How to set up the Xiaomi Mi Box S remote: from connection to fine settings

Welcome to the detailed guide to setting up the Xiaomi Mi Box S remote, a compact yet functional device that turns a regular TV into a smart media center. Many users face difficulties when first connecting the remote or after resetting the consoles. In this article, we will examine not only the basic steps of synchronization, but also the hidden capabilities of the remote, which the manufacturer does not always advertise.

The Mi Box S is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) remote, not a traditional IR protocol, which means it doesn't require direct vision with a console, but it has its own nuances, for example, when you update the firmware, the remote can forget the device's binding, and the standard instruction from the box doesn't always help solve the problem. We've put together all the relevant ways to deal with such situations, including resetting methods and alternative controls.

1. First remote connection to Xiaomi Mi Box S

If you've just unpacked the console, the initial setup process is as simple as possible. Once you connect the Mi Box S to the TV via HDMI and power the system automatically triggers the installation wizard. At the language selection stage, you'll be asked to sync the remote.

To successfully complete the binding:

• 🔋 Make sure the remote has batteries (included) and the polarity is indicated on the inside of the compartment.
• 📶 Place the remote at a distance of no more than 1 meter from the console - this is the optimal distance for the first synchronization.
• 🔄 Press and hold the button. OK (round central) for 5 seconds until the indicator on the remote starts flashing.
• ⏳ Wait for the message to appear on the "Remote Connected" screen. 10-15 seconds.

If synchronization is not happening, check:

• 🔌 Correct connection of the power cable to the Mi Box S (the indicator on the console should burn blue).
• 🔄 Try rebooting the console by holding the power button on the case for 10 seconds.
• 📱 Make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices nearby that can cause interference (earphones, smartphones, fitness bracelets).

2. Re-sync the remote after reset

Once the Mi Box S is reset to factory settings or firmware updates, the remote may lose communication with the console, in which case it requires re-association.

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Select Add Device and wait until "Mi Remote Controller" appears in the list.
3. Click on the device found and confirm the pairing.
4. If the remote doesn’t show, press and hold Back + Home at the same time for 8 seconds for forced search mode.

If the re-synchronization fails, try the hardware reset remote:

• 🔧 Remove the batteries from the remote for 30 seconds.
• 🔄 Press all buttons in turn (2 seconds each) to discharge the residual charge of the capacitors.
• 🔋 Install the batteries back and repeat the synchronization procedure.

💡

If the remote still doesn't work, check the firmware version of the Mi Box S. Older versions (below 9.0) have a bug with Bluetooth pairing. Update the console via Settings → About console → System update.

3. Customization of buttons and gestures of the remote

The standard Xiaomi Mi Box S has a limited number of buttons, but their behavior can be customized to suit your needs. For example, the Netflix button can be reassigned to launch another application, and the gesture “double press Home” to open a list of recently used programs.

To change the purpose of the buttons:

1. Install the Button Mapper app from Google Play (you’ll need to connect your mouse or keyboard to the console for navigation).
2. Launch the application and grant ADB permissions through Settings → For developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Select the button you want to reassign and specify a new action (like launching YouTube instead of Netflix).

You can also activate hidden gestures:

• 👆 Swipe up on the remote touchpad (if supported by your model) – opens the notification panel.
• 👇 Swipe Down – Converts the current app.
• 🔄 Touchpad Circular Movement – Switching Between Recent Apps.

4.Control problems and their solutions

Even after successful synchronization, users face typical problems: delayed response, spontaneous pressing or complete inoperability of the remote control.

⚠️ Warning: If the remote control stops working after falling or getting liquid, do not try to disassemble it yourself. SMD-Components that are easily damaged. Contact Xiaomi Service Center for Diagnostics.

5. Alternative ways to control the Mi Box S

If a standard remote is lost or broken, you can control the console in several alternative ways.

• 📱 Mi Remote for Smartphone: Download the official app from Google Play or App Store. Connect your smartphone and console to the same Wi-Fi network. Select the Mi Box S model in the app and follow the instructions on the screen.

Important: When using the Mi Remote app on iPhone, you need to enable the Local Network option in the application settings (Privacy section), otherwise the remote will not work.

Install the Mi Remote app on your smartphone|Connect the mouse/keyboard through OTG|Check the compatibility of the gamepad|Update the console firmware-->

6. Update of the remote firmware (if available)

Few people know, but some Xiaomi Mi Box S remotes support firmware updates, which can solve problems with freezes or add new features.

1. Connect the remote to the console (it should be synchronized).
2. Go to Settings → Devices → Remote DU → Update of the remote firmware.
3. If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the remote!).

The process takes about 2-3 minutes. After updating, the remote will automatically restart. If the update option is not available in the menu, your remote model does not support this function.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process of updating the firmware remote, even if it is frozen at 99%.This can lead to complete failure of the device. If the update lasts more than 10 minutes, remove the batteries from the remote, wait 30 seconds and install them back.

7. Resetting the remote to factory settings

If the remote is unstable (spontaneous pressing, incorrect operation of the buttons), a complete reset can help.

1. Remove the batteries from the remote.
2. Press and hold the Home + Back + OK buttons at the same time.
3. Without releasing the buttons, set the batteries back.
4. Hold the buttons for another 10 seconds until the indicator blinks 3 times.

Once reset, the remote will be completely cleared of all settings and will need to be re-synchronized with the console, which also helps if the remote was previously tied to another Mi Box and does not want to connect to a new one.

💡

Resetting the remote is a last resort, so before you do that, try replacing the batteries and reconnecting the remote via the Bluetooth menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the Xiaomi Mi Box S remote