Controlling a Xiaomi Mi TV from a smartphone is convenient, practical and modern. You don't have to look for a lost remote or buy a new one if the old one fails. You just need to install a special application and follow a few simple steps. But how do you do it correctly to avoid connection errors or delays in management?
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to set up a phone as a remote for Xiaomi TV, from the official Mi Remote app to alternative solutions for Android and iOS. You’ll learn how to sync devices over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, configure voice control, and even use NFC for a quick connection. And if something goes wrong, there’s a section at the end of the article that solves typical problems.
1. Preparing the phone and TV for connection
Before setting up the remote on your smartphone, make sure that both devices are ready for synchronization, which will eliminate most errors during the connection stage.
On the Xiaomi Mi TV (any model: Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Mi TV A2, etc.) check:
- 📶 Wi-Fi connection: TV and phone must be on the same network. If you use Bluetooth, you can turn it on on both devices.
- 🔄 Software Update - Outdated firmware can block the remote control function. Check the version's relevance in Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
- 🔓 Application permissions -- you can turn on the TV "Remote Control Disallow" mode. → System system → Remote control.
On your smartphone (Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+):
- 📱 Free space – you will need at least 100 MB to install applications.
- 🔳 Permissions – Enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Location access (required to search for devices).
- 🔄 Google Update (for Android) – without the current version of Google Play Services, Mi Remote may not work.
2.Configure via the official Mi Remote app
Mi Remote is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that supports all models of the brand’s TVs.The app is available for Android and iOS, but the functionality on the iPhone may be limited (for example, there is no control over the phone). IR-blaster).
To set up the remote:
- Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
- Open the app and allow access to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- Click Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
- Select your TV model from the list (if not, choose Mi TV (Universal)).
- Follow the instructions on the screen – the app will automatically find the TV on the local network.
If the TV is not detected:
- 🔌 Reboot both devices.
- 📡 Check that they are connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (some models do not support 5GHz for remote control).
- 🔍 Manually enter IP-TV address (you can find it in Settings) → Network → State of the network).
☑️ Checklist before connection
3. Alternative applications for managing Xiaomi TV
If Mi Remote is not suitable (for example, due to lack of support) IR-Try alternative solutions. They can offer additional features such as voice control or gestures.
| Annex | Platform | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google TV | Android, iOS | Universal remote, support for voice commands through Google Assistant | Not all Xiaomi models are supported |
| Yatse | Android | Advanced settings, widgets, support for Wake-on-LAN | Paid version for full functionality |
| Unified Remote | Android, iOS | Control over Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, button customization | A complex setup for beginners |
| Mi Home | Android, iOS | Integration with Xiaomi smart home, management of other devices | Requires registration in Mi Account |
To connect via alternative applications:
- Install the selected application and open it.
- Select the option to add a new device (usually the + or Add Device button).
- In the list of brands, find Xiaomi and specify the TV model.
- Follow the instructions on the screen – you may need to enter IP-address QR-TV-screen code.
💡
If your phone supports you IR-blaster (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO F1), Use the Mi Remote app in infrared mode – it works even without Wi-Fi!
4.Manage Xiaomi TV through voice assistants
Modern TVs Xiaomi Mi support voice control through Google Assistant, Alice (from Yandex) or branded XiaoAI. You can configure it both through the phone and directly on the TV.
To control the TV voice from the phone:
- Make sure that the TV is enabled voice control in Settings → Voice Assistant.
- On your phone, open Google Assistant (or Alice) and say a command like “Put Netflix on Xiaomi TV” or “Put the volume on your TV up to 50%.”
- If the command fails, link the accounts: For Google Assistant: Go to Settings → Devices → Add device and select TV. For Alice, say “Setting up device” and follow the instructions.
Supported voice commands for Xiaomi TV:
- 🔊 "Turn the TV on/off"
- 📺 "Open YouTube on Xiaomi TV"
- 🔍 "Find the Lord of the Rings movie on TV"
- 🎵 "Set the volume to 30%"
How to turn XiaoAI on Xiaomi TV
5. Solving Connection and Management Problems
If the phone doesn’t find the TV or the remote is running with delays, check the following points:
⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV Firmware older than 2021 may be disabled protocol DLNA, Remote management. Update the software or manually enable it in Settings. → Network → DLNA.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone can't find the TV. | Different Wi-Fi networks | Connect both devices to the same 2.4 GHz network |
| Delays in pressing buttons | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move your router closer or use Bluetooth |
| The application gives an error "The device is not supported" | An outdated version of Mi Remote | Update the app or use an alternative (e.g. Yatse) |
| Voice commands are down. | The microphone on the TV is off. | Include in Settings → Voice Assistant → Microphone |
If nothing helps, reset your network settings on your TV:
- Go to Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
- Connect the TV to Wi-Fi again.
- Restart the remote app on your phone.
💡
If the TV is connected to the network via a cable (Ethernet), remote control over Wi-Fi may not work. Use Bluetooth or switch to a wireless connection.
6 Additional features: NFC, gestures, automation
In addition to basic control, the smartphone can be customized for more advanced interaction scenarios with Xiaomi TV.
Control via NFC (available on NFC chip phones and Mi TV Q1E/Q2E):
- Enable NFC on your phone and TV (Settings → Connections → NFC).
- Hold the phone to the Xiaomi logo on the back of the TV.
- Confirm the pairing - after that the phone will automatically connect as a remote.
Gestures and automation (via Tasker or MacroDroid):
- 🤳 Set up a shaking phone to switch channels.
- 🔄 Automatically turn on the TV when connecting to your home Wi-Fi.
- 📱 Use the widget on the lock screen for quick access to the remote.
Integration with a smart home:
- 🏠 Connect your TV to Mi Home or Google Home to control through scripts (e.g., "Cinema" - switches off the lights and turns on the TV).
- 🔌 Use it. IFTTT to create chains of commands (for example, "If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, turn on the TV on the NTV channel").
7. Comparison of management methods: what to choose?
Each method of connecting your phone to Xiaomi TV has its pros and cons. The choice depends on your tasks and the capabilities of the devices.
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Who's right for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote (Wi-Fi) | Official decision, stable operation | It requires a single Wi-Fi network. | For most users |
| Mi Remote (IR) | It works without the internet. | I need a phone with IR-blaster | For older phone models |
| Google TV / Unified Remote | Voice control, customization | Maybe unstable. | For advanced users |
| NFC | Instant connection | It only works on new models. | For owners of Mi TV Q1E/Q2E |
If your Xiaomi Mi TV 4A or older, avoid apps that require Bluetooth 5.0 – these models only support Bluetooth 4.2, which can cause connectivity issues.