Owning a smart TV from Xiaomi opens up access to a huge amount of entertainment content, but managing an interface without a convenient remote becomes a real quest. Users often face the need to customize the original Mi Remote remote after buying a new device or replacing batteries. The synchronization process can vary depending on the TV model and the version of the PatchWall or Android TV operating system.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways of connecting, from automatic pairing via Bluetooth to manual setting via IR port, you will learn how to distinguish a voice-controlled remote from a conventional IR model, and what to do if standard methods do not work. Competent peripheral setting is the key to comfortable use of Smart TV.
Before you start to act, make sure that the remote has fresh batteries installed and they are inserted correctly. Often the problem lies in the power source, not in the software failure. Also check that the TV is on and working even if the screen is turned off.
Types of Mi Remote remotes and their differences
The first step to a successful connection is to identify your control device. Xiaomi uses two main types of remotes for its TVs: classic infrared (IR) and modern Bluetooth models with voice control. Understanding the difference between them is critical, because the pairing algorithm is radically different.
Infrared remotes are basically light transmitters that have to go directly into the receiver on the TV body, and they don't require a complicated setup: just put the batteries in and the remote starts working, but they have a significant disadvantage, which is limited range and the need for line of sight.
Unlike infrared analogues, Bluetooth remotes (often with a microphone button) require a mandatory pairing procedure with the TV, which transmits commands over a radio channel, allowing you to control the TV even if the remote is in another room or behind an obstacle, and with these users have the most questions when you first set up.
β οΈ Attention: Visually distinguish Bluetooth-remote can be by the presence of a button with the image of the microphone and the absence of a transparent window of the IR emitter in the upper part of the housing.
If you lost the original remote, itβs important to buy a compatible model that supports your TVβs communication protocol. Universal remotes may not support all features, such as voice search or special hotcases for streaming services.
Preparation for equipment synchronization
Before starting the procedure, you need to ensure stable power supply and proper operation of components. Make sure that the TV is connected to the power grid and you can turn it on in any way you can, for example, by a button on the case or via a smartphone if it is already configured as a remote control.
For Bluetooth models, distance is critical. Go to the TV at a distance of no more than 50 centimeters, which will ensure that the signal is captured reliably while searching for the device, and if you are too far away, the TV may not see the remote in scan mode.
βοΈ Checking before connection
Itβs also worth checking if other devices are connected. If a Bluetooth headset or gamepad is already connected to the TV, the system can prioritize them, and in some cases, itβs recommended to temporarily disable other peripherals through the Settings β Devices and Accessories menu.
Pay special attention to the orientation of the remote, when paired, keep the face of the remote to the bottom of the TV, where the signal receiver is usually located, and the wrong angle of inclination can lead to the fact that the command will not be received the first time.
Automatic Bluetooth remote connection
Modern Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall shell or pure Android TV support the function of automatic detection of new input devices. This is the easiest way that works out of the box when you first turn on or after resetting.
To start the process, press two buttons on the remote simultaneously: Back (arrow left or house) and Menu (three stripes or gears). In some models, these can be OK and Back buttons. Hold them for 5-7 seconds, pointing the remote control towards the TV.
If done correctly, a search animation or a message about a new device will appear on the screen, the system automatically recognizes the remote model and prompts you to complete the pairing, and you only have to confirm the action by pressing the OK button.