Xiaomi Mi TV remote: full instructions for use with secret chips

The Xiaomi Mi TV remote is not just a channel switching device; it combines traditional DU, voice assistant and even a mini keyboard for a smart platform, but many users use only 20% of its capabilities, unaware of hidden button combinations, energy saving modes and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem.

In this article, we will analyze not only the basic functions (turning on, volume control, navigation), but also advanced features: How to set up voice control via Alice or Google Assistant, which buttons are responsible for fast access to Netflix or Prime Video, and what to do if the remote is no longer synced with the TV. We will focus on typical errors due to which users lose communication with the device, for example, simultaneous retention of Home buttons. + Back resets the remote to factory settings within 10 seconds, which can lead to loss of binding.

Whether you’ve just purchased a Xiaomi Mi TV Q2, Mi TV A Pro or another model of the series, or just want to master all the chips of your remote, this guide is for you. We’ve gathered information from official manuals, user reviews and tests of Xiaomi’s lab to provide up-to-date data for 2026.

We deal with the buttons: the appointment of each key

The Xiaomi Mi TV remote has a minimalist design, but each button performs several functions depending on the context. Here is a basic transcript (relevant to the 2020-2026 models):

• 🔘 Power button: TV on/off. Long hold (5 seconds) - forced system reboot.
• 📺 Home: Returns to the main menu of PatchWall or Google TV (Double-clicking opens the list of recent applications.
• 🔽 Navigation joystick: cursor control. Click to the center - selection, retention - drag (for example, to change the order of applications).
• 🔊 Loudness (Volume) +/-): In some firmware, holding Volume switches to Mute mode.
• 🔍 Microphone: activation of voice assistant on models with Far-field microphones (e.g. Mi). TV Q2 75) works without pressing — just say, "Hi, Alice".
• 📱 Mi Button (Mia button): Quick access to Mi Home settings or sync with other Xiaomi devices.

On the remotes for Mi TV A Pro and later, hot keys for streaming services are added:

• 🎬 Netflix – one tap opens the app (if installed).
• 🎥 Prime Video – similar to Amazon’s.
• 🎵 Music – runs the last audio you play in Mi Music or Spotify (configuration in the menu).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TV remotes released before 2021 may not have the Mi Button button, but instead use the Home combination. + Back to access ecosystem settings.

How to connect and sync the remote with the TV

In most cases, the Xiaomi Mi TV remote is already paired with the TV out of the box, but if you lose communication (for example, after resetting or replacing batteries), follow the following steps:

1. Check the batteries: use AAA (1.5V) cells. Backlit models recommend Duracell or Energizer batteries, which last longer.
2. Activate pairing mode: On TV: go to Settings → Devices → Remote Control → Add remote. On remote: Hold Home + OK (center joystick button) for 8-10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.

Confirm the connection:

Power

If the remote is not determined, try resetting its settings:

1. Remove the batteries.


2 Press and hold the Power button for 20 seconds.




3. Insert the batteries back and repeat pairing.

⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4S mi TV 4A (release until 2019) may require a firmware update of the remote via the Settings menu → About the programme → Update the remote control. Without this, some buttons (such as voice search) will not work.

Voice control: settings and commands

One of the key advantages of the Xiaomi Mi TV remote is the built-in voice control, which works through Alice (for Russian models) or Google Assistant (for international versions).

1. Make sure the TV is connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
2. Press the microphone button on the remote or say "Hi Alice" (if supported).
3. When using for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set the language and allow microphone access.

Problem Solving: The remote does not work or is glitzy

If the Xiaomi Mi TV remote has stopped responding to commands, first check the obvious:

If the basic steps did not help, try re-flashing the remote:

1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the file remote_*.bin by flash drive (format) FAT32).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → About the program → Update the remote control.
4. Select a firmware file and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the power!).

For Mi TV 4A/4S models (2018–2019), manual reset may be required:

1. Turn the TV off the socket.


2. Press the Home + Back buttons on the remote.




3. Connect the TV to the network by holding the buttons for 15 seconds.




4. Release - the indicator on the remote should flash 3 times.

⚠️ Note: After resetting the remote, you may need to re-assign to your Xiaomi account. If you forget your login details, restore them via account.xiaomi.com, otherwise some features (such as Mi Home) will not work.

If the remote is physically damaged (for example, buttons are not pressed or the infrared port glass is cracked), consider:

• 🛒 Official replacement: contact Xiaomi Service Center (12-month warranty).
• 🔧 Repair: disassemble the remote (carefully smacking the latches with a screwdriver) and clean the contacts of the buttons with alcohol.
• 📱 Alternative: Use the Mi Remote app for your smartphone (available on Android and iOS).

Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem: smart home and automation

Xiaomi Mi TV remote can become the control center of the smart home, if you have other devices of the ecosystem (Yeelight lamps, Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaner, Aqara sensors, etc.).

1. Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone and log in.
2. Add the TV to the app via Add the device → TVs.
3. On the remote, click Mi Button and select Smart Home.
4. Create scenarios, for example: 💡 "TV turns on, Yeelight lamps dimm up to 30%, curtains close. 🛌 "Good night: TV turns off, air conditioning goes to night mode, Aqara security turns on.

For advanced users, settings are available through Home Assistant:

1. Enable the developer mode on the TV (see spoiler above).


2. Activate ADB Debugging in the developer settings.




3. Connect the TV to Home Assistant through Android TV integration.

A full list of supported devices and commands can be found in the Home Assistant documentation.

💡

Integration with Mi Home allows you to control your TV with your voice through a Xiaomi Smart Speaker or even a smartphone – for example, say “OK Google, turn on Mi TV on Netflix”.

Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Regular firmware updates to the Xiaomi Mi TV remote fix bugs, add new features (such as support for new streaming services) and improve stability.

There are two ways to update:

1. Through TV: Go to Settings → About → Update the remote control. If a new version is available, click Update. Wait for completion (the remote will reboot automatically).
2. Manually through USB: Download the firmware from Xiaomi ("Accessories" section). Unpack the archive and copy the file. remote_*.stick-in (FAT32). Connect the flash drive to the TV and follow the instructions in the update menu.

⚠️ Note: If the remote stopped working after the update, reset (see the "Problem Solving" section) and re-synchronize it with the TV. In rare cases, you may need to roll back to the previous version of the firmware - contact Xiaomi support for this.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions