How to set up Mi remote on Xiaomi TV

Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs offer users a wide range of multimedia entertainment options, but managing them can sometimes become difficult if the regular remote is lost, discharged or simply failed. In this situation, the owner is faced with the question of how to configure the Mi remote or its counterpart on a smartphone to continue comfortable use of the device without delay. Fortunately, the Mi Home ecosystem and the built-in functions of the Android TV operating system allow you to quickly regain control of the TV.

The pairing process can be done in a number of ways, depending on your TV model and the type of remote you plan to use - whether it's the original Xiaomi accessory, the universal IR remote, or the app on your phone. For Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9.0 and higher, the most stable method is Bluetooth connectivity, as it doesn't require direct visibility between devices. It's important to understand that the right initial setup will save you many desynchronization problems in the future.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available connectivity methods, from standard pairing over Bluetooth to using an infrared port on MIUI smartphones. You will learn how to avoid typical pairing errors and what network settings you need to check first.

Preparation of equipment and compatibility check

Before you start directly pairing devices, you need to make sure that all the components of the system are ready to work and meet the technical requirements. First of all, check that your Xiaomi TV is on and has an active Wi-Fi connection, since most of the setting methods are tied to networking. If you use your smartphone to emulate the remote, make sure that it is on the same local network as the TV.

The original Mi Remotes often use a Bluetooth combination for voice control and navigation, and an IR port for basic functions like powering on. If you plan to use a third-party device, make sure it supports Android TV-compatible protocols.

⚠️ Warning: If your TV is in standby mode (light flashing), normal Bluetooth pairing may not work. Turn on the TV with a button on the case or with the original remote before you start setting up your new device.

For users of Xiaomi’s MIUI-enclosed smartphones, the process is simplified by a built-in IR port that turns the phone into a universal remote. Owners of other Android devices or iPhones will need a stable Wi-Fi connection and custom software installation. Compatibility check is a critical step that is often ignored, resulting in a waste of time.

Set up the original Bluetooth remote Xiaomi

The original Bluetooth-enabled Mi Remote provides the most complete control functionality, including voice search and smart home management. To get started, insert the batteries into the remote and make sure they have enough charge, as poor power can prevent the device from being detected by the TV. Hold the remote no more than 20 centimeters to the Mi logo on the bottom of the TV.

Press the Home and Menu buttons at the same time and hold them for 5-7 seconds. The TV should show a notification about finding a new device or pairing animation. If the TV screen responds to presses but does not pair, try rebooting the TV by completely disconnecting it from the network for 10 seconds.

• 🔋 Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly, observing the polarity indicated in the compartment.
• 📡 Keep the remote close to the TV receiver during the pairing process.
• 🔄 If pairing fails, remove the device from the Bluetooth list in the TV settings and try again.

In some cases, the system may request confirmation via the screen menu, use navigation buttons to confirm the code or select the "Connect" option, and once the procedure is completed, the remote will automatically connect each time the TV is turned on, providing instant feedback.

Using a smartphone as a remote control via Mi Home

One of the most convenient ways to manage is to use the official Mi Home or Xiaomi TV Assistant app, which is especially relevant if the physical remote is lost or damaged. To get started, you need to install the app from Google Play or the App Store and register with your Mi Account account, if you haven’t already done so.

Once you start the app, click on the device add icon or select your TV from the list of available gadgets in the main menu. The app will automatically detect the TV if the smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Follow the instructions on the screen by entering the confirmation code that will appear on the TV screen.

The application interface completely duplicates the functions of the physical remote, adding the ability to easily enter text from the keyboard of the smartphone, which is especially useful when searching for videos or entering passwords from Wi-Fi. In addition, you can transfer files to the TV through the application and use it as a touchpad.

Setting up the IR panel on Xiaomi smartphones

Many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have an integrated infrared port, allowing them to be used as universal remotes even without an Internet connection. To activate this feature, open the standard MI Remote app, which is pre-installed on most of the brand's devices. If the app has been removed, it can be downloaded from the GetApps store.

In the app, select the option to add a new device and in the category "TV" find the brand Xiaomi or Mi TV. The system will offer a test series of taps: the phone will appear buttons that you press to watch the TV reaction. If the TV responds to commands, save the configuration.

The advantage of the IR remote is that it's autonomous, it doesn't need a network, and it works even if the TV is completely off (standby mode), unlike the Bluetooth method. However, it requires direct visibility between the top end of the smartphone and the receiver on the TV.

⚠️ Attention: The infrared port on the smartphone is located on the upper end. Make sure that the case does not cover the emitter, otherwise the signal will not pass, and control will become impossible.

Solving Connection and Desynchronization Problems

Even when set up correctly, there can be situations where the remote controls stop responding or are running with delays. A common cause is overloading the Bluetooth channel, especially if many wireless devices such as headphones, gamepads or keyboards are connected to the TV, in which case it is recommended to turn off unused gadgets.

Another common problem is change. IP-The router addresses the TV, which is important for controlling over Wi-Fi. To avoid this, set up a static IP-address for the TV in your router settings or in the network settings of Android itself TV. This will provide a stable connection for the remote application.

• 📶 Check the signal strength of Wi-Fi; with a weak signal, commands can be lost.
• 🔋 Replace the batteries in the remote even if they seem to work – the voltage may not be enough for Bluetooth.
• 📱 Restart the Mi Home app or delete its cache in your smartphone settings.

If nothing works, reset the remote completely. For original Xiaomi devices, this is often done by combining the Back and Home buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds, after which the remote must be reconnected through the TV menu.

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If the remote stopped responding after updating the TV firmware, try clearing the cache of the Android TV Core Services app in the hidden settings menu of the TV.

Alternative Control and Voice Commands

In addition to standard methods, Xiaomi TVs support control through the Google Assistant voice assistant. If your remote has a microphone button, you can activate a voice search by simply pressing the appropriate key. To set up, make sure that your Google account has a voice action history enabled.

There are also third-party emulator apps like TV Remote Control or Universal TV Remote that can be useful if official methods don't work. They use the same principles of IR radiation or Wi-Fi data transmission, but can have more flexible code settings.

Check if the correct date and time are set in the system, as time desynchronization can block service authorization.