How to set up TV channels on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: from antenna to IPTV

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact device that converts a regular TV into a smart one with access to streaming services. But many users buy it specifically for watching terrestrial TV via DVB-T2, IPTV or satellite channels. Unlike the full-fledged Mi TV Box, the Mi TV Stick has nuances with the TV tuner setup that often raise questions.

This article provides up-to-date channel setup instructions for Mi TV Stick (2020-2026 models), including antenna connectivity, manual/automatic search, signal-free solution, and alternative ways to watch TV through apps. All steps are tested on the latest MIUI TV ZXPH0005QXZ+ firmware.

What TV channels does Mi TV Stick support?

Unlike the Mi Box S or Mi TV Box 4K, the Mi TV Stick does not have a built-in TV tuner, which means that the device cannot directly receive the DVB-T2 or DVB-S/S2 overhead signal without additional equipment.

• 📡 External USB- tuner (for DVB-T2/S2) – connects via OTG- cable.
• 🌍 IPTV — via applications like SS IPTV, Lazy IPTV or an embedded player.
• 📶 Telephone/PC broadcast via Miracast or Google Cast.

If you need a full-fledged TV tuner, consider buying a Mi TV Box S (2nd Gen) – it has a built-in DVB-T2. Mi TV Stick will require an external device, such as Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD or AVerMedia AVerTV Volar HD PRO (tested for compatibility).

⚠️ Warning: Not all USB- tuners work with the Mi TV Stick. The device must support USB OTG and have drivers for Android TV 9.0+. For a list of compatible models, see the official Xiaomi Support Center.

Connecting an external TV tuner to Mi TV Stick

To set up on-air or satellite channels, follow the following steps:

1. Buy a compatible USB- tuner (e.g. Geniatech T230 for DVB-T2).
2. Connect the OTG- cable to the Micro-USB port on the Mi TV Stick (use the original cable from Xiaomi).
3. Connect the tuner to the OTG and connect the antenna.
4. Install a TV viewing app (such as TVHeadend Client or TiviMate).

Once the tuner is connected, the Mi TV Stick must automatically identify it as an external device.

• 🔌 Reboot the Mi TV Stick (turn off power for 10 seconds).
• 🔄 Check if USB OTG is enabled in settings: Settings → Device → Additional → Mode OTG.
• 📥 Update your firmware to the latest version (see section below).

Configuring air channels (DVB-T2) through an external tuner

If you are using an external DVB-T2 tuner, the order of channel settings will be as follows:

1. Open a TV app (like TiviMate).
2. Select the source of the signal: DVB-T/T2.
3. Run an automatic search (specify the region or frequency of multiplexes).
4. Save the channels found and sort them.

For Russia and CIS countries, the current multiplex frequencies (2026):

If the channels are not:

• 📶 Check the signal level in the tuner settings (should be >60%).
• 🔍 Try manual frequency search (see table above).
• 📡 Move the antenna closer to the window or use an amplifier.

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If multiplex frequencies have changed in your region, check the current data on the RTRS website or through the Telegid application.

Set up IPTV on Mi TV Stick

If the external tuner doesn't work, the easiest way to watch TV is via IPTV.

1. Install IPTV- Player: 📺 SS IPTV (free but with ads). 📺 Lazy IPTV (supports playlists.m3u). 📺 TiviMate (paid but with advanced features).

Get a playlist.

.m3u

Download the playlist.

Settings → Playlists

Update the channel list

Free IPTV- playlists can be found on forums (e.g., 4PDA), but they often work unstable. For stable viewing, it is better to subscribe to an official provider (for example, MTS TV, Rostelecom or Beeline TV).

⚠️ Warning: Using pirated IPTV- playlists may infringe copyright and result in IP- addresses being blocked by your ISP.

Update firmware for better compatibility with tuners

If the Mi TV Stick doesn't recognize the external TV tuner, the problem may be with the outdated firmware.

1. Go to Settings → About the device → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, confirm the installation.

Up-to-date firmware versions for Mi TV Stick (2026):

• 📦 MDZ-22-AB (for the 2022 model)
• 📦 MDZ-23-AA (for the 2023 model)

If the automatic update does not work:

• 🔌 Connect the Mi TV Stick to another Wi-Fi network (possibly the current one blocks access to Xiaomi servers).
• 📥 Download the firmware manually from the official website and install through Settings → Additional → Local Update.

Solving problems with channel setup

If the channels don’t show or there are errors, check the following points:

To diagnose a signal problem:

1. Open the tuner app.
2. Go to Settings → Signal.
3. Check signal strength and quality (should be >60%).

💡

If the problem persists after all the checks, try resetting the Mi TV Stick to factory settings: Settings → Device → Resetting.

Alternative ways to watch TV without a tuner

If tuning through a tuner or IPTV seems complicated, there are simpler options:

• 📱 Phone Broadcast: Install the TVIR app (TV online) or Pegasus TV on your smartphone. Connect to Mi TV Stick via Google Cast (in-app broadcast icon).
• 💻 PC as TV server: Set up a TVHeadend or Jellyfin with TV- plagin on your computer. Install a client application (e.g., Kodi) on Mi TV Stick.
• 🌐 Streaming services: Okko, Amediateka, Wink - there are free channels. YouTube TV (required VPN for Russia).

The downside of these methods is the dependence on Internet speed and possible image delays. For stable viewing, a wired connection of Mi TV Stick via an Ethernet adapter (sold separately) is recommended.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up TV on Mi TV Stick