How to pair the remote with a Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions

Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs come with advanced control systems that often go beyond simple infrared signals. Many users are faced with a situation where, after buying a new device or replacing batteries, the remote controls stop responding to commands, requiring a re-pairing procedure. The process of pairing the remote may differ depending on the model of your remote — whether it is a classic IR transmitter or a modern Bluetooth gamepad with voice control.

In this article, we will take a look at how to set up remote control for Android TVs and PatchWall TVs, how to force a device search, what to do if standard methods don’t work, and how to use a smartphone as an alternative. Understanding how Bluetooth protocol and IR ports work will help you quickly regain control of the media center without calling the wizard.

Definition of the type of remote and preparation of equipment

The first step before any manipulation is to accurately identify the type of controller you have. Xiaomi TVs come with two main types of remotes: classic IR remotes that require direct vision with the receiver, and Bluetooth remotes that operate over the radio channel and support voice input.

If you have a microphone button on your remote or it's a gamepad, it's a Bluetooth device. These are the models that need to pair through a TV menu or a special key combination. Make sure that the remote has fresh batteries, preferably alkaline, because lithium cells can provide insufficient voltage for the radio to work properly.

It's also important to check the TV itself. Make sure the device is on and running. If the screen is black but the light is on, try pressing the power button on the TV body (usually located at the bottom of the center or at the back of the right) to make sure that the problem is the lack of communication with the remote, and not the system freezes.

• 🔋 Replace batteries with new ones, even if the old ones look like they work – low charge often blocks pairing mode.
• 📡 Make sure there are no powerful sources of radio interference between the remote and the TV, such as routers or microwave ovens.
• 📺 Check for an IR receiver on the bottom of the TV if you use a classic remote.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to use the remote from another Mi TV model TV without first flashing or configuring the universal code, as the button matrixes may not match.

Standard procedure for pairing a Bluetooth remote

For most users, the automatic pairing process occurs when the TV is turned on for the first time. However, if the connection has been severed, it must be started manually. The main method involves using a special key combination that puts the remote into detection mode, usually by simultaneously pressing the Home and Back buttons or the Menu and Back buttons.

After the combination is clamped, the LED on the remote (if any) should start flashing quickly, signaling the transition to Pairing Mode. The TV screen should at this point appear a pop-up window with the message "Remote found" or "Connect a new device." If the window does not appear immediately, wait a few seconds, holding the remote at a distance of not more than 20 cm from the Xiaomi logo on the TV body.

Some versions of PatchWall require a menu confirmation. Go to the settings section, select Remote and Accessories and click Add Accessory. The system will start scanning the available devices. At that point, again press the pairing buttons on the remote. As soon as "Mi Remote" or "Bluetooth Remote" appears in the list, select it to complete the sync.

• 🏠 Press the Home and Back buttons at the same time. 5-7 seconds before the indication appears.
• 📲 Watch the TV screen – a connection request may appear with a delay.
• 🔊 If successfully paired, the TV will emit a characteristic sound signal.

⚠️ Attention: During the pairing procedure, keep the remote strictly directed to the bottom of the TV where the module is located. Bluetooth/IR, even if the remote is bluetooth, as the primary signal often goes through the IR channel.

Configure through the system menu of the TV

If the automatic search does not produce results, you need to switch to manually configuring through the operating system interface, this method is especially relevant if the remote is partially working (for example, only the volume buttons are working) or if you connect an additional controller. To navigate in the menu in this case, you can temporarily use the remote app on your smartphone or connected USB-mouse.

Go to the main menu and find the Settings icon (cog in the upper right corner). In the list that opens, select Remote & Accessories. This shows all previously connected devices. To add a new one, click on Add Accessory or Plus icon.

The list of available devices should show the name of your remote, select it to initiate the authorization process. Once the system is successfully connected, the system will issue a notification. If the device is found but the connection is not happening, try removing old, unused devices from the list devices to free up the memory of the Bluetooth module of the TV.

Using a Smartphone as a Control Panel

In situations where the physical remote is lost, damaged or categorically refuses to mate, the use of a smartphone is a great solution. For Xiaomi TVs, there is an official Mi Remote app (for phones with an infrared port) or a built-in Wi-Fi control feature in the Google Home and Mi TV app. This allows you to fully control the TV, type text and even broadcast the phone screen.

To connect via Wi-Fi, make sure your smartphone and TV are on the same local network. Download the Mi TV or Android TV Remote Control app from official Google Play or App Stores. Once launched, the app will automatically start searching for devices. Select your TV from the list and enter the confirmation code that appears on the TV screen.

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If your smartphone has an infrared port (often found in Xiaomi and Redmi models), use the built-in "Mi Remote" app. It works as a universal remote, does not require a Wi-Fi connection, and can even control a turned-off TV (to turn on).

This method is especially useful for text input, as a virtual keyboard on a smartphone screen is much more convenient than a set of letters with the remote buttons. In addition, through the application you can transfer files to the TV, take screenshots and control the playback of media files. In case of problems with pairing the main remote, the smartphone will become your temporary but full-fledged controller.

• 📱 Install the app “Mi Remote” or “Google Home” on your smartphone.
• 📶 Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• 🔢 Enter the code from the TV screen on your smartphone to confirm access.

Troubleshooting and resetting remote settings

If none of these methods worked, there may have been a software failure in the modules, which requires a complete reboot of the TV system, not just a button shutdown. Pull the TV power cord out of the socket, wait 1-2 minutes for the capacitors to run out, and turn the device on again. Often this resets the hung Bluetooth stack.

There is also a method of "hard" resetting the remote itself. For some Xiaomi models, the combination works: press the Home and Back buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds without letting go, pull out and insert the batteries, then release the buttons. After that, the remote should go into search mode. Also try to turn off the Quick Start option in the TV settings, since it sometimes blocks the initialization of the Bluetooth module when you turn on.

Check if the connection is blocked in the "Parent Control" or "Profile Restrictions" section. In rare cases, a firmware update can knock down remote drivers. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update and check for new versions of the software. Installing current firmware often fixes peripheral compatibility errors.

⚠️ Note: When resetting the TV settings to factory (Factory Reset), all devices will be removed, and the procedure for pairing the remote will have to be re-run from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing batteries with high-quality alkaline and restarting the TV by disconnecting from the network for 2 minutes.