How to turn on and configure channels on your Xiaomi TV: from autosearch to manual setup

Xiaomi TVs with Android TV or Google TV offer ample options for watching on-air, cable and digital TV. However, many users face difficulties when setting up channels first — especially if it comes to models without a pre-configured broadcast package (such as in the Mi TV 4S or Mi TV Q1). Unlike classic “stupid” TVs, Xiaomi smart devices require the right sequence of actions in the menu, and sometimes additional manipulation of the antenna or cable.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to configure channels, from automatic search to manual frequency addition, and also consider the typical errors that cause the TV to “not see” broadcasts. Particular attention will be paid to the setup of digital television (DVB-T2) in Russia and CIS countries, where you need to choose the right broadcast standard and region. If your Xiaomi TV shows “No signal” or finds only part of the channels, here you will find a solution.

Preparing Xiaomi TV for channel settings

Before you start looking for channels, make sure that the TV is properly connected to the signal source.

• 📡 Connect the antenna to the connector RF IN (or ANTENNA) Use a 75 ohms wave-resistance cable on the back of the TV.
• ⚡ Check power – if the antenna is active (with amplifier), connect it to a 220V network or USB-TV port (if supported).
• 🔄 Select the correct signal source on the remote: press Input (or Source) and select TV or antenna.

For cable TV (for example, from the provider Rostelecom or MTS) may require additional equipment – a set-top box (if the operator uses an encrypted signal) or direct connection of the cable to the RF IN connector. Check with the provider whether your model Xiaomi TV supports its broadcast standard (usually DVB-C).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 Xiaomi TV A Pro) the path to channel settings may be different. If the menu does not have "Antenna", try to press the Home button on the remote and select Settings → Channels.

It is also recommended before setting up:

• 🔄 Update the TV firmware to the latest version (see the "Software Update" section in the settings).
• 📶 Shut down. VPN (If you use it, it can block access to regional frequencies.
• 🔌 Restart the TV if you have previously had a signal problem.

Automatic channel search on Xiaomi TV

The easiest way to set up channels is to use the autosearch feature, which is available on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 5 and newer series.

1. Press the Menu button (or Settings) on the remote.
2. Go to Settings → Channels → Channels → Channel settings (or TV settings → Autosearch on older models).
3. Select Automatic Search.
4. Specify the signal source: Antenna for on-air or digital TV (DVB-T2), Cable for cable TV (DVB-C).
5. Select the broadcast standard: For Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan: DVB-T2 (digital) or DVB-T (analog, if available). For cable TV: DVB-C (check with the provider).

OK.

When the TV is finished, it stores the channels found in the memory. If some channels are not detected, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the search with a different standard (for example, instead of using a different standard) DVB-T2 choose DVB-T).
• 📡 Check the connection of the antenna - perhaps a weak signal.
• 📍 Change the region in the settings (see next section).

Manual Channel Customization: When Auto Search Doesn't Work

If the automatic search doesn't find the channels or misses some of them, you'll have to adjust the frequencies manually.

• 📶 Weak signal (TV "cannot see" some multiplexes).
• 🔄 Non-standard broadcast frequencies (e.g. local channels).
• 🛠️ Satellite TV (Transponder parameters are required).

Instructions for manual adjustment:

1. Go to Settings → Channels → Manual setting.
2. Select the signal type (DVB-T2, DVB-C or DVB-S for satellite).
3. Enter frequency parameters: For DVB-T2 in Russia: Multiplex Frequency (MHz) Polarization RTRS-1 (First Multiplex)498/690 Horizontal RTRS-2 (Second Multiplex)778 / 786 Horizontal Regional Channels546 / 666 Vertical For DVB-C, check the frequency from the provider (usually from 298 MHz to 862 MHz).
4. Set up the parameters: Transmission rate (Symbol Rate): for DVB-T2, usually 6875. Modulation: 256 QAM (DVB-C) or COFDM (DVB-T2).

Save the settings and start the search on the selected frequency.

If the TV doesn’t save manual settings, try:

• 🔄 Reset channel settings to factory (Settings) → Channels → Reset).
• 📥 Update the frequency list via the menu (if you have the option to Update the data).

