Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before launch
Buying a new Xiaomi TV is always an exciting moment, but the first switch on can raise questions even for power users. The design of modern Mi TV and Redmi Smart TVs involves a minimalist design with hidden buttons and touch panels, which is not always obvious at first glance. Before connecting the device to the outlet, make sure that all the preparatory steps are completed - this will save time and prevent typical errors.
Start by checking the trim. In the box with the Xiaomi TV should be: the device itself, the remote control (often voice-controlled), batteries for the remote (sometimes you need to install yourself), power cable, stand (if not integrated into the case), mounting screws and a brief instruction. In models from 2023-2026 (for example, Mi TV Q2> or Redmi Fire Smart TV), the remote can support recharging from USB-C instead of traditional batteries โ this is important to consider when you first turn on.
Pay special attention to the choice of installation location. Xiaomi TVs with a diagonal of 55 inches and above require reliable support: a countertop or bracket on the wall. Make sure that the socket is within reach of the power cable (the length of the standard cord is 1.5 m). If you plan to use Wi-Fi 6 or Ethernet, check the coverage in advance at the selected place - a weak signal can complicate the setting.
Where is the power button: Finding hidden controls
One of the most common questions when first turned on is, "Where is the power button?". Xiaomi has different implementations depending on the model and year of release. Most modern TVs (2020-2026) have a physical button hidden on the bottom or sidebar and is:
- ๐ Touch area โ smooth surface with a power pictogram (for example, Mi). TV Q1E or Redmi Smart TV Press and hold for 2-3 seconds.
- ๐ Control joystick โ a small switch that can be pressed down (typical for metal-body models such as the Mi). TV Master).
- ๐ Remote button โ sometimes the TV is turned on only with the original remote (relevant to Xiaomi) TV Stick in hybrid models).
If you can't find a button, look at the TV in good light โ the manufacturer often puts subtle markings. On 2023 Xiaomi models (such as the Mi TV S Pro), the button can be paired with an infrared receiver and located under the brand logo. In extreme cases, use emergency switching: connect the TV to the socket and press any button on the remote โ some models are activated automatically.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to turn on the TV if the body shows damage or traces of moisture. OLED-screens (e.g., Mi) TV OLED) especially sensitive to short circuits - this can lead to irreversible damage to the matrix.
What to do if the button does not respond?
Step-by-step: first inclusion and language selection
When Xiaomi TV is first powered, the brand logo will appear on the screen, followed by a customization wizard, which takes 5-10 minutes to complete, but requires attention to detail.
- Language selection. On the first screen, you will be offered a list of languages. Use the โ/โ buttons on the navigation console and OK for confirmation. Russian, English and Chinese are available by default for Russian models. If the language you want is not available, check the region in the settings later.
- Connection to the network. The TV will suggest you choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet. For Wi-Fi, enter your password using the virtual keyboard (use the โ/โ/โ/โ buttons to move the cursor).
- Software Update: The system will automatically check for updates. Xiaomi 2026 models (such as the Mi TV Q3) can take up to 20 minutes to update first, so you canโt interrupt the process, otherwise the TV will hang on the logo.
- You can skip this step, but without linking to your Mi Account, some features, such as syncing with other Xiaomi devices, will not be available.
Once the setup wizard is complete, the TV will reboot and the PatchWall home screen (a Xiaomi branded shell) will open. Here you will see recommended content, installed apps (e.g. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video) and the control panel at the bottom of the screen.
โ๏ธ Checklist of first inclusion
Internet connection: Wi-Fi, Ethernet and mobile hotspot
Without a stable Internet connection, Xiaomi TV will not be able to update firmware, install apps or play streaming content.
| Connection method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | Easy to set up, no wires | Lower speed, possible interference | Suitable for video viewing in resolution up to 4K@30fps |
| Wi-Fi (5 GHz) | High speed, less interference | Smaller range, not all routers support | Optimal for 4K HDR and online gaming |
| Ethernet (LAN) | Maximum stability and speed | Cable laying required | Best choice for Mi TV Master with 8K support |
| Mobile hotspot | Universality, works without a router | Limited traffic, high ping | Only for temporary use |
If your TV doesnโt see your Wi-Fi network, check out the following:
- ๐ถ Router mode. Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV X55) Do not support networks with encryption WPA3-Enterprise โ switch over WPA2-PSK.
