Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs offer a wide range of multimedia features, but the basic task for many users is to watch terrestrial TV. The process of setting up channels on these devices is significantly different from the usual interfaces of old button-button TVs or even models of other brands with a classic menu.
Signal reception and stability depend not only on the antenna, but also on the correctness of the software installations performed. Errors during the scanning phase of the frequencies can lead to the fact that some multiplexes will not be found, or the image will constantly fall into pixels. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to correctly search for digital channels and fix typical problems.
Before you start the software part, you need to make sure that the physical integrity of the connections. The antenna cable should be tightly inserted into the ANT IN connector on the back of the device. If you are using an active antenna, make sure that it is connected to the power source, as some models of Mi TVs do not apply voltage to the antenna input.
Preparation of equipment and signal verification
Successful TV setup begins well before entering the TV menu. The first step is to check the quality of the incoming signal, since the built-in Xiaomi tuner is sensitive to noise levels. If the antenna cable is old, has twists or insulation damage, digital broadcasting can work intermittently, even if the analog signal was received normally.
Note the length of the cable. For the DVB-T2 standard, which is used in Russia and many CIS countries, it is not recommended to use an antenna wire longer than 15-20 meters without installing an amplifier. Too long attenuates track (weakening) the signal, which leads to decoding errors, in such cases, the best solution is to install an active amplifier closer to the antenna.
- 📡 Check the density of the plug connection in the nest ANT IN.
- 🔌 Make sure the active antenna is connected to the power grid (if required).
- 📉 Minimize the length of the cable between the antenna and the TV.
- 🔍 Check the cable for physical damage and damage.
It is important to understand the difference between active and passive antennas. Passive models do not require additional power and operate solely from the energy of the received signal. USB-When using an active antenna powered by USB Make sure the TV port is giving out enough current, although it’s best to use a separate power supply for stability.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a room antenna, position it as close as possible to the window facing the TV tower. Metal wall structures and sprayed double-glazed windows can shield the signal, making reception impossible.
Once the hardware is physically connected, you can go to the software part. Android TV interface can hide some settings in the depth of the menu, so it is important to know the exact path to the desired functions.
Automatic setup of digital channels
The easiest and most common way to get a list of available channels is to use the automatic search function, which is that the TV algorithm will scan the entire frequency range and save the streams found, which is suitable for most users who do not want to go into technical details.
To start the procedure, you need to go to the main menu and find the settings section. Depending on the version of PatchWall firmware or pure Android TV, the path may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item responsible for setting up channels or TV.
☑️ Checking before auto search
In the menu that opens, select the antenna signal source (not to be confused with Cable TV if you are not using the provider). Next, the system will suggest selecting the search mode. The optimal option is Full or Auto, as it covers all possible frequencies. The scanning process can take from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the number of multiplexes available in your area.
During the search, the screen may display the progress scale and the current frequency being checked. Interruption of the process is not recommended, as this may lead to incorrect preservation of the list of channels. Once completed, the TV will automatically sort the channels found and prompt you to switch to viewing.
- 📺 Go to Settings. → Channels → Searching channels.
- 📡 Select the source of the antenna signal».
- 🔢 Set the search mode “Full” or “Automatic».
- ⏳ Wait until the process is completed (100%).
If the automatic search failed or found fewer channels than expected for your region, it is worth checking the settings of the region. Sometimes the TV determines the location incorrectly and uses the wrong frequency grid, in such cases, manual selection of the country or region in the appropriate menu item before starting the scan.
Manual Frequency and Multiplex Adjustment
In situations where the automatic mode is not working correctly or only accepts a portion of the channels, manual adjustment is required, a more complex method that requires knowledge of the frequency plans of your region. Manual search allows you to "pierce" a specific multiplex that the automation may have missed due to weak signal or interference.
First, you need to know the frequencies of the nearest TV towers, and you can find this information on specialized resources, such as the coverage map of Digital terrestrial TV, and you are interested in the frequency values (in MHz) or channel numbers (TBC) for the first and second multiplexes.
Where to find frequencies for your region?
In the channel settings menu, select the search type manual, you will be asked to enter the frequency or channel number, enter the value corresponding to the first multiplex, after starting the search, the TV will try to (capture) the signal at this frequency, if the signal level and quality show high values, save the channels found.
