Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Mi Boxs are equipped with advanced remote controls that work predominantly over a Bluetooth connection, which ensures high response speed and voice control. However, despite the reliability of the technology, users often face the need to reconnect the device, whether it is replacing batteries, buying a new remote, or simply failure of synchronization after updating the firmware. The pairing process may seem unclear, especially if the standard method of “press and hold” does not work the first time.
In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to tie a new remote to a Xiaomi TV, including the use of built-in Android TV features, hidden engineer menus and alternative methods of controlling via a smartphone. You will learn the difference between IR remotes and Bluetooth models, how to correctly reset the settings and what to do if the TV stopped seeing the periphery.
Before you start to do complex manipulations, it's important to determine the type of control device you have. Most current Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and Mi TV P1 series models use Bluetooth Low Energy to transmit commands, while older or budget versions can rely on an infrared port. Understanding this difference is critical, because the interface algorithm for them is radically different. If your remote requires direct vision with the TV receiver, it's an IR model and it doesn't require complex (pairing) working immediately after the power unit is installed.
Definition of the type of remote and preparation of equipment
The first step in the setup process is to identify the model of your remote control. In the Xiaomi lineup, you find voice-enabled devices that always use Bluetooth, and simple versions that work exclusively on infrared. Bluetooth models are characterized by the presence of a microphone button and no need to point the remote directly towards the TV. If you purchase a new remote, make sure that it is compatible with your version of the Android TV or PatchWall operating system.
The equipment preparation involves not only installing fresh batteries, but also checking the physical condition of an infrared emitter or Bluetooth antenna inside the enclosure. Sometimes the problem lies in oxidized contacts or discharged batteries that cannot provide enough power for the Bluetooth Discovery signal. It is recommended to use alkaline batteries instead of salt ones, as they provide the more stable voltage required for the initial handshake protocol when paired.
It's also worth paying attention to the presence of third-party devices that can cause interference in the 2.4 GHz band. Wi-Fi routers, wireless mice and other gadgets sometimes interfere with the process of finding a new device by the TV. USB-Bluetooth extension extension (in the case of TV boxes), make sure it is not shielded with metal objects, and properly prepared eliminates 80% of potential problems during the initial setup phase.
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Use only new batteries of the same capacity and type. Mixing old and new batteries can cause the Bluetooth module to malfunction.
To successfully complete the procedure, make sure that the TV is on and in standby mode, not in deep sleep.In some cases, pre-activation of the pairing mode on the TV itself through the settings menu is required, although most often the Mi TV goes into this mode automatically when a request is detected from the remote. Having a backup control method, for example, a keyboard or mouse connected via USB, will greatly simplify the process if the standard remote suddenly stops responding.
Standard procedure for pairing a Bluetooth remote
The main method, which works 95% of the time for Xiaomi Mi TV, Mi Box and Mi Stick devices, is to use a combination of buttons to put the remote in visibility mode, a process called “pairing” and requires accurate timing of the presses. The TV must be at a distance of no more than 20-30 centimeters from the remote at the time of activation of the search mode, so that the signal is confidently received by the receiving module.
To start the procedure, you need to simultaneously press two specific buttons. Depending on the model of the remote, these can be the Home button (house icon) and Back button (arrow to the left), or the Menu and OK buttons. Hold them for 5-10 seconds. The LED indicator on the top of the remote (if any) should start flashing quickly, usually in blue or orange, which signals the transition to Bluetooth Pairing Mode.
☑️ Pre-conjugation check
Once the LED flashes, the TV should display a system notification of the detection of a new device or a pop-up requesting pairing. If the automatic window does not appear, you may need to manually go to the Bluetooth settings menu. Android TV usually offers to confirm the action, after which the characteristic sound signal is heard, and the remote begins to fully control the interface.
It's important to keep the buttons on too early. If you let them go early, the remote can just send a command rather than go into setup mode. Also, you should consider that when you first connect a new remote to a TV that already had a previously paired device, you may need to disable old profiles to avoid addressing conflicts.
Configure through the system menu Android TV
If automatic detection didn't work, or if you want to manually tie the remote, you need to use the operating system interface. In order to navigate, you'll need an alternative control method: it can be connected to the remote. USB-Go to the main menu and select the Settings section, which is usually indicated by the gear in the upper right corner of the screen.
In the menu that opens, look for Remotes & Accessories, which displays all the input devices connected. To add a new remote, select Add Accessory, which will go into active scanning of the surrounding space to find available Bluetooth devices, at which point you need to put your remote into pairing mode by pressing the appropriate buttons, as described in the previous section.
| Menu element | Function | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Add an accessory | Launching a Bluetooth scan | Active in search |
| Mi Remote | Xiaomi's main remote | Requires pairing |
| Gamepad | Game controller | Supported |
| Keyboard/Mouse | Keyboard or mouse | Supported |
When a record appears in the list of available devices, such as Mi Remote or Bluetooth Remote, select it and press the confirmation button (left mouse or OK button on the keyboard). The system initiates the process of exchanging security keys. Once successfully completed, the Connected status will appear in the list of connected devices, and the remote will become fully functional.
