How to connect the remote with a Xiaomi TV: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi TVs, which are based on Android TV or its own PatchWall shell, offer users many ways to control. Often there is a situation when a standard IR remote is lost, damaged or not enough to fully navigate the “smart” menu.

The synchronization process depends on the type of control device used and the model of your TV. Xiaomi Mi TV flagship models often feature advanced voice control panels that require Bluetooth pairing, while budget options can rely on a classic infrared port or smartphone control. Understanding the difference between these technologies is critical to successful customization.

In this article, we will take a look at all possible connection scenarios, from activating the voice remote to setting up your smartphone as a universal controller. You will learn how to get around device detection problems and what hidden features are opened after proper synchronization. The right connection guarantees not only comfort, but also access to all the multimedia capabilities of your equipment.

Types of remote controls for Xiaomi TVs

Before you start setting up, you need to identify the type of control device you have. Xiaomi uses several modifications of the remotes, and the procedure for connecting them is radically different. The main division is by the type of signal transmitted: infrared (IR) and radio (Bluetooth).

Infrared remotes are the most common in the budget segment. They don't require complex mating procedures, because they transmit encoded light signals that the TV reads directly. They just need batteries and a line of sight between the receiver on the TV and the emitter on the remote. But these devices are limited in functionality: they do not support voice input and cursor control.

More advanced models, such as the Mi Bluetooth Voice Remote, use Bluetooth Low Energy wireless protocol, which allows you to control your TV even if the remote is in another room or behind an obstacle, and these are the models that require primary pairing, and the voice control and remote search function work exclusively through a Bluetooth channel.

• 📡 IR remotes: operate on the principle of direct vision, do not require pairing, compatible with all TV models.
• 🔵 Bluetooth remotes: require mating procedures, work without line of sight, support voice and search.
• 📱 Virtual remotes: Smartphone apps that use the phone’s Wi-Fi or IR port to emulate control.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi remote does not have a button with a microphone or Bluetooth logo, trying to connect it through the Bluetooth settings menu will be useless.

You can also determine the type of remote by having special buttons. If there are keys on the case to launch applications (for example, Netflix or Google Assistant) and a search button, this is almost guaranteed by the Bluetooth model. Visually, they often differ in a more ergonomic shape and the absence of a visible IR emitter on the end, although the latter is not always noticeable to the naked eye.

Connecting Xiaomi Bluetooth remote to your TV

The procedure for pairing a Bluetooth remote with a Xiaomi TV is the most common scenario that raises questions among users. Unlike infrared analogs, it requires a secure connection between devices, which usually occurs automatically when the TV is first turned on, but manual activation may also be required.

First, make sure that the remote has fresh batteries installed. A weak charge often causes the device to not enter pairing mode. Bring the remote no more than 20-30 centimeters to the Xiaomi logo on the bottom of the TV, where the Bluetooth module is located. This is critical for successful detection.

The standard combination for entering search mode is to simultaneously press the Home button (house icon) and Back button (left arrow). Hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the LED indicator on the remote (if any) starts flashing, or until a message on the TV screen about a successful connection appears. In some models, the key combination may differ, for example, Menu and OK.

If automatic detection has not occurred, you can try to find the device through the settings menu. Go to Settings → Remotes and Accessories → Add Accessory. The TV will start scanning the available devices. At this point, again try to pinch the button combination on the remote. After the remote name appears in the list, select it to complete (pair).

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If the remote stopped responding after replacing the batteries, try removing them for 10 seconds, then inserting them back and immediately clamping the pairing buttons. This helps reset the temporary cache of the remote controller.

Using a Smartphone as a Remote

If the physical remote is lost or defective, a smartphone is a great solution. For Xiaomi TVs, as for most Android TVs, there is Google’s official Android TV Remote Control app, as well as the proprietary Mi Remote app, both of which allow you to fully control the TV over a local Wi-Fi network.

