Connecting the remote to Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick has become a popular solution for converting a regular TV to a smart TV with support for Android TV, Netflix, YouTube and other services. But what if the remote does not sync with the device? The problem is familiar to many: after buying, resetting settings or updating the firmware, the remote control ceases to respond to commands, and the screen remains inaccessible.

In this article, we will discuss all official and alternative ways to connect the remote to the Mi. TV Stick (including Mi models) TV Stick 4K, Mi TV Stick Basic and Mi TV Stick 2023. You'll learn how to pair via Bluetooth, configure IR control, use your smartphone as a replacement, and what to do if the remote is not detected by the system even after reset. Separately, we'll look at common errors and their solutions, from dead batteries to firmware conflicts.

1.Preparation: What to check before connecting the remote

Before you start pairing, make sure that the problem is not the trivial stuff. Statistically, 60% of the appeals in support of Xiaomi are due to trivial user errors. Here is a checklist for diagnosis:

🔋 Replace the batteries in the remote (even if they are "nearly new»)

📺 Make sure that Mi TV Stick is on (indicator lights white/blue)

📱 Check if the IR signal is blocking the obstacle (glass, furniture)

🔄 Reboot the console (remove the power cable for 10 seconds)

📶 Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby (earphones, keyboards)

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Pay special attention to batteries. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick remotes are sensitive to voltage: even with a residual charge of 20%, they may not turn on. Use alkaline AAA batteries (for example, Duracell or Energizer) - cheap salt often cause failures.

⚠️ Note: If the indicator on the remote flashes red when you press the buttons, but the console does not respond - this is a sign of a conflict of Bluetooth profiles).

Also check the physical condition of the remote:

• 🔍 Contamination of battery contacts - wipe them with an alcohol napkin.
• 💧 Liquid intake – if the remote is falling into water, it must be dried for at least 24 hours in rice or silica gel.
• 📟 Damage to the IR transmitter -- shine the smartphone camera on the remote diode when you press the buttons. If there's no white flicker, the transmitter is defective.

2. Standard remote connection via Bluetooth

The main way to control the Mi TV Stick is to wirelessly connect over Bluetooth 4.2. The pairing process is automated, but sometimes requires manual start-up.

1. Put the console in. HDMI-TV port and connect power through USB (Use the original Xiaomi adapter on the 5V/1A).
2. On the remote, press the back buttons at the same time (↩) + Home (🏠) 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
3. Wait for the system to boot. The "Connect remote?" notification will appear on the screen, confirm the selection.
4. If the notification does not appear, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and select “Add Device”.

The pairing time is usually 10-15 seconds. If the process is delayed, check:

• 📶 Distance to the prefix - it should not exceed 10 meters without obstacles.
• 🔄 Search mode – on some firmware you need to manually activate “Detection” in Bluetooth settings.
• 📱 Conflicts with other devices – disable headphones, gamepads or keyboards connected to TV.

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If the remote is connected but it is lagging, update the firmware of the Mi TV Stick via Settings → About the console → System update. In versions below 2.4.65 there is a bug with a delay of the Bluetooth signal.

3. Alternative methods of control without remote control

If the standard connection didn't work, use one of the backup methods, which will also come in handy if the original remote is lost or broken.

Method 1: Mi Remote (for Android/iOS)

The official Mi Remote app lets you control the Mi TV Stick over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Download it from Google Play or the App Store and follow the steps:

1. Connect your smartphone and console to a single Wi-Fi network.
2. Start Mi Remote, select Add Device → Mi TV Stick.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

Method 2: IR port (if supported)

Mi TV Stick 4K (2021) and newer models are equipped with an IR receiver to use a universal remote (for example, from a TV):

1. Find out the Xiaomi code for your remote (usually 1254, 1357 or 0021).
2. On the universal remote, press SET + POWER, enter the code.
3. Check the Volume and OK buttons.

Method 3: USB-keyboard

Connect the USB-OTG adapter (an additional powered hub is needed) This is a temporary solution to configure the system if the remote is completely inoperable.

Original Bluetooth remote

Mi Remote app on your smartphone

Universal IR remote

USB-keyboard

Another option-->

4. Resetting the interface of the remote (if it does not connect)

If the remote was previously connected but is now ignored by the system, a forced pair reset will be required, a method that works for cases where the console "does not see" the remote after the upgrade.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Mi TV Stick for 30 seconds.
2. Turn on the console without the remote (use Mi Remote or keyboard).
3. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
4. Find the listing of "Mi Remote Controller" and select "Forget the device".
5. Remove the batteries from the remote for 1 minute, then insert back.
6. Press Back + Home for 5 seconds to enter the pairing mode.

Once reset, the remote must connect automatically. If not, repeat the process, but in step 4, additionally reset the network in the set-top box settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (2.3.xx Bluetooth reset may result in loss of Google account data. Before the procedure, synchronize saved passwords and bookmarks.

5. Solving common problems

So let's look at the common mistakes and their causes, and most of them are solved without going to the service center.

If none of the methods helped, check the hardware serviceability of the remote:

• 🔧 Multimeter test – the resistance between battery contacts should be 0.5-1.5 ohms.
• 📟 IR verification/Bluetooth — use the app IR Remote Tester (Android) for transmitter diagnostics.

6. Update firmware to correct remote errors

Older versions of the Mi TV Stick software (especially 1.xx and 2.0-2.2) had bugs with control that were patched, with the current firmware as of 2026 being 2.4.87 (for the Mi TV Stick 4K) and 2.3.72 (for the base model).

How to update:

1. Connect the console to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
2. Go to Settings → About the console → System update.
3. If the update is not available, download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website and install it through Local Update.

After the update, reset the remote settings (section 4). If the problem persists, try to roll back to the previous version of the software:

1. Download the firmware archive (e.g., 2.3.65) to the USB- drive.


2. Connect the flash drive to the console via OTG.




3. In the update menu, select "Select file" and specify the path to the archive.




4. Confirm the rollback (data is not erased).

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Updating the firmware is the first step in any remote failure, and 80 percent of the time, it solves problems with button delays and connection losses.

7. Purchase of a new remote: original vs analogues

If the original Xiaomi remote is out of order, it can be replaced.The official accessory costs 1,200-1,800 ₽ (Depending on the model, there are budgetary alternatives.

When buying the original remote, check:

• 🏷️ Articular - for Mi TV Stick 4K it MDZ-26-AB, base-model — MDZ-22-AB.
• 🔍 Packaging – the box should have a hologram of Xiaomi and QR-authentication.
• 📦 Package – the set must be batteries and instructions in Chinese / English.

Universal remotes require manual configuration through codes. For Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, combinations are suitable:

• 1254 – for most models;
• 0021 - for firmware 2.4.xx;
• 1357 for Mi TV Stick 2023.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi TV Stick remote