How to connect the remote with the TV Xiaomi Mi: all ways + error solving

Why is Xiaomi Mi TV not connected to the TV?

Have you just unpacked a new Xiaomi Mi TV or replaced an old remote, but it refuses to sync? This problem is familiar to many owners of smart TVs from Xiaomi. Most often, the malfunction is not due to a device breakdown, but to the wrong pairing procedure or a failure in the settings of the infrared (IR) or Bluetooth module.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect both the original Xiaomi Mi Remote remotes (including voice-controlled models) and universal from other brands. Separately, we will focus on typical errors - for example, when the TV does not respond to buttons, the indicator flashes, or the remote works only with part of the functions. All instructions are tested on Mi TV 4A/4S (2018-2023), Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro, Mi TV Q1/Q2 and are relevant for MIUI TV 3.0+ firmwareware.

Before you start setting up, make sure that the problem is not with the discharged batteries or mechanical damage to the remote. If the indicator on the remote does not light up when you press the buttons, replace the batteries with new ones (we recommend alkaline AAA batteries).

Method 1: Automatic pairing of the original Xiaomi remote

Most of the original Xiaomi Mi Remote remotes (including Mi Remote 2, Mi TV Voice Remote) connect to the TV automatically when you first turn on.

1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the case (not from the remote!).
2. Bring the remote to a distance of not more than 30 cm to the front TV panel (where the IR receiver is located).
3. Press the Menu (or Home) and OK buttons for 5-7 seconds at the same time until the indicator on the remote starts flashing double flashes.
4. Release buttons – the remote must emit an audible signal (on some models) and synchronize.

If the TV is not responding, check:

• 🔋 Batteries: even new batteries can be discharged. Try another kit.
• 📶 Interference: Remove infrared sources (other remotes, LED-lamps) between the remote and the TV.
• 🔍 IR port: wipe the front of the TV with a dry cloth - dust or greasy spots can block the signal.

Make sure the TV is on

Check the batteries in the remote.

Remove obstacles between the remote and TV

Clean the IR receiver of dust

Bring the remote to a distance of 20-30 cm-->

Method 2: Manually tethering through the TV menu

If automatic pairing doesn’t work, use the built-in Xiaomi Mi TV menu.This method is suitable for all models, including the Mi TV Stick and Xiaomi Mi Projector projectors:

1. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Remotes and accessories.
2. Select Add Remote (or Remote Connection in Old Firmware).
3. Press Back + Home for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the TV should detect the remote within 20 seconds.

On Bluetooth-based models (such as the Mi TV 5 Pro), the algorithm is slightly different:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your TV: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. On the remote, press Voice Search (button with microphone) + OK for 5 seconds.
3. From the list of available devices, select Mi Remote [XXXX] (where XXXX is unique code).

Method 3: Connecting a universal remote

Universal remotes (e.g. Huayu, One For All, RCA) can be configured to manage Xiaomi Mi TV, but you will need to manually enter the manufacturer's code. Most universal remotes support Xiaomi under the codes:

Instructions for setting:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. On the universal remote, press the Setup (or Set) until the indicator flashes.
3. Enter a 4-digit code from a table (e.g., 1245 for Mi TV 4A).
4. Press Power – If the TV turns off, the code is correct.
5. Program the remaining buttons (volume, channels) manually through the remote menu.

⚠️ WARNING: Universal remotes often do not support voice control and buttons MI (Call the PatchWall menu! These features will require the original Xiaomi remote.

Method 4: Resetting remote and TV settings

If the remote was previously paired with another device (such as the Mi Box S) or the TV “forgot” it after the update, reset:

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi Remote remote

1. Remove the batteries from the remote.
2. Press any button (such as Volume+) for 15 seconds.
3. Insert the batteries back and repeat the pairing procedure (see Method 1).

Resetting the list of associated devices on the TV

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Remote and accessories.
2. Select the connected remote (if it is displayed) and click Remove.
3. Reboot the TV: Settings → About TV → Reboot.

Once reset, all previously coupled devices (including game controllers and Bluetooth headphones) will be removed and reconnected.

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If the reset didn't work, try updating the TV firmware. Some versions of MIUI TV 2.0 had an IR port bug patched in 3.0+. Update is available in Settings → About TV → System Update.

Solving common problems

Even after successful pairing, the remote may not work properly, and consider the typical symptoms and ways to treat them:

The remote works only with a part of the buttons.

Reason: Incorrect control protocol is selected or the IR transmitter is damaged.

• 🔧 Check if the IR emitter on the remote is contaminated (wipe with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol).
• 📱 If you have Bluetooth remote, reconnect it through the Settings menu. → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 For universal remotes, try another code from the table above.

The TV reacts with a delay (lag)

Reason: weak signal or interference.

• 📡 Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV (glass, metal).
• 🔋 Replace your batteries with new ones (even if they are “almost alive»).
• 🌐 For Bluetooth remotes, disable other wireless devices (earphones, keyboards) that may interfere with the device.

The monitor on the remote is flashing, but the TV is not responding.

Reason: firmware incompatibility or hardware malfunction.

• 📋 Check the TV firmware version. TV 4A current-age — MIUI TV 3.2.1+.
• 🔧 If the remote is new, make sure it is designed for your TV model (the box should have a Mi marking on it). TV 5/4A/4S).
• 🚫 In extreme cases, reset the TV to factory settings: Settings → On TV. → Data resetting.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the TV requires authorization to Mi Account, and you do not remember the password, restore access through account.xiaomi.com. Without an associated account, some functions (for example, PatchWall) will not be available.

Alternative ways to control the TV

If the remote is lost or broken, you can control the Xiaomi Mi TV in alternative ways:

1. Mi Remote app (for smartphone)

The official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) turns the smartphone into a remote.

1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

2. Manage via Google Assistant/Alice

If your TV supports Google Chromecast or is connected to Yandex Stations, you can use voice commands:

• 🎤 Google Assistant: OK, Google, turn on Xiaomi TV channel 5».
• 🎤 Alice: Alice, turn off the TV in the living room».

To do this, pre-link the TV with a Google or Yandex account in the Smart Home settings.

3. Keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth

You can connect a wireless keyboard or mouse to the Xiaomi Mi TV to navigate the menu:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your TV: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Transfer the keyboard/mouse to search mode (usually the Connect button on the device).
3. Select the device from the list on the TV.

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Mi Remote works even without the internet, if the phone and TV are connected to the same local area network, a solution that will temporarily replace the physical remote.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the remote to Xiaomi Mi TV