This method requires that both the smartphone and the TV be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, which is a must, because the commands are transmitted via the router. Download the application from Google Play or the App Store. Once launched, the app will automatically start searching for available TVs on the network.

When you see the name of your Xiaomi Mi TV In the list, click on it. The four-digit screen will appear on the TV. PIN-The code you want to enter in the app on your smartphone, and once you confirm the connection, the phone will turn into a full-fledged remote with a touchpad for the cursor, a keyboard for typing and media control buttons.

The advantage of using a smartphone is the ability to quickly enter text, which is especially important for searching for YouTube videos or entering passwords for Wi-Fi. In addition, the virtual keyboard eliminates the risk of sticking buttons, typical for physical devices. However, it is worth considering that the initial setting of Wi-Fi on the TV may still require a physical remote or mouse connection.

Configuring a universal IR panel

Many users prefer to use universal remotes or smartphones with an IR port to control all appliances in the house. Xiaomi TVs support standard IR codes, which makes it easy to integrate them into such systems. If you use a universal remote, you will need to find the Xiaomi or Mi brand code in the instructions for the device.

The setup process is usually as follows: turn on the TV, press the setup button on the universal remote (often referred to as SET or Code) before the indicator lights up. Then press the power button. If the TV is turned off, the code is correctly selected. Save it by pressing the confirmation button. If not, repeat the procedure using the following code from the list.

For smartphones with built-in IR (such as some Xiaomi, Redmi, Huawei models), the process is even easier. In the standard Mi Remote app, select Add Remote, then the TV type and the Xiaomi brand. The app will offer a series of test buttons. Press them and confirm the TV response. After calibrating all the main buttons, you will get a fully functional digital remote.

⚠️ Note: When using IR adapters for Android smartphones (inserted into the charging connector), make sure they support Android protocols TV. Not all third-party adapters correctly transmit specific Xiaomi menu commands.

Importantly, IR does not allow voice functions, and this is a one-way communication, where the remote sends commands but doesn't get confirmation of them, so if you lose the original Bluetooth remote and use an IR replacement, voice search will become unavailable.

Use of the USB-mouse and keyboard

In situations where the remote is completely lost, and it is impossible to configure Wi-Fi to connect the application from a smartphone (since you need a remote to enter a password), the usual computer peripherals come to the rescue. TV Supports wired and wireless connection USB-mouse and keyboard.

Just put it in. USB-wireless mouse receiver or wired cable to free port USB It's on the back or side of the TV, and it's automatically on the screen, and it allows you to navigate fully through PatchWall or Android. TV, open applications and enter text. USB-Keyboard is especially convenient for entering complex passwords.

This is a great temporary solution, which allows you to access settings, connect Wi-Fi and even install a remote app on your smartphone if you need one, but it's not as convenient for constant use, because it requires free space in front of the TV and can irritate a glowing cursor while watching movies.

Solving Connection and Detection Problems

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties. The most common problem is that the TV can't see the remote or doesn't respond to commands. First of all, eliminate software failure. Try to completely turn off the TV by pulling the cord out of the socket for 1-2 minutes. This will clear the RAM and restart the Bluetooth module.

If the remote stopped working after updating the firmware, the pairing settings may have gone wrong. On the TV menu, go to Settings → Remotes and accessories, find your remote in the list and select "Forget" or "Delete." After that, repeat the pairing procedure again, as when you first turned on.

Other wireless devices running at 2.4 GHz (routers, wireless headphones, microwaves) can create interference. Try turning off nearby devices or moving the router away from the TV. In rare cases, updating the firmware remote itself, if this option is available on the system, helps.

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If nothing helps, try connecting the external one. USB-keyboard, go to Bluetooth settings and force to initiate a search for devices from the keyboard, if the system allows, or perform a full reset of the TV settings (Factory Reset).

If the remote is intermittent, check the contacts of the battery compartment. Contact oxidation is a common problem. Rub them with alcohol or eraser. Also make sure you use quality alkaline batteries, not cheap salt batteries that quickly lose charge under the load of the Bluetooth module.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)