How to switch channels on a Xiaomi TV without a remote: everything from buttons to voice control

Lost or broken remote from Xiaomi Mi TV, Don't panic, you can switch channels on the TV of this brand without the traditional remote control. TV (be it Mi TV 4A, Mi TV Q1 or the flagship Mi series TV 6) 3 to 5 alternative controls are available, and in this article we will discuss all working methods, from hidden buttons on the case to voice commands, and how to avoid the typical errors when connecting a smartphone as a remote control.

It's important to understand that the functionality of alternatives can vary, for example, on budget models like the Mi. TV 4S Physical buttons allow you to switch channels in a circle, while on premium Mi TV Q2 All the features of the original remote are available using the Mi Remote app, including volume control and Netflix launch. We have compiled a compatibility table (see Section 3) so you can immediately choose the best option for your model.

If you’ve never used alternative control methods before, start with the simplest one: buttons on the TV body (Section 2), which works even when the remote is completely discharged or the Wi-Fi is turned off. For Android or iOS smartphone owners, Mi Remote (Section 4) is more suitable, and if you have a Xiaomi Mi Band or Mi Smart Speaker, try voice control (Section 6). FAQ answering frequent questions, such as why the TV doesn’t respond to commands from a smartphone or how to reset your settings if none of the methods worked.

1. Where are the control buttons on the Xiaomi body TV

All Xiaomi TVs (except some) OEM-models for foreign markets) are equipped with hidden mechanical buttons that duplicate the main functions of the remote:

• 📺 Mi TV 4A/4S (2018–2020 y.): buttons are hidden under the Mi logo in the lower central part of the frame. Press the logo with force - you will feel a click.
• 🖥️ Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV 5/6 (2021–2026 d.): the touchpad is located on the back of the body on the right (when viewed from the back) and responds to touch, but not to pressure.
• 🔄 Mi TV P1 (2022–2026: The Physical Button JOYSTICK It's at the bottom right corner of the screen, and you can scroll up and down and press it.

To switch the channel using buttons:

1. Find the Menu button (or hold the logo on older models for 3-5 seconds until the menu appears).
2. Use the Volume buttons +/– (or scroll through the joystick to navigate the Sources menu → TV antenna.
3. Select Channels and press OK (central button joystick or logo).
4. Use Channel to change channels +/– (on new models - scrolling the joystick left / right).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 10+ (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) The buttons on the body are locked by default. To unlock them, press the Menu button for 10 seconds and the beep will sound.

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If the buttons do not respond, check if Child Lock mode is enabled in the settings (System) → Parental controls. It turns off all physical controls.

2.How to use a smartphone as a remote for Xiaomi TV

The most versatile way is to turn your smartphone into a remote control using the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS). TV, Starting in 2017, it allows you not only to switch channels, but also to control volume, run applications (YouTube, Prime Video) and even configure Ambient Mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Turn on the Mi Remote function on the TV: Settings → Devices and accessories → DU remote → Turn on Mi Remote
3. Launch the app on your smartphone and select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions for pairing (the TV and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network).

Once connected, the application interface will be identical to the original remote.

• 📶 Use the buttons. CH+/CH– top-of-screen.
• 🔍 Click on the magnifying glass icon to open the Guide TV and select a channel from the list.
• 📋 In the Favorites section, you can fix the frequently used channels.

Television and phone connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network|

The settings of the TV include Mi Remote|

On the smartphone, notifications are allowed for the Mi Remote application|

Unplugged. VPN (may block the conjugation)-->

With buttons on the case |

Appendix Mi Remote|

Voice assistant.|

Keyboard or mouse|

In other ways.-->

3. Controlling the TV with a keyboard or mouse

If you have USB-Keyboard or wireless mouse, you can connect them to Xiaomi TV port USB-A It's convenient for navigating menus, but it has limitations when you switch channels: for example, some models have to open the Guide TV first to change the channel.

How to connect:

1. For wired keyboard/mouse: insert the device into the port USB back-screen.
2. For wireless devices: Settings → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth → Add the device

List of hot keys for channel management:

• 🔢 Ctrl + ↑/↓ — up-channeling.
• 🔍 Win + F – Opening of the TV Guide (analogue of the Guide button on the remote control).
• 📺 Alt + 1-9 — rapid transition of channels 1 down 9.
• 🔊 F1/F2 — volume control (on some models).

⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 9 and below (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 2018) The keyboard may not support hot keys for channel switching, in which case use the mouse to navigate the Guide TV menu.

4.Voice control: "OK, Google" and Alice

Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9 and newer support voice control through the built-in Google Assistant or Alice (for Russian models), this method is convenient if you are away from the TV or busy with other things.

How to turn on the voice assistant:

• 🎤 On the remote (if it still works) press the Google Assistant button (or microphone) for 2 seconds.
• 📱 Through the Mi Remote app: click on the microphone icon in the upper right corner.
• 🗣️ Voice: Say “OK Google, turn on Channel One” (the TV should be on standby mode).

Examples of voice commands for channel switching:

If the voice assistant does not respond:

1. Check your internet connection (at least 5 Mbps speed required).
2. Update your TV firmware to the latest version (Settings → About TV → System Update).
3. Restart the TV by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

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Voice control only works for channels added to your favorites or viewed in the last 7 days. To turn on an arbitrary channel, first say, "OK, Google, open your TV guide," then select the channel with your voice.

5. Alternative methods: HDMI-CEC and universal

If none of the above methods work, consider two additional options:

• 🔌 HDMI-CEC: If the TV is connected to the console (Xiaomi Mi Box, NVIDIA Shield) or game console (PS5, Xbox Series X, you can control channels through their remotes. HDMI-CEC: Settings → Display and sound → HDMI-CEC → Turn on
• 📟 Universal remote: buy a remote with IR-blaster support (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote Bluetooth or BroadLink) RM4 Pro) and program it to work with your Xiaomi model TV. Instructions for setting up are usually attached to the remote.

Advantages and disadvantages of alternative methods:

For owners of Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Mi Box has another life hack: connect the console to the TV through HDMI, And then you control the channels through her remote, and the TV has to be tuned to receive the signal from the console. → HDMI1/HDMI2).

6 What to do if none of the methods work

If the TV doesn't respond to buttons, or to a smartphone, or to voice commands, the problem may be a system failure or hardware malfunction.

1. Check the power: turn off the TV for 1 minute, then turn it on again. This will reset the temporary errors.
2. Reset: If the TV is turned on but does not respond to commands, reset: Settings → On TV. → Resetting settings → Drop it all. ⚠️ Warning: After the reset, you will have to reconfigure your channels, Wi-Fi and accounts (Google, Netflix, etc.) and take a note or photograph of your current settings before resetting.
3. Check for hardware damage: If the TV doesn't turn on at all, check the power cable and port HDMI They're not even aware of physical injuries. TV Q1/Q2 The power supply often fails - it can be replaced yourself (video instructions are on YouTube).

If the reset did not help, and the TV still does not respond to commands, contact the Xiaomi service center. In Russia and CIS countries, there is a warranty for all models released after 2020 (period - 12 months).

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching channels without remote control