How to set up the Xiaomi remote on your phone: full instructions with expert tips

Controlling a Xiaomi TV via a smartphone is convenient, modern and eliminates the need to search for a lost remote. But how to properly configure this feature if you have never used such technologies before? In this article, we will discuss all the ways to connect a Xiaomi remote to a phone, including the official Mi Remote application, alternative programs and manual settings through the IR port.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi TVs and smartphones support this feature in the same way. For example, the old Mi TV 3S may require additional manipulation, and the new Xiaomi TV Q2 syncs in seconds. We took into account all the nuances and collected up-to-date information for 2026, including solutions for rare errors that are not described even in the official documentation.

What TVs and smartphones Xiaomi supports control from the phone

Before you try to set up a remote control on your phone, check the compatibility of your devices. Not all Xiaomi models have an infrared transmitter (infrared port), which is necessary for controlling equipment.

• 📺 TVs: All Mi models TV (starting with Mi TV 3 2016), Xiaomi TV A, Q, S and P series, as well as Redmi Smart TV. Exception - some OEM-versions for foreign markets (e.g. Mi) TV 4A India may have limited support).
• 📱 Smartphones: most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO IR port, full list: 🔹 Xiaomi 11/12/13 Series (except Lite versions) 🔹 Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer (excluding Note) 11 SE) 🔹 POCO F3/F4/F5, X3 Pro 🔹 Mi 10 mi 11 Ultra

If your smartphone is not on this list, check for the IR port visually: it looks like a small black glass at the top of the case (usually next to the front camera), and you can also use the IR Tester app from Google Play for diagnostics.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with Google system TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 2023) may require additional authorization through a Google account when you first connect.

Preparing the phone and TV for setting

Before connecting, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid errors:

1. Update your TV firmware. Go to Settings → About TV → Update your system and install the latest updates. This is especially important for the Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4X models, where older versions of the software can block the connection.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. On your phone, activate both modules, even if you plan to use an IR port. Some features (like voice search) require a network connection.
3. Allow location access. Mi Remote asks for geodata to determine the regional settings of the remote. Open phone settings → Applications → Mi Remote → Permissions and enable access.

Also check that the TV is HDMI-CEC enabled (if you plan to control other devices via HDMI). To do this, go to Settings → Connections → HDMI-CEC and activate the option, which will allow you to use the phone as a universal remote for consoles, sound bars and other gadgets.

Install Mi Remote from Google Play| Update TV firmware |Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone |Allow location access for Mi Remote | Check for an IR port on your smartphone-->

Installation and configuration of the Mi Remote application

The official Mi Remote app is the most reliable way to control a Xiaomi TV from your phone, download it from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iPhone, but with limited functionality).

1. Launch the application and allow all the permissions you request (camera, location, file access).
2. Select the device type: click Add Device → TV → Xiaomi.
3. Synchronize the remote: 🔄 If you have an IR port, point your phone at the TV and hold the Power button in the app before turning on the TV. 📶 If used Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Select your TV model from the list and follow the on-screen instructions (you may need to enter) PIN-TV-code).

Once successfully connected, the app will have a virtual remote with control buttons, you can adjust the location of the buttons, add favorite channels to your favorites, or activate voice search (available only for Android TV or Google TV TV).

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If Mi Remote doesn't find your TV, try manually selecting a model from the Other Brands list and using a universal code. Mi TV 4S is often coded 0178 or 0099.

For models Xiaomi TV Q2 and later available function "Fast control" - just bring the phone to the TV at a distance of up to 5 cm, and the connection is established automatically via NFC (if supported).

Alternative TV Control Apps for Xiaomi

If Mi Remote is not suitable (for example, due to the lack of an IR port on the phone), use alternative solutions.-3 tested applications:

• 🌐 Google TV Remote (official from Google): ✅ It works on Wi-Fi, without an IR port. ✅ Supports voice input and gestures. ❌ Requires a TV on Android TV 9.0+.
• 🎛️ Peel Smart Remote: ✅ Universal remote for IR and Wi-Fi devices. ✅ There are code bases for old Mi models TV. ❌ Advertising in the free version.
• 🔧 ZaZa Remote: ✅ Supports macros (command sequences). ✅ Works with Xiaomi, Redmi and other brands. ❌ A complex interface for beginners.

Connecting via alternative applications usually requires:

1. Choose a brand (Xiaomi) and a TV model.
2. Synchronize devices via Wi-Fi or IR.
3. Check the performance of the main buttons (Power, Volume, Home).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Peel Smart Remote can collect data about your devices. Check Google Play permissions before installing and disable unnecessary permissions (such as accessing contacts).

Control settings via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If your phone doesn't have an IR port, you can control your Xiaomi TV wirelessly, which works for Android TV or Google TV models (e.g., Xiaomi TV A2, Mi TV Q1).

1. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network, and make sure that both devices are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
2. Enable Wi-Fi debugging on your TV: Settings → About TV → Software Version (click 7 times) Developer Settings → Network debugging → Enable
3. Use the Android TV Remote app (from Google) or Mi Home: In Mi Home, add a TV as a new device (Add → TV → Xiaomi). In Android TV Remote, select your TV from the list of available devices.

The advantage of this method is the ability to control at a distance of up to 10 meters (as opposed to IR, which requires direct visibility).In addition, some applications (for example, Mi Home) allow you to turn on the TV on a schedule or through voice commands (Alice, Google Assistant).

Solving common problems when setting up

Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these things worked, try resetting the TV to the factory settings.

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete applications).
3. After restarting, reset the remote.

Official Mi Remote app|Alternative applications (Peel, ZaZa)|Through Wi-Fi/Bluetooth|Using a physical remote.|Another option-->

Additional features: voice control and automation

Modern Xiaomi TVs support not only basic control from the phone, but also advanced features:

• 🎤 Voice search: in the Mi Remote or Google app TV Remote tap the microphone icon and say a command (like "Turn on Netflix" or "Turn up the volume"). Works only for Android TVs. TV 10+.
• ⏱️ Automation with Mi Home: Create a script that will turn on the TV on schedule or when another device is activated (for example, when you return home).
• 🖥️ Mouse control: in some applications (e.g. Android) TV Remote: You can use your phone as a touchpad to navigate the menu.

To set up voice control:

1. Open Mi Remote and go to Settings → Voice Assistant.
2. Choose Google Assistant, Alice (for Russia) or Xiao AI (for China).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen for bundling accounts.

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Voice control only works when you're connected to the Internet, and if the TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi, the commands won't be executed.

For models Xiaomi TV Q2 and newer available function "Quick start" - just say "OK, Google, turn on Xiaomi TV", and the TV is activated (if enabled HDMI-CEC and allowed access to the microphone).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi remote on your phone