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

Modern Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV or PatchWall, making them as intuitive as possible, but require the right initial setup. Most users face the need to pair the remote control immediately after unpacking the device when the screen is already glowing, but navigation on the menu is impossible. The process is simple, but has its own nuances, depending on the model of the remote and the version of the TV firmware.

Unlike older infrared models, the modern Mi Remote uses Bluetooth Low Energy, which allows you to control your TV without direct vision and pressing buttons anywhere in the room. It is this technological leap that requires a “pairing” procedure to establish a secure connection between devices. If you just purchased a new Xiaomi Mi TV or Mi Box, the correct setting of the remote is the first step to comfortable use of multimedia capabilities.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the connectivity algorithms for different scenarios, including when standard pairing does not happen the first time. You will learn about the hidden functions of the remote, how to eliminate input delays and how to manually activate the search mode. Understanding how your TV’s Bluetooth module works will help you avoid the typical mistakes that beginners often make when first setting up a smart appliance.

Preparation of equipment and initial launch

Before trying to sync devices, you need to make sure they are physically ready to work.The first step is always to install the batteries in the remote control. Depending on the model of your Xiaomi TV, the remote can be operated from AAA batteries or have a built-in battery charged via Micro-USB or Type-C. Most standard models require two AAA batteries that you need to insert, observing the polarity specified inside the compartment.

After the power is installed, turn on the TV by pressing the power button on the TV body or remote if it has already been paired with this device. The screen should light up and you will see a welcome window or language selection menu. At this stage, the TV automatically launches the peripheral search service. If the remote is new and has never connected to this TV, it is in the pairing command standby mode.

It is important to place the remote at a distance of no more than 10-15 centimeters from the receiver of the signal on the TV. Although Bluetooth has a longer range than the infrared port, for the initial handshake of devices, it is better to reduce the distance to a minimum.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a remote with a built-in battery, make sure it is at least 20% charged.A low charge can cause the Bluetooth module to work unstable during the pairing procedure, and the TV simply won't see the device.

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If the remote has been lying idle for a long time, leave it connected to charging for 15-20 minutes before trying to connect, even if the indicator shows a charge.

Standard pairing procedure via Bluetooth

The main method of setting the remote to the Xiaomi TV is universal for most models, including the Mi TV 4A, 4S, P1 and Mi Box series. The process is initiated by simultaneously pressing two buttons on the remote. Usually these are the Home (house icon) and Back (back arrow or cross), but on some versions the combination may differ, for example, Menu and OK.

Press the desired combination of buttons and hold them for 3-5 seconds, pointing the remote towards the bottom of the TV. At this point, the LED indicator on the remote (if any) should start flashing quickly, signaling the transition to detection mode. On the TV screen in the upper right or lower corner, a pop-up with the message “New device found” or search animation should appear.

Once the TV detects the remote, the screen will request confirmation of connection. Use the volume buttons or other currently active keys (sometimes even the power button on the TV itself works) to select "Plug" or "OK." After successful pairing, the LED on the remote will stop flashing and light up flat or go out, and the screen will display a notification of successful connection.

Note that in some versions of PatchWall firmware, the process can be completely automatic. Just press any button on the remote after the TV is turned on, and the system will suggest that you complete the setup. However, the manual method of pressing the buttons is the most reliable and works even in the case of temporary failures in the operation of the Bluetooth stack of the operating system.

Alternative methods of remote activation

In situations where the standard button combination doesn’t work, alternative activation methods can be used. Some Xiaomi remote models have a hidden activation function through prolonged holding of the OK or Mi button. Try pinching the central confirmation button for 10-15 seconds. This method often helps if the remote previously paired with another device and now tries to find it, ignoring the new TV.

Another effective way is to use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone. If your phone is equipped with an infrared port (IR Blaster) or is on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV, you can use it as a temporary remote. Go to the settings of the TV through the app, go to Settings → Remotes and accessories and start searching for a new device from the screen, then activate the pairing mode on the physical remote.

For Mi Box S and similar consoles, there is a method of resetting through the recovery menu, but it is extremely rare. Most often, the problem is solved by simply removing the batteries from the remote for 10-15 seconds, which leads to a complete shutdown of the module and resetting temporary communication errors. After re-installing the batteries, try the pairing procedure again.

If neither method works, the problem may be that the firmware versions are compatible. Make sure your TV doesn't require a system update. Sometimes, in the settings menu available through buttons on the TV case (if any) or through the app on your phone, you can find "Add Accessory" and follow the on-screen instructions, which may differ from the standard algorithm.

