How to set up Mi remote on Xiaomi TV: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi TVs, which are based on the Android TV operating system or PatchWall, often come with an advanced remote control. Unlike classic IR models, this accessory uses Bluetooth technology to transmit commands, which allows you to control the device without having to direct the remote control strictly to the receiver. However, out of the box the gadget is not always ready for work, and users have to go through the initial pairing procedure. This is a critical stage without which you can not fully use all the functions of the smart screen.

The activation process may not seem obvious to those who are first encountering the Mi Home ecosystem. Often users are lost when the greeting screen stays in place after installing the batteries and the cursor does not move. This is not a breakdown, but the normal behavior of the device waiting for confirmation of communication. The correct sequence of actions ensures quick synchronization and stable operation in the future. Below we will discuss in detail all the nuances that will help you avoid typical errors and quickly access content.

It is worth noting that there are various modifications to the remotes, including versions with and without voice control. Despite the external differences, the algorithm for connecting them to the Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi TV remains almost identical. Understanding the physical principles of Bluetooth connection in this context will help you navigate the settings menu more easily.

Preparation of equipment and compatibility check

Before you try to connect devices, you need to make sure that the components are physically healthy. First of all, check the battery compartment located on the back of the remote. The most common thing you need to do is to have two AAA batteries. It is important to observe polarity when you install them, because improper connection can lead to a lack of LED reaction.

Make sure your TV is on and in sight. Although Bluetooth doesn't require line-of-sight like an infrared port, having metal obstacles or powerful interference sources can make it difficult to detect firsthand, and it's also worth checking that the TV doesn't run heavy processes that could temporarily block a wireless module.

⚠️ Warning: If the monitor on the remote does not light up even briefly when you press buttons, replace the batteries with new ones, even if the old ones look good.

Special attention should be paid to model compatibility. Remotes from older versions of the Mi Box or TVs with regular Android may not support all the features of new PatchWall models, although basic control is often retained.If you use a third-party universal remote, make sure it supports the HID (Human Interface Device) profile required to emulate input.

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Use only high-quality alkaline batteries. Cheap salt cells can quickly discharge under the load of a Bluetooth module, which will lead to permanent breaks in the connection.

Basic pairing procedure via Bluetooth

The most common activation method is to use a special combination of buttons, which causes the remote to go into a detection state, making it visible to the TV. The process takes no more than a minute if all actions are done correctly. You do not need access to the settings menu of the TV at this stage, since the system itself recognizes the request for (pairing).

To start the procedure, hold the remote control and hold it no more than 20 centimeters from the bottom of the TV body, where the Mi logo or signal receiver is usually located. Press two buttons simultaneously: the Back button (pictured as an arrow that returns a step back) and the Home button (pictured as a house or circle). Hold them for 3-5 seconds.

• 🔘 Hold the buttons tightly, not letting them go ahead of time until the indicator on the remote starts to blink quickly.
• 📺 Watch the TV screen: a pop-up window should appear with a message about the device found.
• 👌 Release the buttons immediately after the message appears on the screen to complete the process.

If you see a message on the screen saying "Remote connected" or similar, it means that the procedure was successful, from now on all the commands will be transmitted over the radio channel, in some cases, the system can request confirmation through the virtual keyboard on the screen, if you want to enter. PIN-code, although in 99% of cases the pairing occurs automatically.

Manual setting through the system menu

In situations where automatic detection fails, you can manually configure through the operating system interface, which is especially useful if you have an alternative way to control, such as a connected device. USB-You can use a mouse or a keyboard, or if you're using a remote app on your smartphone, and this approach allows you to see a list of all the Bluetooth devices available.

To do this, go to the settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but most often it looks like this: Settings → Remotes and Accessories → Add Accessory. In this menu, the TV will begin an active search for devices in mode. You will need to reset the remote to pairing mode by holding the button combination described in the previous section.

