How to Replace Xiaomi Remote with a Phone: A Complete Guide to Connecting to a TV

Why your phone might be the best remote for your TV

Lost or broken the remote from the Xiaomi TV? Don't rush to buy a new one - your smartphone is based MIUI HyperOS is a complete replacement for the new Mi TV. TV (including the Mi models TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV) Supports several ways to control from a smartphone: from standard Wi-Fi Direct to hidden functions via an infrared port (IR-And if you have a different brand of TV, it's not a problem: apps like Mi Remote or Google. TV Xiaomi will turn into a universal remote.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to connect a Xiaomi phone to a TV instead of a remote, including rare methods for older models without Smart features. You’ll learn how to configure gesture, voice, and even automate the on-time TV, and what errors most often interfere with the connection and how to fix them in 2 minutes.

The advantages of using a phone instead of a remote:

• 🔍 No need to look for batteries or worry that the remote is dirty
• 🎮 The ability to use a touchpad for navigation (like on a computer)
• 📱 Comfortable gestures (such as swiping up to increase volume)
• 🔄 Synchronize with other Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, speakers)

Method 1: Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (for Xiaomi TVs)

This is the most reliable and fastest method for owners of Mi TV or Redmi TV. Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct connection between the phone and the TV without a router, which guarantees minimal delays in managing.

Instructions for connection:

1. On TV: go to Settings → Devices → Connect your phone.
2. Select Add the device and wait until it appears QR-screen-code.
3. On your phone: Open the Mi Home app (or Mi TV Remote for older models).
4. Click Add Add the device (+) → Television → scan QR-TV-code.

After a successful connection, the app will have a virtual remote with control buttons, a search keyboard, and even a smart home control panel (if you have other Xiaomi devices).

Television and phone connected to Mi Account network

The phone has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled

Mi Home app updated to the latest

The TV is not in the "Guest" mode (check in the account settings)-->

⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't find the phone, try restarting both devices and repeating the process. on some Redmi models TV A Series requires you to first enable the Mi Share option in your TV settings (Settings) → Connections → Mi Share).

Method 2: Use of the IR-Blaster (infrared port) on Xiaomi phones

If your Xiaomi phone is equipped with an infrared port (IR-You can control any TV, even old models without Smart features, and this method works like a conventional remote, sending IR signals, and check if there's a small black window on the top of your smartphone (usually next to the headphone jack).

List of Xiaomi phones with IR-blaster (2020–2026):

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+/11 Pro+/10 Pro
• 📱 POCO F5/F4 Pro
• 📱 Mi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra (except Lite versions)

How to set up:

1. Install the Mi Remote app (available from Google Play or App Gallery).
2. Select the device type: TV → specify the brand (e.g. Samsung, LG, Sony).
3. Direct the phone’s IR port to the TV and follow the button testing instructions.
4. Save the remote profile for quick access.

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If the Mi Remote app doesn't find your TV model, choose a brand manually and test the buttons one at a time. Often profiles for TVs from the same manufacturer but from a different series are suitable.

Method 3: Manage via Google TV or Android TV Remote

If you have an Android TV (including Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Mi Box models), you can use the official Google TV app (formerly Android TV Remote) that runs on Wi-Fi and supports voice search, keyboard and even Chromecast management.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Google TV app from the Play Market.
2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the app and select your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the pairing code that will appear on the TV screen.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔍 Works with Sony Bravia, Philips TVs, TCL android TV.
• 🎤 Support for voice commands through Google Assistant.
• 📱 The ability to use the phone as a gaming controller for applications like Netflix Games.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (e.g. Mi) TV 4X) Google TV You may not show some system settings, in which case you use Mi Home (method 1).

Method 4: Control over HDMI (MHL or USB-C to HDMI) for older TVs

If your TV doesn’t support Smart features but it has an HDMI port, you can connect your phone directly with a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or MHL for older Xiaomi models), a technique that allows you not only to control the TV, but also to duplicate the screen of your smartphone — convenient for watching photos, videos or games.

What you need:

• 🔌 adapter USB-C to HDMI (for new telephones; or MHL (For older ones, for example, Mi 8).
• 📺 Port TV HDMI (supportive HDCP content protection).
• ⚡ Power cable for the phone (with prolonged use).

Instructions:

1. Connect the adapter to the phone and then HDMI-cable.
2. On the TV, select the HDMI signal source (usually the Source button on the remote).
3. On your phone, turn on Image Transfer mode (can be called HDMI or DisplayPort in the screen settings).

Once connected, you can control your TV through your phone’s touch screen, as well as stream any content (including games with gamepad support).+) They can block the image output through HDMI because DRM-defense.

Method 5: Alternative TV Control Applications

If standard methods don’t work, try third-party apps that support a wide range of TVs and often offer additional features, such as macros (sequence of commands) or widgets for quick access.

Top.-5 remote-replacement:

How to choose the best application?

• 🔄 Xiaomi is the best choice for Unified Remote or AnyMote TVs (supported by PatchWall).
• 🎮 For gamers: Yatse (if you have a Mi Box or Android) TV).
• 🏠 Smart Home: Sure Universal Remote (Integration with Mi Home).

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The side of the app may require root access or special permissions. Before installing, check for reviews about compatibility with your TV model.

The answer: Why the phone doesn’t connect to the TV

Even when you set it up correctly, you can get errors, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The TV can't find the phone over Wi-Fi Direct.

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Check that the modem modem is enabled on the phone (Settings) → Connections → Modem mode).
• 🔒 Make sure that the TV is turned off Guest mode in the account settings.

Problem 2: Mi Remote does not respond to commands.

• 🔋 Check the phone’s charge – the IR port may not work at low battery levels.
• 📱 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🎯 Direct the phone’s IR port exactly to the TV receiver (usually located at the bottom of the screen).

Problem 3: There is no image when connected via HDMI.

• 🔌 Try another one. HDMI-cable.
• 📵 Turn on the phone mode Do not interrupt the transmission (Settings) → Display. → HDMI).
• 🔄 Change the output resolution in the phone settings (for example, with 1080p on 720p).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware sometimes reset the connection settings after the update. If the phone stopped controlling the TV after the update, repeat the pairing process (method 1).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting your phone instead of remote control