How to add a new remote to the TV Xiaomi: all ways to sync

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

Did you buy a replacement for a lost or broken remote for Xiaomi Mi TV, but the TV stubbornly does not recognize it? Or do you want to connect an additional remote for convenience? The problem most often lies not in the malfunction of the device, but in the wrong pairing procedure. Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X series, Redmi Smart TV) support two types of remotes: infrared (IR) and Bluetooth - and each has its own connection algorithm.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to add a remote, from standard synchronization through the menu to forced reset control settings. You will also learn how to distinguish the type of your remote (this is critical for choosing a method) and what to do if the TV still “can’t see” the device. Note that remotes from older Xiaomi models (for example, Mi TV 3) may not approach new TVs due to a change in the communication protocol.

Before you start, check out three key points:

• 🔋 Make sure that the remote has working batteries (even new cells are sometimes discharged).
• 📶 If you have a Bluetooth remote, turn on the Bluetooth module on your TV (in some models it turns off to save energy).
• 🔄 Restart the TV – sometimes it solves device recognition problems.

How to determine the type of remote: IR or Bluetooth

The type of remote controls that you follow depends on the instructions you follow.

If you use a universal remote (such as from Xiaomi Mi Remote or a third-party manufacturer), it can support both protocols.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi Box or Mi Stick remotes are not compatible with Xiaomi TVs - they use a different Bluetooth protocol.

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth remote connection

This method works for most modern Xiaomi remotes (such as the Mi TV Bluetooth Voice Remote) and takes no more than a minute.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the case (if the remote does not work at all).
2. Press and hold the Menu + OK buttons on the remote simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly.
3. The TV will show a notification, "Connect remote..." Wait 10 to 20 seconds.
4. After successful pairing, the indicator on the remote will go out or will burn constantly.

Make sure the TV is on | Check the battery charge in the remote | Press Menu + OK for 5-7 seconds | Wait for notification on the screen-->

If the TV doesn't respond:

• 🔄 Restart the TV through the Settings menu → On TV. → Reboot.
• 📱 Check if other Bluetooth devices (columns, headphones) are connected to the TV – they can block pairing.
• 🔧 Reset the remote settings: Remove the batteries for 30 seconds, then repeat the procedure.

💡

If the remote was previously paired with another Xiaomi TV, you must first “forget” it in the settings of the old device, otherwise the new TV will not be able to connect it.

Method 2: Connecting an infrared (IR) remote

IR-The remotes don't require pairing in the classical sense -- they just send signals that the TV needs to recognize.

Steps to set up:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. Point the remote to the IR receiver of the TV (usually located on the right or bottom of the screen).
3. Press and hold the Power + Menu buttons for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks twice.
4. Enter the model code of your TV (see table below). If the code is unknown, try 0000 or 1234.
5. Press OK to save. Check the buttons.

If the remote does not respond to the codes:

• 🔍 Check if the IR receiver of the TV is closed with a decorative panel or other objects.
• 💡 Try to bring the remote as close as possible (5-10 cm) to the receiver and press any button – sometimes a weak signal of the batteries interferes with recognition.
• 🔧 Reset the remote to factory settings: Remove the batteries, press any button 10 times in a row, then insert the batteries back.

Method 3: Forced resetting of remote settings in the TV

If the TV has forgotten all previously connected remotes or if it gives an error when pairing, resetting the control settings will help, which works for all Xiaomi TV models based on Android TV or PatchWall.

Instructions:

1. Open the TV settings menu: Settings → Devices → remotes and accessories.
2. Select "Reset remote settings" (in some firmware it is called "Clear the list of devices").
3. Confirm the action. The TV will reboot.
4. After switching on, repeat the procedure for connecting the remote (see Method 1 or Method 2).

⚠️ Warning: Reset will remove all the saved remotes, including the original one. If you don't have a backup control (buttons on the case, mobile app), you may lose access to the TV!

Alternative Resetting Method (if menu is not available):

1. Turn off the TV with a button on the body.
2. Press and hold the Power button on the case + the Menu button on the remote at the same time.
3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the TV turns on and the recovery menu appears.
4. Select "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).

💡

Resetting to factory settings is a last resort. Before you do, try restarting your TV or updating your firmware (see next section).

Method 4: Update the TV firmware for compatibility

If your remote is new and your TV is 2 to 3 years old, the problem may be with the outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that add support for new accessories.

Automatic method:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click "Check Updates."
3. If a new version is available, confirm installation. The TV will restart.

Manual method (if automatic update does not work):

1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi Support website (select a file with the.zip extension).
2. Copy the file to a flash drive (format) FAT32) And put it in. USB-television-port.
3. Go to Settings → About TV → Local Update and select the downloaded file.

After the update:

• 🔄 Restart the TV.
• 🔌 Repeat the procedure for connecting the remote.
• 📋 Check the "DU Remotes" section in the settings - there may appear new options.

Problem Solving: The remote is connected but not working

The synchronization was successful, but the remote doesn't respond to the pressing? Here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If nothing helps, try alternative management methods:

• 📱 Install the Mi Remote app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
• 🖱 Connect a wireless keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Use a game controller (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller) to navigate.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting remotes to Xiaomi TV