If you own a Xiaomi TV (Mi series) TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X/Q1/Q2 or Redmi Smart TV), I think you probably have a mysterious acronym. RC This mode appears in the updates section, when you connect the remote, or even in the service menu — but what does it mean in practice? Why do some users see the inscription "RC "Mode" or "RC Update, and others don't?
Actually. RC (Release Candidate is a test version of the firmware that Xiaomi distributes to a limited number of devices before the final update. These builds contain new features, bug fixes, but may not work stable. RC It's also associated with Remote Control, which adds to the confusion, and then we'll go through both, explain how to turn it on/off, and warn against common errors.
It is important to understand that if your TV suddenly switched to the RC-It's not always a mistake, but sometimes Xiaomi automatically connects devices to test new features, especially if you've previously agreed to participate in a software improvement program. unstable work, possible interface glitches or even loss of functionality, so before activating the mode, you should weigh the pros and cons».
RC Xiaomi TV: What is it in simple words?
abbreviation RC Xiaomi TVs have two main meanings that are often confused:
- Release Candidate is a test version of the firmware that is finalized before mass distribution, and only select devices (usually by invitation or through special channels) receive such updates.
- Remote Control: A mode that allows you to control your TV through Mi Remote, Google Home or even voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant). RC This may mean activating the extended functions of the remote.
How do you know which one? RC It's on your TV?
- 🔍 If you see the inscription RC Mode in the section Software Update is a test firmware.
- 🎮 If the mention RC appears when you connect the remote or in network settings - we are talking about remote control.
- ⚙️ On some models (e.g., Mi) TV Q1 75") RC It can be called a recovery mode, but it is rare.
Most users are faced with the first option, the Release Candidate. Xiaomi is actively testing firmware on real devices, and your TV could get into this program automatically, for example, if you ever agreed to send usage statistics in privacy settings.
⚠️ Attention: Test firmware RC They may contain critical bugs, including sound, picture or even a “brick” of the device (complete failure, 4PDA or Mi Community.
How to turn on or off the mode RC Xiaomi TV
If you want to join the testing of new firmware or, conversely, leave the program RC, Follow the instructions below. The process varies depending on the TV model and the software version.
Activation. RC-mode (for test firmware):
Make a backup of settings in Settings → Account and security → Backup
Connect your TV to a stable Internet (preferably via cable)
Make sure the remote battery is charged (in case of reset)
Remember the current firmware version (in Settings) → On TV)-->
- Open the Settings. → On TV.
- Click on the line with the version of the software 7 times in a row - this will open a hidden menu for developers.
- Select a point. RC Version Update (or similar).
- Agree with the warning about possible risks.
- Restart the TV and it will start receiving test updates.
Shutdown RC-regime:
- If the firmware is already installed, you can return the stable version only through a manual update (downloading the official file from the Xiaomi website).
- In some cases, resetting to factory settings helps: Settings → Account and security → Resetting settings.
- On Android models TV (Like Mi. TV Stick can be rolled back through ADB: adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.device.devicesettings.DeviceSettingsActivity
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs 2020-2022 release (for example, Mi) TV 4S 55") disconnection RC-The mode may block access to certain features, such as Google Play or Netflix, until the next update.
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Before inclusion RC-Check if your model supports a rollback to stable firmware, such as TVs on an Amlogic processor. T972 (Mi series TV Q1) This is what we do, and the models with MTK 9611 (Redmi Smart Series) TV X - no.
Why do you need it? RC-mode: pros and cons
Before activating. RC, Weigh the benefits and risks. Below is a comparison table:
| Pluses RC-regime | Cons RC-regime |
|---|---|
| 🆕 Early access to new features (e.g. Dolby Vision on older models). | 🐞 Critical bugs: freezes, overheating, problems with sound. |
| 🎯 Fixing old bugs (such as YouTube or Netflix lags). | 🔄 Frequent updates (sometimes several times a week). |
| 📶 Improved compatibility with the peripherals (mouse, keyboards, gamepads). | ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" (breakdown) of the device. |
| 🔧 Advanced settings for enthusiasts (e.g. manual color calibration). | 🚫 Loss of warranty in unofficial firmware. |
For example, in 2023, users of Mi TV Q2 75" through" RC supported HDMI 2.1 and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode, long before the official release, but some people had a problem with the flickering of the screen at 120 Hz, which was fixed only after 3 months.
If you’re not ready for experiments but want to try new features, consider alternatives:
- 🔄 Beta testing with Mi Community (less risky).
- 📦 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS for TV), But it requires unlocking the bootloader.
- 🎮 Use of external devices (e.g, NVIDIA Shield or Fire TV Stick) for extended functions.