Repeat the procedure for the second and subsequent multiplexes, which is particularly effective in boundary areas where the signal is unstable, and manually tuned to ignore the noisy frequencies and focus on the pure signals.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 474 - 858 MHz | Use the coverage card data |
| Modulation. | 64 QAM / 256 QAM | Usually, it is automatically determined |
| Channel width | 8 MHz | Standard for DVB-T2 in Russia |
| Coding | MPEG-4 / H.264 | Basic broadcasting standard |
Using manual mode is also useful if you have moved to another area and the TV continues to search for channels on the old frequency grid. By resetting the settings and setting specific frequencies of the new location, you will update the database without unnecessary debris.
💡
Manual setting allows you to ignore the noisy frequencies and force to find a signal of a specific multiplex, which is critical in areas of uncertain reception.
Satellite and cable TV setup
Xiaomi TV owners are often interested in paying TV connections. For cable providers (DVB-C), the process is similar to setting up an antenna, but requires additional parameters from the operator, usually the flow rate (Symbol Rate) and the type of modulation that the provider provides in the contract.
When you select a Cable source, the TV will ask for that data, and unlike on-air broadcasts, where all parameters are standard, cables can vary, and if you input the flow rate incorrectly, you will end up with zero, even with a good cable.
In the case of satellite TV, the situation is different: most Mi TV models have only a tuner for air (DVB-T2) and cable (DVB-C) signal built in. Satellite tuner (DVB-S2) is rare, mainly in flagship or specific models. If your TV does not have a satellite dish jack or a corresponding item on the menu, you will need an external console.
- 📡 DVB-T2 — Digital television (antenna).
- 📺 DVB-C — Digital cable television (provider).
- 🛰️ DVB-S2 — Satellite TV (often not available).
- 🔌 External consoles - a solution for the lack of a built-in tuner.
To watch satellite TV on Xiaomi without a built-in module can be purchased CAM-supporter CI+, if the TV model supports this standard, or use an external receiver connected via the HDMI. The latter option is preferable, as it provides stable operation of the interface and decoding of modern video formats.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to insert the provider access card into the slot CI+, If your TV doesn’t support the standard DVB-CI+. This can damage the card or the module itself.
Working with the Live Channels app (Translation)
In Android TV, the Live Channels system app is responsible for displaying and switching between channels, and it collects data from the tuner and displays it in a user-friendly interface. If you have set up channels but they don't show up on the home screen, the problem is probably with the settings of the app.
When you first run the application may request permission to access the tuner data, you must agree to this, otherwise the list of channels will be empty, and in the application settings you can sort channels, hide unnecessary or radio stations to simplify navigation.
The app interface allows you to create recommendations based on your preferences, analyzes which shows you watch more often, and offers similar content, activating this feature may require you to log in to a Google account, and you can set parental controls here, limiting access to certain channels by age.
Importantly, removing the Live Channels app will result in you losing the ability to watch live TV through the standard interface, and if you accidentally delete it, you can restore the functionality through the Google Play Store by finding the app on Google's Live Channels request.
Solution: no signal or channels missing
One of the most common problems is the sudden disappearance of channels or the appearance of a message "No signal": first of all, you need to check the status of digital broadcasting in your region, sometimes there are preventive work on TV towers, and the signal is temporarily absent, you can find this on news portals or the RTRS website.
If the broadcast is working but the TV can't see the channels, try resetting the channel settings. In the settings menu, find "Reset channel settings" or "Remove all channels." Then run the full automatic search again, which will clear the database of erroneous records and allow the tuner to rescan the air.
Another reason could be a tuner overheating or a software failure of the operating system, and then a complete reboot of the TV helps, not just a remote shutdown, but a disconnection from the network. 1-2 This will allow you to reset the residual voltage and restart all system processes, including the tuner drivers.
💡
If channels are gone after a firmware update, try clearing the Live Channels app cache in Settings → Apps → All Apps.
In cases where nothing works, it's worth checking the antenna cable itself for contact oxidation. Often the problem lies in the physical connection, not in the software of the TV, and replacing the plug or section of the cable can instantly solve the problem.