Set up a new remote to the TV Xiaomi: 3 working methods + error solving

Xiaomi's new remote doesn't respond to commands, and the old one is lost or broken? Take your time to buy a universal device - 90% of the time the problem is solved by correct synchronization. Mi TVs, Redmi Smart TVs and models under the Xiaomi brand support the connection of original and third-party remotes, but the setup process often raises questions. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of pairing (including hidden MIUI TV functions), tell you how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist for fault diagnosis.

Important: the manual is suitable for all modern Xiaomi TVs (2018-2026), but there are nuances for different versions of the firmware. For example, in the Mi TV 4S/5X with MIUI TV 3.0+, an advanced synchronization mode is available, and in older models (Mi TV 3) you may need to reset. If your TV is released before 2018, check the remote compatibility in the table below.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

• 🔋 The remote has working batteries (try others or check with a multimeter).
• 📺 The TV is on and is within a radius of 5 meters from the remote (no barriers).
• 🔄 There are no active updates or resets on TV (the indicator does not blink).

1. Standard synchronization of the original remote

If you have a native Xiaomi remote (such as Mi Remote or Redmi Smart Remote), it takes no more than a minute to connect.The algorithm works for most models, including the Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X and Mi TV A Pro.

Turn on the TV with a button on the case (if the remote does not respond) and follow the steps:

1. Press and hold the Menu + OK buttons on the remote at the same time for 5-7 seconds.
2. Wait for the double flashing of the indicator on the remote (or the sound signal on TV).
3. Press any button (such as Volume+) to confirm synchronization.

If the indicator on the remote does not flash:

• 🔄 Try the Back combination + Home (for remotes with touch panel).
• 📱 Make sure the TV is not in Game Mode mode – it can block signals from new devices.
• 🔌 Reboot TV: Settings → On TV. → Reboot.

Check the batteries in the remote.|Make sure the TV is on.|There are no barriers between the remote and the IR receiver|TV not in update mode|The remote is up to 3 meters away-->

2. Connecting a universal or third-party remote

Universal remotes (such as One For All or Huayu) require manual code entry for Xiaomi, codes vary depending on the TV model and year of release.

How to enter the code:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. On the universal remote, press and hold the Setup (or Set) until the indicator blinks.
3. Enter a 4-digit code from a table (e.g., 0178).
4. Press Power – if the TV is turned off, the code is correct.

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If none of the code works, try the "Auto Search" option on the universal remote. To do this, hold the Setup until double blinking, then press Power every 2 seconds until the TV responds.

3. Bluetooth remote synchronization (Mi Remote, game controllers)

Modern Xiaomi TVs (starting with MIUI TV 2.5) support Bluetooth remotes, including Mi Remote (touchbar) and game pads.

Step 1: Activate the TV search mode:

Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Add the device

Step 2. On the Mi Remote, press Fn + Home for 3 seconds until the blue light flashes.

Step 3. Select Mi Remote from the list of found devices on the TV screen.

If the remote is not displayed:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth TV module: Settings → Networks. → Bluetooth → Turn off/Enable.
• 📱 Make sure the remote is charged (for Mi Remote with battery).
• 🔌 Check if the remote is connected to another device (for example, a smartphone).

4. Problem Solving: The remote doesn't work after setting up

If the sync is successful, but the remote does not respond to commands or is running with delays, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 4.0+ There's a bug where the IR panels stop working after the upgrade. Solution: roll back to the previous version of the software or use a Bluetooth remote.

Typical causes and methods of elimination:

• 🔋 Weak battery signal: Replace the batteries with new ones (even if the old ones "seem to work"). For Mi Remote, use only the batteries with capacity. ≥800mAh.
• 📡 Interference from other devices: Turn off the IR devices nearby (air conditioners, music centers).° receiver.
• 🔄 TV firmware failure: Perform reset of remote settings: Settings → Devices → DU remote → Drop it.
• 🛠️ IR receiver damaged: Check if the red light on the front of the TV is lit when you press the remote buttons.

For diagnosis, use the hidden menu of service codes:

Settings → About TV → Press 5 times in a row on "Version MIUI TV"

In the menu that opens, select Remote Test – the system will show whether signals from the remote are recognized.

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If the remote only works at a distance of less than 1 meter, the problem is in the IR transmitter of the remote or the TV receiver. In 70% of cases, replacing the batteries with alkaline (not salt!) helps.

5. Set up the remote via the Mi Remote app (for smartphone)

If the physical remote is lost or broken, you can use your Android/iOS smartphone as a temporary replacement.The Mi Remote app (officially from Xiaomi) supports controlling your TVs over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Remote (Android) or the iOS version.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to enter) PIN-TV-code).

Limitations of the method:

• 📶 Requires a stable connection to Wi-Fi 5 GHz (2.4 GHz possible lags).
• 🔋 Quickly drains the battery of the smartphone (IR transmitter consumes a lot of energy).
• 🎮 No Game Mode support and some hotkeys.

6. Alternative methods of control without remote control

If the remote is broken and the Mi Remote app is not suitable, use one of these methods:

Method 1: Buttons on the TV body

There are physical buttons on the back or side of the TV:

• Power - on/off.
• Volume+/- - Volume control.
• Input – switching signal sources (HDMI, USB).
• Menu is a main menu call (on some models).

Through Menu, you can open Settings → Devices → Remote DU and start re-synchronization.

Method 2. Voice control

Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0+ support voice commands via Alice or Google Assistant.

1. Activate the microphone on the remote (button with icon) 🎤).
2. Say, "Turn on the TV" or "Open Netflix."

⚠️ Note: Voice control only works when connected to the Internet and can conflict with other devices on the network (for example, with speakers Xiaomi).

Method 3. HDMI-CEC (control from the console or sound panel)

If an external device is connected to the TV (such as the Xiaomi Mi Box or Apple TV), its remote can partially control the TV:

Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable

The function allows:

• 📺 Turn on/off the TV with the Power button on the console console.
• 🔊 Adjust volume.
• 🔀 Switch signal sources.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi remote