How to Manage Xiaomi Devices: From TVs to Smart Lamps

Xiaomi devices, from smartphones to TVs to smart lamps, share not only affordable prices but also a unique management ecosystem. However, many users face challenges: how to switch channels to Mi TV without a remote, why XiaoAI voice assistant does not respond to commands, or how to synchronize smart devices through Mi Home. This article will help you understand everything from basic methods to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.

We will look at the management of three key categories of equipment: TVs (Mi TV A2 series, Redmi Smart TV), smartphones (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) and smart home devices (Mi Robot Vacuum, Yeelight).

1. Xiaomi TVs control: remote, smartphone and voice

Xiaomi TVs support up to 5 controls: a standard remote, mobile app, voice assistant, gestures (on some models) and even keys on the case.

The standard Mi Remote is Bluetooth based (on new models) or IR port based (on old ones). If the remote is lost or broken, it can be replaced by a universal IR remote (for example, BroadLink RM4 Pro), but this will require manually writing command codes for Xiaomi — a list of them is in the documentation for the remote.

• 📱 Mi Remote app: working on Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, It supports all TV models. It requires a connection to the same network with the TV.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV doesn't respond to the remote, check the batteries (even if the indicator is on) and restart the TV, holding the Power button on the case for 10 seconds. TV P1 and older, resetting the remote settings is performed through Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Reset the remote.

2. Xiaomi Smartphone Management: gestures, buttons and hidden features

Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14) offer flexible control settings, from classic buttons to full-screen gestures. The main difference from other brands is that you can set up individual gestures for each application. For example, swipe up in YouTube can include full-screen mode, and in Chrome – open new tabs.

To change the way you manage, go to Settings → Display → System Navigation. There are three options available here:

• 🔘 Navigation buttons: classic Back, Home, Recent. You can change the order or remove the backlight.
• 👆 Gestures MIUI: Swipe from the bottom for returns, swipe and retention for multitasking.
• 📱 Full-screen gestures: like on iPhone – swipe from the bottom edge to return to the main screen.

Hidden function: If you hold the Power button for 3 seconds, you will see a menu with options for Emergency Call, Reboot and Flight Mode. On models with MIUI 14, you can also turn on Pocket Mode here, which blocks random taps when you carry your phone in your pocket.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and later, the double-touch gesture to wake up conflicts with some cases. If the screen spontaneously turns on in the bag, turn off this feature in Settings → Display. → Screen awakening.

3.Manage Xiaomi smart devices through Mi Home

The Mi Home ecosystem allows you to manage more than 200 devices, from Yeelight lamps to Mi Robot Vacuum robot vacuum cleaners. The main rule is that all gadgets must be tied to one Xiaomi account and connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or through the Mi Home Gateway for Zigbee devices).

Basic actions:

• 🔌 Adding device: press + → Add the device to the Mi Home app. Make sure the gadget is in pairing mode (usually flashing the indicator).
• 📡 Automation settings: In the Automation section, you can create scenarios like “If the Mi Motion Sensor detects movement, turn on Yeelight».
• 🗣️ Voice control: via Alice, Google Assistant or XiaoAI (account binding required).
• 🌐 Remote Access: Enable in Settings → Cloud services to manage devices from anywhere in the world.

Problem for many users: Xiaomi devices can disconnect from Wi-Fi on their own, especially if the router uses a dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).Solution: link the gadget to the 2.4 GHz network or turn on Smart Connect mode in the router (if supported).

Link all devices to one Xiaomi | Connect to 2.4 GHz | Update firmware via Mi Home| Set up backup management via Mi Home Gateway (for Zigbee)

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4.Voice control: XiaoAI, Alice and Google Assistant

Voice assistants on Xiaomi devices work differently depending on the region and model.

1. XiaoAI: built-in assistant in TVs and smartphones. understands a limited set of commands in Russian (for example, Turn on the lights, What is the weather forecast?).

To connect Alice to Mi Home:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → Settings → Voice Assistants.
2. Select Yandex Alice and log in.
3. Allow access to devices (checks opposite each gadget).

⚠️ Attention: If the XiaoAI on the TV stops responding to voice, check the microphone on the remote (it may become contaminated). Wipe the microphone hole with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. TV P1 microphone built into the TV case - only resetting the settings will help here.

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To have Google Assistant manage Yeelight bulbs, say, “OK Google, sync my devices” – this will update the list of gadgets in the ecosystem.

5. Alternative control methods: ADB, third-party remotes and IFTTT

If standard methods are not suitable, you can use advanced tools:

• 🤖 ADB-commands: for smartphones, you can control system functions. For example, the command adb shell input keyevent 3 simulates the pressing of the Home button.
• 📟 Universal remotes: BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi Remote (for IR devices) Requires manual code customization.
• 🔗 IFTTT: For example, you can set up a rule: If the Mi Band is recording sleep, turn off Yeelight».
• 🖥️ Control from PC: via Mi PC Suite (for smartphones) or TeamViewer QuickSupport (for TVs).

Example of using ADB to control a TV:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About TV → Software version – press 7 times).
2. Connect the TV to your PC via USB and execute the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings It will open the settings menu.

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ADB-commands give full control of the device, but improper use can cause the system to crash!

Troubleshooting: Why the device doesn't respond to commands

If the Xiaomi device does not respond to commands, check the following:

For Xiaomi TVs with a black screen but a burning indicator, try a hardware reset:

1. Turn off the TV.
2. Press the Power button on the case and, without letting go, connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

7.Security: How to protect Xiaomi devices from unauthorized control

Xiaomi smart devices are vulnerable to hacker attacks if protection is not configured.

• 🔓 Connecting to an unprotected Wi-Fi network: attackers can intercept the control of gadgets.
• 📱 Xiaomi account data leak: If password is weak, someone can access your smart home.
• 🎤 Wiretapping through microphones: in TVs and speakers Xiaomi microphone can be turned off only physically (tape tape).

Safety checklist:

Enable two-factor authentication in your Xiaomi account | Update firmware on all devices | Disable remote access in Mi Home if you do not use | Change Wi-Fi password to complex (WPA3) | Remove unused devices from your account

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On Xiaomi TVs you can turn on the “Children’s Castle” mode (Settings) → Security → Children's lock that blocks change of settings without PIN-This will protect you from accidental or malicious acts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi management