The problem of solving type-2 fuzzy relation equations is investigated. In order to apply semi-tensor product of matrices, a new matrix analysis method and tool, to solve type-2 fuzzy relation equations, a type-2 fuzzy relation is decomposed into two parts as principal sub-matrices and secondary sub-matrices; an r-ary symmetrical-valued type-2 fuzzy relation model and its corresponding symmetrical-valued type-2 fuzzy relation equation model are established. Then, two algorithms are developed for solving type-2 fuzzy relation equations, one of which gives a theoretical description for general type-2 fuzzy relation equations; the other one can find all the solutions to the symmetrical-valued ones. The results can improve designing type-2 fuzzy controllers, because it provides knowledge to search the optimal solutions or to find the reason if there is no solution. Finally some numerical examples verify the correctness of the results/algorithms.