How to tie Xiaomi remote to your TV: 5 proven ways + problem solving

Xiaomi remotes are not just accessories, but full-fledged devices for comfortable control of smart appliances. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the remote does not respond to commands, does not sync with the TV or requires re-binding after reset. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of binding the Xiaomi Mi Remote, Mi TV Stick and other models to TVs and consoles, and solve typical errors that prevent successful synchronization.

It’s important to understand that the binding process can vary depending on the remote model (e.g. Mi Remote Controller 2 vs. Xiaomi TV Master), the type of TV (Android TV, Mi TV, third-party brands), and even the firmware version. We’ve compiled universal instructions that cover 90% of cases, and we’ve added unique solutions for rare bugs that don’t appear in official manuals. If your remote refuses to work at the best of your efforts, at the end of the article you’ll find a checklist for fault diagnosis.

1. Which Xiaomi remotes support tethering to TVs?

Not all Xiaomi remotes can control TVs, but here are the key models that support this feature:

• 📺 Mi Remote Controller 2 – universal remote with infrared transmitter and Bluetooth, compatible with most Mi TV Android TV.
• 🎮 Xiaomi TV Master - premium version with gyroscope and voice control (requires binding via Mi Home).
• 🔄 Mi TV Stick Remote – comes complete with Mi consoles TV Stick and Mi Box S, which works only with them.
• 🌐 Universal IR Remote - budget IR-control for TVs of any brands (configured through the Mi Home app).

Before buying or setting up, check your model's compatibility with your TV. For example, Mi Remote Controller 2 won't work with Samsung TVs older than 2018 due to lack of support for the Samsung TV Protocol. And the remotes for the Mi TV Stick won't work for managing the Redmi Smart TV without additional setup.

2.Preparation for binding: what to do before the start

To avoid errors, follow these steps before attempting synchronization:

Make sure the TV is on and on standby (not in sleep mode)

Check the battery charge of the remote (the indicator should burn green when pressing any button)

Disable other Bluetooth devices within a 5-meter radius (earphones, smartphones, speakers)

Update your TV firmware to the latest version (relevant for Mi TV and Android TV)

Reset the remote settings (click Menu) + OK 10 seconds if the model supports resetting)-->

Pay special attention to the power supply. If the remote is discharged, the indicator may flash red, but the synchronization will still not pass. For models with USB-C (for example, Xiaomi TV Master), use the original cable - cheap counterparts may not provide enough current for stable operation.

⚠️ Note: If you tie the remote to the Mi Box S or Mi console TV Stick, pre-disable the function HDMI-CEC This option can block signals from third-party remotes.

Method 3: Bluetooth binding (for Mi TV and Android TV)

This is the most reliable method for modern Xiaomi TVs and Android TV devices, and is suitable for Mi TV 4S/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV and Mi Box:

1. Turn on the TV and go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the search mode for new devices.
3. On the remote, press the Menu + OK buttons simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes blue and red quickly.
4. In the list of found devices, select the name of your remote (for example, Mi Remote XXXXX).
5. Confirm pairing on the TV and remote (press OK on the remote if required).

If the remote is not displayed in the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the TV (pull the plug out of the socket for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Update the remote firmware via the Mi Home app (if the model supports the OTA-update).
• 🔌 Connect the remote to charge for 10 minutes, even if the indicator is green.

Method 2: IR-port binding (for universal remotes)

If your remote is equipped with an infrared transmitter (for example, Universal IR Remote), it can be configured to control TVs of any brand.

1. Download the Mi Home app to your smartphone and add the remote to the list of devices.
2. Choose your TV brand from the list (e.g. LG, Samsung, Sony).
3. Point the remote to the TV from a distance of 1-2 meters and follow the instructions in the button testing app.
4. If the standard codes do not work, select the option Manual Search – the remote will go through all possible combinations.

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Controller 2) have dual tethering: Bluetooth to the console and IR to the TV, allowing you to control both the signal source and the TV itself with a single button, to activate this mode:

1. Attach the remote to the console via Bluetooth (see Method 1).


2. In the Mi Home app, select "Add IR device" and specify the TV brand.




3. Assign the "TV" button on the remote to switch between modes.

5. Method 3: Binding via the Mi Home app (for smart devices)

If your TV or set-top box is connected to the Xiaomi ecosystem (such as the Mi TV Q1 or Mi Box 4), the most reliable way to use the official app is to use the following:

1. Open Mi Home and make sure that the TV is added to your account.
2. Go to the device section and select Add Accessory → Remote DU.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: You usually need to press and hold Menu + Back on the remote.
4. After successful binding, check the operation of all buttons in test mode.

An important nuance: if you have Mi TV Stick, before binding through Mi Home, you need to allow remote control in the settings of the consoles: Settings → Device → Allow Mi Home. Without this step, the application will not detect the device.

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If the remote is not tied via Mi Home, try changing your account region to Mainland China in the app settings. Some remote models (such as the early Mi Remote Controller) require a Chinese region to work properly.

6. Method 4: Manual setting for third-party TVs

If your TV is not from Xiaomi (e.g. Samsung, LG, Philips), but the remote supports IR control, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the TV and point the remote control at it from a distance of 30-50 cm.
2. Press the TV button (or Set if it is not) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes twice.
3. Enter your TV code with digital buttons, and you can find the code list in the remote manual or on Xiaomi's website.
4. After entering the code, press OK – if the TV has responded, the setup is complete.

Examples of codes for popular brands:

• 📺 Samsung: 0060, 0030, 0178
• 🎵 LG: 0004, 0176, 0226
• 💡 Sony: 0000, 0012, 0125
• 🔴 Philips: 0002, 0105, 0180

⚠️ Note: Some Samsung 2020 TVs+ In the years ahead, they block third-party IR remotes by default. To unlock this feature, go to Settings. → General. → External management → Allow universal remotes.

7. Solving common problems

If the remote is not tied or is not working properly, use this diagnostic table:

Critical error: If, after being tethered, the remote controls the TV but does not respond to Netflix or Prime Video buttons, the problem is that there are no license keys on the console. Solution: upgrade the Mi Box firmware to version 2.0.185 or higher - in earlier versions, these buttons are blocked.

8. Alternative management practices

If the standard methods didn’t work, consider these options:

• 📱 Remote app: Install Mi Remote (Android) or Xiaomi TV Remote (iOS) on a smartphone. These apps emulate IR and Bluetooth signals.
• 🖥️ HDMI-CEC: Activate the function HDMI-CEC in settings of the TV to control it through the console console (for example, Mi Box).
• 🔌 USB-Remote: For Xiaomi TVs, you can connect a wired remote through USB-Port (sold separately).
• 🎤 Voice control: Set up Alice or Google Assistant to control your TV via a speaker or smartphone.

There is a hidden feature for Mi TV Stick owners: if the remote is lost or broken, you can use a Bluetooth mouse to navigate the menu. Connect the mouse in pairing mode (press Left + Right on the mice), and the cursor will appear on the screen.

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If neither method worked, check the remote on another device (like a smartphone via Mi Home).If it doesn't work everywhere, the problem is a hardware malfunction (replacement required).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi remotes binding