Setting up the region and broadcasting standard

The wrong region is one of the main reasons why Xiaomi TV doesn't find channels. By default, the TV can be set to Europe or Asia, where other DVB standards are used.

1. Open Settings → Channels → Set up the region.
2. Choose a country: for Russia - Russia, for Ukraine - Ukraine, for Kazakhstan - Kazakhstan, etc.
3. Please indicate the city or region (if there is such a location).
4. Save the changes and restart the channel search.

If your region is not on the list:

• 🌍 Choose the nearest major city (for example, Moscow for the Central region).
• 📡 Use manual frequency input settings (see previous section).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 4X) Changing the region can reset all the saved channels. Before changing, back up the channel list if that option is available.

Also check what standard of broadcasting your TV supports:

Signal problems: what to do if the channels are not located

If the Xiaomi TV doesn’t find channels or shows “No signal”, check out the following points:

• 📡 Quality of antenna: For digital TV (DVB-T2) You need a decimeter antenna (not to be confused with a meter antenna for analog signal). If you live far from the tower, use an amplifier antenna (for example, a meter antenna for analog signal, REMO Inter 2.0).
• 📶 Signal Level: In the channel settings menu, find Signal Strength. If it's below 50%, try reorienting the antenna or using a cable extension.
• 🔌 Cable problems: Check the integrity of the cable - overburden or damage can degrade the signal. Use a cable with a minimum length (up to 10 meters) and quality F connectors.

Additional steps for diagnosis:

1. Connect the antenna to another TV or console – if there is a signal, the problem is in the settings of Xiaomi TV.
2. Try using an external TV tuner (such as the Xiaomi Mi Box S with antenna input) if the built-in module fails.
3. Update the TV firmware – newer versions often fix DVB-T2 bugs.

💡

If the TV finds channels but they freeze or fall apart, try manually changing the signal threshold (if any) to reduce this value can stabilize the picture.

Satellite channels setup on Xiaomi TV

Most Xiaomi TV models (except for the flagship Q1/Q2) series do not have a built-in DVB-S2 tuner for satellite TV. However, you can connect an external set-top box (such as the GS U510 or Xiaomi Mi TV Stick with satellite TV support) via the HDMI port.

If your model supports DVB-S2 (e.g. Xiaomi TV Q2 75), the setup instructions are:

1. Connect the satellite dish to the LNB IN connector on the TV.
2. Go to Settings → Channels → Satellite settings.
3. Select a satellite (e.g. Yamal 402, ABS-2, Eutelsat 36B for Russia).
4. Enter the transponder parameters: Frequency: 11766 (for Tricolor) or 12226 (for NTV-Plus). Speed: 27500. Polarization: Horizontal (H) or Vertical (V).

Run a channel search.

Encrypted satellite channels (e.g. Tricolor or NTV-Plus) will require:

• 🔑 CAM-access card module (inserted into slot) CI+ TV-wise).
• 📡 Properly configured plate (tilt angle and azimuth depend on the region).

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For a satellite TV on Xiaomi TV, be sure to check the model's compatibility with DVB-S2. Most budget TVs (such as the Mi TV 4A) don't support satellite broadcasting without an external console.

Sorting, Deleting and Backing Up Channels

Once you've successfully searched for channels, you can sort them, delete them, or save a list for future recovery. TV:

• 🔄 Channel Sorting: Go to Settings → Channels → Channel management. Choose Change order. Use the Up/down buttons on the remote to move the channel. Save the changes.
• 🗑️ Channel Removal: From Channel Management menu, select an unnecessary channel. Click OK and confirm removal.

Backup

• Some models (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pros support channel list export to USB-accumulator.
• Go to Settings → Channels → Export / Import and follow the instructions.

If there is no backup option, you can manually record the frequencies of the channels found (through Manual setting) and save them in notes on the phone.

⚠️ Note: When resetting the TV to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Reset) all saved channels will be deleted.Be sure to export the list or write down manual settings before resetting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up channels on Xiaomi TV