Owning a modern Xiaomi TV opens up access to extensive multimedia content, but the initial navigation can seem confusing for beginners. The brand’s smart TVs run on Android TV or PatchWall’s own shell, which dramatically differentiates their logic from the usual button models of the past. Understanding the principles of management will allow you to enjoy movies and television without unnecessary delay.
There are several effective ways to change broadcasts, from classic buttons on the remote to advanced voice control techniques. In this article, we will take a look at all the options available, including hidden features and settings that are often overlooked, and learn how to quickly navigate the interface and customize your favorite channel lists.
Before we get into the technical details, it’s worth noting that the control method depends on the model of your device and the version of the firmware installed. Some older models may not support voice search, while new flagships offer advanced functionality. The key factor is the presence of a Bluetooth module in the remote control, since it is responsible for transmitting voice commands.
Use of a standard remote control
The basic tool for interacting with the TV is the remote control, but its ergonomics and set of buttons can vary. Most models of Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV have special keys for navigating the list of channels, usually buttons with arrows "Up" and "Down" or a dedicated button "CH".
Clicking the switching button causes a list of available channels on the screen where the cursor can select the desired option. If the list does not appear, it is possible that the settings activate direct switching mode without a visual interface.
⚠️ Warning: If the remote stops responding to the switch buttons, don't be in a hurry to change batteries.Try to reboot the TV completely disconnected from the network for 30 seconds - this resets temporary Bluetooth connection errors.
It's important to distinguish between remote types, because it's functional. Infrared remotes require direct vision with a receiver, whereas Bluetooth models allow you to control your TV from anywhere in the room. Below is a table to help you determine the type of control device you have.
| Type of remote | The presence of a microphone | Radio of action | Do you need direct visibility? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared (IR) | No. | Up to 5-7 meters. | Yes, I must. |
| Bluetooth (standard) | Got (often) | Up to 10 meters. | No. |
| Bluetooth (Gamepad) | There is. | Up to 15 meters. | No. |
| Universal IR | No. | Depends on the model. | Yes. |
For voice-controlled remote owners, the process becomes even easier, and just press the microphone button and say the channel number or its name, if you support smart search, and the system will find and launch the desired signal source.
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If the standard remote is lost or broken, you can temporarily use the TV through the Mi Remote app on a smartphone with an infrared port or through Wi-Fi if the TV and phone are on the same network.
Voice control and smart search
One of the most convenient features of the Android TV platform is the integration of Google Assistant, which allows you to completely abandon manual search, just by voicing your wishes, and to take advantage of this, you need to make sure that the microphone on the remote is active and has access to the Internet.
The activation process is simple: press a button with a microphone or a color circle (depending on the remote model) and clearly pronounce the command. The system recognizes speech and performs an action, whether it is switching to a specific channel "Russia 1" or launching an application with terrestrial television. The accuracy of recognition depends on the quality of the diction and the absence of background noise.
Voice control also allows you to navigate inside the interface without using buttons. You can say "turn on the next channel," "go back" or "open the menu," which is especially convenient for people with disabilities or when the remote is far from hand.
⚠️ Attention: Voice search may not work correctly if you have multiple TV watching apps installed on your system, so check the name of the app on the command, for example: “Enable Channel 1 in the Lime app.” HD».
For maximum effect, it is recommended to set up a user profile in Google, which will allow the system to remember your preferences and offer relevant content, as well as more accurately recognize individual features of speech. Regular use of voice commands speeds up the work with the interface at times.
☑️ Setting up voice control
Control via smartphone and Mi Remote app
Modern technology allows you to turn your smartphone into a powerful universal control panel. For owners of Xiaomi and Redmi equipment, Mi Remote is preinstalled, which supports both infrared signal transmission and Wi-Fi control. This is ideal if the regular remote is out of order.
If you have an IR port on your phone, it takes a couple of minutes to set up: select the TV device type, the Xiaomi brand, and test the buttons. Once paired, the smartphone screen becomes an exact replica of the remote, with all the channel switching buttons, and this solution works even without access to the Internet, using only the IR signal.
For models without an IR port, Wi-Fi is used. The phone and TV must be on the same local network, in which case control is via a virtual touchpad and on-screen buttons. The functionality is often extended by the ability to enter text from the phone keyboard, which is convenient for searching channels by name.
Alternatives can be the official Google Home app or third-party solutions like Android. TV Remote Control: They provide similar functionality and often have a more user-friendly interface for navigating the channel list. QR-code on the TV screen or select the device from the list of available.
What to do if your phone can’t see TV?
Digital TV setup (DVB-T2)
To view free air channels, you need to properly configure the built-in DVB-T2 tuner, a process that is the foundation for correct channel switching. First, make sure that the antenna cable is tightly connected to the Antenna In socket on the back of the TV.
Then you go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like: Settings → Channels → Add channels. In the window that opens, you need to select the source of the antenna signal and the type of scanning Digital.
The important step is to select the search mode, and it is recommended to choose "Full Scan" so that the TV finds all available multiplexes, the process can take from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the number of signals found, you should not interrupt it, otherwise the list of channels will be incomplete.
The menu path for manual search:
Settings → Channels → Manual setting → Frequency (MHz) → ScanOnce the scan is complete, the TV will automatically assign numbers to the channels. If some channels show "No signal," you may need to adjust the antenna more accurately or use an amplifier.
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A high-quality antenna and the right cable (75 ohms) are more important than an expensive TV for receiving an over-the-air digital signal.
Applications for watching TV over the Internet
Smart TV owners often prefer Internet TV to traditional broadcasting due to the flexibility and quality of the picture. There are many aggregator applications available on the Google Play Store platform, such as LimeHD, Wink, Okko or Nemo TV, installing any of them increases the ability to switch.
Within these apps, navigation is done using a screen interface, and you're offered a list of categories (Sports, Movies, News) that contain channels inside, you switch by clicking on the name or logo, and many apps support Favorites, allowing you to create your own personal list for quick access.
The advantage of these applications is the ability to view the archive and pause the air. You can pause the broadcast, rewind or run a program that was an hour ago. For comfortable use, it is recommended to have a stable Internet connection at a speed of at least 15-20 Mbit / s.
- 📺 LimeHD TV — A popular application with a lot of free channels and a simple interface.
- 🎬 Wink is a service from Rostelecom, offering high quality images and exclusive content.
- 🌐 Nemo TV — aggregator that allows you to add your own playlists m3u viewable IPTV.
- 📡 SPB TV — App with news and entertainment channels from around the world.
To install the app, search for it in the store through search or use voice-entry of the name. Once installed, the shortcut will appear on the home screen or in the Apps section, launch instantly, and authorization is required only to access paid content or cloud settings.
Solving Channel Switching Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where channels do not switch, freeze or display with a black screen.The first step in diagnosis should always be to check the source of the signal. Make sure that the correct input (HDMI, Antenna, AV) is selected through the Input menu or the button with the image of the square with the arrow.
If the problem is only on digital terrestrial television, try updating the channel list. Often, operators change the broadcast frequencies, and the old list becomes irrelevant. Re-scanning the channel settings menu solves 90% of these problems.
In case of software interface failures, when the remote does not respond or the menu does not open, cleaning the system cache helps. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Find the system application “Live Channels” or analogue → Clear the cache.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your channel settings (reset to factory) all saved lists and sorted channels will be deleted.
If nothing works, check for firmware updates. Manufacturers regularly release patches that fix tuner and remote errors. Path to check: Settings → About TV → System Update.