How to connect the remote to the Xiaomi TV set-top box: all ways + problem solving

Why Xiaomi can’t see the remote and what to do about it

You took out of the box a new set-top box Xiaomi Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick, turned it on — and the remote is refusing to work? or the old remote suddenly stopped responding to presses? The problem is familiar to many users, and there may be several reasons: from a trivial discharge of batteries to a failure in the firmware, 80% of the time the decision takes no more than 5 minutes, if you know the correct algorithm.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect the remote to Xiaomi consoles (including the Mi Box 4K, Mi Box 4C, Mi TV Stick and others), and also tell you what to do if synchronization fails, especially focusing on Bluetooth remotes (they are used in most modern devices) and the rare cases when manual pairing is required via ADB.

Before you get to the instructions, check two key points: 1 Make sure the console is plugged in and the indicator on the case is on (or flashing). 2 If the remote is powered by batteries, replace them with new ones (even if they seemed charged). For Bluetooth remotes with a battery, check the charge through USB-cable.

Remote Types for Xiaomi TV Box: How to Determine Yours

Xiaomi consoles support several types of remotes, and how you connect depends on it.

• 🔵 Bluetooth remote is the most common option (combined with Mi Box S, Mi). TV Stick, Mi Box 4K). It works without a line of sight, it has minimal latency, usually black with a touchpad or wheel.
• 📶 Infrared - requires direct view of consoles, found in older models (e.g. Mi Box 3) often white or gray, without touch elements.
• 🖥️ remote HDMI-CEC — Controls the console via the remote control of the TV (if the TV supports the technology) CEC). It does not require separate synchronization.
• 🔄 Universal remote – from third-party manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote or remotes for Android) TV). Can work with Bluetooth or IR.

To pinpoint the type of remote, look at the bottom of it: if there’s a Bluetooth sign or icon on it. 🔵 — This is a Bluetooth model. IR Or there is an infrared LED (small glass window) - it is an IR remote.

Method 1: Automatic Bluetooth remote synchronization (for most models)

Modern Xiaomi consoles (Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick, Mi Box 4K) automatically connect the Bluetooth remote when you first turn on.

1. Turn the console into the socket and wait for the full load (the main screen will appear).
2. Take the remote and press any button (e.g. OK or Home).
3. Wait 10-15 seconds – the console should detect the remote and complete pairing.
4. If the indicator on the remote flashes, and then lights up constantly - synchronization was successful.

If the automatic connection did not work, try forced pairing reset:

Hold the Back + Home buttons on the remote for 5 seconds

Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.

Press any button on the remote after downloading the console

Try again 2-3 times if you fail the first time.-->

Important: If the remote was previously paired with another console, you must first “forget” it in the settings of the old device, otherwise the new connection may not work.

Method 2: Manual connection via console menu

If automatic synchronization fails, try connecting the remote manually through the settings, and you’ll need a mouse, keyboard, or remote control (if HDMI-CEC is supported).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate device search (button Add device or Scan).
3. On the remote, press and hold Back + Home for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
4. In the list of found devices, select Xiaomi Remote (or similar name).
5. Confirm the pairing on the console screen.

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

• 🔋 Remove and insert batteries (even if they are new).
• 🔄 Reset the console (Settings) → About the prefix → Reboot).
• 📱 Make sure the remote is not connected to another device (e.g., a smartphone via Mi Home).

💡

If you don’t have a mouse to navigate the menu, connect the set-top box to your TV via HDMI-CEC and use the TV remote. To do this, turn on HDMI or CEC Manage in your set-top box settings.

Method 3: Connecting an IR remote (for older models)

Infrared consoles are used in legacy consoles such as the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 or Mi Box 1. Their main difference is the need for a line of sight between the remote and the console (there should be no obstacles).

If the IR panel is not working:

1. Check that there are no barriers between the console and the console (glass, walls, objects).
2. Replace the batteries with new ones (IR panels are sensitive to voltage).
3. Make sure the IR port on the console is not closed (usually it is located on the front panel).
4. Reboot the console and try to press any button on the remote.

If the remote is still unresponsive, the IR receiver on the console may have been damaged, and there are two options left:

• 🔧 Contact the service center for repairs.
• 🖱️ Use a mouse/keyboard or HDMI-CEC steer.

💡

The IR panels don't require pairing -- they work right after the console is turned on, and if the remote doesn't respond, the problem is almost always batteries or physical obstacles.

Method 4: Connect a universal remote (including Xiaomi Mi Remote)

If you use a universal remote (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote or remote from another Android) TV-It needs to be set up manually:

1. Download the Mi Remote app (if the remote is from Xiaomi) or check your remote’s compatibility with Android TV.
2. Turn on the console pairing mode: Settings → Devices → Add accessory → Bluetooth
3. On the remote, activate the search mode (usually by holding the Pair or OK + Back button).
4. Select your console from the list of found devices (the name will contain Mi Box or Android TV).

For remotes from other manufacturers (for example, Logitech Harmony):

• 📱 Use the official manufacturer's software to set up.
• 🔍 Select your console model (Xiaomi Mi Box S, Mi) from the list of devices TV Stick, etc.).
• 🔄 Do a button test after setting up.

⚠️ Note: Some universal remotes do not support voice search or touchpad, even if the main buttons are working.

Problem Solving: The remote does not connect or is unstable

If none of these methods helped, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try resetting the consoles to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → About the console → Resetting settings.
2. Confirm the reset (you will need to enter) PIN-code, if it is installed).
3. After restarting, try to reconnect the remote.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will delete all installed apps and accounts. Before the procedure, write down login details to Google and other services.

Additional ways to control the console without a remote

If the remote is broken or lost, you can control the Xiaomi console in alternative ways:

• 🖱️ Mouse or keyboard - connect through USB Or Bluetooth, any one of them will do. USB-mouse (even from PCs).
• 📱 Android appendix TV Remote (from Google) – download to your smartphone and connect to the console via Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Gamepad – Connect via Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller or DualShock).

To control via smartphone:

1. Install the Android TV Remote app from Google Play.
2. Connect your smartphone and console to a single Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app and select your console from the list.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

💡

If you have an iPhone, use the Apple app. TV Remote (It is compatible with Android) TV-devices, including Xiaomi).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the remote to the Xiaomi TV Box