How to activate a new remote to the Xiaomi TV: 3 proven ways

Why Xiaomi TVs can’t see the new remote and what to do about it

You bought an original or universal remote for Xiaomi Mi TV, but the TV refuses to recognize it? The problem is familiar to many owners of smart TVs of this brand. Most often the malfunction is not in the remote itself, but in the wrong pairing procedure or the wrong settings of the TV. 80% of the time, the decision takes less than 5 minutes — if you know the algorithm of actions.

Modern Xiaomi TVs (A2, P1, Q2, S Pro, and others) support two types of remotes: Bluetooth (wireless, feedback) and IR (infrared, requiring line of sight). The activation method depends on the type of connection. For example, the Mi TV Remote with the touchpad is synchronized over Bluetooth, and budget models (for example, Mi Remote Lite) work through an IR port. If you are trying to connect a universal remote from a third party, you will need to manually configure the codes.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Step-by-step instructions for Bluetooth and IR remotes
• 🛠️ Methods of resetting remote and TV settings
• ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• 📋 Table of compatibility of remotes with Xiaomi models TV

Method 1: Synchronization of Bluetooth remote (Mi TV Remote, Mi Remote Pro)

Xiaomi’s original Bluetooth remotes (such as the voice-controlled Mi TV Remote or the backlit Mi Remote Pro) are automatically connected when you first turn on. If this does not happen, do the forced pairing:

1. Make sure the remote is charged (the indicator should be green when you press any button). If the battery is discharged, connect the remote to the USB-port.
2. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Click Add Device and select Remote Control.
4. Press the Menu + OK buttons on the remote simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
5. Wait for the remote to appear in the list of available devices and confirm the connection.

If the TV doesn't find the remote:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (press the power button on the case for 10 seconds).
• 📶 Make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices around that cause interference (earphones, smartphones).
• 🔋 Try another one. USB-remote charging cable – a faulty cable can block pairing.

⚠️ Warning: If after a successful connection the remote works unstable (delays, double presses), update the TV firmware through Settings → On TV. → Update the system. In older versions MIUI TV 3.0 has bugs with Bluetooth connection.

Method 2: Configure the IR panel (universal or original)

Infrared remotes (including universal from Huayu, One For All or Xiaomi Mi Remote Lite) do not require pairing, but may need to manually configure the codes.

1. Make sure there are no barriers between the remote and the TV (maximum distance is 8 meters).
2. On the universal remote, find the SET or CODE SEARCH button (usually hidden under the battery compartment cover).
3. Press the SET until the indicator blinks (3-5 seconds), then enter the code for Xiaomi TV (see the table below).
4. Point the remote to the TV and press Power. If the TV is off, the code is correct.

If no code works:

• 🔍 Try auto-search code: pinch SET, Press Power until the TV reacts.
• 📄 Check the remote instructions – some models require brand pre-setting (Xiaomi can be hidden under Mi). TV or PatchWall).

Method 3: Resetting remote and TV settings

If the remote was previously paired with another device or the TV "forgot" it, reset:

Resetting Bluetooth remote

1. Remove the battery (if removable) or discharge the remote before turning off.
2. Press the Menu + Back + OK buttons for 10 seconds at the same time.
3. Connect the remote to charging - the indicator should flash red and blue.
4. Repeat the pairing procedure (see Method 1).

Resetting the IR remote

For universal remotes:

1. Remove the batteries for 1 minute.
2. Insert the batteries back and hold the SET for 15 seconds.
3. Repeat the code setting (see Method 2).

Resetting TV settings

If the problem is in the TV:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset to factory (you need to enter PIN - by default 0000 or 1234).
3. After restarting, reconnect the remote.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your TV will remove all installed apps, accounts and Wi-Fi settings. Before the procedure, write down your network and Mi Account passwords to avoid losing access to Google Play purchases.

💡

If the remote is still out of order after reset, check the physical condition of the IR port on your TV. Light the port with a smartphone flashlight — if the infrared receiver (a small dark window) is damaged or contaminated, clean it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when the instructions are followed correctly, users often face typical problems:

• 🔴 The remote is flashing, but it's not connected. The reason: a dead battery or a conflict with another Bluetooth device. Solution: charge the remote and turn off the headphones / speakers.
• 🔴 The TV doesn't respond to the IR remote, because there's an incorrect code or an obstacle in the signal path, solution: check the codes from the table and make sure there's no obstruction.
• 🔴 The remote works, but with a delay The reason: outdated TV firmware or interference from the Wi-Fi router (2.4 GHz channel intersects with Bluetooth). Solution: update the software and switch the router to a 5 GHz channel.

Another common mistake is trying to connect a Bluetooth remote as an IR device (and vice versa).Remember: if you have a touchpad or a voice assistant on the remote, it works on Bluetooth. If you have an IR transmitter (a visible window on the front) it is an infrared model.

💡

Before buying a new remote, check it is compatible with your Xiaomi TV model. For example, the remote from the Mi TV 4S won’t work fully with the Redmi Smart TV X Series due to different control protocols.

What to do if nothing helps

If all methods have been tried and the remote still does not work:

1. Check the remote on another TV (at friends or in the store) if it doesn't work, the remote is faulty.
2. Update your TV firmware manually: Download the latest version of the software from Xiaomi's official website (select the TV model). Copy the update.zip file to a flash drive (FAT32). Connect the flash drive to the TV and run the update via Settings → About TV → Update via USB.
3. Contact Xiaomi: Email: support@mi.com Phone: 8 800 777 05 50 (free for Russia) Chat: https://www.mi.com/global/service/chat/ Specify the TV model, software version (Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version) and the remote type.

If the TV is guaranteed, don't try to disassemble it yourself - it will void warranty obligations./Bluetooth-TV-module.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions