Modern Xiaomi and Redmi TVs running on Android TV offer users a wide range of entertainment options, but basic broadcasting remains in demand. Owners of new devices often face the need to properly connect the antenna and scan the available frequencies to enjoy a quality image without delay. The setup process can seem difficult only at first glance, but with the right approach takes only a few minutes.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of connecting antenna cables, setting up signal reception settings and eliminating common errors. You will learn how automatic search differs from manual search, how to check the signal level and what to do if the TV does not see any channels.
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the equipment is physically healthy, and the image quality depends on the state of the antenna cable and the antenna itself, especially if you are in an insecure reception zone, and ignoring this stage can lead to even a perfectly tuned software TV showing "squares" or completely missing the image.
Preparation of equipment and connection check
The first step is to physically connect the antenna cable to the TV connector properly. The back or side of Xiaomi and Redmi devices usually has a round connector signed as Antenna In, RF In or having the antenna designation. It is important to use a quality coaxial cable with a whole screen, as old or damaged wires can create interference that cannot be eliminated software.
If you use an amplifier room antenna, make sure it is connected to a power source if instructed. Passive antennas don't require additional power, but active models may not work without an adapter plugged in. In some cases, Xiaomi TVs may not supply power to the active antenna via the antenna port, so an external power supply is mandatory.
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Use a dual-shielded antenna cable if the Wi-Fi router is near the TV to avoid interference from the wireless network.
Once the cable is connected, switch the signal source on the TV, press the source select button on the remote control and select TV or Live TV mode. If you see a message "No signal", this is the normal reaction of the device until the initial channel setting.
Initial setting and region selection
When you first turn on, Xiaomi TV will offer you to go through the initial setup, which includes language selection, Wi-Fi connection and location. Selecting a country or region is a critical step, because the list of available frequencies and broadcast standards depends on it. If you choose the wrong country, the TV can look for channels in a range that is not used in your locality.
During the setup process, the system may suggest updating the software. It is recommended to agree to an update, as new firmware versions often contain patches for the tuner module and improved frequency databases. The update process can take from 5 to 15 minutes, during which time the TV will be restarted.
If the initial setting has already been completed but no channels are found, you should check the settings of the region in the menu. Go to Settings → General → Region and make sure your country is selected. Changing the region may require rebooting the device to apply the changes.
Automatic search for digital channels
The easiest and fastest way to set up a TV is to use automatic search, which allows the TV to scan the entire frequency range on its own and store the channels found in memory. To start the process, go to the main menu and select the Live TV app or click the menu button on the remote.
In the navigation menu that opens, select Channel Settings or Channel Search. The system will suggest selecting a signal source: specify an antenna or DVB-T/T2 to avoid searching for satellite or cable signals. Once confirmed, the scanning process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed on the screen.
☑️ Checklist of automatic settings
During scanning, the TV may interrupt the process several times to update the list, which is a regular situation. Do not interrupt the search manually until the progress bar reaches 100%, otherwise some channels may not be found.
Manual tuning and frequency ranges
In cases where automatic search does not find all channels or signal quality is unstable, it is recommended to use manual adjustment.This method allows you to check the specific frequencies at which transmitters are broadcasting in your area. To start, you need to know the frequencies of the nearest towers, which can be done on the official website of your country's digital television.
From the channel search menu, select Manual Search mode, where you need to type in the frequency to MHz or channel number. After entering the data, click Search or OK on the remote, the TV will show the signal level and quality in the form of scales or percentages.
⚠️ Note: When manually setting, make sure you enter the frequency just for the standard. DVB-T2, It is not analogue broadcasting, which is already disabled in many countries.
If the signal quality scale is low, try changing the antenna position a little bit or checking the connections. Manual mode is convenient because it allows you to "catch" the signal even at a very weak level that the automation could miss. Once the channel is found, you can save it by adding it to the general list.
Set up sorting and favorite channels
Once all available frequencies are successfully scanned, the channel list can contain hundreds of items, including radio stations and empty spaces. For ease of use, it is recommended to sort the list and remove unnumbered or broken channels, which will make it easier to navigate when switching programs.
Go to the channel editing menu, which is usually available via the OK or Menu button while you're browsing, and you can move channels up or down, block access to certain programs (parental controls feature), and tag favorites.
Why remove empty channels?
Favorites allows you to create a separate list of frequently viewed channels, especially for older people or children who have difficulty navigating a large amount of information, and you can activate this mode through the channel list menu by selecting the appropriate item.
Problem Solving: No signal or channels
One of the most common problems is when the TV writes “No signal” or finds only a part of the channels, the first thing to check the signal level in the information menu (usually called by the Info or i button). If the level is below 50-60%, the image can crumble into squares or completely disappear.
A common cause of problems is signal overload if you use a powerful outdoor antenna with an amplifier close to the transmitter, in which case the signal may be too strong, causing distortion. Try to disconnect the antenna amplifier from the power supply or use an attenuator (signal weakener).
Also worth paying attention to the length of the antenna cable: too long cable (over 20-30 meters) without an amplifier can significantly weaken the signal, while using cheap cables with a thin central vein leads to large losses.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No channels. | Not selected Antenna mode | In the search settings, select DVB-T2 |
| Squares on the screen | Weak signal. | Turn the antenna or check the cable |
| Black screen | No power on the active antenna | Enable the antenna power supply in the socket |
| Canals are missing. | Electronics interference | Remove sources of interference or change cable |
Using TV viewing apps
If the built-in tuner is not able to cope with the task or you want to watch channels over the Internet, you can use third-party applications. Android TV operating system allows you to install programs from the Google Play store, such as Peers.TV, Lime HD TV or SPB TV.
These applications use an Internet connection to broadcast channels, which eliminates the need to configure the antenna, but for stable operation requires a high-speed Wi-Fi connection. The quality of the images in the applications is often higher than in on-air digital television, and is independent of the weather.
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IPTV applications are a great alternative to antennas, but they consume Internet traffic and require a stable connection.
To install the app, go to the store, type the name in search and click “Install.” After launch, you will need to authorize or configure the playlist, depending on the service you choose, which allows you to turn your Xiaomi TV into a full-fledged multimedia station.