How to tie the remote to the console Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi set-top boxes like the Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick offer users powerful Android TV-based functionality. However, initial setup is often difficult, especially when it comes to pairing a remote control. Many owners face a situation where the device is turned on, but commands from the remote do not come to the screen.

The synchronization process depends on the type of connection used in a particular model. While older versions relied on infrared signal, modern gadgets have switched to Bluetooth, which requires a “pairing” procedure. Understanding this difference is critical to successfully launching the system for the first time.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at all the steps of connecting, from battery installation to complex cases where automatic tethering doesn’t work, and learn how to use hidden menu features and third-party apps to manage your Smart TV set-top box.

Features of the technology of connecting remotes Xiaomi

The first priority is to determine the type of remote. Xiaomi devices come with two main types of controllers: classic IR remotes and advanced Bluetooth models with voice control. Infrared remote does not require adjustment, it works on the principle of line of sight and begins to function immediately after installation of the power cells.

This is a very different thing with a Bluetooth remote, a communication device that needs to be familiarized with the console. Xiaomi Mi Box S and Stick Bluetooth remotes don't work in IR mode for Android menus, so without first pairing, they're useless, which is why there's a button on the case of these remotes to activate the search mode.

The advantage of wireless is that you don't have to point the remote directly at the receiver, you can control the console from anywhere in the room, and you can use the microphone to do voice input, but that freedom requires stable handshake software protocol between devices.

It is important to note that some universal remotes or apps on a smartphone may not support all of the original controller’s features, such as a quick-access button for streaming services or voice search.

Preparation of equipment for the first launch

Before you try to link devices, you need to make sure they are physically ready to work. Often, connection problems arise from the banal discharge of batteries or the wrong polarity of their installation. Use only new AAA batteries from proven manufacturers.

Make sure that the Xiaomi console itself is connected to the TV via HDMI-The screen should display the start window or the boot logo. If nothing happens on the screen, check the power cable and select the correct source on the TV remote.

The distance between the console and the console at the time of pairing should be minimal - no more than 20-30 centimeters, this will ensure confident reception of the signal at the time of exchanging encryption keys.

Standard mating procedure (Mating)

The basic connection method is relevant for most models, including the Mi Box S (2nd generation) and Mi TV Stick 4K. The process is manually initiated by the user when you first turn on or after resetting. You do not need additional tools, only the remote control itself.

Find two buttons on the front of the remote, the center round button (OK) and the back button (usually indicated by an arrow or symbol). On some models, these can be the home and menu buttons.

Hold [OK] + [Back] and hold for 5-7 seconds

Hold the combination until the LED light on the remote (if any) blinks, or until a device search message appears on the TV screen. Usually the system writes "Connect remote" or "Searching for remote".

Once the process is completed successfully, a notification will appear on the screen, and the remote will begin to control the interface. If after 10-15 seconds nothing happened, release the buttons and repeat the procedure, you may have released them too early.

Alternative methods of connecting via smartphone

In situations where your desk is lost, dead or unwilling to mate, your smartphone will come to the rescue. The Android ecosystem allows you to use your phone as a full Bluetooth remote, and for this, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Download the official Google Home app or the dedicated Android TV Remote Control from the Play Market or App Store. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to search for devices on the local network.

• 📱 Install the Google Home app on your smartphone.
• 📡 Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the console.
• 🔍 Click on the Translation icon or find the device in the list.
• 🔢 Enter. PIN-code that appears on the TV screen, in the application.

This method is especially useful, since it allows you not only to manage the menu, but also to quickly type text to search for movies or enter Wi-Fi passwords, which is extremely inconvenient from a conventional remote.

It is worth noting that smartphone control does not always support all the features of the original remote, for example, voice input can work worse due to network delays, but for navigation it is a great solution.

Solving problems: the remote does not connect

If standard methods fail, you need to conduct a deep diagnosis, and often the cause of the failure is a software “glitch” of the Xiaomi console itself, which is suspended in the standby mode of the connection.

Try to reboot the system completely. Turn off the power supply from the console outlet for 30-60 seconds, which will allow you to reset the residual charge and clear the RAM from temporary errors of Bluetooth drivers.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t just turn off the TV with the remote control, but pull the power cord of the Xiaomi console itself from the power grid. A conventional shutdown often leaves the device in deep sleep without resetting the communication module errors.

Also check if there are too many Bluetooth devices connected to your console. If your Mi Box has previously been connected to gamepads, headphones or other remotes, their number may reach the limit. Go to the Bluetooth settings (if you have access through the mouse) and delete the old devices.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth module inside the remote. Check the remote on another Android TV console, if you have such an opportunity.

Comparison of remote models and compatibility

Not all consoles are the same. The table below compares the main characteristics of the consoles that come with different versions of Xiaomi consoles.

It is important to understand that the remote from the Mi Box 3 (black, without a Netflix button) may not have a Bluetooth module and work only through the IR port. In this case, pairing is impossible and not necessary - just point it to the console.

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When buying a universal remote, look for models that support Bluetooth, not just infrared radiation. IR remotes will not be able to activate voice search on Xiaomi consoles.

Use of the USB-periphery

If neither the remote nor the smartphone helps, you can always turn your console into a full-fledged computer by connecting a regular computer mouse or keyboard through a computer. USB-Port. Android operating system TV has built-in drivers for HID-device.

Just put it in. USB-It's a wireless mouse receiver in the console port, and it'll have a cursor on the screen that you can click on the interface elements, and it's the perfect way to go into the settings and reconnect the main console if it's fallen off».

With the keyboard, you can easily enter complex passwords from Wi-Fi. Once you access the system, it is recommended to check for software updates, as newer firmware versions often contain patches for the Bluetooth module.

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Connecting normally USB-mouse is the fastest way to restore control if the regular remote completely stopped responding and the smartphone does not see the console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)