How to connect and activate the remote to the Xiaomi TV: all the ways

Have you just unpacked a new Xiaomi TV or found that the old remote has stopped responding to commands? Display and TV synchronization problems are one of the most common problems faced by smart TV owners. Unlike traditional IR remotes, modern Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV models often feature Bluetooth remotes with advanced functionality, which requires a special approach to activation.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect the remote to a Xiaomi TV, from standard synchronization to solving emergency situations (for example, if the remote is not determined by the system or the TV does not respond to buttons), you will learn how the processes for infrared and Bluetooth remotes differ, which buttons are responsible for pairing, and what to do if the TV does not see the device, and we will also look at the nuances for popular models: Mi TV 4S/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X and others.

Xiaomi Remote Types: What Do You Have?

Before you start activating, it's important to determine what type of remote is bundled with your TV, and the connection algorithm depends on it. Xiaomi's remotes fall into two categories:

• 📶 Infrared panels, which operate on the principle of remote control via an infrared port, require direct vision between the remote and the TV. TV 4A early-model.
• 🔵 Bluetooth remotes — wirelessly connected to Bluetooth, support voice control and do not require line of sight. TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X55 newer.

How to distinguish them externally? Bluetooth remotes usually have:

• 🎤 A microphone button for voice control (e.g. Google Assistant or XiaoAI).
• 🔄 Home button with Mi logo TV or PatchWall.
• 🔋 Charging indicator (if remote with battery).

IR panels are usually simpler: they don't have a microphone, but they are more compact. If you're not sure, check the manual for the TV or check the model of the remote on the back (for example, Mi Remote Controller 2 is a Bluetooth remote).

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth remote synchronization

If your Xiaomi TV supports Bluetooth remote control (which is most models after 2019), activation occurs automatically when you first turn on. However, if the remote does not connect or you reset the TV settings, follow the following steps:

1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the case (if the remote does not work).
2. Press and hold the Back + Home buttons on the remote at the same time for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes.
3. The TV screen will display a notification "Connect remote..." Wait for the process to be completed (usually takes 10-20 seconds).
4. If the synchronization is successful, the remote will begin to respond to commands.

🔹 What to do if the TV doesn't respond:

• 🔋 The remote has working batteries (or it is charged if the battery is charged).
• 📶 Bluetooth on your TV is enabled (check Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth).
• 🔄 The remote is not more than 3 meters from the TV.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV Q1) To activate the remote, you need to press Menu + OK back + If the standard combination didn't work, try alternative combinations.

Method 2: Connecting an IR panel (infrared)

The IR panels don't require complex synchronization -- they work out of the box if they're working, but sometimes the users find that the TV doesn't respond to commands.

1. Check the batteries: replace them with new ones (even if the old ones “seem to work”).
2. Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the IR receiver on the TV (glass, mirrors, or bright lights can block the signal).
3. Hold the remote as close to the TV as possible (10-20 cm) and press any button, and if there is no reaction, the remote or receiver is a problem.
4. Try resetting the remote settings: Remove the batteries, press and hold any button for 10 seconds, then insert the batteries back.

If the IR remote still does not work, check the serviceability of the IR transmitter using the camera of the smartphone:

1. Open the camera on your phone and point it at the LED remote.
2. Press any button on the remote. If the LED is in good condition, you'll see a purple light flickering on your phone screen.

🔹 Cause of malfunction: If there is no flicker, the remote is broken (replacement required). If there is flicker but the TV is not responding, the IR receiver is a problem (maybe repairs will be required).

Method 3: Manually connect the remote via the TV menu

If automatic synchronization does not work, you can manually connect the remote via the settings of Xiaomi TV. This method is suitable for Bluetooth remotes and some universal models.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. Go to Settings → Devices → Remote and accessories.
3. Choose to add a remote (or a pairing).
4. Press and hold the Back + Home buttons on the remote until the search notification appears.
5. Wait for the TV to find the remote and confirm the connection.

🔹 Nuances for different models:

⚠️ Note: TVs with firmware older than 2021 may not have manual remote connectivity. → On TV. → Updating the system.

Method 4: Resetting remote and TV settings

If none of these things work, you might need to reset your remote or TV completely, which is a last resort, but it often solves your synchronization problems.

Reset remote:

• 🔋 Remove the batteries (or disconnect). USB-cable, if the remote is chargeable).
• 🔄 Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
• 🔌 Put the batteries back in and try to sync the remote again.

Reset the TV to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Reset settings.
2. Enter. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
3. Confirm the reset. After the reboot, try reconnecting the remote.

Important: Resetting the TV will delete all installed apps, accounts and personal settings. Before the procedure, write down important data (for example, logins from services).

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If the remote still doesn't work after reset, try connecting it to another device (like a smartphone via Bluetooth). If the connection is established, the TV firmware is a problem, if not, the remote is faulty.

Method 5: Using a universal remote or smartphone

If the original Xiaomi remote is lost or broken, you can control the TV in alternative ways:

• 📱 Smartphone as remote: Install the Mi Remote Controller app (available for Android and iOS). Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network, then select the TV model in the app.
• 🎛️ Universal remote: Set up a universal IR remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote) according to manufacturer’s instructions. TV usually the code 0178 or 0065 is suitable.
• 🖱️ Mouse or keyboard: Connect USB-Mouse to TV – this will allow navigation on the menu without remote control.

🔹 How to set up a universal remote:

1. Enable the learning mode on the universal remote (usually the Learn or Set button).
2. Bring the original Xiaomi remote to the universal at a distance of 2-3 cm.
3. Press the button on the universal remote you want to program (like Power), then press the same button on the original remote.
4. Repeat for all necessary buttons.

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The Mi Remote Controller app only works with Xiaomi TVs on Android TVs. PatchWall OS models (e.g. in India) may require the PatchWall Remote app.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful remote activation, failures can occur, and let's look at typical situations and ways to fix them:

🔹 If the remote stopped working after falling: Disassemble it (carefully!) and check the integrity of the battery contacts. Often the problem lies in a disconnected wire or a cracked board.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions