How to connect the remote Mi Remote to the TV Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi’s Mi Remote is a versatile device that can control not only the brand’s TVs, but also other household appliances. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup, especially when it comes to synchronizing with Xiaomi Mi TVs or Mi Box consoles. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, including wireless synchronization via Bluetooth, infrared port and alternative methods for older models.

The Mi Remote features several communication protocols: Bluetooth LE (for modern models), infrared port (for universal control), and even Wi-Fi Direct in some versions. This means that the same remote can work with Xiaomi TVs in different ways, depending on the TV model and firmware version, and we will tell you how to determine the type of remote and choose the best way to connect.

If you've tried to sync your devices before, but you've failed, don't be quick to blame the technology. 80 percent of the time, the problem is the wrong sequence, the outdated firmware of the TV, or the conflict with other connected remotes. At the end of the article, you'll find a section on the solutions to the most common bugs, including resetting the remote and forced resynchronization.

1. How to determine the model of the remote Mi Remote and its compatibility with TV

Before you start connecting, it’s important to understand what kind of remote model you’re holding. Xiaomi has released several versions of the Mi Remote, and each has its own compatibility nuances:

• 📱 Mi Remote (1-e generation - works only on IR, suitable for old Mi TVs TV 3/4 and universal control of other devices.
• 🔵 Mi Remote Bluetooth (2-E generation – supports Bluetooth LE and IR, compatible with Mi TV 4A/4S/5 newer.
• 🎮 Mi Game Controller – voice-controlled remote for Mi Box, connected via Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Mi Remote Pro – the newest version with touchpad and support for Wi-Fi Direct for some models.

To find out the exact model, look at the back of the remote – there should be a sticker with a name (for example, MDZ-22-AB for Bluetooth version), and you can check the model in the Mi Home app if the remote has already been linked to a Xiaomi account.

Compatibility with Xiaomi TVs depends on the year of TV production:

If your TV is released before 2018, there is a good chance that your Bluetooth connection will be unstable or not supported at all, in which case you will have to use an infrared port or buy an original remote.

2. Connect Mi Remote over Bluetooth (main method)

This is the most reliable and recommended method for modern Xiaomi TVs. Bluetooth connectivity provides stable communication without the need to direct the remote to the TV, and also supports additional functions like voice control and touch panel.

The instructions are relevant for the Mi Remote Bluetooth (2nd generation) and Mi Remote Pro remotes, as well as Mi TV 4 and later:

1. Turn on the TV and go to Settings → Devices → Remotes and accessories.
2. Select Add Remote (or Add Bluetooth Device).
3. On the Mi Remote, press the Menu + OK buttons for 5-7 seconds at the same time until the indicator flashes blue.
4. On your TV, select Mi Remote from the list of devices found.
5. Confirm the pairing on both devices.

Remote charge > 30%|The TV is connected to the Internet|Distance between devices < 1 metre|Other Bluetooth devices disabled-->

If the TV doesn't find the remote:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge of the remote (the indicator should burn green when pressing any button).
• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🔄 Restart the TV and try again.

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If the remote has already been paired with another device (such as the Mi Box), reset it first: press Back + Home for 10 seconds until the indicator goes out and flashes red.

3. Connection via IR port (for older models)

If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth (like the Mi TV 3 or earlier), you can use an infrared port, which is also useful if your Bluetooth connection is unstable or the remote is dead.

Instructions for setting up IR control:

1. Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV (maximum distance is 8 meters).
2. On the Mi Remote, press and hold the TV (or Mode) button until the indicator starts flashing.
3. Enter the code for your TV model. For Xiaomi Mi TV, the standard codes are 0101, 0102, 0105, 0110.
4. After entering the code, press OK – if the indicator is gone, the synchronization was successful.

If the standard codes don’t work, try automatic search:

1. Hold TV + OK for 3 seconds.
2. Point the remote to the TV and press CH+ or CH- until the TV reacts.
3. Once the TV is turned off/on, press OK to save the code.

⚠️ Note: Some of the TVs on the Mi TV 4A The IR port is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Additionally. → Remote mode and select IR + Bluetooth.

4. Connect Mi Remote to the Mi Box

If you use a Mi Remote with a Mi Box S or Mi Box 4K console, the pairing process is a little different than working with a TV. The main difference is that the console does not support IR control (except for some early models), so the connection is only via Bluetooth.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the Mi Box and go to Settings → Remotes and accessories.
2. Select Add Bluetooth Device.
3. On the Mi Game Controller or Mi Remote Bluetooth, press Back + Home for 5 seconds.
4. In the list of found devices on the console will appear Mi Remote – select it.
5. Confirm the pairing on the remote (press OK).

Once you've successfully connected, check all buttons. If some features don't work (such as voice search or volume control), update the console firmware:

• Go to Settings → About the console → System update.
• If there are no updates, try resetting the remote settings (see Section 6).

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For the Mi Box, only Bluetooth-enabled remotes are suitable. The IR panel (1st generation) will not work, even if you are physically connected to the TV.

5. Solving Connection Problems

If the Mi Remote remote does not connect to the TV or console, first check the obvious points:

• 🔋 Battery charge: The indicator on the remote should burn green when pressed. If flashing red, charge the device (via Micro-USB or USB-C, model-wise).
• 📶 Distance: For Bluetooth, the maximum distance is 10 meters without obstacles, for IR - 8 meters in a straight line.
• 🔄 Device conflict: Disable other Bluetooth remotes or headsets connected to the TV.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If nothing helps, try a forced reset of the remote settings:

1. Remove the battery (if removable) for 30 seconds.
2. Insert it back and hold Menu + OK + Power for 15 seconds.
3. Repeat the connection process again.

⚠️ Note: Some of the TVs on the Mi TV 5 Pro after resetting the remote may require a system reboot (press the Power on TV for 10 seconds.

6.Alternative ways to control the Xiaomi TV

If standard methods do not work, alternative management methods can be used:

• 📱 Mi Remote app (for smartphone): Download the official Mi Remote app from Google Play or App Store. Select device type (TV) → Follow the on-screen instructions for Wi-Fi or IR sync.
• 🖥️ Control via Mi Home: If the TV and remote are tied to the same Xiaomi account, you can control the TV through the Mi Home app (Smart Home section).
• 🎮 Gaming controllers: Some models (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller) can be connected to a TV as an alternative remote control.