-Fi router or microwave oven, as digital frequencies may overlap.
Initial setting and region selection
Once you turn on the TV and select the source, you need to set the region correctly, which is one of the most important steps, because the country you choose will determine the frequency list on which the TV will search for channels, go to the main menu and select Settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner).
In the menu that opens, look for the "General" or "System" section, then go to the "Region" or "Country." For users in Russia and CIS countries, the most common choice is "Russia", "Ukraine", "Kazakhstan" or "Other" if your country is not on the list. Choosing the wrong region can lead to the fact that automatic search will not find any channel, since the frequency grids differ from country to country.
Some users are faced with a situation where the list of regions is not their country, in which case choose "Russia" or "Other" - this will unlock the full list of frequency bands for scanning. After changing the region, the TV can request a reboot, which is normal behavior of the system.
☑️ Checking before searching
Automatic search for digital channels
The easiest way to set up a TV is to use automatic mode. To do this, go to the signal source menu by pressing the button with the image of the square with the arrow on the remote (Input), and select "TV" or "DTV." The system will suggest setting up the channels. If this does not happen, enter the TV settings menu and find "Channels" → "Search for channels".
In the search menu, select the antenna type "Air" or "Cable" if you are connected to the provider's general network without a console. For a normal indoor or external antenna, choose "Antenna." Then run "Auto Search." The TV will start scanning the entire frequency range, saving the digital packets found.
It can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes, and it will show the progress bar and signal level on the screen, don't interrupt the process, even if the TV seems to be stuck at some percentage, and when the scan is complete, the system will show you a list of channels found, and if you find 0 channels, go to the manual setting section.
| Parameter | Value for auto-search | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Signal type | DVB-T2 | Digital etheric |
| Source | antenna | Not cable TV. |
| Search mode | Complete. | Scanning all frequencies. |
| Sorting | By number. | For ease of navigation |
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Automatic search finds about 90% of available channels, but can miss weak signals or duplicate channels, so manual verification is sometimes necessary.
Manual frequency adjustment and problem solving
If the automatic search didn't work or only found a portion of the channels, you'll need to switch to manual adjustment, which is especially true for areas far from the towers where the signal is weak, and you'll need to know the frequencies of the nearest transmitters, which you can do on the official website of the digital TV coverage maps in your region.
In the channel search menu, select Manual Search. In the window that opens, you need to enter the channel number (TV Channel) or frequency (Frequency) in MHz. For Russia, multiplexes in the 490-860 MHz band are used. When entering the frequency, keep track of the signal level and signal quality scale. If the scales are filled, click Search or OK to scan a particular multiplex.
A common problem is that the tuner is overloaded with a strong signal. If you live very close to the tower and use an active antenna with a high gain, try turning off the amplifier power or using a passive antenna. An overloaded receiver can show 0% signal quality despite a high level, which leads to a lack of image.
⚠️ Warning: When manually set up, don't confuse MHz frequency with channel number. Inputting incorrect data can cause the TV to search in the wrong range and you'll get an empty list of channels again.
What if you find channels but no sound?
Sorting and editing the channel list
After successful channel search, it is often necessary to organize the list by removing broken channels or moving favorite channels to the beginning. In Xiaomi TVs, this feature can be hidden or implemented inconveniently. To edit the list, enter TV viewing mode, click the menu button on the remote control and select Channel Editor or Channel List.
Here you can assign channels numbers corresponding to their order on the air (for example, to the First channel was on the button 1), or remove duplicates. Some versions of the firmware allow you to create lists of favorite channels, which greatly simplifies navigation. Remember, changes to the list only apply after you leave the editing mode with save.
If the built-in tools can not sort channels, you can use third-party applications from the Google Play Store, such as Live Channels or specialized launchers for TV, which allow you to flexibly manage the list of broadcast channels and hide unnecessary ones.