Connecting a remote control (DU) to a Xiaomi TV can seem like a trivial task, until you run into problems. The original Mi Remote or Redmi Smart Remote usually sync automatically, but what if the TV doesn't respond? Or how to connect a universal remote from another manufacturer? And if you lose your native remote and buy a replacement, how do you tie it to a Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 5 Pro or Redmi Smart TV X?
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to connect remotes to Xiaomi TVs, from standard Bluetooth and infrared synchronization to manually configuring universal remotes. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, why the TV does not see the remote after updating the firmware) and rare cases, such as connecting the remote from the Mi Box to the TV. All instructions are tested on models 2020-2026 and are relevant for MIUI TV 3.0 firmware and later.
If your remote is not working after falling, disassembling or contacting a liquid, the problem may be in the hardware, in which case read our guide to the repair of Xiaomi remotes.
1. Types of remotes for Xiaomi TVs: what do you have?
Before you try to connect the remote, determine the type of remote control, and the synchronization method depends on it. Xiaomi TVs support three types of remote control:
- 🔵 Bluetooth remotes (original Mi Remote, Redmi Smart Remote) - wirelessly connected, require mating, operate at a distance of up to 10 meters, but need periodic recharging.
- 📶 IR remotes (universal or old Xiaomi models) – use an infrared port, do not require pairing, but work only in the line of sight (up to 8 meters).
- 🔄 Hybrid remotes (e.g. Mi) TV Stick Remote – combine Bluetooth for basic functions and IR for controlling other devices (air conditioners, receivers).
How do you know your remote?
| Sign. | Bluetooth remote | IR remote |
|---|---|---|
| Availability of batteries | Battery (USB-C for charging) | AAA/AAA batteries |
| Connection indicator | Blinks blue when mating | No indicator or red LED |
| Work without line of sight | Yeah (over walls) | No (needs a straight line) |
| Television models | Mi TV 4S/5/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q1/Q2 | Mi TV 3, universal remotes |
💡 Important: Xiaomi TVs 2022 and newer (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 2023) may not support IR remotes out of the box.
2. Connecting the original Xiaomi Bluetooth remote
The original Mi Remote or Redmi Smart Remote remotes sync to the TV automatically when you first turn on, but if the pairing does not occur (for example, after resetting or changing the remote), perform manual sync:
Make sure the remote is charged (the indicator is green when you press any button)
Turn on the TV with a button on the panel (not from the remote!)
Remove old paired devices in Settings → Bluetooth
Check that the TV is not in "Do Not Disturb" mode (Settings) → System system → Sleep regimen)-->
Step 1: Activate the mating mode
1.Push and hold the Menu buttons (⋮) + OK on the remote simultaneously for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
2. On your TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and select Add Device.
3.In the list, find a device called Mi Remote or Xiaomi RCxxx (where xxx is the remote model) and confirm the connection.
Step 2: Checking the connection
After mating:
- 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → On TV. → Reboot).
- 🎯 Press any button on the remote – the indicator should flash once green.
- 📺 If the remote is not working, reset its settings: press Back (←) + Home (🏠) 10 seconds.
What if the TV can’t see the remote?
💡
Xiaomi’s original Bluetooth remotes can only be connected to one device at a time, and if you’ve previously used a remote with a Mi Box, you’ll need to turn it off first.
3. Customization of the universal IR remote
Universal remotes (for example, Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote or remotes from other brands) are connected via the IR port.
- Make sure the TV supports IR control, and on Mi TV 4S and later, this mode can be turned off by default.
- Enable the IR port in the settings: Settings → Devices → Remote DU → Enable the IR port.
- Program the remote to the code of your TV.
🔍 How to find code for a Xiaomi TV? Most universal remotes (such as One For All or Huayu) use the following codes for Xiaomi TV:
- 📌 0178, 0171 — Mi models TV 3/4;
- 📌 0527, 0635 — for Mi TV 4S/5;
- 📌 1293 - for the Redmi Smart TV.
If the automatic code search didn’t work, try manually:
- On the remote, press and hold the SET (or CODE SEARCH) until the indicator flashes.
- Enter the first code from the list above.
- Point the remote to the TV and press POWER. If the TV is off, the code fits.
- If not, repeat with another code.
💡
If your universal remote doesn’t support Xiaomi, try using codes for TCL or Philips TVs – they’re often compatible.
4. Connecting the remote from Mi Box to the Xiaomi TV
The remotes from the Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick can be used to control the Xiaomi TV, but only if:
- 🔹 The TV supports Bluetooth 4.2+ (All models from 2019).
- 🔹 The remote is not tied to another device (you need to reset mating).
- 🔹 The TV's on mode. HDMI-CEC (Settings → HDMI → Management HDMI).
Instructions for connection:
- Reset the Mi Box remote to factory settings: pinch Back (←) + Home (🏠) 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
- On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and start a search.
- On the remote, press Menu (⋮) + OK 5 seconds to activate the mating mode.
- Select the Mi Remote device (can be displayed as Xiaomi RC123).
⚠️ Warning: The Mi Box remotes don't support volume control and channels on your TV, just navigating menus and running apps.
5. Problem Solving: The remote does not connect
If the TV doesn’t respond to the remote, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote does not pair over Bluetooth | Battery charge isn't enough | Charge the remote for 2-3 hours (the indicator should burn red while charging) |
| The TV does not respond to the IR remote | IR port disabled in settings | Include it in Settings → Devices → remote control → IR port |
| The remote works only from close range. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices | Turn off unnecessary gadgets (earphones, smartphones) or reboot the TV |
| Buttons are running with a delay | The old firmware of the TV | Update the software in Settings → About TV → System Update |
🛠️ Advanced diagnostics:
- Check if the remote settings have gone wrong after the update. Go to Settings → Devices → Remote → Reset.
- If the remote is falling or getting wet, disassemble it and check the contacts of the battery / battery for oxidation.
- For Mi TV 5 Pro and later: disable Bluetooth Energy Saving in Settings → Network and Devices → Bluetooth.
💡
If the remote stopped working after updating the firmware, try to roll back to the previous version through Settings → About TV → System Update → Recoil (not available on all models).
6.Alternative ways to control the Xiaomi TV
If you can’t connect the remote, use alternative methods:
- 📱 Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS):
- 🖱️ Mouse or keyboard via Bluetooth:
- 🎮 Gamepad (such as Xbox or DualShock):
⚠️ Note: When using the Mi Remote app, the TV and smartphone must be in the same Wi-Fi subnet. If you have a dual-band router (2.4 and 5 GHz), connect both devices to 2.4 GHz - otherwise the connection may not be established.