Why setting up channels on Xiaomi TV raises questions
Xiaomi TVs have gained popularity due to a combination of affordable prices and modern features, but many users face difficulties when setting up their first terrestrial or digital TV. Unlike traditional brands like Samsung or LG, the MIUI TV interface has its own features: hidden menus, non-obvious paths to antenna settings and specific channel search algorithms. For example, in the Mi TV 4S and Mi TV Q1 models, the TV setup section is hidden in the “Devices” submenus, which confuses beginners.
Another common problem is the unstable signal after automatic search, which is because Xiaomi algorithms default to DVB-T2 (digital TV) channels, but can skip over-the-air DVB-T or DVB-C cables unless you specify the type of connection manually, and Russia has updated frequency broadcast plans since 2026, which not all TV firmware supports out of the box.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can configure your Xiaomi TVs (including the Mi TV A2, Redmi Smart TV, and Xiaomi TV Q2), explain how to avoid common bugs, and give you tips for improving signal quality.
Preparing the TV for channel settings
Before you start looking for channels, make sure that the Xiaomi TV is ready for the procedure.
- 🔌 Connect the antenna to the connector. RF IN (It's usually on the back. For digital TV (DVB-T2) It's a room antenna with an amplifier, for the air (DVB-T) — pointy.
- 📡 Check the cable: it must be whole, without inflections. Use a 75 ohms cable.
- 🔄 Update the firmware. Outdated versions of the software may not support current broadcast frequencies. → On TV. → Updating the system.
- 📶 Make sure there's a signal. If you have another TV or set-top box, check if it's catching channels with that antenna.
Pay special attention to the type of connection:
- 📺 On-air TV (DVB-T/DVB-T2) — requires an external or room antenna.
- 📡 Cable TV (DVB-C) — connects via coaxial cable from the provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS).
- 🛰️ Satellite TV - additional equipment (receiver, plate) is needed).
Important: Xiaomi TVs do not support analog broadcasting (PAL/SECAM) - only digital standards. If your region has not yet switched to digital, you will need an external console.
Connect the antenna/cable to the RF IN| connector
Update the firmware of the TV |
Check the signal on another device |
Select the type of broadcasting (DVB-T2, DVB-C etc.)|
Disable VPN (can block access to regional channels)
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Automatic channel search on Xiaomi TV
This is the easiest way that most users can use, and it automatically scans the frequencies available and stores the channels they find. Here's how to do this:
- Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
- Go to the Devices and Connections section → Television.
- Select Channel Configures → Automatic Search.
- Specify the signal type: 📶 On-air TV (DVB-T/T2) — antennae; 🏢 Cable TV (DVB-C) — If connected to the provider;
Start the search
If you can’t find or have too few channels after automatically searching, check:
- ⚡ Signal strength (the channel settings menu has a level scale). If below 50%, try moving the antenna.
- 📍 Broadcast Region: Some Xiaomi models need to manually specify country (Russia) and region in settings.
- 🔄 Repeat the search with a different signal type (for example, instead of using a different signal). DVB-T2 choose DVB-T).
What to do if the automatic search is suspended?
Manual Channel Configuration: When and How to Use
Automatic search is not always the right thing to do, especially if:
- 📡 You live in a weak signal zone;
- 🏙️ Your provider uses non-standard frequencies;
- 🔄 After the firmware update, previously saved channels were lost.
For manual adjustment:
- Go to Settings → Devices and Connections → Television → Channel Configuration → Manual Search.
- Select the signal type (DVB-T2, DVB-C, etc.).
- Specify the parameters: 📶 Frequency (e.g. 546 MHz for the First Multiplex in Moscow); 🔢 Symbolic speed (for DVB-C usually 6875); 🔤 Modulation (e.g. 256) QAM cable-TV).
Search
Add
Where to get the parameters for manual search?
- 📡 For DVB-T2: The frequency of multiplexes in your region can be found on the RTRS website.
- 🏢 For DVB-C: Check with the provider (usually the parameters are specified in the contract).
| Region | First multiplex (DVB-T2) | Second multiplex (DVB-T2) |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow | 546 MHz (Channel 30) | 498 MHz (Channel 24) |
| St. Petersburg | 754 MHz (Channel 56) | 770 MHz (Channel 58) |
| ekaterinburg | 666 MHz (Channel 45) | 794 MHz (Channel 61) |
| Novosibirsk | 570 MHz (Channel 33) | 602 MHz (Channel 37) |
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If you are not sure about the options, start by auto-searching, and then manually add the missing channels by frequencies from the table above.
Cable TV setup (DVB-C) from the provider
If you are connected to cable television (e.g. from Rostelecom, MTS or Tricolor), the configuration algorithm will differ.
- Check with the provider the following parameters: 📶 Frequency (e.g. 314 MHz); 🔢 Symbolic speed (usually 6875); 🔤 Modulation (256) QAM); 🔐 ID network (if required).
Settings → Television → Channel settings → Cable TV (DVB-C)
Enter the options provided by the provider and start the search.
Frequent problems with DVB-C configuration:
- ❌ No signal – check if the service is activated and if the cable is properly connected.
- ❌ Not all channels were found, but it's possible that the provider uses multiple frequencies.
- ❌ Required. CAM-module – some packages (e.g. NTV-Plus) require a conditional access module (CI+).
⚠️ Note: If your ISP uses encrypted channels (such as Tricolor or Telecard), one Xiaomi TV will not be enough. CAM-module and smart card that are inserted into a special slot on the TV (if any) or an external console.
Solving Signal and Channel Problems
Even after successful setup, channels may disappear, pixelate, or fail to show sound, and these are typical causes and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No signal. | Weak signal level, cable damaged | Check the antenna connection, try the amplifier |
| Canals found, but not shown | Incorrect broadcast format (e.g. DVB-T instead of DVB-T2) | Repeat the search with the correct signal type |
| Artifacts in the image (squares, hangings) | Interference, poor signal quality | Move the antenna, use the interference screen |
| No sound on some channels. | Incompatible audio codec (e.g. AC-4) | Update the firmware or use an external console |
If the problems persist, try:
- 🔄 Reset the TV module settings: Settings → Annexes → Television → Clear the data.
- 📡 Use an external console (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box) if the TV does not support the required standards.
- 🔧 Update software – in new versions of firmware often correct errors with broadcasting.
⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A mi TV 4C (Released before 2020, there may be no support DVB-T2 Check the specifications of your model on the official website.
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If the TV doesn't catch digital channels, but the antenna is good, it's probably the firmware problem. Try updating the software manually via USB.
Additional settings: sorting, parental control, EPG
After successful channel search, they can be sorted, blocked or configured to program transmissions (EPG).
Channel sorting
- Open the channel list (TV button on the remote).
- Press Menu → Edit.
- Drag channels in the right order or remove unnecessary ones.
Parental control
To limit access to certain channels:
- Go to Settings → Security → Parental Controls.
- Install. PIN-code.
- Select channels to block from the TV menu.
EPG (transmission programs)
If the transmission program is not displayed:
- 🔄 Update. EPG manually: Settings → Television → Update EPG.
- 📡 Make sure the channels are broadcasting the data EPG (Some regional channels do not transmit them).
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To quickly switch between your favorite channels, add them to the Favorites (FAV button on the remote).