How to switch channels on a Xiaomi TV without a remote: all working ways

Why Xiaomi TV can be controlled without a remote control and when it will come in handy

The situation when the remote from Xiaomi Mi TV It's a common practice to lose, break, or run out of batteries, but not everyone knows that the manufacturer has provided several alternative ways to control things, from physical buttons on the body to voice commands and mobile apps. These features are originally laid in the firmware PatchWall (the shell of Xiaomi for Smart). TV), but often go unnoticed.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of switching channels and controlling a Xiaomi TV (including Mi TV 4A/4S/5X/6 Pro/Q2/Q1E models and others) without the original remote. We will focus on nuances: for example, why some TV buttons on the body do not respond to the first press or how to turn on HDMI-CEC to control from the console.

The methods are suitable for most of the brand’s current TVs released after 2018. If your model is older (for example, Mi TV 3S), some features may be missing, as we will also mention in the relevant sections.

Method 1: Control through physical buttons on the TV body

All Xiaomi TVs (except some) OEM-European models are equipped with touch or mechanical buttons on the bottom or side panel, usually three: Power, Volume ±) and channel switching (channel) ±). On models with PatchWall 3.0+ (Like Mi. TV Q2 75′′ buttons can be hidden under the removable panel.

To change the channel:

1. Find the Channel + button (with an arrow up) or Channel button (arrow down) on the case.
2. Click on it briefly and the TV will switch to the next/previous channel from the list.
3. To make the switch faster, hold the button for 2-3 seconds (not all models).

Important: On some TVs (such as Mi TV 4X), the buttons only activate after the first press on Power, which is protection against accidental pressing. If the buttons do not respond, try first turning on the TV from the console or through the timer outlet.

Find the buttons on the bottom/sidebar

Check if they are covered with a decorative panel.

Press Power to activate the sensor (if not responding)

Use short presses to switch channels-->

Method 2: Use of the Mi Remote mobile application

The official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to completely replace the physical remote, it supports not only Xiaomi TVs, but also other equipment of the brand (air conditioners, projectors), the main condition is that the TV and smartphone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Instructions for setting:

• 📱 Download Mi Remote for Android or iOS.
• 🔍 Turn on the TV (through a button on the case or outlet).
• 📶 Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
• 🎯 In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi and Follow the Tips.

Once connected, the app will have a virtual remote with channel switching buttons (CH+/CH-), volume control and PatchWall access. If the TV is not located, check:

• 🔌 Is the TV connected to the Internet (in the Settings menu) → Network).
• 🔄 Is the TV firmware updated (relevant for models until 2020).
• 📵 Does the firewall block multicast packets (needed to search for devices).

💡

If Mi Remote can't find the TV, try manually entering it. IP-TV address in the app settings. IP You can use the router menu or on the TV screen in the Settings section → On TV. → Network.

Method 3: Voice control via Alice, Google Assistant, or Siri

Xiaomi PatchWall 2.0+ TVs support voice control via a built-in microphone (on the remote) or external assistants. If the remote is not available, you can use:

• 🎤 Yandex Alice (via the Yandex Station column or smartphone app).
• 🤖 Google Assistant (on Android smartphones or Google Nest).
• 🍎 Siri (for iPhone and HomePod owners).

Examples of voice commands:

For the operation of voice control, it is necessary:

1. Connect the TV and voice assistant to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. In the TV settings, activate the option Voice Control → External assistants.
3. Alice may need to have a Xiaomi account tied in the column settings.

Yandex Alice|Google Assistant|Siri|Not using.|Other-->

Method 4: Control via HDMI-CEC (remote from a console or sound panel)

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control the TV from the remote of other devices connected to HDMI (Xiaomi Mi Box, Apple TV, game consoles or sound panels). On Xiaomi TVs, this feature is called MI-LINK and is included in the menu:

Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable MI-LINK

After activation, you will be able to:

• 📺 Switch channels with buttons CH+/CH- console.
• 🔊 Adjust the volume of TV from the sound panel.
• 🎮 Turn on/off the TV with the Power button on the PlayStation or Xbox remote.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Not all remote functions are duplicated (for example, access to PatchWall may be restricted).
• ⚠️ On some TV models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 32") HDMI-CEC floundering.

Method 5: Connecting a keyboard or mouse via USB/Bluetooth

Few people know, but Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV (Mi model TV Q1E, Mi TV 6 Pro and later) support connection USB-It allows you to control the TV like a computer, switch channels with arrows, open the menu with Menu keys (usually). F1 Windows, and enter text in search.

How to connect:

1. Put the keyboard in USB-TV port (or Bluetooth connection via Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth).
2. Use the switching channels to change the channels: 🔑 Shooters. ↑/↓ — channel selection. 🔑 Enter – Confirmation of Choice. 🔑 Esc – Return to the previous menu.

Compatible devices:

• 🖱 Anybody. USB-mice (including wireless USB-dongle).
• ⌨️ Keyboards with connector USB-A Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Gamepads (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller) but with limited functionality.

💡

USB-Keyboard is the only way to control a Xiaomi TV without a remote if the touch buttons on the case break and Wi-Fi is disabled.

What to do if none of the methods work: resetting and alternative solutions

If the TV doesn't respond to buttons or apps, there may be a software failure, in which case a hardware reset will help. There are two combinations for Xiaomi models:

Method 1 (for most models):

1. Turn the TV off the socket.
2. Press the Power button on the body and, holding it, connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.

Method 2 (for Mi TV 4X/4S):

1. On the TV turned off, press the Volume and Channel buttons simultaneously.
2. Holding them, connect the power.
3. After 5-7 seconds, the recovery menu will appear (use volume buttons for navigation).

After resetting, the TV will return to factory settings, and you can reconfigure it via Mi Remote or buttons on the case.

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If the reset didn't work, check the TV's power supply. Often, "hangs" without responding to buttons are associated with a malfunction of the capacitors in the PD. Signs: the TV spontaneously turns off or the power indicator flashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing a Xiaomi TV without a remote