Xiaomi’s current 4S series TVs are renowned for their reliability and advanced operating system, but even they sometimes crash peripherals. If your old remote has stopped responding to commands or been lost, you face the challenge of quickly synchronizing a new control device, a process that is not always obvious, since most modern Mi Remote models work through Bluetooth protocol, rather than through an infrared port, which requires prior pairing.
Unlike older models, where it was enough to just insert batteries, new remotes need to be introduced to the TV. For Xiaomi 4S models, it is critical to be no more than 10-15 centimeters from the logo on the bottom frame during initial synchronization. This is due to the peculiarities of the location of the Bluetooth antenna inside the case. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of connecting the original and universal remotes, as well as how to solve typical connection errors.
Before you start setting up, make sure that fresh batteries are inserted into the new control panel. A weak charge can cause the Bluetooth module to work unstable, and the TV simply won't see the device in search mode. It's also worth checking if the TV itself is on, since pairing cannot be done in standby mode.
Features of the remotes for Xiaomi Mi TV 4S
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is powered primarily by Bluetooth remotes that provide control without having to point the device directly at the screen, allowing you to control playback even if the remote is in your pocket or behind your back, but there are IR versions that operate on the principle of direct beam, but they are less common in new shipments.
The main difference between the original Mi Remote is the presence of voice control and special buttons to call streaming services. When you connect to such a device, the system automatically recognizes the model and downloads the corresponding interface drivers. Universal remotes may require manually configuring codes or using third-party applications.
It's important to understand what kind of connection your remote is using, and if there's no infrared emitter on the end of the device, you're dealing with a Bluetooth model, and then the connection procedure will be different from the standard battery replacement.
- 📡 Bluetooth remotes: require mandatory pairing via menu or key combination, provide two-way communication.
- 📶 IR panels: work immediately after installation of batteries, do not require configuration, but need a line of sight.
- 📱 Smartphone as a remote: using the Mi Remote or Android app TV Remote Control over Wi-Fi network.
Users often confuse these technologies by trying to pair an IR remote via a Bluetooth menu, which naturally fails. You can also determine the type of device by having a microphone button: voice input almost always indicates the presence of a Bluetooth module.
Preparation for the pairing of the new device
The first step before starting the synchronization procedure is to ensure that the TV is powered consistently. Although this seems obvious, power surges or the use of unstable power sources can interrupt the search process for devices, leading to a connection error.
Next, remove the protective film from the contacts of the batteries in the new remote, if any. Often manufacturers put the power sources separately or install an insulation gasket to store charge when stored in a warehouse. Make sure that the polarity + and - is strictly observed in the scheme inside the compartment.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use old, partially discharged batteries with new ones. The voltage difference can cause the Bluetooth module to malfunction and the TV will not be able to detect it in search mode.
If you plan to use a universal remote, check in advance for its compatibility with the Android TV or PatchWall operating system on which Xiaomi's interface is based.Some budget models may not support all features like volume control or voice search.
Also, you should make room for the TV, remove foreign objects that can cause interference, although this is rare, and the main requirement is that the device is close to the bottom of the screen, where the receiver is located.
Instructions: Connecting the original Bluetooth remote
The process of connecting the original Mi Remote remote to the Xiaomi 4S TV is simple enough, but requires precise follow-up.The system expects to enter the pairing mode for a limited time after switching on or resetting settings.
To start, turn on the TV with a button on the body (usually located at the bottom in the center or side). After you load the desktop, take a new remote control in your hands. Bring it as close as possible to the Mi logo on the bottom of the TV.
☑️ Pre-conjugation check
Now you need to press and hold two buttons at the same time: Back (arrow left or house) and Menu (three stripes or gears). In some versions, these can be OK and Back buttons. Hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the LED on the remote (if any) does not blink, or until the screen will not appear on the device search message.
Once the TV detects the remote, a notification will appear on the screen. Press OK to confirm. Once the remote is successfully synchronized, you can move back to your normal control distance.
