Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs offer users a wide range of capabilities that go far beyond just watching TV. However, the basic function of any TV is to receive an on-air or cable signal, and the ability to navigate quickly in channels remains a critical skill. Many users are faced with the nuances of the Android TV or PatchWall interface, which are different from the usual systems of other manufacturers.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to navigate TV channels using a regular remote control. You will learn about standard buttons, hidden voice functions and how to customize channel lists for maximum convenience. Understanding the logic of the remote will allow you to enjoy content without unnecessary delay and irritation.
It is worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the model year and the operating system version installed. However, the basic management principles remain the same throughout the Mi TV ecosystem. We will look at both classic methods and advanced settings that will make watching TV more comfortable.
The main buttons of the remote for navigation
Xiaomi Mi Remote remote controls are minimalist, but contain all the necessary elements for full control. Central is the navigation unit, which is used not only to navigate the menu, but also to switch channels in air mode. The standard scheme involves the use of buttons with arrows “Up” and “Down” for sequential transition between channels.
For faster navigation, left and right buttons are often used, especially if you are in channel list or program guide mode. Clicking OK in the center usually opens the current list or confirms the selection, but in TV viewing mode can cause an information window with the program name. It is important to distinguish between short and long clicks, since they can perform different functions depending on the context.
- 🔺 Up arrow – switch to the next channel in the list.
- 🔻 Down arrow – return to the previous channel.
- ⏹ Back button – exit from the menu or return to the previous signal source.
- 🏠 Home button – instant access to the main screen of the system.
Some remote models, especially in newer versions of TVs, may have a dedicated button to call a list of channels, which greatly speeds up the process of finding the desired transmission. If your remote does not have a separate button, then calling the list is done by pressing a central button or a button with a list icon, which can look like three horizontal bars.
Configuring DVB-T2 digital channels
Before you start switching channels, you need to make sure that the TV is properly configured to receive a digital signal. In most regions of Russia and CIS countries, the DVB-T2 broadcast standard is used. The setup process usually starts automatically when the TV is turned on for the first time, but manually you may need to move or change the antenna.
To start channel search, go to system settings. You'll need to find the inputs and channels section. In PatchWall, this is often hidden in the top menu or accessible through the settings button on the remote. Select the antenna or Etheric TV signal source so that the TV starts scanning frequencies.
⚠️ Warning: During automatic channel search, do not turn off the TV from the outlet and do not switch to other inputs (HDMI), Otherwise, the process may be interrupted, and the list of channels will not be fully preserved.
Once the scan is complete, the TV will save the multiplexes it found. There are usually two main multiplexes available, each containing 10 channels, plus radio channels. If the search is complete, you can switch between them using the navigation buttons described above. The image quality will depend on the signal level received by your antenna.
☑️ Checking readiness for TV setup
Work with the list of channels and selected
On Xiaomi Android TVs, the channel list is not just a list, it's a full-fledged content management tool. If you click on the button to call the list, you'll see the current program and broadcast status, which is especially convenient because it allows you to quickly assess what is being shown on other channels without interrupting the current viewing.
One of the most useful features is creating a favorites list, so if you only watch a certain set of channels, there's no point in flipping through hundreds of unnecessary positions, adding channels to favorites allows you to switch only between them, ignoring the others, and this is done through the channel list menu, where you select a channel and click on the add-on button in favorites (often indicated by an asterisk).
| Action. | Remote button | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Calling the list | OK/List | Opening of the full list of channels |
| Add to the select few | Color button/menu | The channel is marked with an asterisk. |
| Filter of the Chosen Ones | Navigation left | Only selected channels are shown |
| Info on the programme | OK (listed) | Detailed description of the transfer |
Using filters in the channel list allows you to sort them by type: everything, TV, radio or just favorites. This speeds up navigation, especially if you have cable TV with a lot of channels, and the list structure can be changed in the settings, where you can select sorting by number, name or signal type.
How to edit the order of channels?
Voice control for channel search
Xiaomi's current remotes have a built-in microphone for voice control, which opens up an alternative way to switch channels. Instead of flipping through a list or remembering a channel number, you can just pronounce its name, a feature that is especially handy when the remote is far away or when your hands are busy.
To activate voice search, you need to press and hold the microphone button on the remote. Once the record indicator appears, clearly say a command, such as "Channel One," "NTV" or "Switch to Sports." The system recognizes speech and automatically switches or opens a name search.
Voice search works not only for on-air channels, but also for apps and content inside them. If you use streaming services, you can find a particular movie or broadcast with voice, and the accuracy of recognition depends on diction, indoor noise levels and the quality of the Internet connection, since the processing of the request takes place on servers.
- 🎤 Press the microphone button and hold it.
- 🗣 Make sure to clearly state the name of the channel or program.
- ⏳ Wait for the system to react (usually) 1-2 seconds).
- ✅ The TV will execute the command or offer options.
Without a WAN connection, speech recognition won't work, and you'll have to go back to the classic button control, and make sure that the privacy settings allow voice data.
Management through Mi Remote
If a physical remote is lost, depleted or out of order, it can be successfully replaced with a smartphone. Xiaomi has developed the official Mi Remote app (or Mi Home depending on the region), which turns the phone into a full-fledged remote control.
Once you install the app and pair the devices, you'll have a virtual remote with a full set of buttons on your smartphone screen, you'll be able to switch channels, adjust volume and manage menus just like you would from a physical device. The application interface is often even more convenient, as it allows you to type channel names from your phone's keyboard.
⚠️ Note: Initial Wi-Fi connection setup between phone and TV may require a physical remote or connection USB-Keyboards/mouse to TV if the standard remote does not work.
The advantage of using the app is the ability to control multiple devices from one screen and the presence of additional features, such as screenshots of the TV screen or streaming photos and videos from the phone, which makes the smartphone a powerful tool in the arsenal of the owner of a smart TV.
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If the Mi Remote app doesn't find the TV, make sure both devices are Bluetooth enabled (for initial pairing) and connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz or 5GHz).
Channel switching solution
During operation, users may encounter situations where the channels do not switch, the image freezes or the remote stops responding. Most often the problem lies in a weak antenna signal or batteries that have died. Check the signal level indicator in the TV settings; if it is low, try changing the position of the antenna.
If the remote is late or not switching channels, try restarting the TV. On Android TV, you can do this via the shutdown menu by selecting Reboot, or simply by turning off power from the outlet for 10-15 seconds, which will clear the temporary cache of the system and restore normal operation of the interface.
In cases where all channels are gone after a system update, you'll need to rescan. Go to the channel settings and run a full search. Sometimes resetting to factory values helps solve software errors, but remember that this will delete all your installed applications and logins.
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90 percent of channel switching problems are solved by restarting the TV or checking the antenna cable, so don't rush to repair the equipment until you rule out simple causes.