Owners of modern technology often face the need for proper initial synchronization of devices, and Xiaomi TVs are no exception. Setting up the remote is the first step that opens up access to all the functions of the Android TV smart shell. Without a properly functioning controller, you can not fully use the multimedia capabilities of your screen.
The pairing process depends on the type of connection used in a particular remote model. Most modern Mi Remote devices use Bluetooth technology, which provides voice control and search function. However, some budget models or universal remotes still rely on an infrared port that requires a line of sight with a receiver.
If you have just unpacked a new TV or purchased a replacement for an old controller, you will need to do a series of things to get them “acquainted.” Successful activation of a Bluetooth remote requires having two AAA batteries in the device bay, since without power, the pairing mode will not start. In this article, we will break down all the nuances, from the standard procedure to complex cases of firmware failures.
Determining the type of connection your device
Before you start taking action, you need to know exactly what kind of hardware you are dealing with. Xiaomi’s current remotes fall into two main classes: infrared devices (infrared) and Bluetooth models. Visually, they may look almost identical, but the way they work is radically different.
Infrared remotes require a line of sight between the emitter on the end of the device and the receiver on the TV. They do not support voice search functions and often lack power buttons if the TV is controlled by an infrared channel. Bluetooth versions are more advanced: they operate from around the corner, have a microphone and require a mandatory mating procedure.
- 🔍 Label check: inspect the back cover of the remote, there is often a model that can determine the type of communication.
- 📡 Functional test: try pressing the microphone button; if the cursor on the screen does not respond or a pairing request appears, it is Bluetooth.
- 📺 Interface analysis: when you turn on the TV without a configured remote, a system notification about the search for a new device may appear on the screen.
Determining the type of connection is critical to choosing the right setup strategy: If you try to configure a Bluetooth remote as an IR device through third-party applications, it won’t work, and vice versa.
Standard procedure for pairing a Bluetooth remote
The most common scenario for Xiaomi Mi TVs and Mi Box TVs is to use a wireless controller. The initial setup process usually starts automatically when the TV is first turned on, but manual activation may be required.
First, make sure the batteries are inserted correctly and have sufficient charge. A weak voltage can cause the communication module to work unstable even if the LED on the remote lights up. Insert the batteries and approach the TV at a distance of no more than 50 cm.
☑️ Checklist before pairing
The main combination to run the search mode is to simultaneously press two buttons, usually Home (home) and Menu (menu, three stripes), or Back (back) and OK. Hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the LED indicator on the remote starts to blink quickly.
⚠️ Attention: If the LED flashes slowly or does not blink at all, it is possible that the batteries are discharged or the contacts in the compartment are oxidized.
When you activate the search mode, you have to have a notification on your TV screen, and the Android TV system automatically detects the signal and prompts you to terminate the connection, and if you don't have an automatic window, then you can manually use the settings.
Manual setting through the system menu
In situations where automatic detection has failed, you need to initiate a manual search through the operating system interface, which is also relevant if you connect an additional remote to an already configured TV.
Using the buttons on the TV body (usually located at the bottom or back, under the logo), go to the main menu. You need to find the system settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the PatchWall shell or pure Android TV.
Go the following way using the navigation buttons on the TV body: Settings (cogs) → Remotes and accessories → Add accessory. The TV will go into active scanning mode.
- 📶 Activation of mode: make sure that the remote is in pairing mode (blinking indicator).
- 📺 Selection of device: in the list of found devices on the TV screen will appear “Mi Remote” or similar name.
- ✅ Confirmation: Select the device and press OK on the TV body to complete the bundle.
What if the remote is not found?
Once the interface is successfully paired, the system will issue a confirmation message, from which point on the remote is fully functional, including voice input, and if the connection is interrupted, you may need to update the remote firmware, which often happens automatically when you have the Internet.
Configuring a universal IR panel
If you're using a universal remote or a model that runs through an infrared port, the setup process is different, and these devices don't require complex pairing, but they need the right manufacturer's code to emulate the signals.
Xiaomi TVs often pre-installed the Mi Remote app (or similar), which allows you to configure control of the console itself or other devices (air conditioner, receiver) through the remote’s IR port. However, if you are talking about setting up the remote itself to control the TV, it is usually enough to simply insert batteries.
For universal remotes with learning or code retrieval, there is a special algorithm, which often requires holding the TV or Setup button until the indicator lights up, and then pressing the on button sequentially until the TV reacts.
| Action. | Indication | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Holding the Setup button | It's burning all the time. | Entering programming mode |
| Pressing the Power button | Migayette | Sending code to TV |
| TV's off. | Gasnet | Code saved, exit mode |
| TV's not responding | Migayette | Repeat the Power press |
It is important to point the remote directly to the receiver area on the TV, usually located at the bottom of the frame or logo, the IR signal does not pass through obstacles and has a limited angle of scattering.
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Keep the code of the selected IR remote in your notes. When replacing batteries, some cheap models may reset, and you will have to re-search the code.
Using a smartphone as a remote
An alternative and often more convenient way to control is to use a smartphone.Mi Remote or Google Home app lets you turn your phone into a full-fledged controller, especially if the physical remote is lost or broken.
This method requires that both the smartphone and the TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is a critical condition, since control is transmitted over the local network, and not through the IR port (if the phone does not have an IR transmitter).
Download the official Mi Remote app or use the built-in Google Home feature on Android smartphones. Run a device scan and the app prompts you to add a new TV. Follow the on-screen instructions by entering the code that appears on the TV screen to confirm security.
- 📱 Install the app: download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
- 📶 Network Check: Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same router (the same) SSID).
- 🔗 Linking: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
⚠️ Warning: Wi-Fi control will not allow you to turn on the TV turned off (if it is completely off or in deep sleep), as the network module can turn off.
This method is especially useful for typing text when searching for movies or YouTube, since a virtual keyboard on your phone is much more convenient than a set of letters with buttons on the remote.
Solution and resetting of settings
Even when you set it up correctly, you can have a failure: the remote stops responding, the cursor flies away, or the sound disappears when you press the buttons, and in such cases, it helps to reset or completely reset the remote.
To reboot the Bluetooth module, it is often enough to take out the batteries for 30 seconds and insert them back. If that doesn't help, try to force the reconnection. Press the Back and Home buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds. The LED should blink several times, which signals a reset of the internal settings.
adb shell input keyevent 26In some cases, the problem is not the remote, but the hung Bluetooth module of the TV itself. Try to reboot the TV system through the Settings menu → About the system → Reboot or press the power button on the case long.
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90% of Xiaomi remote problems are solved by completely replacing batteries with new ones (not rechargeable) or reconnecting via Bluetooth menu.
If the remote is partially working (e.g. voice is not working), check the permissions in the TV settings. Go to Settings → Remotes and accessories, select your remote and make sure that access to the microphone is allowed. Also check for updates to the TV system, as older versions of the software may have compatibility bugs.