Using a Smartphone as a Remote

If the physical remote is lost, damaged or refuses to work, a great solution is to use the smartphone as a remote control. Xiaomi offers the official Mi Remote app (for phones with an infrared port) and support for management via Google Home or Android TV Remote Control for all devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

To set up control over Wi-Fi, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same wireless network. Download the Android TV Remote Control app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Launch the app and it will automatically start searching for available TVs on the local network. Select your Xiaomi TV from the list and the confirmation code will appear on the TV screen.

Enter the code from your TV screen into your smartphone app, and then your phone becomes a full-fledged remote with a touchpad, a keyboard to type in and even a microphone for voice search, which is especially useful for typing Wi-Fi passwords or finding content on YouTube, as a virtual keyboard on the screen is often inconvenient for quick typing.

Using a smartphone is especially important in situations where the standard remote has run out at the most inopportune moment. the functionality of the application is often even wider than that of a conventional remote: you can stream photos and videos from your phone to your TV, control the playback of media files and even use the phone as a game console for simple games on Android TV.

Setting up voice control and buttons

Modern Xiaomi remotes have a built-in microphone for voice search. To make this function work correctly, you need to provide the appropriate permissions in the settings of the TV. After connecting the remote, go to Settings → Device → Apps → All apps → Google (or a similar path for your version of the OS) and check the permissions to access the microphone.

To activate voice search, you usually need to press a microphone button or a color button (often blue or green) and say the command.The TV must be connected to the Internet to handle voice queries. You can search for movies, apps, ask weather questions, or control playback by saying "Put YouTube on" or "Pass on."

Some remote models allow button functions to be reassigned through third-party apps, such as Button Mapper, which allows you to set up a specific application to launch a specific application by pressing a specific button for a long time, for example, a long press on the Home button can open Netflix, and a Back button can launch a browser.

⚠️ Warning: When using voice functions, make sure that the room is not too noisy. Background noise can lead to incorrect command recognition, and the TV will perform an erroneous action or give a search result that does not match the query.

Also worth mentioning is the possibility of setting up a universal remote. In the settings of the Xiaomi TV, there is a section called Universal remote, where you can add control of the sound bar, receiver or air conditioner, which allows you to use one remote to control the entire multimedia system, eliminating the need to switch between multiple devices.

Solving Connection and Delay Problems

One common problem is remote delay or intermittent connection breaks. Often this is due to signal interference in the 2.4 GHz band, where Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens operate. If you notice that the remote is starting to "dumb," try moving the router away from the TV or switching the TV's Wi-Fi network to 5 GHz, freeing up the air for Bluetooth.

Another cause of problems is discharged batteries. Even if the display on the remote is on, the voltage may not be enough to transmit a stable Bluetooth signal, which is more energy-consuming than infrared radiation. Use only high-quality alkaline batteries, avoiding cheap salt counterparts that quickly die and can oxidize contacts.

If the system fails to recognize the remote, reset network settings and accessories on the TV. Go to Settings → System → Reset (be careful, this may reset other settings), or try to remove the device from the list of paired in the Bluetooth menu and perform pairing again, following the instructions from the second section.

If the remote stopped responding after updating the TV firmware, it can be a temporary system bug, in which case a complete reboot of the TV by disconnecting it from the power grid for 1-2 minutes helps, which allows you to clear the cache of the Bluetooth module and start all services again, which often eliminates software conflicts.

Additional features and hidden functions

Few people know that Xiaomi’s remote can do more than just switch channels: Double-clicking on the Home button often triggers voice search or switches inputs, and long-pressing the menu button can trigger the context menu of a running application. Learning these combinations can significantly speed up navigation on the PatchWall or Android TV interface.

For advanced users, the option of using the remote for presentation management or as a laser pointer (in models with the appropriate functionality, although this is rare in Xiaomi mass TV, more often in projectors) is also available, through the Mi Remote application on the phone, you can create macros - sequences of commands executed at a single click.

It is important to check regularly for updates for the remote itself, if such an option is available in the accessory menu. Although the remote firmware is rarely updated, sometimes patches are released that improve connection stability or add support for new codes for universal control of other equipment.

⚠️ Attention: Keep moisture out of the remote. Bluetooth remotes’ internal electronics are fluid sensitive, and even a small amount of water ingested through the gaps between the buttons can cause the device to short-circuit and fail.

Properly configured and cared for the remote control will ensure a long life of the device and comfortable interaction with your Xiaomi smart TV. Following these recommendations, you will be able to fully appreciate the benefits of a modern multimedia system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)