How to set up a new Xiaomi remote: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern smart home ecosystem offers a host of devices that can make life easier, and one of the central controls is the universal remote. If you own a new Mi Remote or remote that comes with a Xiaomi TV, the first priority is to properly synchronize it with gadgets. The setup process may seem difficult only at first glance, but a competent approach will allow you to manage all household appliances from one device.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the steps of connectivity, from software installation to fine-tuning voice commands, how to make an infrared port work to control old hardware, and how to activate a Bluetooth connection for instant response. Understanding these processes is critical to the stability of the entire system.

Before you start, make sure your smartphone or tablet is charged and the remote is equipped with fresh power. Connectivity stability depends on the quality of the signal and the relevance of firmware versions. We will look at both scenarios: using the smartphone as a remote control and setting up the Mi Remote Controller physical device.

Preparation for device synchronization

The foundation of successful setup is pre-prepared hardware. Make sure your smartphone is running Android 4.4 or higher or iOS at least 9.0, as older versions may not support the necessary communication protocols. For physical remotes Xiaomi Mi Remote need to insert batteries type AAA, observing the polarity specified in the bay.

The second critical step is to install and configure the app. To control the appliances via smartphone, you will need the Mi Remote app (for devices with an infrared port) or Mi Home (for Bluetooth remotes and a smart home).

⚠️ Before setting up, make sure that the smartphone and remote (if Bluetooth) are in close proximity to the device being controlled, preferably no more than a distance away. 2-3 yards.

Also worth checking for updates to the app itself. Often, developers will release patches that add support for new TV models or improve connection stability. Open the app store, find Mi Remote or Mi Home, and click Update if available.

Configure the remote via the Mi Remote app

For smartphones equipped with an integrated infrared emitter (IR Blaster), the main tool is the Mi Remote application. After running the program, you need to press the add button, usually located in the upper right corner of the interface, and the system will suggest choosing the type of equipment you plan to set up: TV, air conditioner, console or projector.

Then you should select the manufacturer of your equipment from the list. If the brand is not on the list, you can use the search function or select a universal profile. The application will offer to test the signal: buttons will appear on the screen that you need to press, watching the reaction of household appliances.

If the technique responds to commands, confirm the test's success. Otherwise, try an alternative code or another profile from the list. The process may require several attempts, since infrared codes can vary even within the same model.

• 📱 Select the device type in the application (for example, TV).
• 🏭 Find the manufacturer’s brand in the list.
• 🔘 Test the buttons (on/off, volume).
• ✅ Keep a profile if the technique responds correctly.

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If your smartphone doesn’t have an IR port, you can still control Xiaomi appliances via Wi-Fi by adding the device to the Mi Home app, but an external IR adapter will be required to manage third-party appliances (Samsung, Sony).

Bluetooth remote interface with Xiaomi TV

Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs often come with Bluetooth remotes, which not only allows you to control media, but also use voice input. To get started, turn on the TV and make sure it is in pairing standby mode. This usually happens automatically when you first turn on, but may require manual launch through the settings menu.

On the remote control, find a combination of buttons to switch to mode (pairing), most often this is the simultaneous clamping of the Back and Home buttons for 5-10 seconds until the LED indicator flashes quickly.

Once the remote is detected, a pairing confirmation request will appear on the TV screen, use the buttons on the remote (if it is already partially active) or the buttons on the TV body to confirm, and successful synchronization will be confirmed by an audible signal and the indicator blinking disappears.

Importantly, a Bluetooth connection provides two-way communication, which means that the remote can vibrate when pressed or make sounds, and also allows you to use the remote search function through the TV if you lose it in the room.

Activation of voice control and Google Assistant

One of the key features of Xiaomi’s new remotes is voice control. To activate this feature, you need to log into your Google account on your TV or app. Press and hold the microphone button on the remote so that the system starts recording your voice.

Before you use it for the first time, it will ask you to accept the terms of use of voice services and adjust the input language. It is recommended to choose Russian for correct command recognition, although English often works more stable for complex queries. Once set up, you will be able to manage content search, application launch and even smart home voice.

⚠️ Attention: Voice search and Google Assistant require a stable Internet connection for your TV or smartphone. Without access to Google servers, voice commands will not be executed.

If voice is not recognized, check your privacy settings on your Google account, sometimes allowing your voice history to be saved to improve recognition, and make sure the microphone on the remote is not covered with a protective film or case.

Troubleshooting and troubleshooting

Users may face various difficulties in setting up, such as a lack of response or disconnection of the connection. If the remote control stops responding, the first thing to do is check the batteries. Even new batteries can be defective, so try replacing them with known to be good.

In case of an IR signal problem, make sure there are no obstacles between the remote (or smartphone) and the receiver of the device. Infrared radiation does not pass through solid objects. For Bluetooth remotes, try reconnecting the device by removing the old profile from the list of conjugated TV devices.

If Mi Remote doesn't see your TV, check if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Local Wi-Fi management is a must, and rebooting the router and the TV itself can also help.

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90% of Xiaomi remote problems are solved by simply replacing batteries or reconnecting Bluetooth connections through the TV settings menu.

Additional functions and customization

Once you've successfully configured the basics, you can go to fine-tuning the interface, so in the Mi Home app or in the TV settings, you can change the layout of the virtual remote buttons, bringing the most commonly used features to the home screen, which is especially convenient for the elderly or children.

Smart home ecosystem owners can create automation scenarios, for example, when you press the Turn off TV button, the remote can simultaneously send a command to turn off the lights in the room through Yeelight smart lamps, and all devices must be added to a single Mi Home account.

Also available is Find the remote. If you lose your physical Bluetooth remote, go to your TV settings and select the appropriate option. The remote will start to emit an audible signal, which will help you quickly detect it under the sofa or in pillows.

Competent setup of the Xiaomi remote gives you access to full control over the multimedia space. Following these instructions, you can avoid typical errors and enjoy the convenience of managing with a single touch. Remember that regular software updates ensure compatibility with new services and devices.