How to tie a new remote to a Xiaomi TV

Modern Xiaomi TVs (including the Mi TV and P1) lineups often come with advanced Bluetooth control panels, which allow you to control the device without having to direct the remote directly to the screen, which adds comfort to use. However, like any wireless device, the remote can lose communication, discharge or require a replacement with a new accessory, which puts the user in need of re-synchronization.

The pairing process usually takes only a few minutes, but it can be difficult for those who are first encountering an Android TV or PatchWall interface. It is important to understand that there are different types of remotes: some use an infrared port (IR), others use a radio channel or Bluetooth. It is the type of device that determines the algorithm of actions, which we will discuss in detail in this article.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to connect, including the use of regular system tools and third-party applications. You will learn how to activate the search mode, what to do if the standard key combination does not work, and how to avoid typical errors when configuring peripherals.

Definition of the type of remote and preparation of equipment

Before you start to actively pair, you need to clearly identify the type of remote control. Most modern models Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and Android Box use Bluetooth connection to transmit commands, while classic TVs can rely on an infrared port, and they can be distinguished visually by the presence of an IR hole on the end or by the marking on the back cover.

If your remote is Bluetooth-powered, it requires active power and close proximity to the TV receiver. Make sure that fresh batteries are installed in the compartment, as low charge can prevent the successful completion of the mating procedure. It is also worth checking whether the buttons are stuck, which sometimes happens during prolonged use.

If you use an IR remote, you don't need to "bind" the classical sense, it works on the principle of line of sight. However, if you're talking about a universal remote or setting up control via a smartphone, you need to accurately define the model of the TV. For Bluetooth devices, it is critical that the TV itself is on and in working order, and not in deep sleep.

⚠️ WARNING: If you use a third-party universal remote, make sure it supports Xiaomi protocols.Cheap counterparts may not have the necessary codes to fully work all features, such as voice search.

Preparing the equipment also involves cleaning the space around the TV. Remove sources of severe interference, such as powerful Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens, which can theoretically affect the stability of the wireless signal, although this is rare.

Standard pairing procedure through the system menu

The most reliable way to tie a remote is to use the TV’s built-in interface, which is suitable for situations where you have a working (at least partially) remote or the ability to control TV via a smartphone. The algorithm of actions is standardized for the Android TV shell used in most Xiaomi devices.

To start, you need to go to the system settings. Using the existing control, go to the Settings section, then select Remotes and Accessories (or Remote & Accessories), and this shows a list of all previously connected devices and available for pairing.

• 🔘 Click the button "Add Accessory" or "Add remote" on the screen.
• 🔘 Put your new remote into search mode (usually by holding down a button combination).
• 🔘 Wait for the device name to appear in the list of available on the TV screen.
• 🔘 Select the remote found and confirm the pairing.

Once the process is completed, the system will give a notification. The Bluetooth signal provides two-way communication, so the remote can display the battery level directly on the screen. If the device is not found, try bringing the remote closer to the receiver, usually located at the bottom of the TV or on the front panel.

⚠️ Attention: Do not keep the buttons pressed too long while searching, this may result in the remote rebooting or exiting the pairing mode — 3-5 seconds.

In some versions of PatchWall, the menu may look a little different, but the logic remains the same: search for new devices in the peripheral section. If automatic search fails, move to manual activation methods.

Using hotkeys to activate search

Often, the TV doesn't see the remote because the remote itself hasn't gone into visibility mode. Xiaomi's remotes reserve special key combinations to force detection, which is the most common scenario when you first set up a new device or replace a lost controller.

The standard and most common combination is to hold the Back (left hand) and Home buttons simultaneously (house icon) for 5-10 seconds while watching the LED light on the remote body, and if the light flashes quickly (often in white or blue), then the device has switched to pairing mode.

There are alternative combinations for different revisions of the remotes, and if the first one didn't work, try the following options:

• 🏠 Simultaneous pressing of the menu and OK buttons.
• 🔙 Pressing buttons Voice search and settings.
• 🔘 Holding the Back and Menu buttons for 15 seconds.

Once the LED flashes, immediately go to the TV (using the buttons on the case or the spare remote) and start a search in the Remote and Accessories menu. The search window is actively limited time, so you need to act quickly. It is critical to start searching on the TV in the first 10-15 seconds after the remote indicator starts blinking.

Control settings via smartphone (Mi Remote)

If the physical remote is lost or defective, a smart phone is a good temporary or permanent solution. Xiaomi provides the official Mi Remote app, which turns the phone into a full-fledged remote control. This is especially true for models with an IR port, but it also works for Bluetooth control over a Wi-Fi network.

To get started, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store. When you first start, the app will ask for permission to access the local network - this is necessary to detect the TV.

In the app interface, click the add-on button and select the "TV" type. In the manufacturer list, find Xiaomi or Mi. The app will offer several code options or try automatic configuration. Follow the instructions on the screen by pressing the test buttons.

Using a smartphone is especially convenient for text input, for example, when searching for YouTube videos or entering passwords from Wi-Fi. A virtual keyboard on the phone screen significantly speeds up this process compared to navigating the remote buttons.

Resetting remote settings and re-registration

In situations where the remote was previously tied but stopped responding, or pairing is error-free, a complete reset of the device's pairing list is required, which will clear the remote's memory of the old settings and allow it to register as a new device from scratch.

Xiaomi often uses a combination of the Back and Menu buttons to perform resets, which must be held simultaneously for 15-20 seconds. The indicator can blink several times, signaling a successful reset.

If the software reset doesn't work, you can try to remove the batteries, wait 1-2 minutes and insert them back, which will allow you to lose static electricity and reboot the microcontroller remote, in some cases, helps to remove the batteries, pinch all the buttons for 10 seconds (to discharge the capacitors), and then install new batteries.

⚠️ Warning: When you reset the remote, it will stop controlling the TV until it is re-binded. Make sure you have an alternative way to turn on the TV (buttons on the case) so you don't end up in front of the screen that's turned off.

After reset, it is recommended to remove the device from the Forgotten Devices list in the Bluetooth menu of the TV itself, if such an option is available, and this will prevent addressing conflicts when trying to reconnect.

Solving common problems and errors

Even if you follow all the instructions, users can run into difficulties, and one of the common problems is that the remote is on the device list, but the status "Connected" does not appear, which may indicate a conflict of Bluetooth versions or the need to update the TV firmware.

If the remote is late or intermittently lost, check for other active Bluetooth devices nearby. Headphones, speakers, or wireless mice can cause interference in the 2.4 GHz range. Try turning off the extra devices to check for connection stability.

In the case when separate buttons do not work (for example, voice search only), the problem may not be in pairing, but in the application access rights. Check the settings of the TV section Applications -> Special features, making sure that the remote service has the necessary permissions.

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If the remote stopped responding after the system update, try to completely turn off the TV by pulling the cord out of the socket for 1-2 minutes.

Also worth mentioning is compatibility: Remotes from different Mi Box generations may not be supported by Mi TVs and vice versa, despite the same brand logo. Always check the device model when buying a replacement.

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Successful binding depends on the remote switching to search mode in a timely manner and the absence of interference in the radio channel, resetting to the factory settings of the remote solves 90% of connection problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)