Setup Xiaomi remote to the TV: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem integration often begins with an attempt to integrate all device management into one place. Smartphone owners get a unique opportunity to turn their phones into a universal remote control, which is especially important when a regular remote is lost or broken. The Mi Remote app’s functionality allows them to manage not only Xiaomi’s TVs, but also the equipment of other manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Sony.

The connection process depends on the technical equipment of your smartphone, whether it has an infrared port or supports Wi-Fi Direct technology. The first option provides greater compatibility with older TV models, while the second requires a Smart TV and connection to the same local network. Understanding these differences is critical to choosing the right algorithm of actions and successful synchronization of devices.

In this article, we will take a closer look at both of these connectivity methods, explore the nuances of working with the Mi Remote app, and provide solutions for typical problems. You will learn how to calibrate buttons, add missing devices, and use additional features that are only available through your smartphone.

Technical requirements and compatibility of devices

Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your equipment meets the minimum requirements for the correct operation of the control system. The main condition is that the smartphone has the appropriate hardware module or software. To work through the infrared port requires a built-in IR transmitter, which is usually located at the top of the device body next to the microphone or speaker.

If your smartphone is not equipped with an infrared port, the alternative is to connect via a wireless Wi-Fi network. In this case, the TV must support Smart TV technology and have the ability to connect to the Internet. Both devices must be in the same subnet, that is, be connected to the same router, otherwise detecting the TV will be impossible.

⚠️ Note: Some budget TV models may not support remote control protocols over Wi-Fi, even if they have a Smart feature TV. In such cases, the use of an IR adapter or a universal remote with an IR port is the only working solution.

Modern versions of Android and the MIUI or HyperOS shells contain all the necessary drivers to run the remote. However, older TV models may require manually configuring codes or selecting a compatible profile from the application database. Make sure that the Mi Remote version of the application is updated to the latest one available in the Google Play or GetApps store.

The following is a table illustrating the compatibility of different connection methods depending on the equipment characteristics:

Preparation of the smartphone and installation of the application

To get started, you need to install the official Mi Remote app, which is the standard appliance management tool in the Xiaomi ecosystem. On most of the brand’s smartphones, it is pre-installed in the Tools or Services folder. If the app has been removed or missing, it should be downloaded from the official app store corresponding to your region.

Once installed, run the program and grant the necessary permissions. The IR remote will require access to the infrared hardware module to work properly, and the Wi-Fi control will require permission to access the LAN and geolocation, without granting these rights, the application will not be able to scan the surrounding devices and transmit signals.

In the app interface, click the Add Device button or the Plus icon at the top of the screen, and the system will suggest you select the device type: in our case, it's a TV. You'll then need to select your TV manufacturer from the list of brands you've suggested. If your brand isn't on the list, you can try to choose a universal profile or the nearest compatible manufacturer.

It is important to note that some regions may need to change the region in the settings of the app itself or Mi Account. For example, the remote functionality can be expanded when choosing China or India, but this may affect the display of advertising or the availability of local services.

Method 1: Infrared port (IR) configuration

Using an infrared port is the most versatile way, because it mimics the operation of a conventional physical remote, which does not require a TV to connect to the Internet and works even with models from a decade ago, the main condition is that there should be direct visibility between the smartphone and the receiver on the TV, without obstacles.

To start settings, select the Add IR remote option in the app and specify the device type. Once you select the TV brand, a test button will appear on your smartphone screen, usually a power or volume button. Press the virtual button and watch the TV response carefully.

If the TV responds to a signal (turns off, changes volume), confirm this in the application by pressing Yes. If there is no reaction, press No, and the system will suggest the next code from the database. This process may require several attempts, since the same model range of TVs can use different frequencies or protocols of IR signals.

⚠️ Warning: When testing an IR signal, keep the top of your smartphone at a distance 10-20 Make sure that the phone screen does not have a protective film covering the IR port, and the case does not interfere with the radiation.

Once the code is successfully selected, the system will be asked to configure additional buttons, such as brightness adjustment, switching signal sources (Input), or calling a menu. You can only activate the functions you really need to avoid cluttering the interface. Save the configuration under a convenient name, such as "TV in the living room."

Method 2: Connecting via Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi connectivity opens up more possibilities, including voice control, screen broadcasting, and using a keyboard to input text.This method requires both the smartphone and the TV to be connected to the same wireless network. Make sure the TV has device detection or standby mode for connections on.

Launch the Mi Remote app and go to add the device over Wi-Fi. The app will automatically scan the network and try to find available TVs. If the automatic search failed, you can try adding the device manually by entering it. IP-Address that can be found in the settings of the network of the TV itself.

When you first connect to your TV, you may get a request to confirm the pairing, use the original remote or buttons on the TV body to confirm the action, and once you successfully pair, the smartphone will have full administrator rights, allowing you not only to switch channels, but also to run applications like YouTube or Netflix directly from your phone.

💡

For a stable Wi-Fi connection, make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency (2.4GHz or 5GHz).Some routers share networks, which can prevent devices from being detected by each other.

The advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity is that you don't have to point your phone towards the TV, and it goes through walls and obstacles, allowing you to control playback even when you're in the kitchen or in another room, but if you're out of touch with the router, you'll lose control instantly, unlike an IR remote.

Advanced settings and button calibration

After basic setup, it is recommended to go to a fine configuration of the remote interface. The application allows you to change the location of buttons, add macros and adjust sensitivity. To access these functions, open the created remote and click on the settings icon or three dots in the corner of the screen.

One useful feature is button calibration. If you notice that some commands are delayed or require multiple clicks, try reassigning them to other codes from the database. There's also a Smart Remote feature available that automatically switches the interface depending on the application running on the TV.

• 📱 Voice input: Activate the microphone on your smartphone screen to find voice content if the TV supports