The list of devices that you find should have a name like "Mi Remote" or "Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote" click on it, try to establish a secure connection, and if the process is stuck in the "Pair..." phase, try removing the device from the list (if it already exists) and start searching again.

Manual also allows you to manage devices that are already connected, so you can rename the remote for convenience or force the connection to break if it doesn't work properly, a useful feature for diagnosing problems when you need to completely reset the profile of the device.

Using a smartphone as an alternative

If your desktop is lost or out of order, and you need to watch the movie urgently, your smartphone will come to the rescue. Xiaomi has developed the official Mi Remote app (for phones with an infrared port) and supports Wi-Fi management for all Android and iOS devices. This is a complete replacement for a physical remote with advanced functionality.

To connect via Wi-Fi, make sure your phone and TV are on the same local network. Download the Mi Remote app or use the built-in Translation/Mi TV feature in your Android settings. The app will automatically find your Mi TV or Redmi TV on the network. Once you send a request on the TV screen, a confirmation code will appear that you need to enter on your smartphone.

• 📱 The Mi Remote app lets you use your phone’s keyboard to type text, which is much more convenient than poking buttons on the screen.
• 🎙️ Voice search through a smartphone’s microphone is often more accurate than through a remote, thanks to Google’s powerful speech recognition algorithms.
• 🖱️ Touchpad mode allows you to control the cursor on the screen, swiping your finger across the phone’s display.

It's important to note that to work over Wi-Fi, the TV must already be configured and connected to the router. If you just bought the TV and are setting it up for the first time, this method won't work for initial activation unless you have one. USB-In that case, you'll have to use a physical remote from the kit.

⚠️ Note: When using your smartphone as a remote, make sure that the phone does not turn on Traffic Savings mode for Wi-Fi, as this can block broadcast device detection packets on the local network.

IR Functions and Universal Management

Many users want to use Xiaomi’s remote to control other equipment, such as a sound bar, receiver or air conditioner. The system has an IR learning feature or a choice of ready-made profiles. However, it is worth remembering that Bluetooth remotes do not have an IR emitter, so they can only control the TV itself via Bluetooth.

If you have an IR version of the remote, you will be able to set up via the Settings menu → Remotes and Accessories → Infrared Remote Setup. The system will suggest you select the type of device (e.g., Audio System) and manufacturer. Next, you will need to press a few test buttons and confirm if your equipment is responding. After successful testing, the remote will be able to turn on and adjust the volume of external equipment.

You can also customize buttons for specific applications, for example, (long-term press) on a button with the Netflix logo or Google Play can immediately start the corresponding service, this is configured in the same accessory management section, allowing you to personalize the experience to suit your habits.

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Bluetooth remote controls only the TV. To control the sound panel or air conditioner, you need an IR remote that you need to adjust separately through the IR function menu.

Solution and resetting of settings

Even when set up correctly, there can be failures: the remote starts to “dumb”, commands are executed with a delay or the connection periodically disappears. The first thing you can do is try to reboot the TV by pulling the power cord out of the socket for 30 seconds. This will clear the Bluetooth module cache and often solve the problem without additional intervention.

If a simple reboot didn’t work, reconnect (break communication). Go to Settings → Remotes and accessories, select your remote and click “Disable” or “Forget device.” Then repeat the pairing procedure from the beginning, as described in the second section of the article, which will force the system to create a new profile of the device with clean parameters.

In the rare cases where the remote doesn't respond at all, it may be necessary to completely reset it. For some Xiaomi models, there is a hidden combination: clamping three buttons at once - "Back", "Home" and "Menu" (three stripes) - for 10-15 seconds. The indicator should blink several times, signaling a reset of the internal memory settings of the remote.

adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.tv.remote.service.action.RESET_PAIRING

For advanced users who have connected the TV to a computer via ADB, there is a command to force reset all Bluetooth pairings shown above, and use it with caution, as it will turn off all wireless keyboards and gamepads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)