Xiaomi’s voice remote is not just an accessory for controlling a TV or console, but a full-fledged tool that makes watching movies and finding content convenient and fast. However, many users face difficulties when they first get acquainted: the remote does not respond to commands, does not understand speech or works with delays. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of setting up and using the Xiaomi voice remote, from basic activation to advanced features that not everyone knows.
Xiaomi's voice remotes (such as Mi TV Voice Remote or Mi Box S Voice Remote) are designed to integrate with the MIUI TV ecosystem and support multiple languages, including Russian. Even so, many features remain hidden from the user. For example, did you know that you can set up hot phrases to run apps quickly or change the sensitivity of the microphone? What if the remote stopped responding to voice after updating the firmware?
1. Preparing the remote for work: what to do before the first use
Before you start giving voice commands, make sure your remote is ready to go. Many people skip this stage and then wonder why the device is not responding. Here are the mandatory steps:
- 🔋 Recharge or replace batteries.Most Xiaomi voice remotes run on two batteries AAA. If the remote is new, the batteries are already installed, but their charge may not be enough for the microphone to work smoothly.
- 📶 Check compatibility. Mi voice controls TV Voice Remote is suitable for Mi TVs TV 4/4S/4A/4C/4X/5/5X and the Mi Box. S/4K. If your model is older 2018 A year may require a firmware update.
- 🔄 Update the TV/Setters firmware. Go to Settings → About the device → Update the system and install the latest updates, which will eliminate possible bugs with voice recognition.
Also note the physical condition of the remote: the microphone (usually located at the top) should not be covered with a protective film or contaminated. If the remote has a Mic button on it, press it once, and the indicator should light up, indicating readiness to record the voice.
Activation of voice control: step-by-step instructions
To enable voice search, do the following:
- Turn on the TV or Xiaomi console and wait for the system to fully load.
- Press and hold the microphone (or voice) button on the remote for 2-3 seconds until the sound signal or microphone animation appears on the screen.
- Say the command clearly and loudly (e.g., “Open Netflix” or “Find the 2023 Comedy”).
If the remote doesn't respond:
- 🔊 Check if the microphone is switched off in the settings: → Input devices → Voice remote → Allow access to the microphone.
- 📱 Make sure there are no noise sources in the room (working air conditioning, fan).
- 🔄 Restart the TV/set-top box by pulling the power cord for 30 seconds.
☑️ Checking before first use
Some remotes (e.g., the Mi TV 5 Pro) require pre-binding to the TV.
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Add accessory.
- Select your remote from the list and confirm pairing.
3.Tune language and region for accurate recognition
By default, the Xiaomi voice remote can be configured in Chinese or English, to change it to Russian:
- Open Settings → Language and Region.
- Select Russian (Russia) in the System Language section.
- Go to Voice Assistant → Recognition Language and also install Russian.
If after changing the language, the remote does not understand the commands:
- 🗣️ Try to speak more slowly, articulating the words clearly.
- 🔄 Reset the remote settings: press the Home buttons + Back for 10 seconds.
- 📲 Update the voice command database through Settings → Voice assistant → Update the data.
Critical detail: if your TV is bought in China (CN models), even after the language change, system voice commands (e.g., "Go back to the home screen") can only work in Chinese.
How to find out the region of your Xiaomi TV?
4. Basic voice commands: what can be said to the remote
Xiaomi voice remote supports more than 100 commands in Russian, and can be divided into several categories:
| Category | Examples of teams | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Management of the system | Return to the main screen, Open settings, Turn off the TV | It only works when you are actively connected to the Internet. |
| Search for content | Find Interstellar, Show Space TV Shows, Turn on Cartoons for Kids | Searches for all connected services (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video) |
| Reproduction management | Pause, increase volume, rewind for 5 minutes | It works in most built-in players. |
| Launching applications | Open YouTube, Launch Netflix, and Enable Prime Video | Application names should match their display in the menu |
Some teams only work on specific applications, like YouTube, where you can say,
- 🎬 Find smartphone reviews
- 🔍 Show the latest videos from [channel name]
- 📺 Play the following video
Lifehack: If the remote doesn't recognize the name of a movie or TV series, try pronouncing it in English, for example, instead of "Game of Thrones," say "Game of Thrones."
💡
Create voice shortcuts for frequently used apps, say, "Add a shortcut to Netflix," and then assign a command, like "Cinema." Now just say "Cinema" to open the app.
5. Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even after setting up the voice remote correctly, Xiaomi can malfunction. Let’s look at typical situations and ways to fix them:
⚠️ Warning: If the remote control stopped responding to the voice after falling, check the integrity of the microphone. Often the problem is solved by replacing the remote control, since the microphone membranes are not repairable.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote doesn't turn on the microphone. | Batteries discharged or software failure | Replace the batteries or reset the remote (clamp Home + Back for 10 seconds) |
| Voice commands not recognized | Incorrect language of the system or noise in the room | Install Russian and repeat the command in a quiet environment |
| Delay in execution of commands | Weak Internet connection or overload of Xiaomi servers | Reconnect to the network or repeat the command later |
| The remote works only near the TV. | Low Bluetooth signal strength | Reboot the TV and remote, then re-conjugate |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the TV settings to factory:
- Go to Settings → About the device → Reset settings.
- Select Reset all settings (does not delete apps, only settings).
- After restarting, reset the voice remote.
💡
Most of the problems with Xiaomi’s voice control are due to incorrect language settings or outdated firmware. Always start your diagnosis by checking these parameters.
6. Advanced functions: what does the remote control know besides the basic commands
Few people know, but the Xiaomi voice remote supports several hidden features that can make interaction with the TV much easier:
- 🎤 Voice input. In any input field (like YouTube search), click the Microphone button on the screen and dictate text. This is faster than typing with a virtual keyboard.
- 🔄 Quick switching of signal sources. Say, "Switch to the signal source." HDMI 1" or "Switch on AV-input" to change source without manual selection.
- 📊 Voice reminders. Some firmwares have a "Remind me to watch [name] at 20:00" command.
- 🎮 Game management: In emulators and simple games (for example, Tetris or Snake), you can use voice commands "Left", "Right", "Jump».
Activating some functions may require the inclusion of experimental capabilities:
- Go to Settings. → About the device.
- Click on the build number several times until the “You became a developer” notification appears.
- Go back to the basic settings and open a new section for developers.
- Activate the option Advanced Voice Control.
Note: not all Xiaomi TVs support experimental features, and some devices may not have this section.
7. Alternative control methods: if the voice control is broken
If your voice control is out of order but your TV or Xiaomi console is still working, you can use alternative control methods:
- 📱 Mi Remote. Download it to your smartphone (available for Android and iOS), connect to the same network with your TV, and select a device model.
If you are buying a new remote, pay attention to the original models:
- Mi TV Voice Remote 2 – with improved microphone and a quick access button to Netflix.
- Mi Box S Voice Remote is compatible with Mi Box S and Mi Box 4K.
Tip: Before buying, check the compatibility of the remote with your TV model on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation.