Xiaomi’s Bluetooth remotes are a convenient solution for controlling TVs without having to point the remote directly at the screen. However, many users have difficulty connecting first or resetting. Unlike traditional IR remotes, Bluetooth devices require pre-pairing with the TV, which often raises questions.
In this article, we will look at all the stages of configuration, from basic connection to solving common errors like “device not found” or “connection interrupted.” Particular attention will be paid to the models of Mi TV 4S/4A/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV and Xiaomi TV Q2/Q1E, because the pairing algorithm may differ. If your remote control stopped working after updating the firmware or replacing the batteries, here you will find the current ways to restore communication.
Why Xiaomi Bluetooth remote does not automatically connect
Unlike IR remotes, which work out of the box, Bluetooth devices require manual pairing, which is done for safety, so that outsiders can't control your TV, but users often expect the remote to work immediately after inserting the batteries, which leads to confusion.
The main reasons why the remote is not connected:
- 🔋 Batteries discharged or incorrectly installed (even new cells can be discharged during storage).
- 📱 The remote is already paired with another device (for example, if you used it with another Xiaomi TV).
- 🔄 The TV is not in Bluetooth device search mode (you need to activate manually).
- 📶 Interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other remotes).
- 🔧 Outdated TV firmware (in versions below) MIUI TV 2.0.45 were Bluetooth bugs).
If your remote previously worked but suddenly stopped responding, the problem may be that you automatically shut down the power saving. Some Xiaomi TV models turn off the Bluetooth module after 10 minutes of inactivity to save power, in which case you just press any button on the remote, the connection will recover.
Preparation for pairing: checking the remote and TV
Before you start setting up, make sure both devices are ready to connect. Start by checking the batteries in the remote:
- 🔋 Use only alkaline batteries (e.g. Duracell or Energizer) – salt cells discharge quickly.
- ⚡ Set the batteries polarity "+" up (on Xiaomi remotes, contacts are often located outside the box).
- 🔄 If the remote doesn’t respond to the pressing, remove the batteries for 30 seconds, then insert back – this will reset the device’s internal memory.
Check the TV next:
- Make sure Bluetooth is on: Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Update your firmware: in Settings → About TV → System Update. Bluetooth requires MIUI TV 2.0.45 or later to work smoothly.
- If the TV is connected to the Internet via cable, temporarily turn it off – sometimes an Ethernet connection blocks Bluetooth scanning.
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If you have a Xiaomi Mi Remote Controller 2, press the Menu + OK button for 5 seconds before pairing – this will reset the previous connection settings.
Step-by-step: how to connect a Bluetooth remote to Xiaomi TV
The pairing process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm, and below is a universal guide for all Xiaomi TV models (including Redmi Smart TV and Mi TV Q-series).
Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the remote
On most Xiaomi remotes, you need to:
- Hold the Back + Home button at the same time for 5-7 seconds.
- Wait until the indicator on the remote starts flashing blue (this means that the remote is ready to connect).
For touch panels (such as Mi TV Master Remote), press Volume + and Volume for 10 seconds.
Step 2. Search for remote control in the TV menu
On TV:
- Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Click Add the device (or Search).
- In the list, find a device called Mi Remote, Xiaomi RCxxx or BT Remote (where xxx is the remote model).
- Choose it and confirm the pairing.
Step 3: Checking the performance
After successful connection:
- 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → Reboot).
- 🎮 Check all the remote buttons (especially Voice Search and Netflix – they often don’t work when paired incompletely).
- 📱 If some buttons do not respond, update the remote firmware via the Mi Home app (available for the user). Android/iOS).
☑️ Checklist before connection
Problem Solving: The remote does not find the TV or connects with errors
If pairing fails, the reasons can be both software and hardware, and below is a list of errors and solutions based on Xiaomi support calls.
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "No device found." | The remote is not in pairing mode or discharged | Repeat step 1 of the instructions, replace the batteries |
| "Connection interrupted" | Interference from other Bluetooth devices | Turn off nearby gadgets (earphones, smartphones) |
| The remote is connected, but it's not working. | Incompatible firmware TV or remote | Update your TV and remote via Mi Home |
| "Too many connected devices" | The limit of Bluetooth connections is exceeded (maximum 5) | Remove unnecessary devices in Settings → Bluetooth |
Critical error: If the remote has stopped working after updating the TV firmware and it appears as "Unknown Device" in the Bluetooth menu, a complete reset of the TV settings to factory settings is required, due to a change in the Bluetooth protocol in MIUI TV versions above 3.0.12.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi TV Stick or Mi Box, the remote connection algorithm is different! → Remote and accessories → Add the remote and select the Bluetooth remote. Connecting to the TV via the Bluetooth menu won't work.
Resetting the pairing: how to untie the remote from the TV
If the remote was paired with another device or is not working properly, it should be reset to factory settings, which will remove all the saved connections and return the remote to its original state.
Resetting methods:
- 🔄 Software reset: Clip Menu + Back + OK The remote display flashes red 3 times, which is a signal of a successful reset.
- 📱 Through the Mi Home app: Open the app and select your TV. Go to Device Settings → Remotes. Press Remove remote and confirm action.
Volume +
Loudness.
After reset, the remote will appear in the Bluetooth menu of the TV as a new device. Repeat the pairing procedure as described in Step 2.
What if the reset didn't help?
Features of settings for different models of Xiaomi TV
The connection algorithm may vary slightly depending on the TV model and firmware version, and below are the key nuances for popular series.
Mi TV 4S/4A (2018–2020)
These models use a simplified version of Bluetooth 4.0, which supports no more than 3 devices at a time.
- 📶 If the remote is not located, restart the TV with the power off (remove the plug from the socket for 30 seconds).
Xiaomi TV Q2/Q1E (2022–2026)
The new models support multi-profile connectivity, meaning that one remote can be used with multiple Xiaomi TVs in the home.
- 🏠 In the Bluetooth TV menu, select Add as an optional device.
- 🔑 When you first connect to a new TV, you will need to enter PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
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On Xiaomi TV Q-series with MIUI TV 3.1+ firmware, the remote is automatically connected when first turned on – just insert the batteries and press any button.
Alternative ways to control the TV without a remote
If the Bluetooth remote is temporarily unavailable (for example, lost or broken), you can control the Xiaomi TV in alternative ways:
1. Mi Remote app (for smartphones)
Download the official app from Google Play or App Store:
- 📱 Connect your smartphone and TV to a single Wi-Fi network.
- 🔍 In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
- 📺 Follow the instructions on the screen to pair.
The application supports voice search and gestures, but for full control you will need a connection via Wi-Fi Direct (included in the settings of the TV).
2. Voice commands via Alice or Google Assistant
If your TV supports Google TV or PatchWall,
- 🎤 Say, OK, Google, turn on Netflix on Xiaomi. TV".
- 🔊 For Alice (on Yandex Station columns): "Alice, switch channel to NTV on TV".
To do this, the TV and speaker must be linked to the same Xiaomi or Google account.
Universal IR panels
If the Bluetooth TV module is defective, you can use the IR remote from another device:
- 📟 Buy a universal remote (for example, Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote).
- 🔧 In the TV menu, activate the IR control mode: Settings → Devices → remote → IR regime.