Xiaomi’s remote controls have become an integral part of the brand’s smart device ecosystem, combining minimalist design with enhanced functionality, but not always intuitive for beginners. This article will help you understand how to make the most of a remote from Mi TV, Mi Box, Mi Projector or universal Mi Remote — from basic commands to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.
We'll look at connectivity, gesture management, voice search, and the solution to typical problems, from broken buttons to resetting settings. We'll focus on infrared port models and Bluetooth, because the setup is fundamentally different. If you've just unpacked a new Xiaomi device or want to optimize your old remote, here's the answers.
Xiaomi Remote Types: What Do You Have?
Before you start setting up, it’s important to determine which remote you’re working with. Xiaomi releases several types of devices, and their capabilities vary greatly:
- 📺 Remotes for Mi TV and Redmi TV TVs – usually equipped with an IR transmitter and Bluetooth, support voice search via microphone.
- 🎮 The remotes for the Mi Box and Mi TV Stick are compact, with a touchpad for cursor control and buttons for media control.
To find out the exact model, look at the back of the remote – there is a label (for example, MDZ-22-AB for Mi TV Stick or R215 for universal Mi Remote) This information will come in handy when looking for firmware or instructions for a particular version.
The type of remote controls depends on the functions available. For example, only Bluetooth LE models (such as the Mi TV Remote Pro) support remote control via a smartphone without direct vision of the device, and universal IR remotes require pre-tuning for every device in the house.
First Connection: Synchronization with the Device
If the remote is new or has been reset, it needs to be synchronized with the TV, console or projector, the process differs depending on the type of connection:
Bluetooth remotes (Mi TV, Mi Box, Mi Projector)
- Turn the device (television/set-top box) on the network.
- Press and hold the Menu + OK (or Home + Back for Mi Box) buttons on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes.
- On the screen of the device will appear a request for connection – confirm it.
If synchronization is not happening, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge (for battery panels).
- 📶 Distance to device (no more than 10 meters without obstacles)
- 🔄 Reboot the TV/set-top box and try again.
For IR remotes (universal Mi Remote)
The IR panels do not require “pairing”, but they need to be configured for a specific device:
- Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone.
- Add the remote to the application via Add the device → remotes DU.
- Select the type of device you manage (TV, air conditioning, etc.) and the brand from the list.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to test the buttons.
☑️ Checking a successful connection
Some models (such as Mi TV 4S) may require a firmware update via Settings → About → Update of the remote. This option is not available on all devices.
Basic functions: what each remote can do
Even the simplest remote from Xiaomi is equipped with a set of features that many users do not use.
| Function | Description | How to activate |
|---|---|---|
| Voice search | Content Search, App Launch, Smart Home Management | Button with microphone (hold 1-2 seconds) |
| Cursor control | Touchbar for navigating menus (like a computer mouse) | Put your finger on the touchpad. |
| Quick launch. | Buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube (set up) | Settings → remote control → Quick buttons |
| Game mode. | Reduces the latency of the game (Mi Box/TV Stick only) | Game button or in the HDMI- port settings |
Mi TV remotes often feature a hidden dual-click feature: for example, twice pressing Home, you can quickly switch between the latest open applications. On universal Mi Remote, the Menu + Volume Up combination resets the settings of the connected device (it does not work for all brands).
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If voice search doesn’t recognize commands, try speaking more clearly or switching the language in the remote settings (Settings → Voice Assistant → Language).
Handling gestures and touch panel
Xiaomi touchpad remotes (such as the Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick) support gestures similar to the smartphone:
- 👆 Swipe up/down — scroll through lists (e.g., on YouTube or Netflix).
- 👈 Swipe left/right — Rewind video or switch tabs.
- 🖱️ Touch + Hold – Drag and drop elements (like on a PC).
- 🔘 Double-touch is the analogue of double-clicking (opens a file or application).
The touchpad sensitivity is adjusted in the Settings menu → remote control → Sensor sensitivity. If the cursor “twitches” or does not respond, try to reduce sensitivity or wipe the panel with a dry wipe (fat and dust interfere with the operation).
Some models (such as the Mi TV Remote Pro) support multi-touch, which allows you to use two fingers to zoom maps in Google Maps or photos in the gallery at the same time, and this feature is activated automatically when you update your firmware to version 1.4.5+.
How do you calibrate the touchpad?
Voice assistant: commands and settings
The button with the microphone on the Xiaomi remote launches a voice assistant that knows more than just looking for movies.
- 🎬 "Enable Netflix" launches the app.
- 🔍 "Find Comedies 2023" - search by genre and year.
- 🌡️ Set a 22 degree temperature — Control smart air conditioner (if connected to Mi Home).
- 🔄 "Switch to HDMI 1" - change the signal source.
- 📝 Add Milk to the Shopping List — Integration with Mi Notes.
To help the assistant understand commands in Russian, check the settings:
- Open the Settings. → Voice assistant.
- Select the Language → Russian.
- Activate the option of Recognition without the Internet (it works slower, but does not require connection).
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Voice assistant on the remotes Xiaomi uses cloud processing commands, so for full operation requires an Internet connection.
If the microphone is not responding:
- Check if the microphone hole is closed (a common problem after falls).
- Update the firmware of the remote via Settings → About the program.
- Reset the remote settings (see section below).
Problem Solving: The remote does not work or is glitzy
If the remote stops responding, first determine the type of malfunction:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No buttons are responding. | Battery's gone. | Charge the remote (USB-C/Micro-USB) or replace the batteries |
| It only works close to you. | Weak IR signal or interference | Check obstacles, replace batteries, clean the IR transmitter |
| Touchpad's not working. | Sensor contamination or software failure | Wipe the panel, update the firmware or reset the settings |
| The buttons press themselves. | Sticking of contacts or moisture | Dry the remote in rice for 24 hours or disassemble for cleaning |
To reset the remote settings:
- Remove the batteries (if they are removable).
- Press and hold the OK button for 10 seconds.
- Insert the batteries back and repeat the synchronization.
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If the remote is dropped in water, DO NOT dry it with a hair dryer, it will damage the electronics, put it in a silica gel bag (out of a shoe box) for 48 hours.
For battery remotes (such as Mi TV Remote Pro), the complete reset is done through Settings → Remote → Reset to factory.
⚠️ Warning: If the remote has stopped working after updating the TV firmware, try rolling back the software version via Settings → About → Update rollback. This option is only available for 48 hours after the upgrade.
Hidden functions and life hacks
Xiaomi remotes hide a few non-obvious features that make it easier to use:
- 🔦 Button highlighting: On some models (e.g. Mi TV Remote Pro), buttons are highlighted when the remote is shaken. Activated in Settings → Remote → Backlight.
- 🔋 Charge savings: Turn off vibration and backlighting to increase the time without recharging.
- 🎮 Game mode for touchpad: in games you can turn off cursor delay through Settings → Special features → Gamer Mode.
- 📱 Smartphone control: In the Mi Remote app (Android/iOS), you can use the phone as a backup remote.
For universal Mi Remote, there is a lifehack: if your device is not in the list of supported brands, select Training in the remote settings. Point the original remote from the TV to Mi Remote and alternately press the buttons - so you can "copy" commands even for rare models.
The remotes for the Mi Projector have a trapezoidal distortion autocorrection function hidden. To activate it, press Menu → Image correction → Auto and point the projector to the screen - the distortion will be compensated automatically.