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RC-The mode is suitable only for experienced users, ready for possible failures. For most owners, stable firmware is the best choice.
RC Remote management: how these functions are related
As mentioned earlier, RC On Xiaomi TVs, it can mean not only test firmware, but also Remote Control:
- 📱 Manage TV via smartphone (Mi Remote, Google) TV).
- 🎤 Use voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant, Siri via HomeKit).
- 🖱️ Connect wireless mice/keyboards to navigate on Android TV.
To activate this mode:
- Go to Settings. → Remote control.
- Turn on the option. RC Mode or Advanced Management.
- Connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- In the Mi Remote app, select a model of your TV and pair.
Some models (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV X55) full-time RC required:
- Update the remote to the latest version.
- Disable energy saving mode in settings HDMI-CEC.
- Activate ADB Debugging in the Developer menu (if you need to manage through the PC).
⚠️ Note: On TVs with firmware older than 2021 (Mi) TV 4A and similar) inclusion RC For remote control, it might conflict with Bluetooth, for example, wireless headphones or gamepads might stop connecting.
How to check if your TV supports RC-remote-control?
Typical problems with RC-regime and their decisions
Even if you are an experienced user, you can work with RC These are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:
1.The TV doesn't come out RC-post-off
If you have turned off the test, but the TV continues to receive RC-Update, try it out:
- 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → Network → Reset.
- 📵 Turn off the TV for 24 hours (sometimes helps to reset the update cache).
- 🔧 Manually install stable firmware through USB (guideline).
2.After the update RC the sound or image stopped working
This is a typical test build problem.
- 🔊 For sound: reset the audio settings in Settings → Sound. → Reset to factory.
- 🖼️ For the image: check the cables HDMI Try another port.
- 🔄 If nothing helps, go back to the previous version.
3. The remote does not work in RC-mode
Often associated with the conflict of firmware remote and TV.
- Remove the batteries from the remote for 10 minutes.
- Press and hold the Menu buttons. + OK simultaneously for 5 seconds to reset.
- Update the remote firmware through Settings → DU remote → Update.
4.The TV stuck on the logo after the update RC
Critical error! if the TV doesn't load beyond the Xiaomi or Android logo TV, So the firmware is damaged:
- 🔌 Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
- 🔧 If it doesn’t help, you need to re-flash through USB (instruction).
- 📞 Contact Xiaomi Support if the TV is warranty (but let us know you have used it) RC — This could nullify the warranty).
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After the update RC Google Play or Netflix is lost, check the date and time in the settings. Test firmware sometimes knocks these settings, which causes services to block access.
How to manually stitch Xiaomi TV through USB (instruction RC)
If the automatic update has caused a failure or you want to roll back to a stable version, you can manually flash the TV.
- 🖥️ Computer with Internet access.
- 📁 A flash drive. FAT32 (32GB).
- 📄 Official firmware from the Xiaomi Support website.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, for Mi). TV 4S 55" files are called like mi_tv_4s_55_v12.0.4.0.zip).
- Unclose the file and copy it to the flash drive in the folder update.zip (just such a name!).
- Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (preferably to port) USB 2.0 if there are several).
- Go to Settings → About TV → Software Update → Update via USB.
- Select a file and confirm the installation. Don't turn off the TV during the process!
If the TV does not respond to the buttons, but turns on:
- Use hardware reset: Press and hold the power button on the TV body for 15 seconds.
- For Android models TV (Like Mi. TV Stick can be stitched through ADB: adb sideload update.zip
⚠️ Attention: The wrong firmware can turn the TV into a brick. Make sure the firmware file matches the model exactly! TV 4A Not good for Mi. TV 4S, even if the diagonals match.
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Hand-held firmware is the last chance to bring the TV back to life. If you're not sure about yourself, see a specialist.
RC Xiaomi TV: Security and safeguards issues
Many users are afraid to include RC-So let's look at what Xiaomi says about this:
According to the official guarantee conditions:
- ✅ Participation in the official beta program (via Mi Community) does not void the warranty.
- ❌ Independent installation of informal firmware or system modification (root, custom) ROM) bailout.
- ⚠️ If the failure occurred because of RC-updates, but you haven’t modified the system, the service center can help (but not the fact).
To minimize the risks:
- Before inclusion RC Check if your model supports a rollback to a stable version.
- Save a copy of the current firmware (you can download from forums, for example, 4PDA).
- If the TV is guaranteed, contact Xiaomi support before any manipulation.
Example: in 2022 users of Redmi Smart TV X65 post-refresh RC Xiaomi admitted the bug and released a patch after 2 weeks, but those who tried to flash the device themselves were denied warranty repairs.