How to set up digital channels on the Xiaomi Mi TV: full instructions

DVB-T2 digital TV has become the main source of broadcasting in Russia and many other countries. Xiaomi Mi TV supports receiving digital channels, but not all users know how to set them up correctly. Unlike analog TV, where it was enough to connect an antenna and manually switch channels, digital broadcasting requires pre-scanning frequencies and saving the multiplexes found.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for Mi TV 4A/4S/4X/5/5X models, as well as solutions to typical problems: no signal, incomplete list of channels or incorrect sorting. We will look at both automatic search (recommended for most users) and manual configuration for experienced owners.

Preparing TV for setting up digital channels

Before you start searching for channels, make sure your Xiaomi Mi TV is ready for the procedure.

• 📡 Antenna: Use a decimeter-wave (DMW)-enabled indoor or outdoor DVB-T2 antenna. There are no built-in antennas in Xiaomi TVs.
• 🔌 Connection: The cable from the antenna must be connected to the ANT IN connector (or RF IN) on the back of the TV. Check the integrity of the cable - damage can cause signal loss.
• 📶 Amplification: If you are far from the TV tower, you may need an antenna amplifier (especially for the Mi TV 4A with a less sensitive tuner).
• 🔄 Software Update: Outdated firmware may not support current broadcast frequencies. Check the version in Settings → About TV.

For Mi TV 5 Pro and later (2021+ years), it is recommended to use the Mi TV Antenna app, which automatically determines the nearest towers and optimal settings. If the application is not on the menu, it can be installed via Google Play (for TV on Android TV).

⚠️ Warning: If you connect an antenna through a cable extension cord, avoid cheap adapters, they can interfere. Optimal cable length without amplifier: up to 10 meters.

Automatic search for digital channels

This is the easiest way, and it works for 90 percent of users, and it automatically scans all the frequencies available and stores the multiplexes that you find.

1. Open the Settings (button with a gear on the remote).
2. Go to Channels → Channel Configuration → Digital Channels (DVB-T/T2).
3. Select Automatic Search.
4. Please indicate the country: Russia (or your region, if available in the list).
5. Press Start and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes).

After searching, the TV will save all the channels found. In Russia, 20 free channels in two multiplexes (RTRS-1 and RTRS-2) are available in 2026, but their number can vary depending on the region. If you find less than 20 channels, try repeating the search or checking the signal quality.

Check the connection of the antenna to the ANT IN| connector

Select the right country (Russia) in settings|

Disable the option "Free Channels Only" (if any)|

Make sure there is no interference (turn off the microwave, Wi-Fi router near the TV)|

Connect the TV to the Internet to download EPG (broadcast)-->

An important caveat: if the TV finds channels but they don't show the image (black screen or artifacts), the problem may be the weak signal.

• 🔄 Reconnect the antenna or change its position.
• 📶 Use a signal amplifier (if the antenna is passive).
• 🔍 Manually specify multiplex frequencies for your region (more on this below).

Manual Channel Configuration: When and How to Use

Automatic search doesn't always work, especially in areas where there's a erratic reception, or if the TV tower is broadcasting at non-standard frequencies, and manual tuning will help in these cases, and it's also useful if:

• 📍 You are at the boundary of the coverage area of two towers.
• 🔄 Search engine finds channels, but they are constantly stuttering.
• 📡 Your antenna is directed to a specific tower with known frequencies.

Instructions for manual search:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Channels → Digital Channels → Manual Search.
2. Enter the frequency of the first multiplex for your region (see table below).
3. Specify the bandwidth: 8 MHz (standard for Russia).
4. Select Modulation: 256 QAM (for DVB-T2).
5. Click Search. If you find a signal, the TV will tell you to save the channels.
6. Repeat the steps for the second multiplex.

Where to find out the frequencies of multiplexes? Official data published by the RTRS website. Below are the current frequencies for the central regions of Russia (2026):

If your region is not listed in the table, check the current frequencies on the RTRS website or in the mobile app Telegid (available for Android). Manually configured up to 5 different frequencies, but usually two (for two multiplexes) are enough.

Channel list optimization: sorting and deleting

Once searched, the channels can be displayed in a chaotic order or duplicated to make them look convenient:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Channel Management.
2. Choose to edit the list.
3. Use the buttons on the remote: 🔼 Numbers (1-9) to assign a channel number (e.g., "1" for Channel One). 🗑️ Red button to remove the unnecessary channel. 🔄 Green button to move the channel up/down.

Save the changes.

To speed up navigation, you can create "Favorites":

1. When you watch the channel, press OK on the remote.
2. Choose to add to your favorites (star icon).
3. Access to selected channels: FAV button on the remote.

⚠️ Warning: If channels are lost after the firmware update, this may be due to a change in the tuner drivers, in which case a rollback to the previous version of the software (instruction below) or manual frequency input will help.

💡

If the TV finds channels but they are showing without sound, check the audio output settings: go to Settings → Sound → Digital Sound (SPDIF) and select PCM over Auto or Dolby.

Update the firmware to improve reception

The manufacturer regularly releases updates that optimize the tuner, for example, Mi TV 4A firmware version 1.7.20 corrected the signal drop when the reception is weak.

1. Connect your TV to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

If the automatic update does not work:

• Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
• Copy the file to a flash drive (FAT32 format).
• Connect the flash drive to the TV and update via Settings → System Update → Update via USB.

Important: Do not interrupt the upgrade process or turn off the TV. In the event of a failure, emergency recovery through service mode may be required (instruction below).

Alternative ways to watch digital TV

If setting up air channels is difficult, consider alternative options:

• 📺 IPTV: Internet connection (requires speeds from 15 Mbps). Popular services: Wink, MTS TV, Rostelecom TV. Settings: Settings → Channels → IPTV.
• 🛠️ External tuner: devices such as Xiaomi Mi Box S or Nvidia Shield with support for DVB-T2 (connect via HDMI).
• 📱 Mobile applications: TV Center or TV Platform for smartphones with support for Miracast (broadcast to TV).
• 🌍 Satellite TV: If the air signal is not available, a satellite dish may be used (CI- module for Mi TV is required).

For Mi TV 5 and later, the TV Plus feature is available, a built-in IPTV from Xiaomi with free channels.

1. Settings → Accounts and Security → TV Plus
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (or register).
3. Choose the region and available channels.

Comparison of reception methods:

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up digital channels