How to set up and watch channels on a Xiaomi TV: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV, Xiaomi TV A, etc.) offer flexible options for watching on-air, cable, satellite and Internet TV. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup, from no signal to improper channel order. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to connect TV channels on Xiaomi TVs, including hidden functions and solutions to typical problems.

It is important to understand that the configuration algorithm depends on the type of broadcast (analog, digital DVB-T2, cable DVB-C, satellite DVB-S2 or IPTV) and the region – in some countries unique coding standards are used. We will look at universal methods relevant to the models of 2020-2026, and also pay attention to the features of the firmware MIUI TV 3.0+, where the interface of the channel configuration menu has changed.

1. Preparing Xiaomi TV to set up channels

Before you search for channels, make sure the TV is properly connected to the signal source.

• 📡 Antenna: Connect the cable to the RF IN connector (or ANTENNA) on the back. For digital TV (DVB-T2), use a decimeter antenna with an amplifier (if you live far from the tower).
• 📺 Cable TV: Connect the coaxial cable from the provider to the CABLE IN connector. Check with the operator if the CAM- module is required to decode the pay channels.
• 🛰️ Satellite TV: Connect the cable from the converter to the LNB IN connector. The Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/5X may require an external receiver, as not all models support DVB-S2.
• 🌐 IPTV: Connect your TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The provider must provide a playlist in.m3u format or login data to the app.

Also check:

• ⚡ Power antenna: If you have an active antenna with an amplifier, plug it into a power supply (usually 5V or 12V). Some Xiaomi models (e.g., Mi TV Q1) have the option to Power the antenna in the settings menu, turn it on.
• 🔄 Source Switch: On the remote, press SOURCE (or INPUT) and select TV (or DTV for digital broadcasting).

⚠️ Warning: If you are connecting cable TV from a provider (e.g., Rostelecom or A1), check if a console is required. Some operators use their own encryption, which Xiaomi TVs do not support without additional hardware.

2. set up on-air (digital) TV on Xiaomi

Digital terrestrial television (DVB-T2) in Russia and most CIS countries is broadcast in MPEG-4 format with H.264 encoding. Xiaomi TVs support this standard out of the box, but for stable reception, follow the instructions:

Adjustment steps:

1. Click on the Menu → select Settings.
2. Go to Channels → Channel Setup.
3. Select Digital TV and Auto Search →.
4. Specify country (e.g. Russia or Kazakhstan) and search type: 🔍 Full search – scans all available multiplexes (recommended when first connected). ⚡ Quick search – searches only for the main channels (suitable for signal validation).

Start

If no channels are found:

• 📶 Check the signal level in the Manual Setup menu. The optimal is 70-100%. If it's below 50%, try reorienting the antenna.
• 🔧 Update the frequency list: in some regions multiplexes broadcast at non-standard frequencies.

Make sure the antenna is connected to the RF IN| connector

Choose the right country in the settings |

Disable the option "Free channels only" (if you need paid)|

Check that the TV is not in Hotel Mode)-->

3. Connecting cable television (DVB-C)

To set up cable TV from the provider (for example, MTS TV, Beeline TV, NTV-Plus) will require additional parameters: frequency, symbolic speed and modulation, these data are usually specified in the contract or on the operator's website.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Channels → Cable TV.
2. Choose Manual Search (Manual Search).
3. Enter the provider parameters: Frequency: for example, 314 MHz. Symbolic speed: usually 6875 ks/s. Modulation: 256 QAM (most common).

CAM-module

If the provider uses IPTV instead of DVB-C (such as Wink or Tricolor IPTV), the setup is done via the operator's app. Install it from the Mi App Store or Google Play (for Android TV models).

⚠️ Warning: Some providers (e.g., Akado) are blocking live streaming to non-configured TVs, which would require an external receiver with output HDMI.

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If the TV doesn’t find channels manually, try resetting the TV tuner in Settings → System → Reset and Restore. This will remove all the saved channels, but often solves search problems.

4. Satellite TV setup (DVB-S2) on Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi models support satellite TV directly. For example, the Mi TV 4A and Redmi TV 70" have a built-in DVB-S2 tuner, but the Mi TV P1 requires an external receiver. Check the specifications of your model on the official website.

If the tuner is supported, follow the algorithm:

1. Connect the cable from the satellite dish to the LNB IN connector.
2. In the menu, select Settings → Channels → Satellite TV.
3. Add a satellite manually (e.g. Yamal 402 for Russia or Astra 4A for Europe) or select from the list.
4. Specify options: LNB type: usually Universal. Range: 9750/10600 (for most plates). 22K: On (if a range switch is used).

Search for transponders

Network

Network Search

To view pay channels (e.g. Tricolor TV or NTV-Plus), you will need a CAM- module with an access card. Insert it into the slot CI+ on the back of the TV.

5. View IPTV on Xiaomi: apps and playlists

IPTV is an Internet-based television that doesn't require an antenna or cable. There are several ways to watch on Xiaomi:

Method 1: Provider applications

• 📱 Install your carrier’s official app (e.g. Wink, MTS TV, MegaFon TV) from the Mi App Store.
• 🔑 Sign in with the login/password from the contract.
• 🖥️ Some providers (e.g., Rostelecom) require the binding of a MAC- TV address. It can be found in Settings → Network → Status.

Method 2: External players (SS IPTV, TiviMate)

1. Download the player from Google Play (for Android TV models) or download the APK- file via File Commander.
2. Add a playlist: 📄 If you have a file.m3u, download it to a USB- drive and connect it to a TV. 🔗 If the provider has given a link to a playlist, paste it in the URL box in the player settings.

EPG

Method 3: Built-in IPTV- player (MIUI TV 3.0+)

In the firmware of MIUI TV 3.0 and later there is a built-in player for playlists.m3u:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → IPTV.
2. Select Add Playlist and specify the path to the file (e.g. /storage/usb1/playlist.m3u).
3. Update the channel list.

For ease of viewing, you can create several lists (for example, "Children's", "Sports", "News").

1. Go to Settings → Channels → List Management.
2. Choose to Create a new list.
3. Add channels from the general list.

On Android TV models (such as the Mi TV Q2), you can use Google Assistant to voice-switch channels. Say, "OK Google, turn on Channel One," and the TV will execute the command if there's a channel on the list.

8. Alternative ways to watch TV on Xiaomi

If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:

1. Confidence boxes and media players

• 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box S or NVIDIA Shield: connect to HDMI and support all IPTV formats.
• 💿 MAG- set-top boxes (e.g., MAG 424): optimal for providers like MTS TV or Beeline TV.

2. Telephone mirroring

If you have a Xiaomi smartphone, you can stream TV to the big screen:

1. Install the provider’s app on your phone (for example, Wink or Tricolor TV).
2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Turn on Miracast on your TV (Settings → Connections → Wireless display).
4. On the phone, activate the screen broadcast (in the notification curtain).

3. Smart applications

Many channels are available through official applications:

• 🎬 YouTube: Channel One broadcast, Match TV, Russia 24.
• 📺 TVIGO or Okko: legal broadcasts of popular channels (subscription required).
• 🎮 Twitch: Sports and gaming broadcasts.

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If you watch TV frequently through apps, add them to the Quick Access Panel on the home screen, and then press and hold the app icon, then drag it to the top panel.

FAQ: Frequent questions about watching TV on Xiaomi