How to turn on and set up an aquarium on a Xiaomi TV: instructions with photos and secrets

The Aquarium mode on Xiaomi TVs is one of the most atmospheric features that transforms the screen into a live underwater world with fish, corals and bubbles. This feature is not only pleasing to the eye, but also serves as an original screensaver when the TV is idle. However, many users face the problem of where to find this option on the menu, why it does not turn on or how to customize it.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to activate the aquarium on different models of Xiaomi. TV (including Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV mi TV Q1/Q2), We'll explain how to avoid common mistakes, and we'll share life hacks with fine-tuning, and we'll also answer a question that many people are concerned about: can you install an aquarium on old models or TVs without this feature.

What is the Aquarium mode on Xiaomi TV And why do you need it?

Aquarium Mode (or Ambient Mode in international firmware) is a dynamic screensaver that mimics the underwater world, and it automatically turns on when the TV goes into standby mode or when you choose it manually. Depending on the model, the aquarium can be:

• 🐠 Standard - basic animation with fish and corals (available on most models).
• 🌊 Advanced -- with 3D-effects, changing lighting and reaction to the time of day (there are on flagships like Mi). TV Q2 75").
• 🎨 Customizable – the ability to upload your background images (only on TV with PatchWall 4.0)+).

Why do you need it? First, aesthetics: a live screen is more interesting than a static screensaver. Second, the practical benefits of:

• 🔄 Masquerades screen burns on OLED-models (if the aquarium is on standby mode).
• 👶 Calms children or pets (many cats and dogs react to floating fish).
• 💡 Saves energy compared to full-on TV (consumption is reduced by a maximum of two hours). 30-40%).

But there are pitfalls, too: for example, on some models, the aquarium doesn't work without an Internet connection, because the animations are downloaded from Xiaomi servers, and on TVs with weak iron (for example, Redmi Smart). TV X43) may be slowing down.

What models Xiaomi TV There's an Aquarium mode»

The feature is not available on all Xiaomi TVs, here is the full list of supported series (relevant for firmware 2022-2026):

If your model is not on the list, it does not mean that the aquarium cannot be installed. TV 4A) You can activate the function through hidden developer settings or third-party firmware.

⚠️ Note: On PatchWall TVs below version 3.0, Aquarium mode may not work stable or even be on the menu. → On TV.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the aquarium on Xiaomi TV

The way you activate it depends on the model and the firmware version, and we'll look at three basic methods: through the standard menu, through the voice assistant, and through the hidden settings.

Method 1: Through screen settings (the easiest)

This method works in most modern models (Mi). TV 5, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q2 Follow the instructions:

1. Turn on the TV and go to the main screen.
2. Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select the Screen and Sound section → Standby mode (or Ambient Mode in international firmware).
4. Activate the Aquarium (or Ocean Aquarium) slider.
5. Click Save and exit the menu.

If the option is not pressed in gray, check:

• 🔌 Internet connection (aquarium requires downloading animations from Xiaomi servers).
• 🔄 Update of firmware (in Settings) → On TV. → Update of the PO).
• 🕒 Time of day (on some models, the aquarium is turned on only in the daytime).

Method 2: Through XiaoAI Voice Assistant

On TVs with support for XiaoAI (XiaoAI voice assistant), the aquarium can be turned on with a voice command.

1. Activate the microphone on the remote (button with microphone icon).
2. Say, “Enable the aquarium mode” or “Show the aquarium.”
3. If the assistant doesn’t understand, try alternative phrases like “Activate the screensaver with fish” or “Start Ambient Mode”.

Voice control doesn't work on all models, and if XiaoAI says "don't understand the command," your TV doesn't support it.

Method 3: Through Hidden Settings (for Power Users)

If the menu does not have an item called "Aquarium" but your model theoretically supports it (see the table above), try to turn it on through the developer mode. TV 4S, Mi TV 4A and other "old" models.

1. Go to Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the build number and click on it 7 times in a row (the notification “You became a developer” should appear).
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Activate the option to Enable Ambient Mode (or Enable Aquarium).
5. Restart the TV (Settings → Reboot).

⚠️ Attention: Turning on the developer mode can cause a malfunction of the TV if you change other settings. Do not edit the settings, the purpose of which you do not know.

