a channel control method and apparatus for an iptv service are provided . in order to search for and select channels according to program viewing preference of a user , the channel control method for an iptv service includes : mode setting operation setting a favorite channel mode and a basic channel mode by analyzing channel change ; a favorite channel control operation selecting channels for favorite programs by searching for only the favorite programs in the favorite channel mode ; a basic channel control operation selecting the channels by searching for all the programs in a sequential order in the basic channel mode ; and a stream providing operation providing streams of the selected channels . accordingly , at the time of service log - in , the favorite program is automatically connected according to the program viewing preference and reservation , so that it is possible to simplify a channel control operation of the user and to improve service performance with prevention of occurrence of excessive channel change requests .