Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs, powered by Android TV or PatchWall, offer users a wide range of options that go far beyond just watching on-air TV. One of the most popular features is the ability to use a smartphone as a full-fledged remote control. This solution is especially relevant in situations where the regular remote is lost, its batteries are discharged or you need to enter complex text to search for videos, which is extremely inconvenient to do with the help of buttons.
There are several proven methods to accomplish this, each with its own features and advantages: you can use the built-in tools of the Android operating system, specialized applications from the manufacturer or universal programs for remote access. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods in detail, help you set up a connection and answer frequent questions.
Principles of Remote Management
The fundamental basis for the interaction of the smartphone and the TV is the wireless Wi-Fi network. It is through the local network of the router that all commands are transmitted, whether it is to switch channels or launch applications. If you plan to use the phone as a remote, make sure that both devices are connected to the same network, otherwise it will be impossible to detect the equipment.
Data technology can vary depending on the application you choose. Some programs use the standard DLNA multimedia protocol, others rely on ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for deep system control, and still others emulate the IR signal if your smartphone has the appropriate infrared port. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most suitable tool for your Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV model.
It is important to note that Wi-Fi management has minimal latency, making it ideal for navigating menus. However, if a router is overloaded, micro-latency can occur. For stable operation, it is critical that both devices are in the same subnet segment, which is especially important for guest Wi-Fi networks with client isolation.
⚠️ Note: If your router supports Guest Network, don’t connect your TV and phone to it simultaneously to manage. Guest isolation will prevent devices from seeing each other on the LAN.
Use of the official Mi Remote app
The most obvious and often the most effective way is to use Xiaomi’s proprietary app, which is pre-installed on many of the brand’s smartphones, but is also available for installation on other Android and iOS devices. Mi Remote allows you to emulate the operation of a physical remote, giving full access to all the functions of the TV.
The setup process starts with launching the app and choosing the device type. You need to specify that you are setting up the TV and select the Xiaomi brand from the list. After that, the system will offer several code options or ask you to press buttons on the smartphone screen to check the connection. Unlike the IR remote, the Wi-Fi version of the application will automatically find the TV on the network.
- 📱 Download the official Mi Remote app from Google Play or App Store.
- 📡 Make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 🔍 Click the "Add device" button and select the category "TV".
- ✅ Confirm the pairing by pressing "Yes" on the TV pop-up window.
The application interface completely replicates the layout of the physical remote, including navigation buttons, volume control and quick app calls, making the management process intuitive even for older users, and allowing voice input to be created, which greatly speeds up content search.
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The official Mi Remote app provides the best possible compatibility with Xiaomi TV system features, including voice assistant management and screen settings.
Configure with Google Home and Android TV Remote
Since most Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV, they have deep integration with Google services, which allows you to use the standard Google Home app or the dedicated Android TV Remote Control to control the device, a method that is especially convenient for users who are already using the Google ecosystem in their home.
To get started on Google Home, you need to log in to the same Google account as your smartphone, and when you sync the TV icon will appear in the app’s device list, and by clicking on it, you’ll have access to basic media player management and the ability to stream your phone screen.
If you want a full-fledged touchpad and keyboard remote, you might want to use Android TV Remote Control, which provides more detailed control, allowing you to use your smartphone screen as a touchpad to move your cursor, which is especially useful when using a browser or applications that require precise positioning.
Verification of Android TV version:
Settings → About TV → AssemblyIt’s worth noting that the functionality may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of the TV. In the new PatchWall updates, some standard Android TV features may be hidden or reworked, but the basic management remains stable.
What if Google Home doesn’t see TV?
Universal applications-remotes of third-party developers
If official solutions don’t work or suit you for some reason, you can turn to universal applications from third-party developers. The market offers many options, such as Peel Remote, Sure Universal Remote or TV Remote Control. These programs often have advanced features that are not available in the basic versions.
The main advantage of these applications is cross-platform and support for a huge number of brands. If you have a different manufacturer in your house, one application can manage everything. In addition, they often offer convenient desktop widgets and the ability to create macros (scenarios) when one button triggers a chain of actions.
However, be careful when choosing a program. Many free versions are overloaded with ads that may pop up at the most inopportune time. Paid versions usually lack this drawback and offer a more stable connection. When installing, carefully read the permissions that the application requests.
- 🛠 Peel Remote: the well-known interface with support TV-guide.
- 🌐 Sure Universal: Powerful features for smart home and IR ports.
- ⚙️ TV Remote Control: Minimalist design and low resource consumption.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing little-known remote applications with questionable reviews, they may request excessive permissions to access your personal data or embed advertising software into the system.
Comparison of management methods: table of opportunities
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have prepared a comparison table of basic methods, which will help you quickly navigate the functionality of each method and understand which one is best for your tasks.
| Method | Type of connection | The presence of a touchpad | Voice input | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote | Wi-Fi/IK | No. | There is. | Low. |
| Google Home | Wi-Fi | No. | There is. | Low. |
| Android TV Remote | Wi-Fi | There is. | There is. | Medium |
| Third-party (Peel) | Wi-Fi/IK | Depends on the software. | Partially. | Medium |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best choice will be a bundle of the official app and Google Home. However, if your smartphone is equipped with an infrared port, and your TV is an old model without Smart features, the only option will be infrared control.
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If you often type search queries on your TV, use the keyboard mode in the Android TV Remote app. It allows you to type text with the usual layout of your smartphone, which is much faster than dialing with the remote buttons.
Solving Connection and Visibility Problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may find themselves in a situation where the phone stops seeing the TV, which may be caused by a router firmware update, a change in security settings, or a software failure, the first step should always be to reboot both devices, which solves 80% of the connection problems.
It's also worth checking your router settings. Some Asus, TP-Link, or Keenetic routers may have AP Isolation enabled by default, which is designed to be secure in public, but it prevents devices from communicating with each other at home, and must be disabled in WLAN settings.
If the problem persists, try static. IP-In some rare cases, dynamic change IP-The TV can knock down the remote app on the phone, and by putting the address behind the TV in the router settings, you can make the connection stable.
☑️ Diagnostics of connection
Additional features and hidden functions
Control from the phone gives you access not only to basic functions, but also to hidden features of the system. For example, many applications allow you to stream photos and videos from the phone gallery directly to the big screen without using the screen Translation feature, which provides better image quality and allows you to continue to use the phone in parallel.
Some advanced users use applications to manage through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.It requires you to turn on the developer mode on the TV, but gives you full root-like access. ADB You can install applications directly from APK-Files, remove system debris and modify hidden system settings that are not available through the standard menu.
To activate the developer mode, you need to go to Settings → About the device → Assembly and press "Assembly" 7 Then a new section, "Developers" will appear on the menu, where you can turn on debugging. USB/Network.
Example of ADB command to install the application:
adb connect 192.168.1.50
adb install my_app.apk⚠️ Note: Making changes through ADB This method can lead to system instability or loss of warranty, and only use it if you are confident in your actions and understand the consequences.
So your smartphone becomes a powerful multimedia management tool, and when you set it up correctly, you can enjoy content as comfortably as possible, without having to look for lost batteries or buttons.