Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs come with advanced remote controls that greatly enhance the functionality of the device. Instead of simply switching channels, users can access voice search, smart home management and navigating the Android TV menu using a gyroscope. However, immediately after unpacking or replacing batteries, many people find that buttons do not respond or Bluetooth connection is not installed automatically.
The activation process depends on the type of connection your controller has. Older models use an infrared port that requires only line-of-sight, while newer versions of Mi Remote and Bluetooth Voice Remote require a pairing procedure. Mistakes at this stage often lead to a false opinion about the malfunction of the gadget, although the problem lies in the wrong sequence of actions when first turned on.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the nuances of how to activate the Xiaomi Mi TV remote, look at the differences between IR and Bluetooth models, and provide solutions for common connectivity issues. You’ll learn how to properly use hidden menu features and restore the device if standard methods don’t help.
Determination of the type of remote and preparation for work
The first step before activation is to determine exactly what type of control you have, and visually distinguishing the IR remote from the Bluetooth version is by having a microphone and a voice search button, and if you have a microphone hole and a key, you have a Bluetooth device that needs to pair, otherwise it's a classic IR remote that works like light transmission.
Preparation begins with a test of the batteries. Even new batteries can be low-charged or mis-installed. Make sure the polarity is strictly schematic within the compartment. For Bluetooth models, it is critical to use high-quality alkaline batteries, since lithium analogues can produce voltages that the TV system interprets as errors.
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Use only new alkaline batteries of well-known brands for Bluetooth remotes, as they provide the stable current needed for initial pairing.
Also worth paying attention to the cleanliness of the contacts. Oxidation or contamination of springs in the battery compartment can interfere with the supply of power. Wipe the contacts with a dry cloth or cotton swab if you notice signs of corrosion. After installing the batteries, the indicator on the front panel of the remote (if any) should briefly light up or blink when you press any button.
Automatic activation of Bluetooth remote
Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs running on Android TV or PatchWall have an automatic peripheral detection function. When you turn on the TV for the first time or after resetting the settings, the system itself goes into search mode. You just need to hold the remote control at a distance of no more than 20 centimeters to the Mi logo on the bottom of the TV, where the receiver is located.
Press two buttons at once: Home and Back. In some models, the combination may be different, for example, Menu and OK. Hold them for 5-10 seconds. The LED indicator on the remote should start flashing quickly, signaling the transition to pairing mode. At this time, a message will appear on the TV screen about the search for a new device.
- 📺 Hold the remote close to the logo on the TV.
- 🔘 Press the Home button combination + Back until the indication appears.
- 📡 Wait for the message “Device connected” on the screen.
- ✅ Check all buttons, including voice search.
If you have a successful connection on the screen, activation is complete. Now the remote is in Bluetooth mode, which allows you to control the TV without directing the remote directly to the receiver, and use voice input. The range in this mode increases, and the functionality expands.
☑️ Checking Bluetooth connection
Manual setting through the system menu
In situations where automatic activation has not worked, you need to perform manual pairing through the system menu. To do this, you will need any other way to control the TV: a remote app on your smartphone, connected to the TV. USB-You can't get into the settings menu without an alternative input method, or a mouse or a keyboard or an old IR remote.
Go to the system settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Remotes and accessories → Add the device. The TV will start scanning the available Bluetooth devices. At which point, press and hold the activation buttons on the remote so that it becomes visible to the system.
⚠️ Warning: If multiple entries with similar names appear in the list of found devices, choose one that contains the serial number or model of your remote.
Once you select the device in the list, the system will request confirmation. Click "Plug" or "OK." The driver installation process takes a few seconds. Once completed, your Connected remote will appear in the list of connected devices. You can now test all the features, including volume and power control.
What if the remote is not visible on the list?
Setting up the IR panel and universal models
Infrared remotes don’t require a complicated activation or pairing procedure, as they transmit encoded light signals directly to the TV receiver. However, if you use a universal remote or remote from another Xiaomi device, it may need to be programmed to work with your TV model.
To activate the universal IR remote, an automatic code search method is often used. Press the TV or Setup button until the indicator lights up with a constant light. Then press the volume button or the number "0" at intervals of 2-3 seconds. Once the TV reacts (for example, the sound decreases or the menu appears), immediately press the confirmation button (OK or Save).
| Model remote control | Type of connection | Activation combination | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote (old) | IR (InfraRed) | Not required | Diode flash |
| Mi Bluetooth Voice Remote | Bluetooth 4.0+ | Home + Back | Fast blinking. |
| Universal Remote | IR/Bluetooth | Setup (3 sec) | Persistent light |
| Mi Stick Remote | Bluetooth | Home + Back | Slow blinking |
It's important to note that the IR signal requires a line of sight, so make sure there's no obstruction between the remote and the receiver on the TV, and that the receiver doesn't get direct sunlight, which can cause interference, and if the remote is only working at close range, it might be contaminated with the IR port or the battery is dead.
Use the Mi Remote app to activate
If the physical remote is lost or faulty, you can activate the control via your smartphone. Xiaomi has developed Mi Remote (or Android TV Remote Control) that turns the phone into a full remote, which is especially useful for the initial setting of the TV when you need to enter a password from Wi-Fi.
To get started, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Launch the app and click Add Device. Choose Xiaomi manufacturer and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will send a test signal; if the TV has responded, save a profile. Now you can use the touch screen to navigate.
- 📱 Download the official Mi Remote app or Google Home.
- 📶 Connect your phone and TV to a single Wi-Fi network.
- 🔍 Click “Add Device” and select a brand.
- ✅ Confirm the work of the test team.
Not only can you manage media files through the app, but you can also activate the pairing mode for a physical Bluetooth remote. The app menu often has an option called Add Remote or Pair Remote, which puts the TV in a standby mode, which can be more convenient than searching for the menu on the screen itself.
Solving Connection Problems and Resetting
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you may experience failures. If the remote is no longer activated or the connection is constantly lost, try resetting the Bluetooth module on your TV. To do this, go to Settings → Remotes and Accessories, select your remote and click “Forget the device” or “Delete”.
Once you remove the device from the list, reboot the TV. Don't just turn it off with a button, turn it off for 1-2 minutes. This is necessary to reset the residual voltage in the communication modules. Once turned on, try the pairing procedure again, strictly following the steps for your model.
⚠️ Attention: Do not push the remote buttons randomly during the pairing process. This may interrupt the transmission of data packets and require a repeat of the procedure from the beginning.
If the problem persists, check for firmware updates on your TV. In Settings → About TV → System Update, a new patch that fixes peripheral errors may be available, and it’s worth checking if the antivirus or router firewall blocks local device interactions, although this is rare for Bluetooth.
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A full Hard Reset cycle often solves 90% of the problems with sticking a Bluetooth TV when software methods don’t help.