How to connect remote to Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: All ways (2026)

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick has become a popular solution for converting a regular TV to a smart one thanks to its compact size, 4K HDR support, and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, many users face the problem: the remote control (DU) either does not respond after purchase, or stops working after a firmware update. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect the remote, from standard synchronization to using a smartphone as an alternative.

The Mi TV Stick is a feature that supports multiple types of remotes: the original Bluetooth remote (which comes with the box), universal IR remotes, and even virtual remotes through apps. But each one connects differently, and there are major challenges. For example, if you try to synchronize a remote from another Xiaomi model (say, the Mi Box S), the process can be delayed or failed. We will go through each scenario in detail, including the developer's hidden settings for forced synchronization.

It's also important to consider the console's firmware version. In older versions (before MIUI TV 3.0), the remote's connection algorithm was different, and in newer versions, voice control was added via Google Assistant. If your remote stopped working after the upgrade, suddenly it's not an accident, but a feature of the firmware that you can bypass.

1. Connecting the original Bluetooth remote (from the kit)

The original Xiaomi Mi TV Stick uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with the console. Unlike the IR remote, it doesn't need a direct review of the console, but it requires pre-sync. Here's how to do it correctly:

The first step is to make sure that the console is on and in standby mode.

1. Connect Mi. TV Stick to the TV through HDMI-port and power supply (use the original adapter!).
2. Wait for the Android TV home screen to load (usually 30-60 seconds).
3. Press and hold the Home + Back buttons on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks.

If the indicator on the remote does not catch fire, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (in the original remote used element) CR2032).
• 📶 Distance to the prefix (maximum 5 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Reboot the console, turning off the power for 10 seconds.

After successful synchronization, the remote must automatically connect each time the console is turned on. If this does not happen, try resetting the remote settings:

Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Forget the device (select remote) → Repeat sync

Make sure the console is on and loaded | Check the battery in the remote | Press Home + Back for 5 seconds | Wait for the indicator to flash |Reboot the console if you fail-->

2. Synchronization of the universal IR remote

If the original remote is lost or broken, you can use a universal IR remote (for example, from a TV or air conditioner). However, the Mi TV Stick does not support an IR receiver out of the box - you will need additional equipment:

You will need a USB-IC receiver (such as FLIRC or BroadLink RM4 Pro) that connects to the USB-A port of the console.

1. Connect the IR receiver to the Mi TV Stick.
2. Install a management app (like Button Mapper from Google Play).
3. Program the remote buttons through the application, assigning them functions (for example, Home, Volume+).

Note that not all universal remotes are compatible with Android TV, but the best option is remotes that support NEC or RC5 protocol.

If the IR panel does not respond, check:

• 🔍 Correct connection of the IR receiver (the indicator must burn).
• 📄 Compatibility of protocols in the documentation to the remote.
• 🔄 Reboot the console after connecting a new device.

Original Bluetooth remote|Universal IR remote|Television remote control|Smartphone as remote|Another option-->

3.Use of the smartphone as a remote control

If you don't have a physical remote, you can control the Mi TV Stick from your smartphone, both official Xiaomi apps and third-party solutions will work, and the main condition is that the console and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Method 1: Mi Remote Appendix (official)

1. Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
2. Select the Mi TV Stick from the list of supported devices.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to sync (location access must be allowed).

Method 2: Google TV app (for Android)

• 📱 Install Google. TV smartphone.
• 🔍 In the Devices section, select Mi TV Stick (can be displayed as Android) TV).
• 🎮 Use a virtual remote in the application.

Method 3: TeamViewer QuickSupport (for advanced management)

If you want to control and also see the console screen (for example, to set up), install TeamViewer QuickSupport on the Mi TV Stick via Google Play, and on your smartphone – the main TeamViewer application, which will allow you to remotely control the console with full access to the interface.

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If the smartphone does not find the console on the network, check whether the Mi TV Stick is enabled ADB mode over Wi-Fi in the developer settings (Settings → About the console → Assembly number (click 7 times) → Developer settings → Network ADB).

4. Connect remote from another Xiaomi model (Mi Box, Mi TV)

Remotes from other Xiaomi devices (such as the Mi Box S or Mi TV 4A) can be connected to the Mi TV Stick, but the process does not always go smoothly.

Step 1: Reset the remote settings

On most Xiaomi remotes, the reset is performed by holding the Home + OK buttons for 10 seconds. The indicator should flash red 3 times.

Step 2: Forced synchronization

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Click Add Device and select the remote from the list (may appear as Mi Remote or LE Device).
3. If the remote is not displayed, restart the console and try again.

Step 3: Configure with ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can manually link the remote via ADB:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.BLUETOOTH_SETTINGS


adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_HOME

These commands will open Bluetooth settings and simulate the press of the Home button, which sometimes helps to “wake up” the remote.

5. Troubleshooting: The remote does not connect

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

Problem 1: The remote is not defined by the console

• ⚡ Check the power of the console (use the original power supply unit) 5V/1A).
• 🔄 Reset the settings to the consoles to the factory (Settings) → Storage and discharge → Resetting settings).
• 📡 Update the firmware through Settings → About the prefix → Updating the system.

Problem 2: The remote is connected, but the buttons are not working properly

This is the situation when you use remotes from other devices.

1. Reprogram the buttons through the Button Mapper app.
2. Disable conflicting apps (such as Mi Remote and Google TV at the same time).

Problem 3: The remote only works near the console

It's probably the Bluetooth signal.

• 📶 Reduce the number of obstacles between the console and the console.
• 🔋 Replace the battery in the remote (even if the indicator is on fire).
• 🛠️ Use it. USB-extender TV Stick to take her out from behind the TV.

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If the remote stopped working after updating the firmware, try to roll back to the previous version through ADB sideload. You can find the backtracking instructions on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

6. Alternative methods of control without remote control

If the remote is broken and the smartphone is not on hand, there are several ways to control the Mi TV Stick:

Method 1: USB-keyboard

The console supports the connection USB OTG-Connect your keyboard or mouse via an adapter and you can navigate the menu, which is especially useful for typing text (e.g., when searching on YouTube).

Method 2: Voice control

In the newer firmware than MIUI TV 3.2, Google Assistant is added. Activate it through:

Settings → Voice Search → Enable Google Assistant

You can then control the voice box (e.g., “Open Netflix” or “Revolve Volume”).

Method 3: HDMI-CEC

If your TV supports HDMI-CEC (HDMI Multiple Device Control Technology), you can use the TV remote for basic Mi TV Stick control. Activate the feature in the TV settings (commonly called Anynet+, Bravia Sync or Simplink).

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To control without a remote, you can use a Telegram bot @TVRemoteBot. It allows you to send commands (for example, /volume_up) via messenger, if the console is connected to the same network.

7. Frequent questions and answers

8 Conclusion: Which connection method to choose?

The choice of the method of connecting the remote depends on your situation:

• 🔵 The original remote is the most reliable option, but requires synchronization via Bluetooth.
• 🔴 Universal IR panel - suitable if there is no original, but additional devices are needed (IR receiver).
• 📱 Smartphone – a temporary solution if the remote is lost.
• 🖱️ Keyboard/mouse – for advanced users who need precise control.

If you have a problem that isn't in this article, check out 4PDA, which has unique user cases, and remember that 90 percent of the time, the problem isn't with the remote, but with Bluetooth settings or the console firmware.

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Before buying a new remote, try updating the console firmware - in the latest versions, synchronization errors with remotes from other Xiaomi devices are fixed.