Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs are complex multimedia centers running on the Android TV or PatchWall operating system. Connecting external devices such as game consoles, computers or satellite receivers through the HDMI interface is one of the basic tasks that every user faces immediately after unpacking. However, despite the apparent simplicity of the process, owners often face situations where the image does not appear automatically, or the system does not correctly determine a new signal source.
The main challenge is the variety of firmware models and versions that can handle requests to change the source of a video signal in different ways: in some cases, manual intervention through the settings menu is required, in others, the correct use of the remote control is enough. Understanding the logic of the PatchWall interface and knowing the hidden functions allows you to avoid unnecessary movements and quickly access content.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to switch to HDMI-Input from standard methods to specific signal display problems, we will look at the differences between the original remotes and third-party counterparts, and also touch on the technical nuances of port operation with different bandwidth.
Physical Connection and Port Selection
The first and most obvious step is to get the devices connected physically correctly. There are usually two to three HDMI connectors on the back or side of a Xiaomi TV. It is important to pay attention to port labeling, as they may have different specifications. For example, one port may support ARC/eARC technology to transmit audio to the audio system, and the other one may have increased bandwidth for a 4K HDR signal.
Use a high-quality cable that meets HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 standards, especially if you plan to broadcast an image in high resolution. Cheap cables can cause unstable operation, screen flickering or complete absence of signal, even if the settings of the TV are done correctly. Once the cable is connected to the TV and external device (laptop, console), you need to make sure that the external device is on and is in active mode.
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Use HDMI cables no longer than 3 meters long to guarantee 4K transmission without loss of quality.
It’s worth noting that some ports can be labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or have specific designations like HDMI (ARC). Remember which port you’ve connected the device to, because manually switching requires you to select that number. If you’ve connected your laptop to the second port, you’ll need to look for the HDMI 2 source in the TV menu.
Use of remote control
The fastest way to get to the right signal source is to use the buttons on the remote. Depending on your Xiaomi or Redmi TV model, the remote may look different, but the functionality remains similar. The original remotes often have a separate button that says INPUT or a square icon with an arrow entering it. Pressing this button triggers the signal source selection menu.
If there is no separate button, you need to find a home key or a special menu button. On voice-controlled remotes, you often need to press and hold the microphone button to activate voice search, and say "Switch to HDMI" or "HDMI one." The system recognizes the voice request and automatically performs the transition.
- 🔘 Press the button. INPUT call-in.
- 🏠 Use the Home button to navigate to the main menu and select the source.
- 🎤 Activate the voice assistant to manage the team.
- 📺 Some Xiaomi remotes have a separate button with a TV icon.
It is important to distinguish between the type of remote connection. Bluetooth remotes that come with new models require pairing and can control the TV from a distance without direct vision. Infrared (IR) remotes require direction to the TV receiver. If the remote does not respond, check batteries or try to reconnect it through a key combination, usually this is the simultaneous pressing of the buttons Menu and Back (or OK and Back) directed towards the TV.
Configure via the source menu (Input Source)
If you don't automatically switch, you need to use the source selection menu. On PatchWall or standard Android TV, this process may be visually different. Once you call the input menu (via INPUT or through settings), you'll see a list of all the available ports. The active port that the working device is connected to is usually highlighted or previewed.
To access the extended menu, you can go to Settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner) and select Signals or Signal Sources. This displays the full map of connections. If the device is connected correctly but the signal is not coming, this menu often shows the "No signal" status opposite the corresponding port, which confirms the physical health of the connector, but the lack of data from the external device.
☑️ Checking the connection of the source
Some firmware versions have an Auto-Detection feature, and if it's active, the TV will prompt you to switch to the external device when you turn on, but if it's bugged or disabled, manually switching through the Logins menu is the only reliable option. Navigation on the menu is carried out by arrows, and the choice is confirmed by the button OK.
Solving problems with lack of signal
It's quite common for a TV to show a black screen or a "No signal" sign to be displayed, and it can be caused not only by the wrong port choice, but also by the incompatibility of the permissions. If your external device (like an old laptop or gaming console) is producing a signal that the Xiaomi TV cannot decode, the images will not be displayed, in which case you need to change the resolution at the source itself.
Permit compatibility table
⚠️ Note: If you connect your computer, make sure that the "Duplicate" or "Extend" mode is selected in the graphics card settings, and not "Second screen only" if the image is lost immediately after you connect.
Another common problem is the TV's "deep sleep." Sometimes Android TV doesn't properly exit the power saving mode when the input signal appears, which helps to completely turn off the TV with a button on the case (not from the outlet, but a software shutdown) and turn on again. It's also worth trying to change the refresh rate of the screen at the source from 60 Hz to 50 Hz or vice versa, since some panels are sensitive to this parameter.
Check the cable itself. Even visually, the whole cable can have an internal cliff. Try replacing the cable with a known serviceable one or connecting the device to another HDMI port. If the image appears in another port, then the problem was with the particular connector or its settings in the system.
Specifications of HDMI ports on Xiaomi TV
Not all HDMI ports on Xiaomi TVs are the same. Model specifications often specify the presence of HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 ports. The difference between them is critical for gamers and users who want to watch content in maximum quality. The version 2.1 port supports bandwidth, which allows you to transfer an image in 4K at 120 Hz, while version 2.0 is limited to 60 Hz for 4K.
Below is a table showing the typical distribution of port capabilities across Xiaomi TV series.Please note that the exact specs may vary depending on the year of release and the specific screen diagonal.
| Model TV set | Port port HDMI 1 | HDMI 2 port (ARC) | Port port HDMI 3 | Support for 4K 120Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV P1 43" | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.0 (ARC) | HDMI 2.0 | No. |
| Mi TV Q1 55" | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 (eARC) | HDMI 2.0 | Yes (ports 1 and 2) |
| Redmi TV X 50" | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.0 (ARC) | - | No. |
| Mi TV Master 65" | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 (eARC) | HDMI 2.1 | Yeah (all ports) |
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To connect the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X in 120Hz mode, be sure to use ports labeled HDMI 2.1 and the corresponding Ultra High Speed cable.
The port labeled ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC is primarily designed to connect sound systems (soundbars, receivers) through which the TV can transmit sound to external acoustics. Although it can also transmit video signals, it is better for game consoles to use other ports so as not to occupy the audio channel if you need it for sound.
Configure image parameters for HDMI
After a successful transition to HDMI-input, the image may not look perfect: be too bright, dim or have cropped edges. To correct these parameters, go to the image settings. On the remote, press the settings button (cogs) or call the Quick Settings menu.
In Image -> All settings, you will find the screen format settings. Make sure you select 16:9 or Screen size to avoid black bars or stretching. You can also set the color mode (e.g. Movies, Standards, Game) for computers. PC mode or post-processing shutdown is often helpful to keep the text clear.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on Dynamic Contrast mode when working with text interfaces from a computer, as this can cause unpleasant font flickering and delayed input.
Separate attention deserves adjustment HDMI-Some firmware has an option that makes the TV automatically switch to the source if it receives a signal, which is in the general settings of the system. If it doesn’t work properly (the TV itself switches to ads or a blank screen), it’s best to turn it off to have full control over the sources.