Modern Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is powered by Android TV, which offers many possibilities but sometimes requires careful peripheral tuning. The owner of a smart TV may face a situation where a standard remote stops responding, loses or fails, and there is an urgent need for a quick replacement of the controller. The replacement process does not always go smoothly, since modern models use not only an infrared port, but also a Bluetooth connection for advanced functionality.
In this article, we will explore the nuances of how to connect your remote to your device so you can easily manage media content. We will look at the differences between IR models and Bluetooth versions, because the algorithm for actions for them is significantly different. Understanding the type of your controller is the first and most important step to successful configuration.
We will also discuss the use of smartphones as universal remote controls, which can be a great temporary solution, you will learn how to avoid common pairing errors and what to do if the automatic setup did not work the first time, and carefully following the instructions will allow you to regain full control of the TV in the shortest possible time.
Definition of the type of remote control
Before you start to act, you need to identify exactly what device you are dealing with. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S often comes with two types of remotes: classic infrared (IR) and advanced Bluetooth models with voice search. Visually, they may look very similar, but technically work on completely different signal transmission protocols.
Infrared remotes don't require a conventional pairing. They just emit a light signal that needs to be picked up by the receiver on the TV. They just need to insert batteries and point the device at the screen. However, if you have a microphone button on your remote for voice input or a quick call button for applications, it's definitely a Bluetooth remote that requires a pairing procedure.
💡
Check the bottom of the remote: if there is a “Bluetooth” or wireless symbol, as well as microphone holes, you will need a pairing procedure through the system menu.
Bluetooth models provide more stable communication and allow you to control the TV, even if the remote is not directly aimed at the screen, but is, for example, in your pocket or at an angle, and this is the most common question that users often have, because simply inserting batteries is not enough to activate all functions.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the front panel for a microphone button or Bluetooth logo.
- 🔋 Check the battery bay: Bluetooth remotes may require more powerful power supplies for stable operation.
- 📡 Try pressing the power button without pointing the remote to the TV: if there is a reaction, it is Bluetooth.
Preparation for pairing a Bluetooth remote
If you have determined that your new controller is wireless, you need to properly prepare the equipment for the first start. Unprepared systems or low charge of the batteries often cause unsuccessful connection attempts. Make sure that the remote is inserted fresh batteries, observing the polarity indicated on the circuit inside the compartment.
It is important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S should be in active mode. If the TV is turned off, start it with a physical button on the body (usually located at the bottom or back, sometimes hidden under the logo).
☑️ Preparation for connection
Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to disable other active Bluetooth devices nearby to avoid confusion when searching.The system may try to connect to the headphones or speakers instead of the remote if they are in pairing mode.
Step-by-step connection instruction via the menu
The main method of activating a new remote is to use the system menu of the TV, which is the most reliable and allows you to control the process at each stage. You need to get into the system settings using any available input method: it can be a working old remote control, USB-keyboard or mouse, or control buttons on the body of the TV.
After you log in, follow the algorithm: go to Settings, then select Remotes and Accessories (or Remotes & Accessories). This section displays all connected devices. To add a new one, click Add Accessory or Add Remote. The TV will go into active search for available devices within range.
Now, take a new remote and hold two buttons at once to go into pairing mode. Most often, this is a combination of the Back buttons (arrow left or house) and the Menu (three stripes or gear). Some Xiaomi models require you to pinch the OK and Back buttons. Hold them for about 5-7 seconds until the LED indicator on the remote (if any) starts to flash quickly.
The device name, such as "Mi Remote" or "Bluetooth Remote", should appear on the TV screen. Select it using navigation buttons. The system can request confirmation of action, after which the driver will be automatically installed and the buttons will be adjusted. The process usually takes no more than 10-15 seconds.
| Action. | Button combination | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Interconnection mode | Back + Menu (or OK) | Fast flashing of indicator |
| Voice input | Microphone button | Single signal or vibration |
| Turning off TV | Power button (red) | Long press for the menu |
| Resetting the remote | Home + Back (10 seconds) | Double blinking. |
Use of alternative management methods
In situations where the original remote is lost and the new one has not yet been purchased or paired, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S can be controlled using a smartphone, a temporary but highly effective solution that allows you to fully enjoy all the functions of Android TV, including text input and navigation.
This requires that the smartphone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Download the official Android TV Remote Control app from Google or the proprietary Mi Remote app (for devices with an infrared port).
⚠️ Note: To run the application over Wi-Fi, the router must support Multicast protocol. If the application does not see the TV, check the router's settings and make sure that client isolation is turned off.
There is also the option of using universal IR remotes if your smartphone has the right transmitter. However, for the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, this method will only allow you to switch channels and adjust the volume, but will not give access to the Android TV interface.
Why can't the remote see the TV?
Configuring voice control and special buttons
After successfully connecting the Bluetooth remote to the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, you can access advanced functionality that is not available in IR mode. One of the main features is voice search. To work correctly, you may need additional activation in the settings of your Google account.
Go to Settings → Device Settings → Google Assistant, where you need to make sure that the function is activated and the microphone is allowed to use. Press the microphone button on the remote and say the test phrase. If the TV responds and displays text on the screen, then the connection is established correctly.
You should also pay attention to programmable buttons if they are present on your remote model. Some versions allow you to assign the launch of a specific application (for example, Netflix or YouTube) to a separate key, this is done through the App menu or special settings in the Remotes and Accessories section.
- 🎤 Voice search only works with an active internet connection.
- 📺 Special buttons may require the installation of appropriate apps from Google Play.
- ⚙️ Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted in accessibility settings.
Solving problems and resetting settings
Even with the exact instructions, there can be technical difficulties: If the Xiaomi remote does not connect, flashes but is not detected by the system, or is running with a delay, try resetting the Bluetooth module completely. To do this, remove the batteries, press and hold any button for 10 seconds, then insert the power cells back.
A common problem is the overcrowded list of paired devices in your TV's memory. If you've previously connected a lot of gadgets, the system may not see new ones. Go to the Bluetooth menu, find old, unused devices, and select the Forget or Delete option, which will free up resources for a new connection.
⚠️ Note: Do not use lithium batteries in remotes unless they are designed to do so. Alkaline cells provide the more stable voltage needed to run the Bluetooth module.
In rare cases, a firmware update is required. Outdated software may contain errors in Bluetooth drivers. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update and check for a new version. Update can take up to 15 minutes and requires a stable Internet connection.
💡
If neither method works, try connecting the remote to another Xiaomi TV (if possible) to prevent the remote itself from breaking.