Managing a Xiaomi smart TV with a standard remote isn't always convenient, especially when you need to type. Searching for movies, entering passwords from Wi-Fi or logging into apps becomes an agonizing experience: slow-switching letters, dialing errors, lack of familiar layout. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided an alternative way to use the smartphone as a virtual keyboard through a special application.
This feature is available on all modern Mi models. TV (starting with Mi TV 4 2018) and allows you to turn the screen of the phone into a full-fledged QWERTY-Keyboard with autocomplete, voice input, and even gestures, and in this article, we'll look at all the ways you connect, the nuances of customization for different versions of firmware, and the solutions to typical problems, from no connection to log-in lags. And you will learn how to use the keyboard of the smartphone to control Xiaomi TV Stick and other devices on Android TV.
What Xiaomi TVs support control from a smartphone
The virtual keyboard function via the mobile app is available on all Xiaomi TVs running on Android TV Google TV. This includes the following series:
- 📺 Mi TV 4/4A/4C/4S/4X (2018–2023 years)
- 📺 Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro (including models with OLED-screen)
- 📺 Mi TV Q1/Q2/Q2 Pro (supported) 120 Hz)
- 📺 Xiaomi TV A Pro/A2 (budgetary models 2022–2026)
- 📺 Xiaomi TV ES/ES Pro (premium series)
The feature also works for Xiaomi. TV The Stick (all generations) and Mi Box S. The main condition is that the TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the smartphone. TV 3), then, most likely, the virtual keyboard is not supported - in such cases, you will have to use the USB-keyboard or Bluetooth remote with keyboard.
⚠️ Note: PatchWall TVs (Indian version of the software) may not have built-in support for the virtual keyboard, and you may need to install a third-party app, such as a computer. TV Remote Control for Xiaomi.
To check compatibility, close all apps on your TV and try calling the keyboard in any text box (e.g. YouTube or Netflix) if a notification appears, "Plug in the keyboard via Mi Remote app", then the function is supported.
How to connect a smartphone as a keyboard
There are three main ways to use a smartphone to type text on a Xiaomi TV, each with its pros and cons:
| Method | Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Mi Remote app | Mi Remote Controller | ✅ Stable connection✅ Support for voice input✅ Integration with PatchWall | ❌ Requires registration in Mi Account❌ Sometimes they lie on old smartphones. |
| Third-party annexes | TV Remote Control, Unified Remote | ✅ Works on any TV set.✅ Additional functions (mouse, touchpad) | ❌ Can you demand? ROOT-rights❌ Advertising in free versions |
| Built-in Google feature TV | No Application (through Settings) → Devices) | ✅ No need to install software✅ Quick connection. | ❌ It only works on new models (Mi). TV Q2 newer) |
The most reliable method is to use the official Mi Remote app, which is pre-installed on all smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco, For other brands, it is available on Google Play and the App Store, and alternative apps should only be considered if the official one is not suitable (for example, due to outdated TV firmware).
Step-by-step: Connect via Mi Remote
To use your smartphone as a keyboard, follow the following steps: Make sure that the TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or the TV is connected to the router via cable, and the phone is connected to the same router via Wi-Fi).
- Download and install the Mi Remote Controller app (unless it is installed by default): 🤖 Google Play 🍎 App Store
Launch the application and click "Add device» → Choose "TV».
In the list of brands, choose Xiaomi (or Mi). TV). The app will automatically find your TV on the local network.
On the TV will appear a request for connection – confirm it with the remote (click). OK).
After successful pairing, a virtual remote will appear in the application. Click on the keyboard icon (usually in the lower right corner).
Now, when you activate any text field on your TV, the keyboard will automatically open on your smartphone screen, you can type in text as usual, and you can also use:
- 🔍 Voice input (micron icon)
- 📋 Clipboard (for inserting saved passwords)
- 🌐 Switching languages (if several layouts are installed on the smartphone)
Television and phone in the same Wi-Fi network|The TV has "Mi Home" mode enabled (in network settings)|Mi Remote app updated to latest version|Disabled. VPN and a proxy on a smartphone-->
⚠️ Warning: If the keyboard doesn't appear after you've connected, restart the TV and smartphone, then re-pair. On some models (Mi) TV 4A) You need to manually allow access to the keyboard in the settings of the TV: → Devices → Mi Remote → Allow keyboard.
