How to use a phone instead of a remote for a Xiaomi TV: all ways to connect

Introduction: why to turn a smartphone into a remote for Xiaomi TV

Lost native remote from Xiaomi Mi TV Or did it suddenly stop working? Don't rush to buy a new one - your Android or iOS smartphone can completely replace it. TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q et al.) support smartphone control via infrared port (IR-It's convenient not only in emergency situations, but also for advanced control: voice commands, gestures, automation through Google Assistant or Mi Home.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting – from the standard Mi Remote application to alternative solutions for TVs without any need for a new model. IR-We will pay special attention to the hidden settings of Xiaomi. TV, We'll also look at common errors (like why the phone can't find the TV) and give you a checklist to diagnose problems.

1. Compatibility check: which phone and TV will work

Before you set up your connection, make sure your devices support the control you choose.

• 📱 Smartphone with IR-Blaster: needed for infrared control, such models were produced by Xiaomi (Mi series). 5/6/8/9/10, Redmi Note 5/7/8/9), Samsung (Galaxy S lineup to) 2017 yearly), Huawei (P20 Pro, Mate 10) etc. Check availability IR You can go to specifications or look for a black glass window on the top of the phone.
• 📺 Xiaomi TV with IR-receiver: all Mi models TV redmi TV They are equipped with them, except for some OEM-versions for foreign markets (e.g. Mi) TV 4S 32" for Europe).
• 🌐 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: steering IR Both devices must be connected to the same network. - Xiaomi TVs 2019 Miracast and Google Cast support, making it easier to set up.

If your phone doesn't have IR-Blaster, there are options through Wi-Fi or purchase of external IR-Adapter (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi Smart IR Remote. for TVs older than 2018, you may need to manually enable Remote Control in the service menu.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs for the Chinese market (with firmware) CN) They can block remote control over Wi-Fi without being linked to a Mi Account, which requires a change in the firmware region or use of the device. IR.

2.Method 1: Management through IR-blaster (Mi Remote)

The most reliable method is to use an infrared port, which works even without an Internet connection and does not require network setup.

1. Download the official Mi Remote app (Android/IOS).
2. Launch the app and allow access to the Camera (you need to determine the TV model).
3. Click Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Point the phone at IR-TV receiver (usually located at the bottom of the screen) and hold the Test button until the TV responds.

If the TV doesn't respond:

• 🔋 Check the phone's charge — IR-The blaster consumes a lot of energy.
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the TV (glass, mirrors are blocked). IR-signal).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

Make sure the phone has IR-blaster|

Charge your phone at least 30% |

Position your phone at a distance 1-3 square-foot|

Turn off the energy saving mode on the phone-->

Not all of the native remote features are available in Mi Remote (e.g., launching Netflix or Prime Video directly). For advanced management, you can create custom buttons in the Smart Remote section. → Setting up.

3. Method 2: Wi-Fi Control (without Wi-Fi) IR-blaster)

If your phone is not equipped IR-You can control your TV over a local Wi-Fi network, and this method works on all Xiaomi models. TV PatchWall 2.0 and later:

1. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network (guest or guest networks) VPN won't fit!).
2. On the TV, go to Settings. → Devices → Remote management and enable Mi Remote.
3. In the Mi Remote app on your phone, select Connect via Wi-Fi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the TV will display the confirmation code that you need to enter in the application.

Advantages of this method:

• 🌍 Works at any distance (within a Wi-Fi network).
• 🎤 Supports voice control via Google Assistant or Alice.
• 🔄 You can control several Xiaomi TVs at the same time.

⚠️ Note: If the TV does not appear in the list of devices to connect, check that it has enabled the Network Detection option (Settings) → Network → Also make sure that the modem modem is turned off on the phone or VPN — They can block the local connection.

💡

If the Wi-Fi connection is unstable, try switching the TV to a 2.4 GHz channel (in router settings). 5 GHz can cause delays when you control.

Method 3: Alternative applications (for older models)

If the official Mi Remote app doesn’t work (for example, it doesn’t support your TV model), you can use third-party solutions:

• 📱 AnyMote (Android): universal remote with support for Xiaomi TV And the ability to create macros. IR-blaster.
• 🌐 Unified Remote (Android/iOS): manages Wi-Fi, supports gestures and voice commands.
• 🎮 Yatse (Android): specializes in media management (volume, playback, playlists).

To configure alternative applications:

1. Download and install the program.
2. Select the type of device (Xiaomi) TV Android TV).
3. Follow the Connection Wizard – usually you need input IP-TV address (you can find it in Settings) → On TV. → Network status).

Third-party applications may offer features not available in Mi Remote:

• 🔄 Automation: for example, turning off the TV by timer.
• 🎚️ Fine sound tuning: equalizer, channel balance.
• 🖥️ Mouse control: convenient for surfing in the browser on the TV.

💡

Alternative apps are often updated faster than official ones, but may contain ads or require a paid version for advanced features.

5. Problem Solving: The phone can't find the TV

If the connection fails, use this diagnostic manual:

If nothing helps, reset your network settings on your TV:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi again.
3. Repeat the connection attempt via the application.

PatchWall TVs older than 2020 may require a software update. Check the current version in Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.

6. Advanced capabilities: voice, gestures, automation

The smartphone as a remote allows access to functions that are not available on the standard remote:

• 🎤 Voice control: Google Assistant or Alice can say, "Turn on Netflix on your TV" or "Turn volume by 20.
• 👋 Gestures: in the Mi Remote application you can configure the control of the swing of the hand (for example, changing the channel with a swing left / right).
• ⏱️ Automation: Tasker (Android) or Shortcuts (iOS) can create scripts, such as: If your phone connects to Wi-Fi at home, turn on the TV and start YouTube».

To set up voice control:

1. Open Google Home or Alice on your phone.
2. Add the TV as a device (Add) → Set up the device → Xiaomi).
3. Follow the instructions for linking the account.
4. After the anchor, tell the voice assistant, “Show the main screen on the TV.”

For automation through Tasker:

Profile: Wi-Fi Connected to Home Network


Task:




1 Send HTTP- a request (GET) to IP a TV: http://[TV_IP]:8080/key/power




2. Wait 5 seconds




3 Send a request to http://[TV_IP]:8080/key/home

⚠️ Warning: Voice commands and automation require that the TV be permanently connected to the Internet, and when Wi-Fi is turned off, these functions will not work.

7.Security: How to protect your TV from unauthorized control

Remote management is convenient, but it opens up potential vulnerabilities to protect your Xiaomi. TV:

• 🔒 Turn off remote control when it is not needed: Settings → Devices → Remote control → Turn it off.
• 🌐 Use a separate network for IoT devices: set up a guest network on the router and connect a TV to it.
• 🔄 Regularly update your firmware: new PatchWall versions are closing vulnerabilities.
• 📱 Remove unnecessary management apps: Third-party programs may collect data about your devices.

If you suspect that someone has connected to your TV:

1. Go to Settings. → Devices → Remote control → List of connected devices.
2. Remove all unknown devices.
3. Change the password from the Wi-Fi network.

For additional protection, you can disable UPnP on the router – this will make it difficult to detect the TV on the local network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the remote on the phone