Did you buy a new Xiaomi TV or lose your native remote and the backup refuses to work? TV-smack-in-the-box or smart TV from Mi/Redmi — The procedure is easier than it seems. 90% In some cases, the problem is solved for 3-5 minutes, if you know the algorithm of actions and typical user errors.
In this article, step-by-step instructions for all types of remotes (original, universal, Bluetooth), a table of model compatibility, and a breakdown of frequent failures: from flashing indicator to complete ignoring commands. We will not list the obvious things like “insert batteries” – focus on real solutions that work for the Mi TV 4/5 Series, Redmi Smart TV and other brands.
If your TV doesn’t respond to the remote even after all the manipulations, there’s a list of alternative controls (via smartphone, voice commands or keys on the case) at the end of the article, and for smart home owners, a bonus section on integrating the remote into the Mi Home ecosystem.
1. Preparation: what to check before pairing
Before you set up the remote, rule out three key issues that make Xiaomi TV ignore signals:
- 🔋 Batteries: even new batteries can be discharged. Check voltage with a tester (should be) ≥1.4V) or replace with alkaline (e.g. Duracell) Xiaomi remotes often use batteries such as AAA.
- 📶 Interference: Other IR devices (air conditioners, lamps with remote controls) or bright sunlight can block the signal. 1-2 angle-yard 30-45°.
- 🔄 Resetting: If the remote has previously been paired with another device, reset (click Menu) + OK 10 seconds before the indicator flashes. This is true for universal remotes.
Pay special attention to the indicator on the remote:
- 🟢 Green light - the remote is serviceable and ready to pair.
- 🔴 Red flashing – low battery charge or connection error.
- 🟡 Yellow constant – device search mode (you need to confirm the pairing on TV).
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If the indicator does not light up at all, wipe the contacts of the batteries with alcohol - oxidation can block power.
For Mi TV 5 Pro and newer models with Bluetooth remotes (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Controller 2) check out:
- 📱 Is Bluetooth on your TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- 🔗 Are there any other connected devices (columns, headphones) that can conflict.
2.Pairing the original Xiaomi remote
Original remotes (such as Mi TV Remote or Redmi Smart TV Remote) are automatically connected when the TV is turned on for the first time.
Turn on the TV with a button on the case (usually under the logo)
Point the remote to the IR receiver (black glass at the bottom of the screen)
Press the Menu + OK buttons for 5-7 seconds before the indicator flashes.
Press Power and hold for 3 seconds.
Wait for the beep or message "Connected"-->
For Bluetooth remotes (relevant to Mi TV 4S 55 and later):
- Go to Settings → Devices → Add an accessory.
- Select the DU Remote from the list.
- Press and hold Menu + Volume + on the remote for 10 seconds.
- Confirm the connection on the TV screen.
Important: Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes don't work with other brands' TVs, even if they use the standard protocol. MAC-address.
What to do if the TV can’t see the Bluetooth remote?
3. Customization of the universal remote
Universal remotes (such as Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote or models from Huayu) require manual code entry or automatic search. TV codes from the table:
| Model TV set | Code for the IR remote | Bluetooth Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A/4C/4S | 0178, 0060 | Not supportive. |
| Mi TV 5/5 Pro | 0180, 0056 | Mi Remote Protocol |
| Redmi Smart TV X50/X65 | 0191, 0077 | Supports (requires obn). |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 | 0205 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Instructions for universal IR panel:
- Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
- Press the Setup (or Set) on the remote until the indicator blinks (3-5 seconds).
- Enter a 4-digit code from a table (e.g., 0178 for Mi TV 4A).
- Press Power – if the TV is turned off, the code is correct.
For automatic search (if the code is unknown):
- Hold the Setup until you blink.
- Press Power and hold it – the remote will go through the codes.
- Once the TV is turned off, release the button and press Setup to save.
⚠️ Attention: Universal remotes do not support voice control and hotkeys (for example, a fast launch of Netflix.
4. Problem Solving: The remote doesn't work
If the pairing was successful, but the remote does not respond or malfunctions, check:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote does not turn on the TV, but other buttons work. | Power button firmware failure | Refuse the remote via the Mi Home app (Section 6) |
| The buttons react once in a while. | Interference from other IR devices | Change the location of the TV or use a Bluetooth remote |
| The indicator flashes red 3 times | Conjugation error (incorrect code) | Repeat the code entry or reset the remote settings |
| The remote only works close to (≤1 m) | Weak IR signal (batteries discharged) | Replace the batteries with new (preferably alkaline) batteries |
For Bluetooth remotes, additional steps:
- 🔄 Reboot the TV and remote (remove the batteries for 30 seconds).
- 📱 Remove the remote from the list of devices in Settings → Bluetooth and reconnect.
- 🔧 Update the TV firmware: Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
If the remote is still not working, check it on another device (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box). If the problem persists, it is a hardware defect (infection transmitter or Bluetooth module) in which case, contact the service center or use alternative control methods (section 7).
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90% of Xiaomi remote problems are solved by replacing batteries or resetting settings, and only 10% of cases require repair or replacement of the device.
5. Update of remote firmware
For Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes (such as Mi Remote Controller 2), updates to fix plugged-in bugs are periodically released to update the firmware:
- Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
- Connect the remote to the TV (if it is not detected, use a USB-Type-C cable to connect directly to the TV).
- In the app, go to Profile → Devices → [Your remote] → Update firmware.
- Wait for the process to be completed (don’t turn off the power!).
For IR remotes, you don't need to update your firmware, they run on standard protocol and don't have their own software, but you can update your TV firmware, which sometimes solves compatibility problems:
Settings → About TV → System Update → Checking UpdatesIf after the update the remote stopped working:
- Reset the remote settings (press Menu + OK for 10 seconds).
- Reconnect it to the TV manually (instructions in Section 2).
How to check the remote firmware version?
6. Controlling the TV without remote control
If the remote is lost or broken, use alternative methods:
- 📱 Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS):
- 🎤 Voice control (for models with Google Assistant):
- 🖥️ Keys on the TV case:
Game controller
Xiaomi Game Controller
- Connect the gamepad to Bluetooth.
- Use it to navigate the menu (similar stick = cursor, button A = OK).
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If you have a Xiaomi Mi Band or Smart Home device, you can set up automation: double-pressing the bracelet, for example, will turn on the TV via Mi Home.
7.Integration of the remote into the Mi Home ecosystem
Xiaomi smart home owners can link the remote to other automation devices, such as:
- 💡 Turn on Yeelight when starting the TV.
- 🔊 Turn off the Mi Smart Speaker when you pause on TV.
- 🌡️ Reduce the brightness of the Mi LED Lamp in movie mode.
For advanced automation, use Yandex Alice or Google Assistant:
Alice, turn on the script for "The Movie" (turns off the lights and turns on the TV)⚠️ Warning: To work with automation, the TV and remote must be connected to the same Mi Account. If the devices are tied to different profiles, synchronization will not work.