How to tie the remote to the TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is popular for its combination of affordable price, quality screen and Android TV functionality. However, after buying a new remote β€” whether it’s the original accessory from Xiaomi or the universal model β€” users often face difficulties in connecting it. Unlike smartphones, where synchronization is automatic, TVs require manual adjustment, and the menu interface is not always intuitive.

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to link the remote to the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, from standard synchronization via an infrared port to connecting Bluetooth remotes to solve typical errors. We will focus on the nuances that the manufacturer does not respond to commands after updating the firmware or how to reset previous bindings. If you bought a used TV or lost your own remote, here you will find working solutions.

Preparation for the binding of the remote: what to check before starting

Before trying to sync the remote with Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, make sure that the basic conditions are met.About 30% of connection problems arise from trivial omissions: discharged batteries, improper position of the remote or locking the IR port.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Make sure the TV is on and running

Check the battery charge in the remote (or connect it to charging if it is a Bluetooth model)

Remove the protective film from the remote’s IR transmitter (if any)

Place the remote at a distance of 1-3 meters from the TV without obstacles

Disable other IR devices nearby (air conditioners, music centers) that may interfere-->

If you use a universal remote (for example, from Xiaomi Mi Remote or third-party brands), pre-reset its settings to factory. To do this, usually pinch the SET + POWER button combination for 5-10 seconds - look for the exact instruction in the manual for your model. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S does not work remotes with the RC5 protocol (obsolete standard), so check compatibility in advance.

πŸ’‘

If the TV does not respond to the IR remote, try to bring it close to the upper right corner of the screen - there is a signal receiver.

Method 1: Standard binding of the original IR panel

Xiaomi’s original remotes for the Mi TV 4S (such as the MDZ-22-AB or MDZ-16-AB models) are automatically connected when you first use them.

  1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the case (if the remote does not work).
  2. Point the remote to the IR receiver (top right of the screen) and hold the Menu (or Home) button for 5-7 seconds.
  3. Wait for the notification "Connected" to appear on the screen or the indicator on the remote.
  4. Check your work capacity by pressing Volume+ or OK.

If the TV doesn't respond:

  • πŸ”‹ Check the batteries (even new cells can be discharged).
  • πŸ“Ί Reboot the TV by disconnecting it from the network for 30 seconds.
  • πŸ”„ Try to tie the remote from another distance (for example, 0.5-1 meters).

The original Xiaomi (IR)

The original Xiaomi (Bluetooth)

Universal (for example, from air conditioning)

Remote from another TV set

Another option-->

Method 2: Bluetooth-based remote (Mi Remote Pro and analogues)

Bluetooth remotes (such as the Xiaomi Mi Remote Pro or Mi Game Controller) are connected differently than infrared models, with the advantage of not having to direct the remote to the TV, as well as voice control.

Instructions for connection:

  1. Open on the TV Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Activate the search mode by clicking "Add device".
  3. On the remote, press the Pairing button (or the Back + Home combination) before the indicator flashes.
  4. Select your remote model from the list of found devices (for example, Mi Remote Pro).
  5. Confirm the pairing on the TV and remote (entry may be required) PIN-code 0000 or 1234).

If the Bluetooth remote is not detected:

  • πŸ”„ Restart the TV and repeat the search.
  • πŸ“± Make sure the remote is charged (the indicator should be green when you press the buttons).
  • πŸ› οΈ Update the TV firmware: Settings β†’ On TV. β†’ Updating the system.
What if the Bluetooth remote is connected, but not all buttons work?
This is a typical problem when using remotes from other Xiaomi models (e.g. from Mi TV 4A to Mi TV 4S). Solution: 1. Remove the remote from the list of Bluetooth devices. 2. Reset its settings (press SET + POWER for 10 seconds). 3. Reconnect - the TV must automatically download the correct button profile. If the problem persists, check the compatibility of the remote model with your firmware version (relevant data on the Mi Community forum).

Method 3: Configure the universal remote

Universal remotes (such as Huayu, One For All or Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote) require manual code entry for Xiaomi Mi TV 4S. Codes vary depending on the year of release of the TV and firmware version.

Model remote controlCode for Xiaomi Mi TV 4SNotes
Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote0171, 0250It works on firmware 2020-2023.
One For All URC 79600625, 0683Requires the TV to restart after entering
Huayu HY-6181758, 1826Suitable for models 2019-2021.
Supra SR-6100135, 0178Netflix and Prime Video buttons may not work

How to enter the code:

  1. Hold the SET (or Code Search) button until the indicator flashes.
  2. Enter the 4-digit code using digital buttons.
  3. Press OK or Power to save.
  4. Check the functionality of the Volume and Channel buttons.

πŸ’‘

If no code fits, use the auto search function – the remote sequentially will go through all the supported combinations.