Configuring alternative input methods
If the official application is unstable or you need additional features (like mouse control), you can use third-party solutions.
Method 1: Unified Remote Application
This versatile app supports not only the keyboard, but also full control of the TV, including:
- 🖱️ Emulation of mouse and touchpad
- 🎮 Game controller
- 📁 File management
To set up:
- Install Unified Remote on your smartphone and server part on your TV (via Google Play on your TV) TV or APK).
- Connect to the TV via a local network.
- Select Basic Input for the keyboard or Mouse for cursor control.
Important: to work Unified Remote on the TV must be enabled developer mode and permission to install applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Security).
Method 2: Google's built-in keyboard TV
On Xiaomi TVs with Google firmware TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) can be done without third-party applications:
- Open the Settings. → Devices → keyboard.
- Select "Add keyboard» → «Virtual keyboard via phone».
- Follow the instructions on the screen to pair devices.
This method only works on newer models and requires that the smartphone has the Google Play Services feature enabled. If the option is not on the menu, upgrade the TV firmware to the latest version.
💡
If the keyboard on your smartphone doesn’t appear automatically, try manually calling it by tapping the text box on your TV and holding the Menu button on the remote for 3 seconds.
Solving common problems
Even with the right setup, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard doesn't appear | Television and Telephone in Different Networks | Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi or use the hotspot on your phone |
| Lags upon entry | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Reconnect to 5GHz network or bring router closer to TV |
| The app doesn't find the TV | Mi Home is off on the TV | Enable in Settings → Network → Mi Home |
| Keyboard in English | Languages on Telephone and TV | Add the desired layout in the settings of the smartphone |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your TV:
- Go to Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
- Connect to Wi-Fi again.
- Repeat pairing with the app.
⚠️ Note: PatchWall TVs in India may need to change region to Russia or Europe to work properly. → Personal data → Region.
How to Change Region to Xiaomi TV, if the option is blocked?
Additional features: voice input and gestures
The virtual keyboard on the smartphone supports not only text input, but also other convenient functions:
- 🎤 Voice input: Click on the microphone icon in the Mi Remote app and say the text. Works in all languages supported by Google Assistant.
- 🖱️ Cursor control: In some applications (such as Unified Remote), you can enable touchpad mode to navigate the menu.
- 📱 Gestures: On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+ You can adjust gestures to quickly call the keyboard (for example, pull down from the right edge of the screen).
To activate voice input:
- Open the keyboard in the Mi Remote app.
- Click on the microphone icon (usually next to the space).
- Speak the text clearly, without pause. The results will appear on the TV screen.
Voice input is particularly useful for:
- Search for movies on YouTube or Netflix.
- Entering long passwords (such as from Wi-Fi or Disney account)+).
- Control the smart home through Mi Home (if the TV is integrated into the system).
💡
Voice input only works when you are actively connected to the Internet – the TV sends audio to Google servers for recognition.
Security: How to protect data when using a virtual keyboard
When entering passwords or personal information via a smartphone, it is important to consider the risks of data breaches.
- 🔒 Turn off autocomplete: In the smartphone keyboard settings (Settings) → System system → Language and input) disable password saving for Mi Remote.
- 🌐 Use it. VPN: If you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, turn on VPN on a smartphone to encrypt traffic.
- 📱 Delete History: After entering sensitive data, clear the keyboard history in your smartphone settings.
Also, you should avoid entering the following information through the virtual keyboard:
- Passwords from banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).
- Credit card details (number, CVC-code).
- Logins and passwords from email or social networks, if the TV is connected to a public network.
If you often have to enter sensitive information, consider buying a hardware-encrypted Bluetooth keyboard (like Logitech). K400 Plus. It connects directly to the TV and doesn't transmit data via a smartphone.