Control of the Xiaomi TV from a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s modern devices are designed to maximize integration between gadgets. The ability to use a smartphone as a remote control for a TV is not just a convenience, but a complete replacement for a physical accessory that is often lost or discharged at the most inopportune time, especially for Mi TV and Redmi TV owners, where the software allows deep interaction with Android TV or PatchWall.

There are a number of ways to manage your TV and smartphone operating system, and the main methods are to use an integrated infrared port (IR), connect via a local Wi-Fi network using DLNA or Cast, and use customized applications from the developer. The right setup of one of these methods will turn your phone into a powerful tool for navigating menus, typing and managing multimedia.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, paying special attention to the nuances of working with native applications of the company and third-party counterparts. You will learn how to adjust the sensitivity, how to enter a password from Wi-Fi without a TV keyboard, and what to do if devices stop “seeing” each other. The key to most wireless methods is to find a smartphone and a TV in the same subnet Wi-Fi router.

Use of built-in IR port and Mi Remote application

The most versatile way to do this is to use an infrared port, and many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have an integrated IR emitter on the top end of the case, which allows the phone to emulate the signals of a conventional remote, even when the TV screen is off or when there is no Internet connection.

To implement this method, the device already has a Mi Remote app (or "Mi Remote") pre-installed. When you first start, the program will suggest choosing a device type — in this case, a "TV" — then you need to select the manufacturer of your TV from the list. If your brand is not on the list, you can try universal codes or choose the nearest one on the chipset.

• 📱 Open the Mi Remote app on your smartphone.
• 📺 Click "Add device" and select the category "TV».
• 🔍 Find your Xiaomi brand in the list TV (Mi, Redmi).
• 🔘 Follow the instructions on the screen by pressing buttons to check the signal.

The pairing process takes no more than a minute. The app will suggest checking several buttons: volume, on and navigation. If the TV responds to all commands, the profile is saved. In the future, you can switch between profiles of different devices if you have multiple TVs or air conditioners in your house.

⚠️ Warning: Infrared port requires line of sight between the top end of a smartphone and the receiver of a signal on a TV.Walls and furniture can block the signal, unlike Wi-Fi.

Wireless management via Wi-Fi and Google Home

A more advanced method is network management, because modern Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV, they integrate perfectly with the Google ecosystem, allowing you to control the TV not only through native utilities, but also through the standard Google Home app, which is on most Android smartphones.

To get started, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Google Home app on your phone. The system will automatically start searching for available devices on the local network. Once your TV appears on the list, you must pair by confirming the code on the TV screen.

The advantage of this method is that you can control your voice through Google Assistant and stream your screen content. You can say, "OK, Google, turn on your living room TV," and you can do it. Chromecast built-in is also supported, allowing you to stream videos from YouTube or Netflix directly to the big screen.

Specialized applications: Mi Remote and Android TV Remote

While system tools are often suffice, specialized apps offer enhanced functionality. Xiaomi's official Mi Remote app has a PatchWall-like interface that provides better compatibility with the TV's menu. However, Google's official Android TV Remote Control app is great for users looking for an alternative.

Android TV Remote provides a full-fledged keyboard, which is critical for entering search queries on YouTube or passwords in the browser. The virtual keyboard on the phone screen prints text much faster than selecting letters with arrows on the remote. In addition, the application supports voice control and has a convenient touchpad for navigating the cursor.

Third-party developers also offer interesting solutions, such as TV Remote Control or Universal TV Remote.They often contain banner ads, but boast support for older TV models that do not see the official apps. When choosing an app, pay attention to the ratings and downloads on Google Play.

Remote access and debugging by ADB

For advanced users who want to gain full control of the system, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging is available, a method that allows not only to manage the interface, but also to install applications directly from a computer or phone, clear cache and execute system commands.

To activate this feature, you need to go to the settings of the TV. The path usually looks like: Settings → About device → Assembly. You need to click on “Build” 7 times in a row until the message “You became a developer” appears.

Settings → Device → About the system → Assembly (7 clicks) → For developers → Debugging by ADB (On)

With debugging enabled, you can use controller apps that support ADB over Network, which allows you to control your TV even when the standard interface is frozen, but beware: incorrect commands can lead to unstable system operation.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on debugging by ADB, If your TV is connected to a Wi-Fi network (cafe, hotel), this can open access to your device to attackers from the same network.

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Use the Cast feature in the Android notification curtain to instantly display a photo or video to your TV without configuring complex applications. This works via the Miracast protocol.

Solving Connection and Synchronization Problems

Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often face problems when the phone stops seeing the TV. IP-The device addresses after the router restarts. IP, If the addressation changes, the connection is lost.

Problems can also arise from antivirus programs or built-in firewalls on your smartphone that block outbound connections on your local network. Check the permissions for the remote app: it must have access to the Local Network and, in some cases, access to location (required to scan Wi-Fi networks in Android).

If nothing works, try resetting your network settings on your TV, which won't delete your apps, but will update your network configurations, sometimes with a simple reconnection: "Forget the network" on your TV and re-enter your password.

• 🔄 Reboot your router, phone and TV at the same time.
• 📡 Check if the Guest Network feature on the router is enabled (it isolates devices).
• 📱 Update the remote app to the latest version in Google Play.
• 🔌 Turn it off. VPN on a smartphone, if activated.

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The stability of the Wi-Fi connection directly affects the responsiveness of the virtual remote, and if there is interference in the air, the IR port remains the most reliable option.

Additional Multimedia Management Opportunities

Controlling your TV from your smartphone gives you access to functions that are not available to a regular remote, such as using your phone as a game controller in some Android TV games. File transfer is also supported: you can upload a movie or photo from your phone to your TV simply through the Share menu.

An important feature is the ability to type text. When you search for a movie in an online cinema, searching with the on-screen keyboard of the TV takes a long time. The smartphone allows you to instantly type the title with your voice or fingers, and the text will immediately appear in the search bar of the TV.

Some apps allow you to create macros, scripts that can be executed at a single click, such as the Movie button, which can turn on the TV, launch the YouTube app and set the desired volume, requiring you to adjust through third-party smart home hubs, but greatly improves comfort.