How to connect the remote to Xiaomi Mi Box 3: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (MDZ-16-AB, MDZ-19-AA, and others) remains a popular device for converting a regular TV to a smart one thanks to Android TV. However, many users face the problem that the remote will stop responding after resetting, replacing batteries or buying a new gadget. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect the remote from a standard Bluetooth pairing to using a smartphone as a replacement.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Box 3 supports two types of remotes: original (with Bluetooth and IR port) and universal (IR only). The connection method depends on the remote model and the version of the console firmware. If you bought a used device or updated the software, the old instructions may not work — we took these nuances into account and collected the latest solutions for Android TV 9/10.

1. Connecting the original Bluetooth remote

The original Xiaomi Mi Remote (RMT-101 or similar) connects to the console via Bluetooth, a process that usually happens automatically when you first turn on, but if you lose communication, you will have to pair manually.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on the console and wait for the home screen to load. If the remote is completely discharged, connect the Mi Box 3 via HDMI-CEC (if supported by a TV) or use the mouse over USB.
2. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Press Add Device and hold the Menu + Back buttons on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
4. In the list of available devices, select Mi Remote (can be displayed as Xiaomi Remote).
5. Confirm the pairing on the TV screen.

If the remote is not displayed in the list, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (replace the batteries with new ones).
• 📶 Distance to the prefix (maximum 3 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box 3 via Settings → The device → Reboot.

⚠️ Note: If you update your firmware to Android TV 10 remotes stopped working, try resetting the consoles to the factory (Settings) → The device → Reset: 15% of cases are due to Bluetooth driver conflict.

2. Setup of a universal IR remote

If you use a universal remote (such as a TV or air conditioner), it can be programmed to control the Mi Box 3 via an IR port.

Standard codes for Xiaomi Mi Box 3:

Programming instructions:

1. Hold the Setup (or Set) button on the remote until the indicator flashes.
2. Enter the 4-digit code from the table.
3. Point the remote to the Mi Box 3 and press Power. If the console reacts (the indicator lights up), the code is correct.
4. Save the settings (usually with a long press of Setup).

If none of the code works, try auto-search:

• 🔍 Hold the Setup until blinking.
• Press Power and hold until the remote finds a compatible signal (can take up to 2 minutes).
• 📺 Check the response of the console to the commands OK Menu.

3. Connect via the Mi Remote app (smartphone)

If the physical remote is lost or broken, you can use your Android or iOS smartphone as a replacement. download the official Mi Remote app (available on Google Play and App Store).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone and Mi Box 3 to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the Mi Remote app and select Android TV → Xiaomi Mi Box.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions for pairing over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
4. After connecting, a virtual remote with control buttons will appear on the screen.

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 You don't have to buy a new remote.
• 🎮 Supports gestures and voice input (if Google Assistant is enabled).
• 🔄 You can control multiple Xiaomi devices from one app.

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Remote over Wi-Fi, you may experience a delay of up to 0.5 seconds. For games and videos, it is recommended to connect via Bluetooth.

4. Solving Connection Problems

If the remote does not connect despite all attempts, check the following points:

Hardware problems:

• 🔌 Bluetooth port on the console (may be damaged after falling).
• 🔋 Contacts of batteries in the remote (clean alcohol from oxidation).
• 📡 Interference from other wireless devices (routers, microwaves).

Programmatic failures:

• 🔄 Reboot the console via the Reset button (on the back panel).
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → About the prefix → Updating the system).
• 🧹 Reset the Bluetooth app cache via Settings → Annexes → Systemic.

Critical information: In firmware older than 2021 (version below 2253), there is a bug that causes Bluetooth remotes to refuse to connect after reset. USB-drive with official software from Xiaomi.

💡

If the remote is connected but the buttons are not working correctly (for example, Volume controls brightness), reset its settings: hold Menu + Home for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks 3 times.

5. Alternative management practices

If none of these methods work, consider alternatives:

USB-mouse:

• Connect through the USB-A port on the console.
• Use it to navigate the menu (especially convenient for text entry).

Voice assistant:

• Activate Google Assistant through Settings → Search and Assistant.
• Control commands like “turn on Netflix” or “turn up the volume”.

HDMI-CEC:

• Enable the feature in your TV settings (can be called Anynet+, Bravia Sync or Simplink).
• Control the Mi Box 3 via the TV remote.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when connecting the remote, and here are the most common:

Mistake 1: Using a discharged battery

Even if the batteries are “almost alive,” the voltage may not be enough to keep Bluetooth running smoothly.Always test with new alkaline batteries (like Duracell or Energizer).

Mistake 2: Incorrect position of the remote

The IR port on the Mi Box 3 is located in the front under the logo, not on the side. Point the remote directly at it, without slanting. Bluetooth should not be more than 3 meters away.

Mistake 3: Ignoring updates

Older versions of firmware (below 2253) have device pairing bugs. Update through Settings → About console → System update or manually using the update.zip file.

💡

If the remote is connected, but after 5-10 minutes it is turned off, the problem is the power saving console. Turn off sleep mode in Settings → Screen and sound → Sleep mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions