Modern Xiaomi and Mi TVs are equipped with advanced control systems that go far beyond standard infrared radiation. Users often face the need to connect a new remote if the old one is out of order, lost or needs to adjust universal control via a smartphone. The synchronization process depends on the type of communication protocol used: classic infrared signal or more modern Bluetooth.
In most cases, the procedure takes no more than a couple of minutes, but there are nuances that can prevent the successful pairing of devices. For example, a discharged battery or a device too far from the receiver can cause a failure. Understanding the principles of Bluetooth Low Energy and infrared ports will help you avoid typical errors in setting up.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways you can add a remote, including the use of original accessories and third-party solutions. You will learn how to activate search mode, reset module settings and properly configure voice control for comfortable use of the multimedia capabilities of your Mi Box or Smart TV.
Definition of the remote type and compatibility
The first step before you start setting up is to accurately determine the type of control device you have. Xiaomi TVs can work with remotes that use infrared (IR) or models that support Bluetooth. Visually, they often look identical but functionally differ dramatically. IR panels require a line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, whereas Bluetooth devices operate within a radius of up to 10 meters without having to point them at the screen.
To understand what type of remote you're holding, look at the microphone and voice search button. If you have a microphone hole on the case and a microphone button, it's almost certainly a Bluetooth remote, and these models allow you to control the TV, even if it's hidden behind a curtain or in another part of the room, which is impossible for IR analogues.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to use an IR remote from a third-party manufacturer to manage Android features TV, If it doesn't support keyboard emulation, standard commands may not work properly.
It’s also important to consider the version of the operating system installed on your TV. Older PatchWall models may require specific drivers to run new accessories. Check your TV model in the documentation or on the back of the case to make sure that the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol is supported, which is necessary for wireless gamepads and advanced remotes.
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If the remote does not have a visible IR emitter at the top, but there is a battery slot and a Bluetooth button, then the device works exclusively on the radio channel.
Preparation of equipment for interface
Before you go to software configuration, you need to ensure that the devices are physically ready to work. The quality of the batteries directly affects the signal power, especially in Bluetooth mode, where you need stable data exchange. Weak charge can lead to intermittent operation or inability to enter the pairing mode.
Make sure the TV is on and running instead of deep sleep. Sometimes the system may block new device searches if heavy background processes are running, and it is recommended to close all active applications and switch to the main screen before the procedure begins.
☑️ Preparation for remote connection
If you use a universal remote or remote from another device, make sure it is compatible with Android TV protocols. Some models require pre-activation of the training mode to remember the codes of your TV. In the case of the original Xiaomi accessories, it is enough to simply install batteries.
Instructions: Connecting Bluetooth-remote
The process of pairing a Bluetooth remote with a Xiaomi TV requires the controller to be put into detection mode. This is usually done by simultaneously clamping two buttons. For most models, this is a combination of Back and Home buttons (or Menu and OK). Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the indicator on the remote (if any) flashes a fast rhythm.
Once you activate the remote search mode, take the main, working remote (or use the app on your smartphone) and go to the settings of the TV. You need to open the section responsible for peripherals. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MiUI TV firmware.
Follow the following steps in the menu:
- 📺 Go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- 📡 Select Remote and Accessories or Bluetooth.
- 🔍 Click Add Accessory or Device Search.
- ✅ When your remote name appears on the list (such as Mi Remote), select it to pair.
The system will automatically perform (pairing) and confirm successful connection with an audible signal or a pop-up notification. Now your remote is ready to go. If the device is found but the connection is not happening, try to remove old saved devices from the list and repeat the procedure.
Infrared control (IR) setting
Infrared remotes don’t require complex pairing in the TV’s menu, as they simply emulate the signals the TV expects to receive. However, if you use a universal remote or remote console from the Mi Box in IR mode, you may need to adjust the codes. Xiaomi TV automatically recognizes most standard commands.
In some cases, especially when using third-party accessories, you need to manually select a model of the TV to calibrate. This is true if the buttons are not working correctly or not all functions are available.
| Signal type | Range of action | We need direct visibility. | Support for voice support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared (IR) | Up to 5-7 meters. | Yes, I will. | No (usually) |
| Bluetooth | Up to 10 meters. | No. | Yes. |
| Wi-Fi (smartphone) | The limits of the network | No. | Depends on the software. |
Importantly, the IR signal can be blocked by bright sunlight falling directly on the TV receiver or other sources of high-power IR radiation. If the remote stops responding during the day, check if the sun is shining out the window next to the TV, in which case it is better to use a Bluetooth analogue.
Secret combination for resetting
Using a Smartphone as a Remote
If the physical remote is lost or broken, your smartphone is a great temporary or permanent solution. Xiaomi ecosystem allows you to turn your phone into a full-fledged remote control through the Mi Remote application (for phones with an infrared port) or through a Wi-Fi network (for all smartphones).
To connect via Wi-Fi, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same wireless network. This is a critical condition, as the local network provides commands. Open the Mi Home or Google Home app, find your TV in the list of devices, and select the control function.
The advantage of using a smartphone is the ability to enter text from a full keyboard, which is extremely convenient for searching for YouTube videos or entering passwords for Wi-Fi. In addition, you can use voice input Google Assistant directly from your phone, broadcasting a request to the TV.
⚠️ Note: When managing via Wi-Fi, latency is possible 0.5-1 It's normal for network protocols and it's not a malfunction.
Removal and resetting of settings
Even with the right setup, there can be situations where the remote controls stop responding or are not working properly, a common cause being a software failure in the Bluetooth TV module, in which case a complete system reboot helps, not just a switch to sleep mode.
Follow the following steps to diagnose:
- 🔄 Turn off the TV from the socket on 1-2 minutes to drop the residual charge from the board.
- 🔋 Replace the batteries in the remote with new ones, even if the old ones seem to work.
- 📡 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers) that may interfere.
If the remote continues to "glutch," try removing it from the TV's memory. Go to Settings → Remotes and accessories, find your device, press a gear or three dots, and choose Forget or Delete. After that, pair again, as described in the Bluetooth section.
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Periodic reboot of the TV (completely offline once a month) helps to clear the cache of the Bluetooth module and avoid problems with connecting the peripherals.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in the hardware of the receiver itself on the TV: If no remote control (neither IR nor Bluetooth) works, and the phone via Wi-Fi controls the TV normally, it may be damaged IR receiver or Bluetooth antenna inside the case.