How to control a Xiaomi TV with a Samsung phone: all ways + instructions

Why Samsung’s Smartphone Could Replace Xiaomi TV’s Remote – and How It Works

Modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4S/5X/6, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A Pro) support remote control via mobile devices — including Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This is convenient when the original remote is lost, dead or just want to use voice search, touch input and additional features. But how to get the eco-stems of two different brands to interact?

Unlike Samsung's management TV Through SmartThings, where everything works out of the box, Xiaomi will need either the official Mi Remote app or workaround solutions through Google. TV or IR-A blaster (if you have one in your Galaxy) in this article are proven methods with the features of the firmware MIUI TV One UI, And also solutions to typical problems like "can't find the TV" or "buttons don't work".

Important: the methods differ depending on the model of the TV and smartphone. For example, Xiaomi TV Q2 2023 supports control over Wi-Fi Direct, and older models (Mi TV 4A 2018) – only through the infrared port.

Method 1: Official Mi Remote app - customization and nuances

Mi Remote (formerly Mi TV Remote) is the main tool for managing Xiaomi/Smart TV from your phone. It works on Wi-Fi (for new models) or through an IR port (for old ones).

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Install Mi Remote on Samsung Galaxy (supported models with Android 8.0)+).
• 🔄 Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct in your TV settings).
• 🔍 In the app, click Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
• 📶 If the TV is not found, enter IP-Television address manually (you can find it in Settings) → On TV. → Network status).
• 🔑 Confirm the pairing on the TV screen (a code of 4 digits will appear).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0+ (2022–2026) may need to enable Remote Management → Allow Wi-Fi connectivity in the settings menu. On older models (Mi) TV 3S, 4A) This option is missing – use the IR port (if you have one in your Galaxy).

Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz)

Update the TV firmware to the latest version

Enable the option “Remote control” in the settings of Xiaomi TV

Check if your Samsung Galaxy supports an IR port (if you need an alternative way)-->

Method 2: Control via Google TV (for Android TV models)

Xiaomi Android TVs (Mi TV Q1/Q2, Xiaomi TV A Pro) support the Google TV app (formerly Android TV Remote), a universal way that is not tied to the smartphone brand, and the main condition is that the TV must be connected to a Google account.

How to set up:

1. Download Google TV on Samsung Galaxy.
2. Open the app and select Set up a new device.
3. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices and Accessories → Remote Control and select Add Accessory.
4. Confirm the pairing code on both devices.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🎤 Voice search is working (OK Google).
• 🖱️ Support for Touch Bar for Navigation.
• 📱 Sync with other devices on the same Google account.

⚠️ Note: If the TV doesn’t appear in the list of devices, check if it’s on Developer Mode (7 times click on Android Version) TV In settings) and activated the Debugging over the network option, which can help with detection problems.

Official Mi Remote app

Google TV (Android TV Remote)

IR-blaster (infrared port)

Another option-->

Method 3: IR-Samsung Galaxy blaster for older Xiaomi models TV

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Wi-Fi control (e.g. Mi). TV 4A 2018 or Mi TV 4C), Samsung Galaxy has an infrared port (IR-blaster, you can use it as a universal remote.Supported Galaxy models:

• 📱 Galaxy S20 Ultra/S21 Ultra (up to) 2021 year-end).
• 📱 Galaxy Note 10/Note 20.
• 📱 Galaxy series A7x/A5x (2019–2020 garland.).

Instructions:

1. Download the IR Universal Remote app or Peel Smart Remote.
2. Choose the Xiaomi brand and the TV model (or Auto-detect).
3. Hover the IR port of the smartphone on the TV receiver (usually at the bottom of the screen) and check the buttons.

🔹 Limitations:

• ❌ Voice input and touch panel are not working.
• ❌ Direct visibility between the phone and the TV is required.
• ❌ Not all buttons can be supported (e.g. Netflix or Prime Video).

Comparison of management methods: what to choose?

Each method has pros and cons. Below is a table for quick selection:

Critical nuance: Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 2.0 and below (released before 2020) may not support Wi-Fi management even through Mi Remote — IR-blaster or purchase of the original remote.

Problem Solving: TV Can't Find Phone or Buttons Are Not Working

If the pairing fails, check the following points:

1.The TV is not displayed in Mi Remote:

• 🔌 Restart the router and both devices.
• 📶 Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz) network!).
• 🔄 In the settings of the TV, turn on Settings → Network → Remote management → Allow connection.
• 🛠️ Update the TV firmware (path: Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).

2. The buttons on the phone do not respond:

• 🔄 Reconnect devices to Mi Remote (remove TV and add again).
• 📱 Check the app's permissions: Phone settings → Annexes → Mi Remote → Permissions (network access and connection management required).
• 🔋 If you use IR-blaster, clear the port of dust and check visibility.

⚠️ Note: On some Samsung Galaxy models (e.g. Galaxy) S22+ or A53) Mi Remote app may conflict with SmartThings.Solution: disable SmartThings in phone settings or add it to Battery Optimization → No restrictions.

💡

If the TV is connected to Wi-Fi but Mi Remote can’t see it, try manually entering it. IP-TV address. Find it in the Settings menu → Network → State of the network.

Additional features: voice control and automation

Controlling the TV from the phone gives access to advanced features:

1. Voice search and commands:

• 🎤 In Mi Remote: Press the microphone button and say, for example, “Turn on Netflix” or “Grow up the volume".
• 🎤 Google. TV: Use "OK Google, turn on YouTube on your TV".

2. Automation through Google Assistant or Bixby:

• 🤖 Set up routines in Google Home: When I say ‘Movie’, turn on Xiaomi TV and launch Disney.+".
• 🤖 In Bixby Routines (on Samsung), create a rule: “If it’s 20:00, turn on the TV and reduce the brightness".

3. Using the phone as a gamepad:

• 🎮 Install Monect. PC Remote for managing games on TV.
• 🎮 In Mi Remote, activate the Game Remote (available on Mi) TV Q2 newer).

🔹 Example of automation: by IFTTT You can set the TV to turn off by timer or when leaving home (if the phone is disconnected from home Wi-Fi).

💡

Voice control works only on TVs with a microphone or via a connected smartphone. On models without Android TV (such as Mi TV 4S), only basic commands are available via Mi Remote.

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing Xiaomi TV from Samsung phone