The management of modern smart appliances is becoming more flexible, and users often wonder how to connect the remote from Xiaomi TV to a smartphone or how to restore communication between native devices. Xiaomi ecosystem offers several ways of interaction: through an infrared port, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi network. The choice of method depends on the model of your TV, the version of the MIUI TV operating system and the type of remote you plan to use.
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have the unique advantage of having an integrated infrared port that turns the phone into a universal remote. However, when it comes to pairing a Bluetooth remote with a new console or TV, the process requires care. The wrong sequence of actions can lead to the fact that the device will not be found in the list of available ones.
In this article, we will break down all the nuances of connectivity, look at the hidden menu features and help avoid common errors. To successfully pair a Xiaomi TV Stick or Mi Box Bluetooth remote, it is critical to keep the Home and Menu buttons pressed simultaneously for 5-7 seconds before the indicator flashes. Let’s break down each method in detail so that you can enjoy the content without unnecessary complications.
Types of control panels and their features
Before you start setting up, you need to clearly understand what device you are dealing with. Infrared remotes (IR) are line-of-sight and do not require pairing, while Bluetooth remotes provide control from anywhere in the room and support voice search. The type of interface depends on the algorithm for your next actions.
Modern models of Xiaomi Mi TV and Mi Box S consoles are often equipped with hybrid remotes, which can transmit main commands via Bluetooth, and the power button is duplicated via IR, this is made for compatibility with various use cases and allows you to control the volume of external audio systems.
- 🔴 Infrared (IR): The classic version, requiring direct vision of the sensor, does not need to charge batteries if you use a passive emulation method on the phone, but requires an infrared port on the smartphone.
- 🔵 Bluetooth: a modern standard that allows you to control the TV, hiding the remote in your pocket, supports voice input and requires periodic replacement of power cells.
- 🟢 Wi-Fi / Network: Control via the Mi Remote or Google Home app, where both devices are on the same LAN, allowing you to use your smartphone screen as a touchpad.
It is important to note that when using a Bluetooth connection, signal delay is minimal, which is especially important for games or quick search on the menu. Unlike IR remotes, you do not need to point the device towards the TV, which makes use more comfortable in the dark.
⚠️ Note: If your remote is Bluetooth-enabled, the usual universal IR codes from sites won't help. You'll need digital pairing via a TV menu or a special app.
Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to work with the remote
If your goal is to turn your smartphone into a remote, the first step is to test the hardware. Most current Xiaomi and Redmi models have an integrated IR port located on the upper end of the case. However, some flagship models of some years of release may lose this module for moisture protection or design.
To check for a port, take a close look at the top of the device. There should be a small black window. If there isn't, don't despair: you can still control the TV over a Wi-Fi network using emulator applications that use TCP/IP. This is even more convenient, because it doesn't require direct visibility.
The Mi Remote (Mi Remote) system app is preinstalled in the MIUI and HyperOS shell. If you uninstall it by accident, it will take a couple of minutes to restore functionality via the GetApps store or Google Play. Make sure the TV is enabled with Smart TV and it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the phone if you plan to manage networking.
Before setting up, it is recommended to update the remote app to the latest version, and developers regularly add new codes for TVs of different years of release, which increases the likelihood of successful automatic identification of the device.
Infrared control (Mi Remote)
The process of setting the IR remote on a Xiaomi smartphone is as automated as possible. Once the Mi Remote application is launched, the system will suggest adding a new device. You need to select the "TV" category and find the brand of your TV in the list. If there is no exact brand, you can try to choose a universal code or the nearest analogue.
A series of test buttons will appear on the phone screen, and you'll have to click on each button and confirm if the TV is responding. It usually takes 3-4 successful taps to determine the correct set of commands for the calibration algorithm, and this method works even if the TV is turned off, because the IR signal can wake the device from standby mode.
Sequence of action:
1.Open Mi Remote.
2.Push"+" -> TV
3. Choose a brand.
4.Push the buttons on the screen
5. Save the configurationThe thing about IR control is that it doesn't require validation of communication. The phone just sends out code sequences, and the TV executes or ignores them. If the TV doesn't respond to any of the codes, try bringing the phone closer to the receiver or changing the angle of tilt.
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If the automatic code search failed, try the “Keyword Search” feature in the app by manually entering the TV model, even if the brand is not listed.
Connection of Bluetooth remote with TV
Setting up the original Bluetooth remote for the Mi TV Stick or Mi Box is a process that often causes difficulties for beginners. The rule is that the remote must be in pairing mode. It is not visible to the TV in its normal state. To activate this mode, you need to pinch the button combination.
Turn on the TV and go to the Bluetooth settings menu. On the remote, simultaneously press and hold the Home (house icon) and Back (or Menu, depending on the model) buttons, hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the LED on the remote (usually next to the power or microphone button) flashes quickly.
- 📺 Step 1: On the TV screen, go to Settings → Remote and accessories → Add the remote.
- 🔘 Step 2: Press the button combination on the remote before the indicator blinks.
- 🔗 Step 3: Select the device you find in the list (usually called "Mi Remote" or "Bluetooth Remote").
- ✅ Step 4: Confirm pairing by pressing “OK” on the screen or waiting for the automatic connection.
If the remote is not found, try removing the batteries for 10 seconds, inserting them back and repeating the procedure, and make sure there are no other active Bluetooth devices nearby that can interfere, or that the remote has not previously been paired with another TV.
☑️ Checklist of successful pairing
⚠️ Note: When pairing, keep the remote no more than 20 cm from the TV. The distance may cause the data packet to break when the device handshakes first.
Using the Mi Remote app for Smart TV
For TVs with Android TV or PatchWall’s own interface, there is an alternative method of control – via Wi-Fi. This solution is ideal if the IR port on the phone is missing or damaged. The Mi Remote or Google Home app allows you to completely duplicate the functionality of the physical remote.
The basic requirement is that both devices must be on the same subnet. If your router distributes guest network or uses AP Isolation, the connection will not be established. Check the router's settings if the phone sees the TV but cannot connect to it.
Once connected, you get advanced features: typing text from your smartphone keyboard, which is much easier to search on YouTube or Netflix, and the ability to stream photos and videos directly from the gallery. Some models even allow you to use your phone's microphone for voice search if the remote doesn't work.
| Function | IR port | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi (Annex) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio of action | Up to 8 meters. | Up to 10 meters. | Wi-Fi coverage |
| Direct visibility. | Required. | Don't need it. | Don't need it. |
| Input of text | No. | Voice. | keyboard |
| Turn on TV | Yes. | Partially. | Only if the TV is on |
It is worth noting that control over Wi-Fi has one significant drawback: you can not turn on the TV turned off, since the application requires an active connection to the network, which is available only in the on state of the TV.
Troubleshooting and
Even if all instructions are followed, there can be situations when the remote control stops responding or does not connect. Often the problem lies in the discharged batteries. Even if the indicator lights up, the voltage may not be enough for a stable Bluetooth connection.
If the Xiaomi TV can't see the remote, try resetting the Bluetooth module. To do this, in the settings menu of the TV, find a list of paired devices, select your remote, and press "Forget" or "Delete." After that, repeat the pairing procedure from scratch.
Secret Reboot of the Remote
In rare cases, the problem may be a software failure of the TV itself. The hung Bluetooth control process can block new connections. Rebooting the TV by completely disconnecting from the network (pulling the cord from the socket for 1 minute) often solves the problem.
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90% of connection problems are solved by replacing batteries with fresh or completely disconnecting the TV from the power grid to reset modules.