How to set up an aquarium for yourself: hidden chips

Basic aquarium animation can get bored quickly. Fortunately, Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall 4.0 firmware+ There are hidden settings that allow you to customize the screensaver:

• 🐟 Type of fish: In the standard set of 3 species (gold, blue, striped), but on some models you can download additional packs through Settings → Topics.
• 🌿 Background: coral reef, seafloor or abstract pattern. TV Q2 Even a “night” mode with bioluminescent jellyfish is available.
• 🎵 Sound: You can add background music (ocean sounds, light instrumental melody) or turn off the sound completely.
• ⏱️ Timer: set up automatic activation of the aquarium on schedule (for example, from 20:00 to 23:00).

To open the extended settings:

1. Turn on the aquarium in the standard way (see the previous section).
2. Press and hold the Menu button (three horizontal lines) for 5 seconds.
3. A hidden menu with additional options will appear. → Settings.
4. Here you can change the animation settings, brightness, speed of the fish and even add your images (if supported).

On the Mi models TV Q1/Q2 Xiaomi TV A Pro is available function "Adaptive aquarium", which automatically changes the color scheme depending on the time of day: in the morning blue dominated, in the evening - dark blue with backlight.

💡

If you don’t like standard animation, try installing an alternative screensaver through the PatchWall theme store. → Personalization → Topics and select "Aquariums" section, where new collections often appear (for example, with tropical fish or sharks).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when properly set up, the aquarium can malfunction. TOP-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

If none of these things worked, try resetting the TV to the factory settings.

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete applications, only system settings).
3. After restarting, repeat the setting of the aquarium.

⚠️ Note: On PatchWall TVs below version 3.0, resetting may result in loss of access to certain features (e.g., the app store.

How to install an aquarium on supported models

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t officially support Aquarium mode, there are three workarounds:

Method 1: Installation of a third-party screensaver through USB

You can upload a video of the aquarium to the TV and set it up as a screensaver.

1. Download video with aquarium in the format MP4 (permission 1920×1080 smoothly).
2. Copy the file to a flash drive (formatted in FAT32).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → Screen and sound → Screenshot → Customized.
4. Select your video and save your settings.

The downside of this method is that the video will play in a circle, without interactivity, but it even works on Mi. TV 3S and other old models.

Method 2: Firmware custom software (for advanced)

Forums 4PDA and XDA Developers have modified firmware for Xiaomi TV, In which Aquarium mode is added, for example, the firmware of MiTV-PatchWall-Mod supports this feature even on Mi. TV 4A. But be careful:

• ⚠️ The risk of “bricking” the TV (turning into a “brick»).
• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• ⚠️ Possible bugs in the work (for example, will not work Netflix or YouTube).

If you decide, follow the instructions:

1. Download the firmware from a verified source (for example, the theme on the 4PDA).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the files to the flash drive.
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → About TV → Local Update.
4. Select the firmware file and wait for the installation to be completed.

Method 3: Use of external devices

If you do not want to risk firmware, you can connect to the TV:

• 📺 Android TV-A set-top box (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S) and install an aquarium app from Google Play (e.g. Aquarium Live Wallpaper).
• 💻 Mini-PC (like Beelink) with TV connected via HDMI. You can run any video or animation on it.
• 🎮 Player console (PS4/PS5, Xbox) – in the app stores there are dynamic screensavers with aquariums.

These methods are versatile and work on any TV, not just Xiaomi.

💡

If your TV doesn’t officially support the aquarium, the safest way is to use an external device (a set-top box or Mini-PC) with a connection to the aquarium. HDMI. This ensures stable operation without risk to the system.

Alternatives to the aquarium: other beautiful screensavers for Xiaomi TV

If you don’t like or don’t work, there are other interesting screensavers on Xiaomi TVs:

• 🌄 Landscapes: mountains, forests, waterfalls (available in Settings) → Screen and sound → Screenshot → Nature).
• ⏰ Analog watches: classic or digital (you can adjust the style and color in Settings) → Time and date).
• 🖼️ Photos slideshow: uploads images from Google Photos or local folder.
• 🎨 Abstract patterns: dynamic wallpaper with smooth transitions of colors.
• 🚀 Space: Starry Sky Animation (available on PatchWall 4.0 models)+).

To set an alternative screensaver:

1. Go to Settings → Screen and sound → Screensaver.
2. Select your favorite option from the list.
3. Set up settings (such as photo swap interval or clock style).
4. Save the changes.

On TVs with PatchWall 4.0+ You can install screensavers from the theme store:

1. Open Settings → Personalization → Topics.
2. Select the Screensaver section.
3. Download your favorite theme (there are both free and paid options).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions