Xiaomi TV Stick 4K: How to use, configure and solve problems

What is Xiaomi TV Stick 4K and why its remote stands out

Xiaomi TV Stick 4K has become one of the most popular solutions for converting a regular TV into a smart one thanks to 4K HDR support, built-in Google TV and compact design. But the key control element, the remote, is often a question for users. Unlike traditional TV remotes, it combines voice control, touchpad and a minimum of physical buttons, which requires a special approach.

The main problem is the lack of the usual buttons for direct access to channels or volume settings. Instead, Xiaomi has relied on versatility: one remote controls both the console and the TV (via an infrared port), and even the smart devices of the Mi Home ecosystem. However, without understanding the logic of the operation, many functions remain unclaimed. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic inclusion to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.

Unpacking and first connection of the remote

Xiaomi TV Stick 4K comes bundled with the console and requires minimal setup before use.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Battery remote itself (usually already installed)
  • ๐Ÿ“„ Short instructions in several languages (Russian included)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Spare batteries (in some trim levels)

The first turn on occurs automatically when you connect the console to the TV via HDMI. The remote is synchronized with the TV Stick over Bluetooth - no additional actions are required.

  1. Make sure the batteries are installed correctly (polarity is indicated in the compartment).
  2. Press and hold the Home + Back button for 5 seconds to reset the connection.
  3. Reboot the console through the Settings menu โ†’ Device โ†’ Reboot.
๐Ÿ“Š How did you connect Xiaomi TV Stick 4K?
Through HDMI- TV ports
Through USB-hub
Used the HDMIโ†’MicroHDMI adapter
Another way.

Important: If the remote does not respond to pressing, check whether the Bluetooth signal is blocking other devices (for example, wireless headphones or a router in the immediate vicinity).

The Remote Buttons: What Each Means

The design of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K remote is minimalistic, but behind each button there are additional features.

ButtonSubstantive functionHidden opportunities
Power (๐Ÿ”„)Switching on/off the prefixLong press (3 seconds) - forced reboot
Home (๐Ÿ )Return to the main screen of Google TVDouble-click โ€“ Opening a list of recent apps
Back (โ†ฉ๏ธ)Back a step.In some applications, it works as "Esc"
Google Assistant (๐ŸŽค)Activation of the voice assistantRetention โ€“ setting up microphone and languages
Touch panel (โ†•๏ธโ†”๏ธ)Navigating the menuQuickly swipe up - opening the notification panel

The Google Assistant button deserves special attention, not only it launches voice search, but also allows you to control Xiaomi smart devices (for example, turn on Yeelight light bulbs or a robot vacuum cleaner).

  1. Hold the Google Assistant button to the beep.
  2. Say a command, such as, "Switch on the light in the living room."
  3. Confirm the connection with the Mi Home account in the settings of the console.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the voice assistant doesn't understand commands, check the language in settings: Settings โ†’ Device โ†’ Voice Input โ†’ Language. Russian is supported, but it's better to add English as a backup.

Setting up the remote for controlling the TV

One of the key features of the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K remote is the ability to control the volume and turn on of the TV through the built-in infrared transmitter.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Remote and accessories โ†’ Set up IR control.
  2. Choose the brand of your TV from the list (supported by Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, etc.).
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen: the console will send test signals, and you must confirm whether the command worked.

If your model is not on the list, try the universal codes:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ For Samsung: code 0101 or 0060
  • ๐Ÿ“บ For LG: code 0178 or 0030
  • ๐Ÿ“บ For Sony Bravia: code 0000 (universal)
What to do if the IR management is not working?
Check if the IR port is closed on the remote (located at the top). Also make sure there are no obstacles (glass, mirrors) between the remote and the TV. If the problem persists, try resetting the remote via Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset remote.

Important: IR controls only work with TVs released after 2010, and older models will require the original remote control in parallel.

Solving common remote control problems

Even after setting it up properly, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the remote has stopped responding to the presses after falling, check the integrity of the case. In 80% of cases, the problem is the disconnected plume of the touchpad - this requires repair.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The remote doesn't include the console.Batteries are discharged or Bluetooth connection is lostReplace the batteries, reboot the console, reset the remote (Home + Back buttons)
Voice assistant is not workingMicrophones are disconnected or Internet connection is not availableCheck Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Microphone and Network Connection
Volume buttons do not regulate TVIncorrectly configured IR transmitterRepeat the IR control setting by selecting a different TV model
Delay in pressing buttonsOverloading the Bluetooth channelDisable other Bluetooth devices, reboot the console

If the remote has completely stopped working, try connecting it to the console through the Google Home app on your smartphone:

  1. Install the Google Home app from the Play Market or App Store.
  2. Add a new device by selecting Setup Device โ†’ New Device.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to synchronize the remote.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after all the manipulations the remote does not work, the problem may be in the hardware malfunction of the console. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center - the warranty on the TV Stick 4K is 12 months.

Hidden remote functions that you didnโ€™t know about

Xiaomi TV Stick 4K remote hides a few โ€œchipsโ€ that are not described in the official documentation:

  • ๐Ÿ” Quick access to settings: Hold the Home button 2 seconds โ€“ the quick settings menu (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound) will open.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gamepad Mode: In some games (like Asphalt 9), the touchpad is converted into a virtual joystick.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphone management: Through the Mi Remote app, the remote can be used to control Xiaomi smartphones (an experimental feature).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Charge savings: If you do not use the remote for 5 minutes, it automatically goes to sleep (you can wake up with any press).

Another useful feature is the button lighting setting, which is only activated when you press it by default, but you can make it permanent:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Device โ†’ Remote and accessories.
  2. Select the button light.
  3. Set the value Always on.

Important: Constant backlighting reduces battery life by 30 percent, and use it only when you need it.

Update of the firmware of the remote and consoles

The functionality of the remote is directly dependent on the firmware version of Xiaomi TV Stick 4K. Updates come out every 2-3 months and can add new gestures, improve Bluetooth stability or expand the list of supported TVs for IR control.

To update the firmware:

Check the current version in Settings โ†’ Device โ†’ About the program

Connect the console to a stable Wi-Fi

Go to Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Software Update

Follow the instructions on the screen (do not turn off the power!)

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If the update is hanging:

โš ๏ธ Warning: Interrupting the upgrade process can lead to a console blink (loss of performance). If the screen freezes during the Install Update phase for more than 20 minutes, turn off the console for 30 seconds, then try again.

After the update, the remote may require re-synchronization.

  1. Remove the batteries from the remote for 10 seconds.
  2. Put them back in and press any button.
  3. Wait for the automatic connection (the indicator on the remote should flash green).

Alternative ways to control without a remote

If the remote is lost or broken, you can control the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K in alternative ways:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Google App TV: Install the official Google app TV (available for Android and iOS) on your smartphone, which completely replaces the remote, including voice input.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ USB- Mouse/keyboard: Connect via USB-Hub โ€” the console supports HID-devices (mouse, keyboard) without additional drivers.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gamepad: Wireless controllers (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller) can be connected via Bluetooth and used for navigation.

To connect the mouse or keyboard:

  1. Connect the USB hub to the USB-C port on the console (use the original cable).
  2. Connect the device to the hub.
  3. Wait for the automatic driver installation (up to 30 seconds).

If you use an iPhone, you will need to control the console via Google TV app:

  1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
  3. In the application, select your console from the list of available devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K remote

Can I use a remote from another Xiaomi console (such as the Mi Box S)?
No, remotes are not interchangeable due to different Bluetooth protocols. However, you can connect the remote from the Mi Box S to the TV Stick 4K through the settings of Remote and Accessories โ†’ Add accessory, but some functions (for example, voice assistant) will not work.
How to turn off the sound of the remote buttons?
Go to Settings โ†’ Sound โ†’ System Sounds and turn off the button pressing sound option. This will also turn off the sounds in the console menu.
The remote is quickly draining the batteries.
The problem may be constant Bluetooth activity or backlighting. Try: Turn off button lighting (Settings โ†’ Remote โ†’ Backlight); Reset the remote settings (Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Resetting remote); Use high-current batteries (e.g., Duracell Turbo); If the problem persists, contact the service, there may be a defect in the remote board.
Can I connect a second console to one console?
Yes, Xiaomi TV Stick 4K supports up to 3 connected remotes at a time. To do this: Go to Settings โ†’ Remote and Accessories. Select Add Accessory. Follow the on-screen instructions to sync the new remote.
How to reset the remote to factory settings?
Do one of these things: Press and hold the Home + Back buttons for 10 seconds (until the indicator blinks). Remove the batteries for 1 minute, then insert back. Reset the settings via the console menu: Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset remote. Reset will require re-synchronization after reset.