How to activate the remote to the Xiaomi TV: all ways to synchronize

Xiaomi’s remote is not just an accessory, but a key element of smart TV control. However, even the original remotes sometimes require re-activation after resetting, replacing batteries, or buying a new device. And if you use a universal remote from another manufacturer, the synchronization process can seem complicated without precise instructions.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the remote for Xiaomi Mi TVs (including Mi TV 4/4A/4S/4X/5/5X/6, Redmi Smart TV and Mi TV Q1/Q2). You will learn how to link the original remote via Bluetooth, configure the universal remote with codes, and what to do if synchronization fails.

1. Activation of the original Xiaomi remote via Bluetooth

Xiaomi’s original remotes (such as Mi Remote or Mi TV Voice Remote) connect to the TV via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, meaning that they don’t require direct visibility to operate — just enough to keep the remote within 10 meters of the TV, but after replacing the batteries or resetting the TV settings, you may need to re-synchronize.

The activation process takes no more than 2 minutes:

1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the case (if the remote does not respond).
2. Press and hold the Menu + OK buttons on the remote simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicator lights up.
3. The TV will display a notification "Connect remote..." Confirm the pairing, if necessary.
4. Wait for the message "Connected" - now you can use all the functions.

Remote responds to pressing (indicator lights up)|

The TV screen displays a connection notification |

Volume buttons and channels are working |

Voice assistant (if any) is activated by the microphone button-->

If the remote does not work after these actions, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: even new batteries can be discharged. Try replacing them with a known working one.
• 📶 Distance to TV: Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and TV (walls, metal objects).
• 🔄 Reboot the TV: Turn it off for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.

2. Customize a universal remote for Xiaomi TV

If you use a universal remote (such as from Xiaomi Universal Remote, Huayu or One For All), you will have to manually configure it using compatibility codes. Most universal remotes support Xiaomi TVs, but you need to know the correct model code.

Instructions for setting:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. On the universal remote, press and hold the SET (or TV + OK) button until the indicator blinks.
3. Enter a 4- or 5-digit code for Xiaomi (see table below). Once the last digit is entered, the indicator should go out.
4. Check the Power, Volume+ and Channel+ buttons. If the remote doesn't respond, repeat the process with a different code.

If none of the codes worked, try automatic search:

1. Hold the SET until the indicator flashes.
2. Press TV, then Power, and hold it until the remote starts to go through the codes (the indicator will blink with pauses).
3. Once the TV is turned off, release the Power and press it again for confirmation.

The original Xiaomi|

Universal (Huayu, One for All, etc.)|

Remote from another TV |

I use my smartphone (Mi Remote App) |

3. Activate the remote via the Mi Remote app

If the physical remote is lost or broken, you can use the smartphone as a temporary replacement.The Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) lets you control your TV via Wi-Fi or Infrared Port (IR) (if you have one on your phone).

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Mi Remote (Android) or Mi Remote (iOS)
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app and select "TV" → "Xiaomi".
4. Follow the instructions on the interface screen. If the TV is not detected, enter IP-TV address manually (you can find it in Settings) → On TV. → Network status).

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 It works without a physical remote.
• 🎤 Supports voice control (if there is a microphone in your phone).
• 🔄 Can be used as a backup while the original remote is in repair.

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If the TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, use it. IR-In the Mi Remote app, select Infrared mode and point the phone to the TV receiver (usually located at the bottom of the case).

4. Solving problems with remote synchronization

If the remote is not activated despite all the efforts, the problem may lie in a software failure of the TV or hardware malfunction. Let's consider typical scenarios and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Remote does not respond to pressing, the indicator does not burn

• 🔋 Check the batteries: even if they're new, the contacts could have oxidized.
• 🔍 Check the infrared transmission (if the remote control) IR): It should glow when you press the buttons (see through the camera of the smartphone).
• 🔄 Reset the remote: Remove the batteries for 10 minutes, then insert back and repeat the synchronization.

Problem 2: The remote is connected, but not all buttons are working

• 📋 Check the model of the remote and TV: some buttons (such as Netflix or Prime Video) may not work on old firmware.
• 🔄 Update the TV firmware (see Section 5).
• 🔧 Reset the remote settings: pinch Menu + Back to 10 seconds.

Problem 3: The TV can't see the remote when synchronized

• 📡 Check the Bluetooth TV module: go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and make sure the function is enabled.
• 🔄 Reboot the TV: Turn it off for 1 minute.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → Network → Resetting network settings.

💡

If the remote previously worked, but stopped responding after the firmware update, try rolling back the software to the previous version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

5. Update of TV firmware for remote compatibility

Sometimes the remote is a problem because of the TV's outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates to fix the pairing errors.

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click "Check Updates." If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
3. After the update, restart the TV and re-sync the remote.

If the automatic update does not work:

• 📥 Download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website (select the model of your TV).
• 📁 Save the file to the flash drive in format FAT32 (The file name should not contain Cyrillic!).
• 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the TV and perform the update via Settings → Updating the system → Local Update.

6.Alternative ways to control the Xiaomi TV

If the remote is lost or broken and a new one hasn’t been purchased yet, you can control the TV in alternative ways:

• 📱 Mi Remote app: how to set up, we told in section 3.
• 🖥️ HDMI-CEC: If the TV is connected to Xiaomi Mi Box or other console, you can control the TV through the console console (you need to turn on the TV). HDMI-CEC customized).
• 🎮 Gaming controller: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller) support control of the TV via Bluetooth.
• 🗣️ Voice assistants: if the TV is connected to Google Assistant or Alice, you can turn it on / off with your voice.

For control through HDMI-CEC:

1. Connect your device (such as the Mi Box S) to your TV via HDMI.
2. In the settings of TV, find Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable.
3. Now the console will control the main functions of the TV (on, volume, switching inputs).

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If you have a Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker smart speaker, you can use it to control your TV voice, link both devices in the Mi Home app and activate the TV control skill.

7. When to contact the service center

If none of the above methods worked, the problem may be hardware. Contact Xiaomi Service Center if:

• 🔌 Remote does not respond to battery replacement and reset.
• 📡 The TV does not detect any remote control (even after resetting the settings).
• 🔧 On the body of the remote or TV, mechanical damage is visible (cracks, traces of liquid).
• 🔄 After the firmware update, all remote functions disappeared.

Before the service visit:

1. Take a picture of the TV and remote serial numbers (located on the stickers at the back).
2. Keep the purchase check (if the device is warranty).
3. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible (when it appeared, what you have already tried to do).

💡

If the TV is guaranteed, do not try to disassemble the remote or TV yourself - this will void the warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about activation of Xiaomi remote