Why connect the keyboard to a smart TV and what models are compatible with the Mi TV 4S
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S Android TVs offer a wide range of text-based experiences, from YouTube searches to Netflix logins. But a standard voice-controlled remote or virtual keyboard on the screen often slows down the process. Connecting a physical keyboard solves this problem: grows 3-5 times faster and 100% accurate, especially for owners who use TV as a monitor for work, training or streaming.
Compatibility depends on the firmware version and keyboard model. Mi TV 4S (all modifications: 43, 50, 55, 65) supports:
- 🔵 Bluetooth keyboards (versions 3.0-5.2, profiles) HID)
- 🔌 Wired USB-keyboards (through port) USB 2.0 or hub)
- 📡 Radio frequency keyboards (c) USB-receiver at 2.4 GHz)
Important: Mi TV 4S on PatchWall (Chinese firmware) can block connection of some devices due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case you will need to change the region or install an alternative launcher.
Method 1: Connecting Bluetooth keyboard - step-by-step instructions
The most versatile method, which does not require additional adapters, is suitable for Logitech K400, Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard, Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Keyboard and other models with support for the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol.
Connection algorithm:
- Turn the keyboard into pairing mode (usually hold the Power or Connect button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
- On the Xiaomi remote go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Select Add Device and wait for the keyboard to appear in the list.
- Click on the device name and confirm the pairing (if necessary, enter the PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
If the keyboard is not displayed:
- ⚡ Check the battery (the indicator should flash or burn green).
- 🔄 Reboot the TV: Settings → On TV. → Reboot.
- 📱 Make sure the keyboard is not connected to another device (turn it off in your smartphone/PC settings).
Keyboard charged |Pairing mode activated |Bluetooth on TV enabled |No active connections to other devices-->
⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware TV 4S After connecting the keyboard, the sound may disappear in HDMI-Solution: Go to Settings → Sound. → Exit HDMI and choose PCM auto.
Method 2: Use of wired USB-Keyboards – nuances and limitations
Direct USB 2.0 connection on the back of the Mi TV 4S is the most reliable way, but with reservations. The TV recognizes keyboards with a Type-A connector (for example, A4Tech Bloodless, Genius LuxeMate), but can ignore devices with additional multimedia buttons or backlights.
Instructions:
- Connect the keyboard to USB-TV port (use extension cord if port is inconvenient).
- Wait for automatic recognition (the Caps Lock indicator should catch fire when pressed).
- If the keyboard is not working, go to Settings → Devices → USB and select Connect as HID-device.
Limitations of the method:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard not defined | Lack of nutrition USB-port | Use passive. USB-feed-in |
| Not all keys work. | The layout conflict | Switch the language to Settings → Language and keyboard |
| Input freezes | Long. USB-cable (>1.5 m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m) | Use a cable with a ferrite ring |
Critical feature: Mi TV 4S supportive USB-Connecting via a hub without a power supply will cause keyboard failures or complete disregard of the device.
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If USB-The TV port is occupied by other devices (for example, a flash drive), use OTG-a splitter with an additional port for the keyboard, the main thing is that the splitter supports the function USB Host.
Method 3: Wireless keyboards with USB-Receiver (2.4 GHz) - how to get around the restrictions
Keyboards with radio frequency receiver (e.g. Logitech) MK270, Rapoo E2700) plug in TV 4S through USB-But there are pitfalls: the TV may not recognize the receiver because of the lack of drivers for specific chips (e.g., Nordic). nRF24).
Step-by-step action:
- Put it in. USB-receiver in the TV port (preferably rear to avoid interference).
- Turn on the keyboard - the indicator on the receiver should light up or blink.
- If the connection does not occur, restart the TV and try again.
Alternative method for "stubborn" models:
- 🔧 Connect the receiver to the Android smartphone through OTG Check the keyboard's performance.
- 📱 If the keyboard works on the smartphone, the problem is the TV firmware - try to update the software (see the section below).
- 🔄 Use a Bluetooth adapter (such as Avaca Bluetooth Dongle) instead of your native receiver.
⚠️ Note: Some keyboards with receivers (e.g. Dell) KM636) Requires the installation of proprietary software that cannot be installed on Android TV. In this case, only the option with Bluetooth or wired connection remains.
Updating the firmware as a solution to compatibility issues
If the keyboard doesn’t connect in any way, the fault may be an outdated version of Android. TV Or PatchWall. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix recognition errors. HID-device.
How to update firmware:
- Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the search.
- If a new version is available, confirm the installation (the TV will restart automatically).
If automatic updates do not help:
- 🌐 Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (choose the version for Mi). TV 4S regionally).
- 📁 Save the file to the formatted in FAT32 flash drive (file name should not contain Cyrillic alphabet!).
- 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the TV, go to Settings → On TV. → Local Update and Select a File.
What if the keyboard stopped working after the update?
Customize layout and hot keys for maximum convenience
After successfully connecting the keyboard, you can customize it to your needs. By default, the Mi TV 4S uses the English layout (QWERTY), but it can be changed to Russian or multilingual.
How to change the layout:
- Go to Settings → Language and Keyboard → Physical Keyboard.
- Select Add layout and specify the desired language (for example, Russian).
- For quick switching between layouts, use the Left Alt + Shift combination (setting is available in the same menu).
Useful hotkeys for Android TV:
| Combination | Action. |
|---|---|
| Win (⊞) + D | Return to the main screen |
| Win (⊞) + S | Search by apps and content |
| Alt + Tab | Switching between open applications |
| Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V | Copy and paste text (not working in all applications) |
For gaming keyboards (such as Razer Turret), additional settings are available in Settings → Special features → Game devices. Here you can turn off input delay or reassign buttons.
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If the keyboard is connected but does not type in a particular application (like Kodi), the problem is with the software itself. Try using alternative programs (like MX Player for video) or update the application.
Frequent Errors and Their Solutions: Why the Keyboard Doesn't Work
Even after connecting properly, users face problems such as hangings, broken keys, or spontaneous shutdowns, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: The keyboard connects but enters the wrong characters.
- 🔠 Check the current layout in Settings → Language and keyboard.
- 🔄 Switch the language with the Alt combination + Shift or Win + Gap.
- 📝 If the problem persists, reset the keyboard settings: Settings → Devices → keyboard → Reset.
Problem 2: The wireless keyboard is periodically turned off.
- 🔋 Replace the batteries in the keyboard (even if the indicator shows charge).
- 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the keyboard and the TV (walls, metal objects).
- 🔌 For Bluetooth devices, turn off energy savings: Settings → Bluetooth → Additionally. → Energy saving (off).
Problem. 3: USB-Keyboard works, but TV doesn’t respond to multimedia buttons (Volume, Play/Pause).
- 🎵 These buttons may conflict with the Xiaomi remote. Turn them off in the settings: Settings → Devices → keyboard → Turn off the multimedia keys.
- 🔄 If you need to leave volume control, use the combinations: Fn + F1/F2/F3 (depends on the keyboard model).
⚠️ Warning: If after connecting the keyboard, the TV began to brake, check the processor boot in Settings → On TV. → System status. >70% Turn off background apps or reboot TV.