Controlling a Xiaomi TV from a smartphone via Bluetooth is a convenient way to get rid of the remote, especially if it is lost or discharged. However, not all Mi TVs and Redmi Smart TVs support direct Bluetooth control without additional applications. In this article, we will discuss how to set up a connection, what programs to use, and what to do if the TV can not see the phone.
The main problem is that the TV is not connected or responsive to commands from the smartphone, which is due to the fact that Xiaomi uses infrared port (IR) for remotes in most models, and Bluetooth is only used for sound devices (earbuds, soundbars), but there are workarounds: the official Mi Remote app, third-party utilities and even voice control through Google Assistant or Alice.
It is important to understand that if your TV is not equipped with a Bluetooth module (for example, the old models of Mi TV 3S or Mi TV 4A), then direct connection to the phone is impossible. In this case, you will have to use Wi-Fi or buy an external Bluetooth adapter. You can check the presence of the module in the characteristics of the device or in the Settings menu → About TV → Specifications.
What Xiaomi models support Bluetooth management
Not all Xiaomi TVs can connect to a phone via Bluetooth to control.
- 📺 Mi TV 5 Pro, Mi TV Q1, Mi TV Q2 — Bluetooth 5.0 compatible with Mi Remote.
- 📺 Redmi Smart TV X (2021–2023) – Bluetooth 4.2, working with official app.
- 📺 Mi TV 4S (2020 and later) – Bluetooth only for audio devices, remote control – via IR.
- ❌ Mi TV 3S, Mi TV 4A (until 2019 – no Bluetooth module, only IR and wifi.
To find out if your model has Bluetooth, check:
- Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- If there is no partition, there is no module.
- In the specifications on the Xiaomi website or in the instructions, look for the line “Bluetooth”.
📊 What kind of Xiaomi TV is you?
Mi TV 5 Pro or newer
Redmi Smart TV X
Mi TV 4S/4A
Another model
I don't know.
If you have Bluetooth but the TV is not visible in your phone’s device list, the problem may be:
- 🔄 Outdated firmware (update TV via Settings) → On TV. → Update of the PO).
- 📱 Incompatible Android version on your phone (requires Android 8.0)+).
- 🔌 Bluetooth disabled on one of the devices.
Preparing the phone and TV for connection
Before setting up the control, make sure both devices are ready to connect:
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone
Update the TV firmware
Install the Mi Remote app
Check the battery charge of the phone (minimum 30%)
Turn it off. VPN on the phone (can block the connection)-->
On TV:
- Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Activate the Bluetooth slider.
- Select Add Device and wait until the TV is visible.
On the phone (Android):
- Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth and click on “Search for Devices”.
- In the list, find the name of your TV (e.g., “MiTV-Q1-1234”) and connect.
If the TV is not displayed, try:
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone (sometimes interferes with search).
- 🔧 Reset Bluetooth settings on TV (Settings) → Devices → Reset).
💡
If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth but you have Wi-Fi, use the Mi Remote app in Local Area Network mode, and both devices must be connected to the same network.
Management through the official Mi Remote app
Xiaomi’s Mi Remote app is the primary tool for controlling your TV from your phone, and it works via Bluetooth (if supported) and Wi-Fi or other devices. IR-port (for older models).
How to set up:
- Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
- Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth and location (necessary for device search).
- Click Add Device → Select Television → Xiaomi.
- Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.
If the app does not find the TV:
- 🔍 Make sure the TV is on and on standby (not sleepy).
- 📱 Check that your phone is on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (even if you use Bluetooth, some features require a network).
- 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Remote app.
| Function | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | IR-port |
|---|
| Button management | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voice search | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| File transfer | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Working without the Internet | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Important: Mi Remote may require registration with Mi Account for some features (such as voice control).If you don't have an account, create one in advance.
Alternative ways to control without Bluetooth
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, there are other options:
- 📶 Local area network (Wi-Fi): Mi Remote or Google applications TV They can control TV over a shared Wi-Fi network, and both devices must be connected to the same router.
- 🎤 Voice assistants: Alice (Yandex) or Google Assistant can turn on/off TV and run apps on command.
- 🔌 IR-Blaster: Some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 10) have an integrated IR port. In this case, use Mi Remote in Infrared Remote mode».
Configuring control over Wi-Fi:
- Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Mi Remote and select Local Network.
- Follow the instructions for pairing (it may be necessary to enter code from the TV screen).
How to check if there is IR-port?
