How to sync Xiaomi remotes with TV and console: the complete guide

Why Xiaomi remotes don’t work with TV and how to fix it

You bought a new Xiaomi Mi TV or Mi Box S, but you run into a problem: the remote doesn't respond to commands, doesn't switch channels, or only controls a part of the features, most often because of inconsistencies in infrared codes between remotes and other brands. Even if you use the original Xiaomi remote, it may not recognize a Samsung, LG or Sony TV without first setting up.

In this article, we’ll look at all the synchronization methods, from automatic code search to manual button programming. You’ll learn how to get the Mi Remote to control any manufacturer’s TV, set up a universal mode, and eliminate common errors (for example, when the remote only works with the console, not with the TV).

If you use the Xiaomi Mi Box 4K or Mi TV Stick, the instructions below will work for them, and the synchronization principles are the same, the main thing is to correctly determine the type of connection (Infrared port or Bluetooth) and follow the step-by-step schemes.

Xiaomi Remote Types: What Do You Have?

Before you set up sync, you need to understand which remote you're dealing with. Xiaomi has three main types:

• 📺 Original remote for Mi TV (Mi model TV 4/4S/4A/5) — works on Bluetooth and IR, supports voice control.
• 🎮 Remote for Mi Box/Mi TV Stick (models of the Mi Box) S/4K/3) — Usually only Bluetooth, but some versions have an IR port.
• 🔄 Universal remote Mi Remote (sold separately) – supports IR + Bluetooth, can control TV, air conditioning and other equipment.

To get an accurate model of your remote, look at the back: it has a label (e.g., RMT-10401 for the Mi Box S or RMT-20101 for the Mi TV 4A). If the remote is without a battery compartment, it works precisely on Bluetooth. If there is an IR port (a transparent window at the top), it can be programmed to control the TV.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization via Mi TV/Mi Box menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in device search function, which works for Bluetooth remotes (such as those from the Mi Box S) and some IR-ported Mi TV models.

1. Turn on the TV and Xiaomi console (if you use the Mi Box).
2. On the Xiaomi remote, press the Menu + OK (or Back + Home for the Mi Box) buttons for 5-7 seconds at the same time until the indicator lights up.
3. On the TV screen, the menu Add the device or Synchronize the remote will appear.
4. Select the device type: TV, console or Other.
5. Follow the hints on the screen – the system will automatically select the code for your TV model.

If the automatic search didn't work, try manually entering the code (see the next section).

• 🔋 The remote is charged (for Bluetooth models) or has working batteries.
• 📶 There are no obstacles between the remote and the TV (for IR remotes).
• 🔄 The TV supports external remotes (some budget models block the management of third-party devices).

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If the remote from Mi Box does not sync with the TV, try first to connect it to the console, and then in the Settings menu → Remote DU select the option Control TV.

Method 2: Manual code entry for IR remotes

If automatic synchronization doesn't work, you'll have to type in codes manually, and each TV manufacturer has its own set of digital combinations, and below is a code table for popular brands:

How to enter codes:

1. Press and hold Menu + OK on Xiaomi’s remote until the indicator flashes.
2. Enter the first code from the table (e.g., 0060 for Samsung).
3. Point the remote to the TV and press Power. If the TV is off, the code fits.
4. If it doesn’t work, repeat the steps with another code.

⚠️ Note: Some TVs (e.g., TVs, TCL or Hisense) may require two-step synchronization: first input code, then confirmation via the TV menu. If after entering the code nothing happens, check the settings of the TV in the Universal remote control section of the TV.

Make sure the remote is not less than 50% |

Check that the IR port of the remote is not closed with film |

Disable other IR devices in the room (air conditioners, music centers) |

Restart the TV before setting up-->

Method 3: Sync through the Mi Remote app (for smartphones)

If the physical remote doesn't want to work, you can use the virtual remote in the Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS), which is true for Mi Box owners who have lost or broken the remote.

1. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to a single Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app and select Add Device → TV.
4. Choose your TV brand from the list (such as Samsung or LG).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen – the app will automatically select the code.
6. After synchronization, you will be able to control the TV from your smartphone, including channel switching and volume control.

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 No need for a physical remote – a smartphone is enough.
• 🔄 You can control several devices (TV) + prefix + air-conditioner).
• 🔧 There are advanced settings (for example, reassigning buttons).

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Remote via smartphone, you may experience a delay of up to 0.5-1 seconds. This is normal and associated with processing commands via Wi-Fi. For games or quick channel switching, it is better to use the original remote control.

Method 4: Set up a universal remote Mi Remote for control of TV and console

The Mi Remote universal remote (sold separately) can control both the TV and the console, but it needs to be programmed correctly. Here's how to do it:

1. Put the batteries in the remote and turn it on.
2. Press the TV and OK button for 3 seconds at the same time until the indicator flashes.
3. Enter the code for your TV (see the table in Method 2).
4. After successful synchronization with TV, press the STB button and repeat the process, but with the code for the Mi Box (usually 0001 or 1111).
5. Now the TV and STB buttons will switch control modes.

Features of the universal remote:

• 🎛️ You can reassign buttons through the Mi Home app (e.g., make Volume)+ I was adjusting the volume on TV, not on the console).
• 🔋 Works for up to 6 months without replacing batteries (with moderate use).
• 📡 Supports up to 8 devices in memory (TV, console, air conditioning, etc.).

If the remote stops responding to one of the attached devices, reset:

Press the TV + STB + Power buttons for 10 seconds.


2. the indicator will blink 3 times - this means that the settings are reset.




3 Repeat the synchronization procedure again.

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The Mi Remote Universal Remote can conflict with other IR devices in the room. If commands are executed with a delay, try turning off the air conditioner or music center while you set up.

Problem Solving: The remote does not sync or works incorrectly

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try updating the firmware of the TV or consoles:

1. For Mi TV: go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. For Mi Box: Settings → Device → Software Update.

⚠️ Warning: After updating the firmware Mi Box may need to re-sync the remote. If the remote stopped working after the update, reset its settings (press Back). + Home for 10 seconds and repeat the binding.

Additional features: voice control and macros

Xiaomi remotes of the latest generation (for example, for Mi TV 5 Pro or Mi Box 4K) support voice control and macros (instruction sequences).

• 🎤 Voice control: Make sure the remote is Bluetooth connected. Press the microphone (or Google Assistant) button and say the command (for example, "Switch on Netflix" or "Scale up"). Russian may require changing the region in the settings of the consoles (Settings → Language → Russia).
• 🔄 Macros (chains of command): In the Mi Home app, you can create a sequence of actions. For example, one button will turn on the TV, switch to the TV. HDMI1 and launch YouTube.