How to set up TV viewing on Xiaomi TV: from air to IPTV

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A/S/P/Q) support all modern ways of watching TV, from classic on-air broadcasting to streaming platforms. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: it does not find channels, no sound, no applications are installed. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect TV, taking into account the features of the MIUI TV firmware and hardware limitations of different models.

It is important to understand that the functionality depends on the region of the firmware (Chinese, global, European versions) and the year of release of the TV. For example, models before 2020 (Mi TV 4S 55, Mi TV 4A) do not support DVB-T2 without an external tuner, and Xiaomi TV Q2 2023 already has a hybrid tuner DVB-T/T2/C/S2 built in. We will take all these nuances and give specific recommendations for each situation.

1. Etheric and digital TV (DVB-T2) on Xiaomi TV

Most Xiaomi TVs (except the most budget-friendly ones) have a built-in DVB-T2 tuner for digital TV, but there are important exceptions:

• ✅ Support DVB-T2: Xiaomi TV A Pro (2021+), Xiaomi TV S Pro, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2020+).
• ❌ Requires an external tuner: Mi TV 4A/4S (before 2019 year), Redmi TV 70" (Chinese version).
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Chinese firmware may not support European standards HEVC/H.265 for T2.

To set up digital TV:

1. Connect the antenna cable to the RF IN connector on the back of the TV.
2. Go to Settings → Channels → Autosetting.
3. Choose a country (for Russia – Finland or Germany, as there is no official localization).
4. Specify the signal source: antenna (DVB-T) or cable (DVB-C).
5. Run the scan. It'll take 5-15 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't find channels, check the type of modulation in manual settings. For Russia, it's 256-QAM (DVB-C) or COFDM (DVB-T2). Chinese models may require firmware with MPEG-4 support.

2.Cable TV setup (DVB-C)

To connect cable TV from the provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline) will require:

• 📶 Active connection from the provider (contract + prefix, if required).
• 🔌 Cable with an F connector (usually included).
• 📝 Adjustment options (frequency, transfer rate, modulation) – these must be provided by the provider.

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect the cable to the DVB-C IN connector.
2. From the TV menu, select Settings → Channels → Manual scan.
3. Specify the provider parameters (example for Rostelecom): Frequency: 298 MHz or 306 MHz; Symbolic speed: 6875 kSimv / s; Modulation: 256-QAM.

Save the channels you found.

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If the TV doesn’t save channels after scanning, try resetting the tuner settings to Settings → Channels → Reset. This often helps with cache failures.

3. Satellite TV (DVB-S/S2) on Xiaomi TV

Only Xiaomi’s flagship models (such as the Mi TV Q2 75” or Xiaomi TV S Pro) have a built-in DVB-S2 satellite tuner. The rest will require an external receiver (such as the GS 8306 or Strong SRT 8505).

If your TV supports DVB-S2, connect the satellite dish via LNB IN and set up:

Set the dish on the satellite (e.g. ABS-2 75°E for Tricolor)|Connect the cable to LNB IN|Select the DVB-S menu as the source |Introduce transponder parameters (frequency, polarization) |Start the channel search-->

Parameters for popular satellites in Russia:

• Tricolor (36°E, Eutelsat 36B): 12226 MHz frequency, L polarization (left), speed 27500.
• NTV-Plus (56°E, Express AMU1): frequency 11766 MHz, polarization R (right), speed 27500.
• MTS TV (90°E, Yamal 402): frequency 3725 MHz, polarization L, speed 28000.

⚠️ Warning: To view encrypted channels (e.g. Tricolor or NTV-Plus) you will need a CAM- module with an access card. Xiaomi TVs only have a CI+ connector Q2 and S Pro models from 2022-2026.

4. IPTV on Xiaomi TV: Connection and Configuration

IPTV is the most versatile way to watch TV on Xiaomi, as it does not require an antenna or a satellite dish. It is quite stable Internet (from 20 Mbps for Full HD).

Method 1: Built-in IPTV- application

MIUI TV has a standard Live TV app (or TV Center in Chinese versions) to add a playlist:

1. Open Live TV → Settings → Add a playlist.
2. Enter the playlist URL in.m3u format (for example, from Wink or MTS TV provider).
3. Select EPG XML (if there is a link to the transmission program).
4. Save and wait for the channels to load (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Method 2: Applications from Providers

Many operators offer their own apps for Android TV:

• 📺 Wink (from Rostelecom)
• 📡 MTS TV.
• 🎬 Akado TV.
• 🌍 Beeline TV.

Install them via Google Play (if the TV is on Android TV) or download APK via Send Files to TV (for models without Play Market).

Method 3: Third-party players (SS IPTV, TiviMate)

For advanced settings, we recommend:

• 🔹 SS IPTV is a simple player with support for M3U and EPG.
• 🔹 TiviMate is a paid one, but with better interface and ether recording.
• 🔹 Smart IPTV (SIPTV) – requires activation (around 5€).

5. Streaming services: YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk

All Xiaomi Android TVs (starting with the Mi TV 4S 2018) support the installation of streaming apps.

• ✅ Preinstalled: YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ (in global firmware).
• ❌ Absent: Kinopoisk HD, Okko, IVI – these must be installed manually via APK.
• ⚠️ In Chinese firmware, Netflix only works with a modified region (required) VPN).

Instructions for installation of Kinopoisk HD:

1. Download the latest version of APK from the official Kinopoisk website.
2. Transmit the file to the TV via Send Files to TV.
3. Install APK by allowing installation from unknown sources.
4. Launch the application and log in to the account.

For optimal quality of streaming:

• 📶 Connect the TV to the router via Ethernet cable (or use 5GHz Wi-Fi).
• 🔧 In Netflix settings, select High Quality (Premium subscription required).
• 🔄 If the video is slowing down, turn off Adaptive Broadcast in the application settings.

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To watch 4K HDR on Netflix, the TV must support Widevine Level 1. Check this in the DRM Info> app (available from the Play Market).

6. Solving TV Problems on Xiaomi

If the TV doesn’t show channels or apps don’t work, use this guide:

Critical error: If after updating the firmware, the sound on all channels is lost, reset the tuner through Settings → Channels → Reset to factory. 80% of the time this solves the codec problem.

⚠️ Warning: If the Xiaomi TV is constantly rebooting while watching IPTV, check the temperature of the processor. In budget models (Redmi TV A55), thermal protection may work. The solution is to provide ventilation (do not put the TV in a closed niche).

7. Alternative ways of watching TV

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

• 📱 Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct: Translate your smartphone screen to your TV via Settings → Device Connection → Wireless Display.
• 🖥️ HDMI- input: connect the console (Apple TV, Nvidia Shield) or computer.
• 🌐 TV-box: Use the Xiaomi Mi Box S to view IPTV and stream.
• 🎮 Game consoles: PS5 or Xbox Series X support Twitch, YouTube, Disney+ apps.

For the broadcast from a smartphone:

1. On the TV, turn Miracast on to Settings → Networks → Miracast.
2. On your smartphone (Xiaomi, Samsung, etc.) open Settings → Connections → Screen Broadcast.
3. Select your TV from the list of devices.

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If the phone is slowing down, reduce the screen resolution in Miracast settings to 720p.

FAQ: Frequent questions