How to stretch your image on a Xiaomi TV: all the ways for Mi TV, Mi Box and Redmi Smart TV

The problem with the incorrect display of the picture on the screen Xiaomi is one of the most common among owners of Smart TV and TV-set-top boxes of the brand. Black stripes on the sides, cropped edges of movies or stretched beyond recognition of the characters spoil the impression of viewing. 80% of the time the fault of the chosen zoom mode, but sometimes the root of the problem lies deeper — in the settings of the signal source or even the hardware limitations of the model.

In this guide, we will look at all the current ways to stretch the image on Xiaomi TVs and consoles (including Mi TV 4S/5X, Redmi Smart TV, Mi Box S/4K models). You will learn how to fix the aspect ratio for different sources (HDMI, USB, embedded applications), what settings are responsible for the scale, and what to do if standard methods do not work.

1. Basic scale settings in the TV menu

The first thing to check is the standard display options in the system menu. On most Xiaomi TVs, the path to them is the same, but may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI TV firmware.

Open Settings → Display and Sound → Image Mode. Here you will see some preview modes:

• 📺 Standard - retains the original aspect ratio (can add black stripes)
• 🔍 Stretch – fills the entire screen, ignoring the aspect ratio (possible distortions)
• 🎬 Movie – optimized for movies (usually 16:9 or 21:9)
• 🎮 Gaming – Minimal delay, but can cut edges

If you don't have the right mode, try the alternative path: Settings → Device → Screen → Aspect ratio. On some models (for example, Mi TV Q1), additional options like Auto (automatic determination) or Just Scan (show without zooming) are available here.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with resolution 4K When you select the "Stretch" mode, you may experience pixelation on low-quality sources (for example, on-air TV), in which case you should use "Standard" and put up with black stripes.

Scaling for a specific source (HDMI, USB)

Xiaomi TVs allow you to set individual display parameters for each connected device, which is useful if, for example, the Mi Box shows the picture correctly, and the game console trims the edges.

Instructions for HDMI-device:

1. Connect the source to the TV and switch to it.
2. Press the Menu button on the remote (or ⚙️ Settings).
3. Select Image Mode → User Mode (if available).
4. Adjust the Horizontal Shift and Vertical Shift settings (not available on all models).

For USB-media and built-in media player:

• 📁 Open the file through the Media or Files app.
• 🔧 During playback, press the button. ⚙️ remote.
• 🖼️ Choose an aspect ratio and experiment with options (4:3, 16:9, Original).

3. Hidden engineering menus: advanced screen settings

If standard methods don’t work, some Xiaomi models (especially the older Mi TV 4A/4C) can access the service menu, where low-level zoom options are available.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Turn off the TV remote.
2. Press and hold the Menu + Up buttons (on the directional arrow) at the same time.
3. Without releasing buttons, turn on the TV with the power button.
4. In 5-10 seconds, the Factory Mode menu will be available.

In the service menu, find the sections:

• 🔧 Picture → Overscan (manages the edge trimming)
• 📏 Display → Aspect Ratio (alternative scale modes)
• 🔄 HDMI → Format (Forced Change of Permit for Ports)

⚠️ Note: In the engineering menu, do not change the parameters whose name contains the following: EEPROM, Panel or Burn-in.This can cause permanent damage to the matrix or reset the TV to factory settings.

4. Update firmware and reset settings

If the scale problem occurred after the update, or if the image is distorted only in certain applications (for example, Netflix or YouTube), the cause may be a software bug.

Firmware update:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, install it (requires a stable Internet connection).

Reset to factory settings:

This method will return all display parameters to default values, and note: all installed apps and accounts will be deleted!

Settings → Device → Reset → Reset all settings

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Before resetting, write down the current audio settings (balance, equalizer) and network settings (Wi-Fi password), which you will also have to reconfigure.

5. Problems with specific models and their solutions

Some Xiaomi TVs have unique zoom bugs, and here are the most common cases and ways to fix them:

Mi TV 4A 32"/43" (2018-2019):

Problem: When connected via HDMI, the picture is cut at the edges by 5 to 10 percent.

• 🔌 Connect the device to the port HDMI 2 (it usually supports more modes).
• 📊 In the source menu (for example, on PC) set the permission 1280×720 instead 1920×1080.
• 🔧 In the settings of the TV, turn on Mode PC for HDMI-port.

Redmi Smart TV X65 (2020):

Problem: In the "Stretch" mode, horizontal bands appear when watching movies with a resolution of 1080p.

• 🎞️ Use an external player (for example, VLC or Kodi) instead of built-in.
• 🔄 Turn off Motion Clarity in the image settings.

Mi Box 4K (MDZ-22-AB):

Problem: Netflix and Disney+ show content with black bars, although other devices stretch.

• 📱 In the application settings (cog in the upper right corner) select Resolution: Auto.
• 🔧 On the console, go to Settings → Display and sound → Permission HDMI → 4K 60Hz.

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On Xiaomi’s 2020-2023 TVs, the scale problem is often solved by a simple reboot: turn the TV off the socket for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.

6. Hardware restrictions: when nothing helps

If you've tried all the ways, but the picture still doesn't show up correctly, the reason may lie in the hardware features of your model.

1. Fixed resolution matrix

Budget models (such as the Mi TV 4C 32) often feature 1366×768 panels that cannot physically display 1080p correctly without zooming.

• 💻 Set the source (PC, prefix) to output 1366×768.
• 🎬 Use an external player with Zoom function (for example, MX Player).

Limitations HDMI-port

On some TVs (e.g. Redmi Smart TV A55), the HDMI 1 port does not support modes above 1080p@30Hz.

• 🔌 Connect the device to another port (usually) HDMI 2 or HDMI 3 more functional).
• 🔄 In source settings (for example, on a PC), force the frequency to set 30 Hz instead of 60 Hz.

Defect of the matrix or controller

If the distortion only occurs in a certain part of the screen (for example, the right edge is always cut), this may indicate a hardware malfunction.

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center (if the TV is guaranteed).
• 🛠️ Check the connection of the matrix plume (disassembly required).

FAQ: Frequent questions about scaling on Xiaomi TV