How to set up a new Xiaomi remote to the TV

Modern smart TVs often come with minimalist remotes, but for full-fledged control of appliances in the home, users prefer universal solutions from Xiaomi. The question of how to adjust Xiaomi’s remote to the TV becomes especially relevant after buying a new device or replacing a lost accessory.

The versatility of the controller allows it to work not only with TV set-top boxes, but also directly with TVs of various brands, if they support control over an infrared port or Bluetooth. Depending on the model of your remote, whether it is a classic Mi Remote or the more advanced Mi Voice Remote Pro, the connection method may vary slightly. It is important to understand what communication protocol your device uses to choose the right configuration strategy.

In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of setting up, from battery checking to fine-tuning voice control, how to fix typical connectivity issues and how to turn your remote into a powerful smart home control center.

Definition of the remote type and compatibility

The first step before you start setting up is to accurately determine the type of device you have, and Xiaomi produces two main types of remotes: Bluetooth-only and hybrid models with infrared emitter (IR), which is critically important because the initial pairing algorithm is very different.

Bluetooth remotes like the Mi Remote Pro require a mandatory pairing procedure with a console or TV before first use. Without this step, pressing the buttons will not cause any interface reaction. Infrared remotes will usually start working immediately after installing the power cells if the TV supports standard codes, but for advanced functions, they are also better configured through the system menu.

Visually, you can tell the difference between the Mi or Bluetooth logo on the body, and also by having an IR hole at the top. If you have a button on your remote that shows a microphone or settings, it almost always indicates that you need Bluetooth connectivity to work with voice functions.

• 📡 Bluetooth remotes: require pairing, work without line of sight, support voice input.
• 📶 Infrared: Work immediately, require direct view of the TV receiver, compatible with old technology.
• 🔄 Hybrid models: Combines both types of communication to maximize function coverage.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Bluetooth remote, do not attempt to control the TV until the pairing procedure is complete – this will lead to a false conclusion about the malfunction of the device.

Preparation for the interface procedure

Before you go to technical manipulations, you need to provide stable power for the remote. Even if the device is new, it is recommended to check the charge of installed batteries or batteries. Weak charge can cause a signal interruption during the transfer of encryption keys, which will make it impossible to successfully connect.

It is also important to make sure that your TV or Mi Box/Mi TV Stick is on and active. For Bluetooth models, the distance between the remote and the receiver at the time of setting should not exceed 20-30 centimeters, which will ensure maximum signal power and eliminate interference from other wireless devices.

If you have previously used a different remote, make sure it is not in the immediate vicinity to avoid conflicting commands.In some cases, the system may "storm" from simultaneous signals from different control sources.

Instructions: how to connect Bluetooth remote Xiaomi

Setting up a Bluetooth remote is a process that requires attention to detail, and the main challenge is that until you pair it, you can't navigate the TV menu, so you have to do everything with physical buttons and visual cues on the screen.

To start, turn on the TV and wait for the main screen to load. Take the remote control and simultaneously press two buttons: Home (house) and Menu (three stripes or button with dots). In some versions, for example, for Mi TV Stick, the combination can be Home + Back. Hold them for 3-5 seconds.

At this point, the LED light on the remote (usually located at the top) should start flashing white quickly, which means that the device has entered search mode and is ready to connect, and a pop-up window should appear on the TV screen with the message "Remote found" or "Connect new device".

Use any working input method (such as a connected mouse via USB or an old IR remote) to select the "Confirm" option on the screen. If you don't have a mouse, sometimes a short press of the OK button on the most customizable remote when the window appears, although this does not always work until the pairing is complete.

After successful connection, the indicator on the remote will stop flashing and may briefly light up green. The system will automatically install the necessary drivers and profiles for voice control.

⚠️ Note: If the indicator flashes slowly or does not light up at all, replace the batteries with new ones, even if they seem to work - the pairing mode requires peak current.

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If the standard combination doesn’t work, try pressing the Voice and Back buttons – in some regional versions of remotes, this works as a search mode trigger.

Infra-red remote and universal codes

Xiaomi’s infrared remotes are simple, but to work properly with a particular TV, it often requires choosing the right brand code. Although basic features (on/off, volume) can work out of the box, setting through the menu allows you to activate specific functions such as switching signal sources or accessing the Smart menu.

The setup process usually takes place via the Android TV or PatchWall interface. Go to Settings → Remotes and Accessories → Add a remote. The system will prompt you to select the device type (TV) and manufacturer brand from the list.

Once you select a brand, you'll see a test window asking you to press the check button, and if the TV reacts (turns off or changes volume), you confirm the choice, and if there's no response, the system will suggest you try another code from the database.

It's important to note that IR remotes don't require "pairing" in the classical sense. They just send signals. However, if you want to use Xiaomi remote to control a console in a closed cabinet, the IR port may not be able to cope, and you need a Bluetooth model or an IR repeater.

In the process of code selection, the system may suggest checking several options in sequence. Don't rush to abandon the first non-working version, since the code base for one brand can contain dozens of different combinations for different years of production.

Advanced settings and customization

After a successful basic connection, it is worth taking time to fine-tune the remote to suit your habits.The Android TV operating system on which Xiaomi devices are based allows you to reassign some buttons or change the behavior of long pressing.

In the Special Features section, you can adjust the speed of the signal repetition when holding the volume button or cursor, which is especially useful for elderly people or users with motor impairments who have difficulty performing long presses.

Special attention should be paid to setting up the Google Assistant voice assistant, making sure that the Google account settings activate the “Ok Google” or button activation function, which will turn your remote into a full-fledged smart home control center, allowing you to turn off the lights, learn the weather or run apps with your voice.

• 🎙️ Voice input: Check it out