How to set up Xiaomi remote: from connection to fine tuning

Xiaomi's remotes are not just accessories, they're full-fledged smart control devices. They support infrared (IR) radiofrequency (RF) management, integration with Mi Home and Google Home, and unique features like voice assistant, but many users have difficulty in the initial setup phase: the remote does not find the TV, does not respond to commands or runs with delays.

In this article, we will look at all the stages of configuration, from basic connection to solving rare problems.

• 🔌 Connect the remote to the TV or other equipment through IR/RF
• 📱 Sync it with the Mi Remote app on your smartphone
• ⚙️ Set up additional functions (voice input, gestures, macros)
• 🔧 Remove typical problems (no button, no reaction, resetting settings)

Special attention will be paid to the next generation of remotes (2023-2026) with Matter support and fast synchronization through the Internet. NFC, Because they're different from the old models. TV Stick, Mi Box or universal Mi Remote - instructions below are suitable for them.

1. Determination of the remote model and its capabilities

Before you start setting up, it’s important to understand what model of remote you’re holding, and what functions and connectivity you support depend on it, and Xiaomi’s remotes can be divided into three categories:

• 📺 Standard remotes for Xiaomi TV/Mi Box: working on Bluetooth and IR, They're all connected to a particular device. TV Remote (2021), Mi Box S Remote.
• 🌐 Universal Remotes: Supports IR and RF, They control all kinds of equipment (TVs, air conditioners, audio systems) such as Xiaomi Mi Remote (2022), Mi Universal Remote.
• 🎤 Voice-controlled remotes: have a built-in microphone for Alice commands or Google Assistant. Example: Xiaomi Smart Remote with Voice.

To find out the model, look at the back of the remote – there is a marking in the format. MDZ-XX-XX (for example, MDZ-22-AB). You can also check the model in the Mi Home app (Devices section). → Settings → On the remote).

⚠️ Note: Matter-enabled remotes (such as Mi Remote Pro 2026) require a firmware update to the TV version MIUI TV 3.0+. Without it, synchronization through NFC may not work.

2. Basic setting: connection to a TV or console

If you have a remote from Xiaomi TV Or Mi Box, it's already paired with the device out of the box. Just insert the batteries (usually 2).×AAA) And you press any button, and the TV has to react.

Instructions for universal remotes (IR/RF):

1. Turn on the TV or other device you want to control.
2. On the Xiaomi remote, press the buttons TV + OK 5 seconds until the indicator lights up.
3. Enter the code of your TV brand (see the list of codes below).
4. Check the buttons on/off, Volume, Channels.

If the code is unknown, use autosearch:

1. Hold it. TV + SET (or OK) flashing.
2. Point the remote to the TV and press CH+ or CH-, until the device is turned off.
3. Save the settings with the OK button.

Replace batteries with new ones (alkaline recommended)

Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV

Connect the TV to 220V (not via extension)

Find the code of your TV brand in advance (see table below)-->

Codes of popular brands for Xiaomi remotes:

⚠️ Warning: If the remote does not respond to the code entered, try an alternative method: point the original TV remote and Xiaomi remote at each other (2-3 cm) and hold the desired button on both remotes for 3-5 seconds.

3. Set up via the Mi Remote app

The Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) lets you control hardware from your smartphone, as well as configure Xiaomi's physical remotes. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Mi Remote and allow access to Bluetooth and location.
2. Click Add Device and select the type of equipment (TV, air conditioning, etc.).
3. Choose a brand from the list (such as Samsung or Samsung). LG).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: the app will prompt you to test the buttons.
5. If the remote is physical, click Sync with the remote and select its model.

For voice control in Mi Remote, additional settings are available:

• 🎤 Choosing a voice assistant (Alice, Google Assistant, Xiao) AI).
• 🔊 Adjustment of microphone sensitivity.
• 📡 Set up commands for a smart home (for example, “Switch on the light in the hall").

💡

If the application does not find your remote, update its firmware through Mi Home: go to Profile → Settings → Firmware update.

Additional functions: macros, gestures, NFC

Modern Xiaomi remotes support advanced features that simplify the management of equipment.

🔄 Macros (command sequences)

The macro allows you to do several things on a single button, like turn on the TV, switch it to the computer. HDMI1 And launch Netflix:

1. In the Mi Remote app, go to a smart home → Macros.
2. Click Create a macro and select devices (TV, console, sound bar).
3. Write down a sequence of commands (for example: On) → HDMI1 → Netflix launches).
4. Save the macro and assign it to one of the remote buttons (for example, F1 or F2).

👆 Gestures and touch buttons

Some remotes (e.g. Mi) TV Remote Pro supports gestures:

• 🖐️ Shake the remote to turn on the voice assistant.
• ☝️ Swipe your finger up/down on the touch panel to adjust the volume.
• ✌️ Double-push OK opens up the list of applications.

You can activate gestures in the settings of the TV: Settings → DU remote → Gestures.

📱 NFC-synchronization (for new models)

Xiaomi remotes 2023-2026 support fast tethering through NFC. For that:

1. Make sure the TV is updated to MIUI TV 3.0+.
2. Bring the remote to NFC-tag on the back of the TV (usually next to the logo).
3. Wait for the beep - synchronization is complete.

5. Solving common problems

Even after you set it up properly, the remotes can be incorrect, and we'll look at the typical faults and how to fix them.

🔋 Remote is not responding to pressing

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Replace with new batteries (Duracell or Energizer recommended).
• 📶 Interference IR-Signal: remove obstacles between the remote and the TV, check the infrared sensor on the TV (it should flash when you press the buttons).
• 🔄 Resetting settings: pinch TV + OK 10 seconds, then repeat the setting.
• 🛠️ Contact damage: disassemble the remote and check the oxidation fee (relevant after liquid is ingested).

📺 The remote does not control the TV, but works with other devices.

Probably got the settings wrong. IR-The decision:

1. Remove the TV from the list of devices in Mi Remote.
2. Add it again by selecting another code from the list.
3. If it doesn’t work, manually train the buttons (see Section 2).

🎤 Voice assistant is not working

Check the following points:

• 🔊 Microphone not silenced (some remotes have a physical switch).
• 📶 Remote connected to Wi-Fi (for Xiao) AI or Google Assistant).
• 🔄 The TV settings have microphone access (Settings) → Confidentiality).
• 🗣️ The language of voice input corresponds to the region (for example, for Alice you need Russian).

⚠️ Note: If after updating the TV firmware gestures or voice commands stopped working, reset the remote to the factory settings: press Back + Home + OK It's 15 seconds. It'll keep the pairing data, but you'll have to reconfigure the extra functions.

6. Optimization of the remote: tips and life hacks

To make the remote last longer and work more stable, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Use high-current batteries like Eneloop, which hold the charge longer and flow less.
• 🧹 Once a month, clean the infrared sensor on the remote and TV with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 📱 Regularly update the firmware remote via Mi Home – this fixes bugs and adds support for new devices.
• 🔄 If the remote is rarely used, remove the batteries to avoid contact oxidation.

For fans of smart automation:

• 🤖 Set up remote integration with Home Assistant or Yandex Alice via Mi Home API.
• 📊 Use Tasker (Android) to create automatic scripts (e.g., turn on your TV on on a schedule).
• 🎮 Connect the remote to your PC via Bluetooth and use it to control media players (Kodi, Plex).

💡

Regular updates to the firmware of the remote and TV are key to stable operation, and new versions of the software fix compatibility errors with devices of other brands.

7.Configuring the remote for a smart home (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners)

Xiaomi’s universal remotes (such as the Mi Remote Pro) can control not only TVs, but other smart appliances.

1. Make sure that the devices (lamps, sockets) are connected to the Mi Home.
2. In the Mi Remote app, go to Smart Home and add devices manually.
3. Assign commands to the remote buttons (for example, F3 — lamp, F4 — vacuum).

Example of settings for Xiaomi Robot Vacuum:

1.In Mi Remote: Smart Home → Add Device → Robot vacuum cleaner.


2. Select a model (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).




Assign the "Clean" command to the F1 button, "Return to base" to the F2 button.




4. Save settings and test.

To control air conditioning through IR:

• ❄️ In Mi Remote, select the Air Conditioner device type.
• Specify the brand (e.g. Gree, Midea).
• Adjust the temperature, mode and direction of the airflow.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi remotes