Wink gestures (or wink) on Xiaomi TVs are a unique feature that allows you to control the device with a simple movement of the hand. Instead of looking for a remote or using a voice assistant, you just need to wave your palm in front of the camera sensor. The feature is especially convenient for quickly turning on / off the screen, switching channels or adjusting the volume without physical contact with the TV.
However, not all users know that Wink gestures only work on Xiaomi TVs with front-facing camera and AIoT support. In this article, we'll look at how to check your model's compatibility, activate gestures in settings, adjust sensor sensitivity, and eliminate common bugs. MIUI TV 3.0 and later, including the latest updates for 2026.
1.Check compatibility of Xiaomi TV with Wink gestures
Before you try to adjust gestures, make sure your TV supports them. Wink is not available on all Xiaomi models.
- 📺 Front camera presence: gestures are recognized through an infrared sensor or camera (e.g. in Mi models) TV Q1E, Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X2022).
- 🤖 Version. MIUI TV: The firmware should be at least 3.0.18. You can check the version in Settings → On TV. → Version. MIUI TV.
- 🔄 Firmware region: on some gray models (for example, for the Chinese market), the function can be disabled software.
If your TV doesn't match at least one of the points, you can't customize Wink gestures, so the alternative is voice commands via Google Assistant or Bluetooth remote control.
2. Preparing the TV for gesture settings
Before activating Wink, follow a few preliminary steps to avoid crashes:
- Update your firmware: go to Settings → About TV → Update your system and install the latest patches. This will eliminate possible bugs with gesture recognition.
- Clean the camera: wipe the front sensor with a dry wipe. Dust or dirt can interfere with the correct operation of the sensor.
- Make sure there are no obstacles: there should be no objects (vases, frames, etc.) between you and the TV that block the camera’s view.
Also check if the camera is turned off in the privacy settings.
- Open Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.
- Find the Camera section and make sure that access is allowed for system services.
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If the gestures stopped working after the firmware update, try resetting the camera settings: Settings → Apps → All apps → Camera → Clear the data.
3. Step-by-step instructions for activating Wink
Now, let's get to the immediate settings. Follow the instructions carefully, because skipping the steps can cause the function to malfunction.
☑️ Activation of Wink gestures
Step 1. Open the main menu of the TV and go to: Settings → Devices and Connections → Gestures and Movements → Wink Control.
Step 2. Turn on the Gesture Recognition switch. The system will suggest a short calibration - stand 1.5-2.5 meters from the TV and follow the prompts on the screen (usually you need to slowly swipe your hand from left to right).
Step 3. After calibration, select gesture actions:
- 👋 Wave your hand left/right – switching channels or tabs.
- ✋ Raise your palm up - increase the volume.
- 👇 Lower your hand down – reduce the volume.
- 😊 Wink (close one eye) – turn the screen on/off.
Step 4: Adjust sensor sensitivity in the Advanced settings section, if gestures are triggered too often or are not recognized, adjust the Sensitivity slider (optimal 70-85%).
⚠️ Warning: If the room is bright (for example, direct sunlight on the screen), the sensor may not work stable, in which case close the curtains or reduce the brightness of the TV backlight.
4. Configure additional parameters Wink
Basic gestures may not be enough to handle comfortably, and in advanced settings you can:
- 🔄 Add custom gestures: for example, give two fingers the "open Netflix" action. → Record the movement and repeat it 3 times to train the system.
- 🕒 Set timeouts: If you freeze in front of the TV for a long time, the gestures may be triggered by accident. Set the delay in Settings → Gestures → Time-out recognition (recommended 3-5 seconds).
- 👤 Create user profiles: if multiple people use the TV, the system can take into account individual movements (available on Mi) TV 5 Pro and newer).
Also in the Special Options menu, you can activate the Vibration option when recognizing the TV will vibrate slightly (if it supports) when the gesture is successfully triggered.
| Parameter | Recommended value | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity of the sensor | 75–85% | Balance between accuracy and false positives |
| Distance to camera | 1.5–2.5 m | Optimal recognition zone |
| Time-out recognition | 3-5 seconds | Prevents accidental triggers |
| Brightness of backlight | <50% | Improves the sensor during the daytime |
5. Solving Common Problems with Wink
Even when properly set up, gestures may not work properly, and here are some common mistakes and ways to fix them:
- 🚫 Gestures not recognized: Check if the camera sensor is closed with a decorative frame or sticker. Restart the TV (Settings) → Reset your gesture settings: Settings → Gestures → Reset calibration.
- ⚡ Random positives: Reduce sensor sensitivity to 60-70%. Turn off background recognition. Check if pets (such as cats waving their tails) are in the way).
- 🔴 Feature lost after update: Roll back the firmware to the previous version (if available). Contact Xiaomi support with error logs (Settings) → On TV. → Error report).
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Smart TVs TV In the first generation (2019-2020), Wink gestures may conflict with Air Mouse, in which case, turn off Air Mouse in the remote settings.
What to do if the camera is not turned on?
6. Alternative methods of control without remote control
If Wink gestures don’t work or your TV doesn’t support them, consider alternatives:
- 🎤 Voice control: via Google Assistant or Alice (setting up in Settings) → Voice assistant. Commands: "Turn on Netflix," "Current volume by 20%".
- 📱 Mi Remote app: download the official Mi app TV Remote to smartphone (available for Android and iOS) Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
- 🖱️ Remote with a gyroscope: Xiaomi Mi remotes TV Stick Remote supports motion control (like a computer mouse).
- 🔌 Smart speakers: connect Xiaomi AI Speaker or Google Nest for voice management.
For owners of Mi TV Q1E and later, Quick Wake is available – double touch screen includes TV from sleep mode (analogue Wink, but without gestures).
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Wink gestures are a convenient but not universal feature, and if your model doesn't support them, voice control or a smartphone with the Mi Remote app will be a complete replacement.
7.Security and privacy when using Wink
The front camera that Wink needs to run raises privacy questions, and here's how to protect your data:
- 🔒 Turn off the camera when not in use: C → Confidentiality → The camera can be completely deactivated.
- 🚪 Set up the recognition zone: in Settings → Gestures → Area of action: Limit the camera’s viewing angle (e.g., only the sofa).
- 📹 Check camera records: some Xiaomi models temporarily save frames to improve recognition.Delete them in Settings → Warehouse → Camera data.
- 🛡️ Update the Privacy Policy: in Settings → On TV. → Legal information please read the latest changes in data processing.
If you’re concerned about data leaks, use a physical camera shutter (sold separately for some models) or opt out of gestures in favor of the remote.