How to connect a new remote to the console Xiaomi Mi Box S: all ways 2026

Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the most popular Android TV-But even with such a reliable device, users face a typical problem: the remote stops working after replacing batteries, resetting settings or buying a new accessory. Unlike TVs, where syncing is often automatic, the Mi Box S requires a manual remote connection – and here many make mistakes.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect the remote to the Xiaomi Mi Box S (models). MDZ-22-AB and MDZ-24-AA), Including original and third-party remotes, as well as solutions for cases when the console does not respond to commands, we will pay special attention to hidden Bluetooth connection settings, which Xiaomi does not document in official instructions, but which often cause synchronization failures.

If your remote is flashing but not connecting, or if the console does not see it in the list of devices at all, do not rush to buy a new one. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 3-5 minutes using the methods described below.

1. How to determine the type of your remote: Bluetooth or IR?

Before you try to connect a remote, you need to understand what type of connection it uses. This depends on the synchronization algorithm. Xiaomi Mi Box S has two options for remotes:

• 📶 Bluetooth remote (wireless, with a couple of buttons and a touchpad) - connects over a radio channel, requires synchronization. Works at a distance of up to 10 meters.
• 🔦 IR remote (infrared, with a lot of buttons) – works only in the line of sight of the console (up to 5 meters.

How to distinguish them visually:

If you're not sure what remote you have, flip it over and check the model. Xiaomi's original Bluetooth remotes are labeled R29D or R39D, a IR-multiple — R29E or R39E. Third-party remotes (e.g., from Redmi or universal) can use both types of connections.

⚠️ Note: If your remote is equipped with both Bluetooth and IR transmitter (hybrid models), first try to connect it as a Bluetooth device.

2. Connect Bluetooth remote to Xiaomi Mi Box S

This is the most common scenario, as most of the original Mi Box S consoles use Bluetooth. the synchronization process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but there are nuances that Xiaomi does not mention.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the Mi Box S and wait for the main screen to load.
2. Press and hold the back buttons (back) + Home (home) on the remote at the same time for 5-7 seconds, until the indicator begins to flash quickly in blue.
3. On the console, go to Settings → Input devices → Add an accessory.
4. In the list of available devices, select Mi Remote Controller (or the name of your remote model).
5. Confirm the connection on the screen. The remote must stop blinking and light up with a smooth blue light.

If the remote does not appear in the list, try the following:

Make sure the remote is in pairing mode (blinds blue)

Reboot the console (pull the power cable for 10 seconds)

Check if the remote is connected to another device (such as a smartphone)

Update the Mi Box S to the latest version-->

Note: Some remotes (e.g. from Xiaomi Mi) TV Sticks may not be suitable for the Mi Box S due to different Bluetooth protocols, in which case you will have to use IR mode or buy a compatible remote control.

3. IR remote setup for Mi Box S

Infrared remotes do not require connection in the usual sense, but sometimes they need to be “tied” to the console, especially if it is a universal model (for example, from Huayu or One For All).

Instructions for the original IR panel:

• 🔋 Insert the batteries and point the remote to the console from a distance of no more than 1 meter.
• Press and hold the Menu buttons. + OK for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes twice.
• Press any button (such as Volume) +) — If the console has responded, the setup is complete.

For universal remotes:

1. Find the code for the Xiaomi Mi Box (usually 0171, 0245 or 0339) in the instructions to the remote.
2. Activate the programming mode (most often by clamping the Setup until the indicator flashes).
3. Enter the code using digital buttons.
4. Press Power – if the console is turned off / on, the code is correct.

⚠️ Warning: If the IR panel stopped working after updating the firmware Mi Box S, reset it: remove the batteries for 10 minutes, then repeat the connection procedure.

4. Connect the remote via the Mi Remote app

If the physical remote is lost or broken, you can use the smartphone as a temporary replacement, and the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) will do this.

How to set up:

1. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Turn on the Settings setup. → Communications and networking → Bluetooth.
3. In the app, select Add Device → Android TV → Xiaomi Mi Box S.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 Works without a physical remote (can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet).
• 🎮 Supports gestures and voice input (if the console is connected to the microphone).
• 🔄 It can be used as a backup option if the main remote is discharged.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠ Delayed input (about 0.5-1 seconds) due to Bluetooth data transfer.
• 🔋 Quickly planting the battery of the smartphone.

💡

If the Mi Remote app does not find the console, check if the Mi Box S has enabled Bluetooth debugging mode in the developer settings (Settings) → About the prefix → Build Number – Press 7 times to unlock).

5. Problem Solving: The remote does not connect or does not work correctly

Even when synchronized correctly, the remote can behave strangely, like delaying commands, spontaneously pressing buttons, or turning off, and consider typical problems and their solutions.

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the consoles:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not remove apps, only settings).
3. After restarting, reconnect the remote.

⚠️ Note: After reset, the console may require re-entering your Google and Mi Account account details. Make sure you remember passwords in advance, or untie the device from your Xiaomi account.

6. Alternative ways to control the Mi Box S without a remote

If the console is finally broken and the new one has not yet been purchased, there are several ways to control the console:

• 🖱️ USB-Mouse or keyboard – connect via port USB-A It works without any additional settings.
• 🎮 Gamepad - any Bluetooth controller (for example, from Xbox or PlayStation) will fit. Connects through Settings → Input devices.
• 📱 Google Assistant – If the console is connected to the same Google account as the smartphone, you can control your voice through the command “OK, Google".
• 💻 ADB-commands for advanced users. Connect the console to the PC USB Use the following commands: Adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_HOME (Full Key List: Android Documentation).

For permanent use, the combination is best USB-keyboard + Mi Remote app on your smartphone, which eliminates the need to buy a new remote if the original one is lost.

💡

If you lose a remote often, set up control via Google Assistant or buy a universal IR remote with Xiaomi support (for example, BroadLink). RM4 Pro).

7. How to choose a new remote for Xiaomi Mi Box S

If the old remote is finally out of order, when choosing a new one, pay attention to the following parameters:

Avoid cheap no-name remotes without feedback, which often have problems with synchronization.

• 🏆 Best Original: Xiaomi Mi TV Remote (Bluetooth, voice input, backlighting).
• 💰 Budget option: Redmi Bluetooth Voice Remote (compatible with Mi Box S, priced) ~800 ₽).
• 🎛️ For gamers: 8BitDo Zero 2 (Bluetooth-Gampad with Android Support) TV).

Before buying, check if the remote supports the protocol. HID (Human Interface Device – This ensures compatibility with Android TV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)