- 🔘 Press and hold the back buttons. + Menu (or Home) + Back up).
- 📺 Look at the screen: the window “Connect remote” should appear».
- ✅ Confirm the action with the button OK remote.
In the rare cases where automatic detection does not occur, you can try to log in to the settings menu manually. Go to Settings → Remotes and Accessories → Add Accessory. The TV will go into active search mode, and then you can repeat the procedure of pressing the buttons on the remote.
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If the remote doesn't connect the first time, pull out the batteries for 10 seconds, then insert back in and repeat the pairing procedure. This will reboot the Bluetooth module of the remote.
Configuring a universal IR panel
If you don't have an original device, you can use a universal IR remote, which has a code base for different manufacturers. Xiaomi TVs are often coded by the MI, Hisense or TCL brands, since the panels are often manufactured in the same factories.
Most universal remotes have automatic code selection, which requires you to press the Setup button (or Code Search) until the indicator lights up constantly, then point the remote to the TV and press the power button.
Once the TV is off, release the button immediately. That means the code is found. Lock it down by pressing the Setup button again. Now check the other features: volume, channel switching and menu.
| Remote brand | Activation method | Probability of success |
|---|---|---|
| One For All | Code search engine | Tall. |
| Huayu | Entering code 0391 | Medium |
| RM-L1320 | Combination of TV+OK | Tall. |
| Generic IR | Hand-wringing | Low. |
It's worth noting that IR remotes don't support voice control or smart search, and they require direct vision of the receiver on the TV, and if you lose the remote behind the couch often, this may be less convenient than the Bluetooth analogue.
Some advanced universal remotes allow you to copy the signal from an old device. If you have an old, partially working remote, you can rewrite the button codes to a new universal controller, following the instructions for the latter.
Using a smartphone as a remote
The Android TV operating system installed on Xiaomi 4S has built-in Wi-Fi management support. This is especially handy if the original remote has broken and the new one hasn’t been purchased yet.
To implement this method, both the smartphone and the TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Download the official Android TV Remote Control app from Google or Mi Remote (for Xiaomi devices with an IR port), in the first case, the connection is through the network, in the second – through the infrared port of the phone, if any.
⚠️ Note: When using applications over Wi-Fi, make sure that the router’s settings do not include customer separation (AP Isolation: This feature prevents devices within the LAN from seeing each other, making it impossible to connect.
Once you install the app, run a network scan. Your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S should appear on the list of available devices. Click on it and the confirmation code will appear on the TV screen. Enter this code in the app on your smartphone.
Alternative management applications
The advantage of this method is that you can quickly type in text for search on YouTube or Netflix, which is extremely inconvenient to do with a standard remote, and you always carry a remote control in your pocket.
Diagnostics and Solving Connection Problems
Even if all instructions are followed, there can be technical difficulties, most often users are faced with a situation where the TV simply “cannot see” the remote, which can be caused by a software glitch in the Bluetooth module of the TV.
Try to reboot the system completely, not just turn off the TV with a button, but turn it off for 1-2 minutes, which will allow you to reset the residual voltage and restart all system services, including Bluetooth drivers.
If the problem persists, check the list of paired devices in the TV menu. The memory may be full of old connections. Go to Settings → Remote and Accessories, select unnecessary devices, and click Delete or Forget the device.
- 🔄 Reboot: Turn off the TV from the outlet for 2 minutes.
- 🗑️ Cleanup: Remove old remote profiles in Bluetooth settings.
- 🔋 Batteries: Replace the batteries with new ones, even if the old ones seem to be working.
In some cases, resetting the remote itself helps. For some Mi Remote models, there is a combination of Back + Menu buttons that need to be held for more than 15 seconds until the remote blinks twice, which brings it back to factory settings.
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If none of these methods work, the Bluetooth module in the TV may be faulty, and the best solution is to use the Bluetooth module. USB-keyboard.