How to set up a remote on a Xiaomi TV: from synchronization to hidden features

Set up the remote for a Xiaomi TV is a challenge that every owner faces after buying or replacing a device. Even if you purchased the original Mi Remote remote or a universal model from a third party, the synchronization process can raise questions. It is especially difficult to figure out if the TV does not respond to commands and the instructions are in Chinese.

In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios: from the basic binding of the original remote to manually configuring universal devices (for example, Broadlink). RM4 You'll learn how to update the remote's firmware, reset to factory settings, and even use a smartphone instead of a physical device. And if something goes wrong, there's a problem-solving section at the end of this article.

Important: instructions are relevant to all modern models of Xiaomi Mi TV (series P1, A Pro, Q2), Redmi Smart TV (X, A series and hybrid devices on Android TV/Google TV. For older models (e.g., Mi) TV 3S 2016 additional steps may be required.

1. Preparation for setting up: what to check before synchronization

Before you start setting up, make sure that all conditions are met, which will save you unnecessary problems during the connection stage.

Basic requirements:

• 🔋 The battery level of the remote is at least 50%. If the indicator flashes red, replace the batteries (in the original Xiaomi remotes used batteries). AAA).
• 📡 The distance between the remote and the TV is no more than 5 meters. Obstacles (walls, furniture) can block the IR signal or Bluetooth.
• 🔄 The TV is on and on standby (not sleep mode). TV Synchronization is possible only from the main menu.
• 📱 If you use your smartphone as a remote, make sure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV (for apps like Mi Remote).

Pay special attention to the type of connection. Modern Xiaomi remotes can work on two protocols:

• 🌐 Bluetooth – used in the original Mi remotes TV Remote (Models from 2020) allows you to control the TV even without a line of sight.
• 🔴 Infrared port (IR) – outdated, but still relevant for universal remotes and old Mi models TV.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019 (e.g. Mi) TV 4A), It may not support Bluetooth remotes, and you'll need an IR device or an adapter.

2.Setting up the original Xiaomi Mi Remote remote

The original Mi Remote remotes (complete with or sold separately with Xiaomi TVs) sync automatically when first turned on. However, if the tether did not occur or the remote was reset, perform manual adjustments.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the case (not from the remote!).
2. Press and hold the Menu buttons (⋯) + OK on the remote simultaneously for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes.
3. The TV will show a notification "Connect a new remote?". Select "Yes".
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (usually 10-20 seconds). The remote vibrates when the connection is successful.

If the TV doesn't respond:

• 🔄 Reboot the TV: Settings → On TV. → Reboot.
• 🔋 Remove the batteries from the remote for 30 seconds, then insert back.
• 📡 Check if the remote is in conflict with other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards).

Replace the batteries with new ones (if the light flashes red)

Make sure the TV is on and not in sleep mode.

Place the remote at a distance of 1-2 meters from the TV

Disable other Bluetooth devices within a 5-meter radius-->

Hidden feature: on the original Xiaomi remotes, you can activate the gamepad mode to control games.

1. Hold the Menu. + Loudness + 3 seconds.
2. There will be a virtual joystick on the screen.

3. Manual connection of the universal remote

If you use a universal remote (e.g. Broadlink) RM4, One For All or Xiaomi Universal Remote, you have to manually configure it:

For IR panels:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. On the remote, press and hold. SET (or MODE) flashing.
3. Enter the code for Xiaomi TV (If the code is unknown, use autosearch (press Power and wait for TV reactions).
4. Check the work of the Loudness buttons and Channels.

For Bluetooth remotes:

1. Put the remote into pairing mode (usually by pinching Pair or Bluetooth for 5 seconds).
2. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select the remote from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

⚠️ Note: If your universal remote does not support the protocol RC6 (It is important for new Xiaomi models, it will not be able to control all the functions. In this case, use the original remote or smartphone with the Mi Remote application.

4.Using a smartphone as a remote for Xiaomi TV

If the physical remote is lost or broken, it can be replaced with a smartphone, such as the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) or third-party solutions like Google. TV Remote.

Instructions for Mi Remote:

1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the application and select "Add device" →"Television" →"Xiaomi".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically find the TV on the local network.

Advantages of managing from a smartphone:

• 🎮 Support for game mode with virtual joystick.
• 🔍 Voice search via Google Assistant or Alice.
• 📱 The ability to use gestures to adjust volume.

Importantly, if the TV is connected to the network via cable (Ethernet), and the smartphone is connected via Wi-Fi, control over Mi Remote will not work. Both devices must be on the same subnet.

💡

If Mi Remote does not find the TV, check if the protocol is on. DLNA in the settings of TV: Settings → Network → DLNA/UPnP.

5. Update of the firmware of the remote and TV

If the remote is unstable (delays, unresponsive buttons), the problem may be with outdated firmware, which can be updated in two ways:

Method 1: Through the TV menu (for original remotes)

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Software Update.
2. Select "Update remote" (if the item is missing, your model does not support the OTA-update).
3. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the TV!).

Method 2: Manually through USB (universal)

1. Download the latest firmware for your remote model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the.bin file to the flash drive FAT32.
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → Update → Local Update.
4. Select the firmware file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: When manually updating the firmware remote through USB Make sure the file has the correct name (for example, remote_v3.1.125.bin). The wrong file name or format can cause communication between the remote and the TV to be lost.

💡

Updating the firmware remote fixes 80% of latency and button bugs. Always check the software's relevance before resetting.

6. Resetting the remote to factory settings

If the remote is no longer responsive to commands or "hangs," resetting to factory parameters will help.

For the original Mi Remote:

1. Remove the batteries from the remote.
2. Press and hold any button (for example, OK) within 10 seconds.
3. Put the batteries back in.
4. Press Menu. + OK simultaneously.

For universal remotes:

1. Find the button. RESET (usually hidden under the battery compartment cover).
2. Press it with a pin and hold it for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks 3 times.
3. Repeat the setup process from scratch (see Section 3).

What to do if the reset does not help:

• 🔧 Check the integrity of the IR transmitter (point the remote to the smartphone camera - when pressing the buttons, purple light should be visible).
• 📡 Re-check the remote (instructions in section 5).
• 🛒 Contact the service center if the remote is physically damaged (for example, after a fall).

Solving typical problems

Even when you set it up properly, the remotes can be incorrect, and we'll look at some of the most common situations and how to fix them.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the TV does not respond to the remote after the software update, reset (but save your Mi Account information!).
• 📡 For stable operation of Bluetooth-remote, turn off the power saving mode on the TV: Settings → Energy conservation → Turn it off.
• 🛠️ If the buttons stick or don't press, disassemble the remote and clear the board of dust (use a brush and isopropyl alcohol).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the Xiaomi remote TV