- ๐ Broadcast Channel: In your router settings, select a fixed channel (e.g., 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz) instead of Auto mode.
- ๐ต MAC-If it's on, add it. MAC-TV address (see Settings) โ On TV. โ Status) in the list of permitted devices.
โ ๏ธ Note: When connecting via mobile hotspot, turn off traffic savings on your smartphone. Xiaomi TVs download up to 500 MB of data (updates, application metadata) when first turned on, which can exhaust the daily limit.
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If your TV is constantly losing Wi-Fi connection, try disabling Band Steering in your router settings, an option that sometimes conflicts with Xiaomiโs connection algorithms.
Firmware Update: Why It's Critical When First Enabled
Xiaomi TV firmware is responsible for stability, support for new video formats and security. When you first turn on, the system automatically checks the relevance of the version, but sometimes this process requires manual control.
Outdated firmware can cause the following problems:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ UI freezes โ especially when working with Google Play Market or Prime Video.
- ๐ฎ Lack of support for new game consoles (e.g, PS5 or Xbox Series X in mode 4K@120Hz).
- ๐ Problems with Dolby Atmos sound formats DTS:X.
- ๐ก๏ธ Security vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access the local network.
To update the firmware manually:
- Go to Settings โ About TV โ System Update.
- Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
- Confirm installation. The TV will restart 1-2 times - do not turn off power at this moment.
For Xiaomi models from 2022-2026 (such as the Mi TV Q2 75), the automatic schedule update feature is available. To enable it, go to Settings โ System โ Auto Update and select a convenient time (recommended at night when the TV is not in use).
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Updating your firmware via USB (manual) is only required if the TV cannot connect to the Internet. In other cases, use the automatic method - it is safer and eliminates errors when choosing a version of the software.
Sound and picture settings: optimal settings to start with
After first turning on, Xiaomi TV uses factory image and sound settings that are rarely optimal. Here are the basic recommendations for quick setup:
Image:
- ๐บ Picture Mode. Select Movie or Game (depending on content) in Settings โ Display and sound โ Image mode. Avoid Dynamic mode, which overstates brightness and contrast.
- ๐จ Color temperature: For most models (except for the OLED) Set the value of Warm or Standard (6500K).
- ๐ Sharpness: The optimal value is 20-30% (often 50% by default, which adds artifacts).
Sound:
- ๐ Sound mode. Select Movie or Music in Settings โ Display and sound โ Voice mode is only suitable for news.
- ๐๏ธ Equator: Reduce low frequencies by 2-3 divisions if you hear distortions at high volume.
- ๐ Dolby Audio: Enable this option if your TV supports Dolby Atmos (available on Mi models) TV Q1E higher).
To check the settings, use the test videos on YouTube:
- For images, look for videos that say โ4K HDR Testโ or โColor Accuracy Test.โ
- For sound: use the tracks "Dolby Atmos Demo" or "Frequency Test".
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with OLED-screens (e.g., Mi) TV OLED 65) Avoid static images (channel logos, game menus) for a long time.This can cause pixel burnout.
Solving problems in the first turn on: frequent errors and their causes
Even when set up correctly, Xiaomi TVs can be unexpected, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The TV is not turned on, the indicator is not lit. | Faulty power cable or socket | Check the cable on another device, try another socket |
| Xiaomi logo hangs for more than 5 minutes | Firmware failure or interrupted update | Turn off the power for 1 minute, then turn it on again. If it doesn't work, you need to flash it over USB. |
| No sound when playing. | Incorrectly selected sound source (HDMI, TV, optical output) | Press Source on the remote and select the correct input. Check settings โ Display and sound โ Output |
| Wi-Fi is connected, but the internet is not working. | DNS error or router limitations | In the Wi-Fi settings of the TV, specify DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) |
| The remote is down. | Batteries discharged or IR signal blocked | Replace the batteries. Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV (glass, mirrors) |
If the Xiaomi TV after the first turn on gives an error "No Signal" on all inputs, reset to factory settings:
- Press and hold the Menu button on the remote for 10 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select Settings Reset (may be called Factory Reset).
- Confirm action. The TV will reboot and return to the original setup wizard.
For Android TV models (e.g. Mi TV A2), you can reset via the menu: Settings โ Device โ Reset. After this procedure, you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi and account.