In the phone specifications, look for the line “Infrared port” or «IR Blaster can also be used with the app. IR Checker from Google Play. If there is no port, you can not manage old Xiaomi models over Bluetooth.—> For voice control via Google Assistant: Install Google Home on your phone. Add the TV as a device ("Add the TV as a device") → Set up the device. "" Say, "OK, Google, turn on Mi." TV». Common problems and solutions, even when you set them up correctly, can fail. Here are the common mistakes and ways to fix them: ⚠️ Note: If after connecting to Bluetooth, the Xiaomi TV spontaneously turns off or restarts, turn off the “Energy Saving” function in the TV settings. Problem Possible cause Television not visible in Bluetooth Outdated firmware Update TV via Settings → About TV App does not respond to commands Conflict with other applications Close background programs on phone Connection breaks Weak Bluetooth signal Place phone closer to TV (max). 10 m) Some buttons do not work Incompatible TV model Update Mi Remote app If nothing helps, try resetting your TV settings: Go to Settings → On TV. → Reset. Select "Reset to factory" (data will be deleted!). After rebooting, reset Bluetooth. For models without Bluetooth (e.g. Mi Mi TV 4A) The only way out is to use IR-If that doesn’t work, consider buying a universal Bluetooth remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Remote). Modern Xiaomi TVs support voice control via Bluetooth, but for this you need: 🎤 Built-in microphone in remote control or TV (in Mi) TV Q1/Q2). 📱 Mi Remote or Google Assistant on your phone. 🌐 Stable Internet connection (to handle voice commands) How to set up voice search: Open Mi Remote and go to Voice. Click on the microphone icon and say a command (e.g., Open Netflix). If the feature doesn't work, check the microphone permissions in your phone settings. You can also use Alice from Yandex: Install the Yandex app with Alice. Connect the TV through Smart Home in Alice's settings. Say, "Alice, turn on Mi." TV loudest». For advanced users, it is possible to control TV via Tasker or Home Assistant, but this requires skills in setting up automation. For example, you can create a scenario that will include a TV on a schedule or when you approach home (via geolocation). 💡If voice commands are unstable, try using an external microphone (e.g. Xiaomi). AI Speaker connected to a TV. Connectivity and security: Controlling a TV over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi opens up potential vulnerabilities for hacker attacks: 🔒 Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it. 🛡️ Update the TV firmware and Mi Remote app. 🚫 Do not connect to public Wi-Fi when managing TV (traffic interception risk). 🔑 Use a complex password for Mi Account if you link your TV to your account. If you suspect that your TV has been connected to a third party device: Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth. Remove all unknown devices from the list of conjugates. Reset network settings (Settings) → Network → Reset). ⚠️ Note: Some TV management apps (such as Unified Remote) require root rights on the phone, which may violate warranty and open access to system data. For additional protection, disable Auto Connection in your Bluetooth TV settings, which will prevent unauthorized pairing with other devices. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi management TV Can you control a Xiaomi TV via Bluetooth if it doesn’t have a built-in module? Not if the TV is physically missing Bluetooth module (e.g., in Mi). TV 4A 2018, then direct connectivity is impossible. Alternatives: Use Wi-Fi and Mi Remote app. Buy an external Bluetooth adapter (connects to the USB-TV port, operated through IR-The reasons for this are: The TV and the phone are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for Local Network mode), the phone has Bluetooth or geolocation disabled (for device search). Outdated version of the app or firmware TV. TV is in sleep mode (turn it on manually). Solution: reboot both devices and re-search. How to reset Bluetooth settings on a Xiaomi TV? To remove all associated devices: Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth. Click on the icon «⋮» (You can choose "Delete all devices" or "Reset." Confirm the action. After the reset, you have to reconnect the phone and other gadgets. Can you use an iPhone to control a Xiaomi TV? Yes, but with limitations: The Mi Remote app for iOS only works over Wi-Fi (Bluetooth is not supported). IR-You need an iPhone with an IR port (there are no models, so this is not available), voice control is possible through Siri and HomeKit, but requires additional configuration, and the best option for an iPhone is to connect via Wi-Fi via Mi Remote or Google Home. How to turn on a Xiaomi TV from your phone if it is turned off? This is only possible in two cases: via Wi-Fi: The TV must support Wake-on-LAN (there is in Mi). TV Q1/Q2 Redmi Smart TV X). Mi Remote app can send a 'magic packet' to enable. IR-port: If the phone is equipped with an IR transmitter, you can send an on command (like a regular remote). Bluetooth cannot turn on the TV turned off, since the module turns off with the power.