How to switch channels on a Xiaomi Mi TV: 5 ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi TVs have gained popularity thanks to a combination of affordable prices, modern technology and a user-friendly interface. However, even experienced users sometimes have questions about basic features such as how to switch channels correctly. Unlike traditional TVs, where it is all about the “+” and “-” buttons on the remote, Xiaomi smart TVs offer several alternative ways, from voice control to a mobile application.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of switching channels to Mi. TV (including the Mi models TV 4A/4S/4X/5/5X/P1/Q1/Q2), And the typical problems are, why don't you flip channels, how do you get those that you lost after you upgrade or reset, and what do you do if the remote doesn't respond, and we'll focus on the hidden features that aren't written in the official manual, but that make it much easier to work with on-air and digital TV.

1. Classic way: buttons on the Xiaomi remote

The most obvious method is to use the standard Xiaomi Mi Remote (or compatible models like the Mi TV Stick Remote) with two key buttons:

  • 📺 Button "TV" — switches the remote to TV control mode (if it was in console or sound panel control mode).
  • 🔄 Buttons "CH+/CH–" — They can flip through the channels up and down. On some remotes, they can be marked as P+/P–.
  • 📋 Guide button – opens the transmission program (if an air or digital signal is connected).

If the buttons are not working, check:

  1. Is the antenna cable connected to the ANT IN connector on the back of the TV?
  2. Is the TV antenna mode activated in the signal sources (Source → TV)?
  3. Does the remote control over another device (for example, if you use the Mi Box with your TV)

💡

If the CH+/CH buttons don’t work, try pressing the Menu button for 5 seconds, which will reset the remote settings.

2. Switching channels through the TV menu

If the remote is lost or broken, you can control the channels through the built-in menu, which is also useful for sorting and editing the list:

  1. Press the Menu (or Settings) button on the remote or sidebar of the TV.
  2. Go to the TV antenna (or TV → Etheric TV on new models).
  3. Select the Channel List – a grid with logos and numbers will be displayed here.
  4. Use the ↑/↓/←/→ buttons for navigation and OK for channel selection.

Additional options are also available in this menu:

  • 🔍 Channel search – automatic or manual ether scanning.
  • 📊 Sorting – changing the order of channels (by numbers, alphabet, frequency of use).
  • 🚫 Hiding – Removing unnecessary channels from the list.
How do you get back the hidden channels?
To return a hidden channel, go to the Channel List → Menu → Show Hidden and uncheck the box from unnecessary positions.

3. Voice control: "OK, Google"

Xiaomi Mi TVs with Google Assistant support (models with Android TV or Google TV) allow you to switch channels with voice.

  1. Make sure the TV is connected to the Internet and the settings include Google Assistant (Settings → Device → Voice Search).
  2. Press the microphone button on the remote (or say “OK, Google” in standby mode).
  3. Say a command, for example: "Enable Channel One", "Switch to NTV" "Show Channel 5"

Voice control works only with over-the-air channels connected via an antenna or a digital set-top box, and for IPTV or satellite TV, this is not the method.

📊 How do you switch channels more often?
remote
Voice.
Mobile application
Tv buttons.
Other

4.Management through the Mi Remote mobile application

The official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) duplicates the physical remote and adds advanced features to switch channels via a smartphone:

  1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
  4. Follow the instructions on the interface screen.

To synchronize the remotes:

  1. Press and hold Menu + Volume+ on the console/panel for 5 seconds.
  2. Point the remote to the TV and wait for the synchronization confirmation.
How to manage TV through Mi Box?
Install the Live Channels app from Google Play on the console, then add the signal source (antenna or an antenna). IPTV-playlist).

FAQ: Frequent questions

🔹 Why on Mi? TV There are no channel switching buttons on the remote?
On some models (e.g., Mi). TV Stick or remotes for sound panels) buttons CH+/CH– In this case, use: Voice control ("OK, Google, turn on the channel") 1"). Mi Remote mobile app. Buttons ↑/↓ menu List of channels.
🔹 How to sort channels by your numbers?
To change the channel order: Open the Channel List. Click Menu on the remote. Select Edit. Use ↑/↓ to move the channel and OK to save. Newer models (Mi TV Q1/Q2) offer automatic genre sorting (news, sports, movies).
🔹 Can I switch channels without an antenna (via the Internet)?
Yes, if you connect IPTV. To do this: Install the SS IPTV or Lazy IPTV app from Google Play. Download the playlist from the provider (file with the extension.m3u). Use the remote or voice commands to switch. Xiaomi's official firmware does not support built-in IPTV, so third-party apps are required.
🔹 What to do if all channels are missing after the update?
This is a typical firmware failure problem.Order of action: Check the antenna connection and repeat AutoSearch.If it doesn't work, reset (Settings) → On TV. → For Mi models TV 4A/4S You may need to have a handheld through USB (instruction on the official website). ⚠️ Warning: Before resetting, disconnect the TV from the internet to avoid repeat automatic updates with an error.
🔹 How to block your child from accessing certain channels?
Activate Parental Controls: Go to Settings → Security → Parental control. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234) In Channel Limits, select which to block. TV You can also restrict access by age rating (e.g., block channels marked 18).+).