The solution to the problem: why the TV can not see the remote

Even after you set it up properly, the remote may not work, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi Mi TV TV 4S Recently updated, reset the system cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications β†’ System interface β†’ Clear the cache.This often solves Bluetooth connection problems.

Checklist for diagnosis:

  • πŸ” IR remote not working: Check the IR transmitter on the remote (take a picture of it with your smartphone camera - purple light should be visible when you press the buttons). Make sure there are no obstacles in the signal's path (glass, mirrors, direct sunlight).
  • πŸ“Ά Bluetooth remote not connected: Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, gamepads). Check if the power saving mode on the TV is turned on (Settings) β†’ Power supply).
  • πŸ”„ Remote works but with a delay: Update the TV and remote firmware (via the Mi Home app if supported). Remove the remote from the list of devices and reconnect.

If the remote previously worked, but stopped responding after the firmware update, try to roll back to the previous version of the software.

  1. Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi Support website.
  2. Unpack the archive and place the file update.zip root USB-storage device (format) FAT32).
  3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and reset: Settings β†’ About TV β†’ Update β†’ Local Update.

Additional settings: voice control and macros

Modern Xiaomi remotes (such as Mi Remote Pro) support voice control via Google Assistant or Alice.

  1. Connect the remote via Bluetooth (as described in Method 2).
  2. Hold the microphone button on the remote until the beep.
  3. Say a command like β€œturn on Netflix on Xiaomi TV” or β€œturn up volume by 20%.”

To create macros (sequences of commands, for example, "Enable TV + launch YouTube + set volume 50%"):

  1. Open the Mi Remote app on your smartphone (if the remote supports synchronization).
  2. Go to the section "Smart home" β†’ "Scenarios".
  3. Create a new scenario and add the necessary actions.

If the voice control is not working:

  • 🎀 Check the microphone settings in Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Voice input.
  • 🌐 Make sure your TV is connected to the internet (voice commands are handled by the cloud service).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the remote (remove the batteries for 10 seconds).

What to do if the original remote is lost

If you lost your native remote from Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, there are several ways to control the TV:

⚠️ Note: Do not use cheap IR remotes with AliExpress without compatibility checks – they can block the IR port of the TV, requiring a reset settings.

Alternative management practices:

  • πŸ“± Mi Remote: Download the official Android or iOS app. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network with your TV. Select the Mi model TV 4S device-list.

If you need to completely reset the settings of the TV without the remote:

  1. Turn off the TV.
  2. Press the Power button on the body and, holding it, connect the power.
  3. Hold the 10-15 second button until the recovery menu appears.
  4. Select "Wipe data/factory reset" using volume buttons and confirm the selection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about linking the remote to Xiaomi Mi TV 4S

Can I use the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A remote on the 4S?
Yes, but with reservations. IR remotes from the Mi TV 4A (e.g., MDZ-16-AB) are physically compatible with the 4S, however, some buttons (e.g., Netflix or Prime Video) may not work. Bluetooth remotes (e.g., Mi Remote Pro) connect without problems, but require updating the TV firmware to the latest version.
The TV says, "The remote is already tied to another device." What do you do?
This means that the remote was previously synchronized with another Xiaomi TV. To reset the tether: On the remote, press the Back + Home combination for 10 seconds (the indicator will blink 3 times). Connect the remote again according to the instructions for your type (IC or Bluetooth). If this does not help, update the TV firmware - in older versions of the software there was a bug with multiple binding.
After the firmware update, the remote stopped working. How do you get it back?
Firmware updates sometimes reset the remote settings. Try: Remove the remote from the list of Bluetooth devices (if it is a Bluetooth model) and reconnect. For the IR remote, reset: remove the batteries for 1 minute, then repeat the binding. If the problem persists, roll back the firmware through a local update (instructions in the "Problem Solving" section). On the 4PDA forum, there is a theme with working versions of the firmware for the Mi TV 4S.
Can I connect the remote from the air conditioner or music center?
Technically, yes, but only if the remote supports universal IR codes. For example, some Xiaomi MiJia or BroadLink models can control the TV after manual programming. However: Functionality will be limited (the Smart, Netflix, etc. buttons will not work). You will have to manually select codes (see the table in the "Method 3" section). Conflicts may occur if the remote is already tied to another device. For full control, you should buy an original remote or a universal model with support for Xiaomi TV.
How do I check which remote I have – IR or Bluetooth?
Distinguish the types of remotes by the following features: Remote type Signs Example models of IR (infrared) Requires direction to the TV. There is an IR transmitter (a small window at the top). Operates without connection via Bluetooth. MDZ-22-AB, MDZ-16-AB Bluetooth Does not require direction to TV. There is a Pairing button or Bluetooth indicator. Supports voice control. Mi Remote Pro, Mi Game Controller You can also look at the settings of the TV: IR panels are not displayed in the list of Bluetooth devices - Bluetooth models are displayed.