It's worth noting that some versions of PatchWall may have slightly different paths to settings, so if you don't find the right partition, try searching by settings by typing in the word "Bluetooth" or "Remote," and sometimes rebooting your TV with the remote buttons already pressed helps, which force the search service to start when you boot.
Use of IR remote and universal models
Not all Xiaomi TVs support Bluetooth pairing for all types of remotes. Some models, especially in the budget segment or older series, use the classic infrared port (IR). For such devices, the “binding” procedure is not required in the digital sense. Simply insert the batteries and point the remote to the receiving window of the TV, usually located at the bottom of the frame or under the logo.
However, if you use a universal remote or remote from another device, you may need to adjust the codes. The menu of the Mi TV often features a Universal remote or the ability to adjust the power and volume buttons to control the external audio system or receiver. To activate this mode, press the buttons specified in the instructions for a specific universal remote until the brand code appears on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Infrared remotes don't require pairing via Bluetooth menus. If your remote is running on an IR port, finding the device in Bluetooth settings won't do anything. Make sure there's no obstruction between the remote and the TV.
For users who have lost the original remote, a great solution is universal Bluetooth remotes with learning function or pre-installed profiles for Android TV Box. When buying such a device, it is important to make sure that the description claims support for Xiaomi or Google TV protocols. The process of connecting them is similar to the original devices: transfer to mode and select from the list in the TV menu.
In the rare cases where the TV's IR receiver is contaminated or closed with a decorative panel, the remote's range may decrease.Wash the receiver area with a soft dry cloth.If you use a third-party IR remote, make sure it emits a signal in the correct spectrum, although most current universal models cover the entire range.
Problem Solving: The remote is not connected or visible
The situation when the Xiaomi Mi TV does not see the remote or refuses to connect it is one of the most common.This can be caused by a software failure in the Bluetooth module, overflow of the list of paired devices or the discharge of batteries below a critical threshold. First of all, try to completely turn off the TV by removing the cord from the socket for 1-2 minutes, and then repeat the pairing procedure.
A common cause of failure is the presence of old, no longer used Bluetooth profiles in the TV's memory. Go to Bluetooth settings, find a list of previously connected devices, and delete any unnecessary or old remotes. The limit of connected devices can vary, but cleaning the list often solves the "invisibility" problem of a new device. After cleaning the list, restart the TV.
Hidden method of resetting a Bluetooth module
It's also worth checking if any button on the remote itself is stuck. If the button is pressed, the remote can continuously transmit a signal, blocking the possibility of switching to pairing mode. Disassemble the remote (if possible) or gently blow out the buttons with compressed air. Sometimes it helps to remove the batteries and repeatedly press all the buttons to discharge the residual current, after which new power cells are inserted.
If nothing works, you may have a faulty Bluetooth module in the remote or a receiver in the TV. Check the remote on another Android TV device if you can. If the hardware part breaks, you may need to change the remote or repair the TV at the service center.
Alternative ways of managing: smartphone and USB
While you are solving the problem with the main remote or waiting for the delivery of a new one, you can use your smartphone as a full-fledged remote control. For Xiaomi Mi TVs running on Android TV, the official and most functional solution is the Google Home application or the specialized Mi Remote application (for models with an infrared port in a smartphone) or Android TV Remote Control.
To connect through the Google Home app, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app, find your TV in the list of devices, and click the Remote button. The TV screen will show a confirmation code that you need to enter on your smartphone. This will allow you to control navigation, enter text from your phone keyboard, and even use voice search through your smartphone microphone.
- 📱 Google Home: The native solution for Android TV, voice and touchpad support.
- 📡 Mi Remote: Works through an IR port (if you have a phone) or Wi-Fi, sharpened under the ecosystem of Xiaomi.
- ⌨️ USB-Keyboard: Any wired or wireless (with USB-Whistle) the keyboard works immediately, without settings.
- 🖱️ Computer mouse: Allows easy navigation through the interface if navigation buttons are difficult.
Another reliable way to use a regular computer USB-Keyboards or mice. Android TV recognize them as HID-This is especially useful for entering Wi-Fi passwords or finding content, since the on-screen keyboard of the TV is often uncomfortable. USB-The TV port and it will start working immediately.
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A smartphone with Google Home or Android TV Remote Control installed can completely replace a physical remote, including voice input and media file management.