Xiaomi TVs are no longer just screens for watching movies, but today they are full-fledged multimedia centers that can replace the game console, fitness tracker and even the smart home control panel. 20-30% capabilities of their devices, without even knowing about the hidden functions that can radically change the experience of interaction with technology.
In this article, we will analyze in detail all the key features of modern Xiaomi TVs โ from basic (which should work out of the box) to advanced (require settings or additional accessories). Particular attention will be paid to unique chips that distinguish the brand from competitors like Samsung or Samsung. LG. If you are planning a purchase or are already the owner, you will find answers to questions that did not even arise!
1. Smart TV Android-based TV and MIUI TV: What does it give the user?
All modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV A Pro, Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart Fire TV and others) run on one of two platforms: Android TV (a pure version from Google; or MIUI TV (The difference between them is fundamental - and affects the functionality of the company.
Android TV offer:
- ๐บ Access to the Google Play Store with thousands of apps (including Netflix, YouTube, Twitch) 4K).
- ๐ฎ Support for gamepads (including Xbox and PlayStation controllers over Bluetooth).
- ๐ Built-in Google Assistant with voice search for content.
- ๐ฑ The ability to stream the screen of a smartphone through Google Cast (similar to Miracast).
MIUI TV (installed on models for the Chinese market and some global versions:
- ๐ Unique Chinese services (e.g. iQiyi or Tencent Video) but can be replaced by global services by changing the region.
- ๐ More flexible interface settings (for example, changing the size of tiles in the menu).
- ๐ Built-in Mi Home for Smart Home Management without additional devices.
- ๐ง Extended options for developers (including: ADB debugging).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV Google Play Store can be blocked by default, and to unlock it, you need to change the region to "India" or "USA" in the settings (Settings) โ Account and security โ Region) After that, a reboot will be required.
Both platforms support automatic software updates, but in MIUI TV There's a night build feature for testers that allows you to get new features before the official release, but it's only for advanced users to use it: night builds can contain critical bugs.
2. Voice control: from simple commands to complex scenarios
Xiaomi's voice assistant on TVs isn't just about finding movies; it can multitask, integrate with the smart home, and even manage other devices in the brand. Let's look at the possibilities by difficulty levels.
Basic level (works without setting):
- ๐ฌ "Turn on Scary Tales on Netflix โ Launching Specific Content.
- ๐ "Increase volume by 20% โ precise sound adjustment.
- ๐ "Turn off the TV in 30 minutes โ Sleep Timer.
- ๐ "Show the weather for tomorrow in Moscow โ the widgets.
Advanced level (requires a Mi Account link):
- ๐ก "Turn on the lights in the living room โ control of the lamps Yeelight or Philips Hue.
- ๐ช "Close the curtains โ working with motorized systems Xiaomi Mijia.
- ๐ก๏ธ "What is the temperature in the nursery? โ reading the data from the Aqara sensors.
- ๐น "Show the camera from the entrance" - display image from the IP-Xiaomi cameras.
There are three ways to activate the voice assistant:
- The button on the remote (microphone).
- Voice command "OK, Google" (if enabled in settings).
- Control via the Xiaomi Smart Speaker (if the TV and the speaker are on the same network).
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the voice assistant doesn't respond to commands, check: Internet connection (required to handle requests). Microphone access permissions (Settings) โ Annexes โ Voice assistant โ Permits) Update of firmware (older versions may not support Russian language).
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To improve voice recognition, train in the assistant settings (Settings) โ Voice assistant โ Learning to speak. You have to do it again. 5-6 The phrase to adapt the system to your timbre.
3. Playing opportunities: 4K@120 Hz, ALLM and cloud-gaming
Xiaomi TVs with support HDMI 2.1 (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 The 75" or Redmi Max 98" can compete with PC monitors in terms of gaming performance:
| Function | Description | Minimum requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 4K @ 120Hz | Support for high frequency of personnel for PS5, Xbox Series X and PC with graphics cards NVIDIA RTX 30/40 or AMD RX 6000. | HDMI 2.1 port, Ultra High Speed cable HDMI. |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | Automatic switch to game mode when connecting the console (input delay) <10 miss). | Included by default, but can be configured in Settings โ Display and sound โ Game mode. |
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | Synchronization of the screen refresh rate with FPS games (removes image gaps). | Requires support from the console/PC and inclusion in the TV settings. |
| Cloud gaming | Games without console through NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming or Booster (built-in) MIUI TV). | Internet speed from 50 Mbit / s, gamepad via Bluetooth. |
To activate the game mode:
- Connect your console or PC to the port HDMI 2.1 (usually marked as "eARC").
- Go to Settings. โ Display and sound โ Game mode.
- Turn it on. ALLM and VRR (if available).
- Calibrate the input delay with the built-in test (available in some models).
How to check the actual input delay (input lag)
Xiaomi TVs with MediaTek 9650 processor (e.g. Mi) TV P1) support DLG (Dynamic Latency Game is a technology that reduces latency to 5 ms in dynamic scenes, which only works with supported games and requires manual activation.
4.Integration with a smart home: from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners
Xiaomi TVs can become the central control panel for the entire Mi Home ecosystem.
- Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone and link the TV to your account.
- Add other devices (Yeelight, Aqara, Roborock, etc.) to the same account.
- Enable the option "Smart Home" in the settings of TV (Settings) โ Smart home).
After setting up, you will be able to:
- ๐ก๏ธ See data from sensors (temperature, humidity, gas leakage) directly on the screen.
- ๐ฆ Control the lighting according to scripts (for example, "Cinema" - dimms the light when the film is launched).
- ๐ค Running Roborock Robot Vacuum with Voice Command over TV.
- ๐ช Receive door/window opening notifications (if Aqara sensors are installed).
For advanced users, you can configure automation through Mi Home.
- "If the TV is on after 22:00, turn off the curtains and turn on the night lights."
- โWhen starting Netflix, turn off the main light and turn on the Yeelight backlight.โ
โ ๏ธ Warning: To run a smart home, your TV must be constantly connected to the Internet (4G/5G), Some functions may be delayed due to high ping.
Link the TV to your Mi Home account|Add all devices to one hub (e.g. Xiaomi Gateway)|Enable the option "Smart home" in the settings of TV|Set up geofences for automatic scenarios|Check firmware updates for all devices-->
5. Multimedia chips: from Dolby Vision to customization of sound
Xiaomi TVs support most modern audio and video formats, but some features are hidden in settings or require additional activation.
Video:
- ๐ฅ Dolby Vision and HDR10+ โ automatically activate when you play compatible content (e.g. movies on Netflix or Disney)+).
- ๐ MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) โ smoothing motion in films (can create the effect of a soap opera, but likes fans of smooth pictures).
- ๐ผ๏ธ Art Mode โ Converts the screen into a digital picture frame (works with photos from Google Photos or a local gallery).
Sound:
- ๐ Dolby Atmos โ surround sound through built-in speakers or external sound system.
- ๐ถ Equator โ Manual frequency setting (available in Settings) โ Sound. โ equalizer).
- ๐ Night mode โ automatically reduces the volume of explosions and increases voice speech.
Audiophiles are interested in the feature "Sound profiles" TV can automatically switch between them depending on the content:
- Movie: Low frequency amplification for effects.
- Music: Balance between high and low frequencies.
- Focus on medium frequencies for clear speech.
If the built-in speakers are not enough, you can connect:
- ๐ Xiaomi Soundbar on the other hand HDMI ARC Bluetooth.
- ๐ง Bluetooth headphones (supported by the aptX codec and AAC high-quality).
- ๐ต Home Theater system via optical output (S/PDIF).
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For the full Dolby Atmos through HDMI ARC You need a sound bar or receiver with eARC support, otherwise only stereo sound will be played.
6. Hidden settings and modes for experienced users
Xiaomi TVs contain a number of features that are not advertised in the official instructions, and can be activated through the developer mode or special combinations of buttons.
How to turn on the developer mode:
- Go to Settings. โ On TV.
- Find the line "Version" MIUI TV" and click on it 7 times in a row.
- Return to the main settings menu and a new section for developers will appear.
What can be set up in the developer mode:
- ๐ ๏ธ Debugging by ADB โ allows for the installation of third-party APK computer.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Display emulation โ changing the resolution and pixel density (useful for adapting the interface).
- ๐ Background processes โ limiting the number of running applications to improve productivity.
- ๐ก Wi-Fi Verbose Logging โ Detailed Network Logs for Diagnosing Connection Issues.
A few more hidden features:
- ๐ญ Theatre mode, which simulates a movie theater with the edges of the screen darkened. โ Display. โ Image mode โ Theatre.
- ๐ Blocking applications - you can install PIN-code to run specific applications (e.g., for parental control).
- ๐บ PIP (Picture-in-Picture) โ viewing two sources at the same time (for example, a match and a chat in Telegram).
โ ๏ธ Attention: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable TV performance. For example, improper emulation of the display can make the interface unreadable. Before experimenting, back up the settings in Settings โ System system โ Backup.
How to Reset the TV to Factory Settings if it Hung After Changes
7 Updates and firmware: how to get new features before everyone else
Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its TVs, adding new features and fixing bugs, but not all users know how to speed up getting firmware or install it manually.
Refreshment methods:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (OTA) | Simplicity, does not require user action. | The update is delayed (maybe it is delayed). 1-2 month afterhand). |
| Manual through settings | You can check the updates at any time. | It requires a stable internet connection. |
| Through USB (offline) | You can install any version of the firmware (including beta). | Risk of "bricking" in case of installation error. |
How to update the firmware via USB:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Update website.
- Unpack. ZIP-archive and copy the file update.zip flash drive (format) FAT32).
- Put the flash drive in. USB-television-port.
- Go to Settings โ About TV โ System Update โ Update via USB.
- Select the file and confirm the installation.
Custom firmware is available for enthusiasts (for example, LineageOS for TV), But installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and can take away the warranty:
- Remove embedded advertising and unnecessary applications.
- Support for unofficial modifications (e.g. root access).
- More frequent security updates.
โ ๏ธ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware can lead to loss of functions DRM (Netflix will stop playing content on the 4K). Before installing, check compatibility on forums like XDA Developers.