Xiaomi Mi Box (including Mi Box S, Mi Box 4 and Mi Box 4K) is one of the most popular devices for converting a regular TV to a smart one. However, even with such a simple gadget, users face a problem: the remote stops working after resetting, discharging batteries or buying a new universal remote. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect the remote to the Mi Box, including original and third-party devices, and also solve typical synchronization problems.
It is important to understand that the connection process depends on the type of remote:
- 🔘 Original Bluetooth remote (delivered) – synced automatically, but may require resetting.
- 📶 Universal IR remote – needs manual code adjustment.
- 🎮 Gamepad or air mouse – connects as an additional input device.
If your remote suddenly stops responding, don't rush to buy a new one. 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by rebooting the console or resetting the connection.
1. Connecting the original Xiaomi Bluetooth remote
The original Xiaomi Mi Box remotes (such as the MDZ-22-AB model for the Mi Box S) use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with the console. Normally they connect automatically when first turned on, but after a reset or firmware update, you may need to re-synchronize.
To re-link the remote:
- Make sure that the remote has working batteries (such as AAA).
- Reboot the console: go to Settings → Device → Reboot.
- After rebooting, press and hold the Menu + OK buttons on the remote for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
- Hold the remote to a distance of 10-15 cm from the console and wait for automatic connection (usually takes up to 30 seconds).
Check the batteries |Reset Mi Box| Hold Menu + OK 5 seconds | Bring the remote close to the console | Wait for the indicator to flash-->
If the indicator on the remote does not flash, try resetting its settings:
- Remove the batteries for 10 minutes.
- Press and hold any button for 15 seconds (discharge the residual charge of the capacitors).
- Insert the batteries back and repeat the synchronization procedure.
⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Box S remote does not respond to the Menu + OK, Maybe the firmware of the Bluetooth module is damaged, and in this case, only a complete reset of the console to the factory settings will help.
2. Setup of a universal IR remote
Universal consoles (such as Xiaomi Mi Remote or One For All models) work on infrared protocol and require manual code entry for the Mi Box. Most modern Xiaomi consoles support IR control, but the codes may differ depending on the remote model.
Instructions for setting:
- Turn on the console and put it in standby mode (main screen).
- On the remote, press and hold the Setup (or Set) button until the indicator blinks twice.
- Enter the code for Xiaomi Mi Box (see table below). If the code fits, the remote saves the settings automatically.
| Model remote control | Codes for Xiaomi Mi Box | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Remote (white) | 1234, 5678, 0021 | It is suitable for Mi Box S and Mi Box 4. |
| One For All URC-7940 | 0606, 0626, 0178 | You may need to switch to Android TV mode |
| Huayu Universal | 004, 013, 021 | Codes are entered without leading zeros |
| Supra SR-7000 | 1758, 1876 | It only works with MIUI TV 2.0+. |
If no code is suitable, use auto search:
- Hold the Setup until the indicator blinks twice.
- Press 9-9-1 (for most remotes).
- Point the remote to the console and press Power or OK every 2 seconds until the Mi Box responds.
- Save the code by pressing Setup again.
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If the universal remote controls the TV, but not the console, check if the infrared port of the TV is blocking the signal. Try to point the remote directly to the Mi Box, bypassing the obstacles.
3. Connecting a gamepad or air mouse
Gamepads (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller) or air mouse (e.g., are often used for games or easy control, MECOOL KM6). These devices are connected via Bluetooth or USB-receiver (for RF-model).
Instructions for Bluetooth devices:
- Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Enable the pairing mode on the gamepad (usually the Home + Start button or a special switch).
- In the list of available devices, select your gamepad (for example, Xiaomi Game Controller).
- Confirm the connection on the console and device (entry may be required) PIN-code, for example, 0000).
For the air mouse with USB-receiver:
- Put the receiver in USB-port.
- Turn on the air mouse (usually there is a switch on the body).
- Wait for the automatic installation of drivers (up to 1 minute).
⚠️ Note: Some gamepads (such as DualShock 4) may not work properly with the Mi Box due to lack of support. HID-In this case, the application Sixaxis Controller (requires root rights) will help).
Original Bluetooth remote|Universal IR remote|Gamepad|Air mouse|Other-->
4. Resetting the settings of the remote and consoles
If the remote doesn't connect despite all attempts, it might be a problem with the software failure of the console or the remote itself, and resetting the settings will help.
Reset remote:
- 🔋 Remove the batteries for 15 minutes.
- 🔄 Press and hold the Menu. + Back + OK 10 seconds at the same time (for some models).
- 🔌 Reconnect the remote as described in the first section.
Resetting the Xiaomi Mi Box:
What if the reset didn't help?
5. Resolving typical problems
Even after a successful connection, the remote may not work properly, so let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote works only from close range. | Batteries or interference discharged | Replace batteries, remove sources of interference (Wi-Fi, microwaves) |
| Buttons react with a delay | Overloading the Bluetooth channel | Disable other Bluetooth devices, reboot the console |
| The remote controls the TV, but not the console | Wrong IR remote code | Reprogram the remote (see section 2) |
| The monitor on the remote doesn't burn. | Breakdown of the remote or ground batteries | Check the batteries, check the damage charge |
If the remote is periodically disconnected, try:
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the console (Settings) → About the prefix → Updating the system).
- 📶 Reconnect the remote manually (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-attach it).
- 🛠️ Reset the Bluetooth Share app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → Bluetooth Share → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
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If the console stopped working after updating the firmware, try rolling back the system to the previous version through Recovery Mode. To do this, when booting the console, hold the Reset button (on the case) until the recovery menu appears.
6. Alternative ways to control the Mi Box
If the console is broken or lost, you can control the console in alternative ways:
1.Mi Remote mobile application:
2. USB-keyboard:
- 🖱️ Connect a wired or wireless keyboard/mouse to USB-prefix.
- 🔑 Use the arrow, Enter and Esc keys for navigation.
3. Voice control (for Mi Box S with Google Assistant):
- 🎤 Press the microphone button on the remote (if any) or say OK, Google.
- 🗣️ Dictate a command, such as: Open Netflix or Turn up the volume.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Remote via smartphone, there may be a delay of up to 1-2 seconds. This is due to the processing of commands over Wi-Fi.
7. How to check the efficiency of the remote
Before you blame the console, make sure it's the console, not the remote, and here's how to check the remote:
For Bluetooth remotes:
- Connect the remote to another device (such as a smartphone) in mode HID-device.
- If the connection passes, but the buttons do not work, the problem is the firmware of the remote.
For IR panels:
If the Xiaomi Mi Box S (model MDZ-22-AB) does not respond to reset and does not connect to other devices, with a 90% probability of defecting its Bluetooth module, in which case it is cheaper to buy a new remote than to repair the old one.