How to set a timer on a Xiaomi TV: shutdown, sleep and auto-on

Xiaomi TVs are some of the most popular smart TVs on the market due to their combination of price, quality and functionality. But even experienced users don’t always know how to make the most of built-in tools, such as timers. This feature allows you to automate the on/off device, save electricity and extend the life of the matrix. Unlike the old “stupid” TVs, where the timer was primitive, modern models of Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and Xiaomi TV A Pro offer flexible settings via MIUI TV or Google TV (depending on the firmware).

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can set your timers, from basic time-outs to advanced scenarios using app automation. You’ll learn how to set your kids’ sleep timers, schedule your TV to turn on before your favorite gear, or even sync it with other Xiaomi smart devices via the Mi Home. And if your model doesn’t support the right out-of-the-box feature, we’ll show you workarounds with third-party apps.

What timers are available on Xiaomi TVs

Depending on the model and firmware version, Xiaomi TVs support up to four types of timers:

• ⏰ Shutdown timer – shuts down the TV after a specified period of time (10 minutes to 4 hours).
• 🌙 Sleep timer – smoothly reduces brightness and sound before switching off (good for children).
• ⏱️ Auto-on – starts the TV at a specified time (for example, for alarm clocks or recorded transmissions).
• 🔄 Cyclic timer – repeats on/off schedule (not available on all models).

On new models with Google TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 2026 or Redmi Smart Fire TV) Part of the functions moved to the Settings menu → The system, and the old ones. MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4S) — In the Settings section → Extra: Auto-enabled timer on firmware older than 2022 may require an internet connection to synchronize time.

If your TV doesn’t support the desired function, don’t worry: in the section on alternative ways, we’ll explain how to get around this limitation with smart outlets or apps like Tasker.

How to set a shutdown timer

It’s the most sought-after feature that’s on all Xiaomi models, including budget ones.Switch-off timer is useful if you’re falling asleep under the TV or want to limit viewing time for kids.

Instructions for MIUI TV (models up to 2023):

1. Press the Menu button on the remote (or Settings on new remotes).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Shutdown timer.
3. Select the interval: 10/20/30/60/90/120/180/240 minutes.
4. Confirm the choice with the OK button.

For Google TV (models 2023-2026):

1. Open the Settings → System → Sleep Timer.
2. Activate the Timer switch off.
3. Set the time in 1 minute increments (1 to 240 minutes).
4. Press Ready.

Remote is charged and working |

TV connected to the network (not in sleep mode) |

Updated firmware (relevant to Google TV)|

Child-only mode is disabled (can block timer)-->

An important nuance: on some models, the timer resets after rebooting or disconnecting from the network. To avoid this, use a smart socket with a timer (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug) or set up automatic turn on through Settings → Energy Saving.

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If the timer doesn't work, check if Eco mode is activated (Settings → Display and Sound → Energy Saving). In this mode, some functions are turned off to save energy.

Setting up a sleep timer for children

Sleep Timer (not to be confused with a shutdown timer!) smoothly reduces brightness and volume before turning off, which is useful for children so they don’t get scared of abruptly turning off the TV, and is only available on models with MIUI TV 3.0+ or Google TV.

How to turn on:

• 🔹 Nana MIUI TV: Settings → Display and sound → Select a time (15 to 120 minutes) and activate the option Smooth attenuation.
• 🔹 Google. TV: Settings → Annexes → Sleep mode. You can adjust not only the time, but also the color temperature (warm light before bedtime).

If you don't have an option on the menu, update your firmware via Settings → About TV → System Update. On models up to 2020 (Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4C), there is no sleep timer - use the alternative:

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV The version below 2.5 may conflict with Parental Control. If the timer starts to spontaneously reboot, turn off restrictions in Settings → Security → Parental control.

Auto-turning on the TV on schedule

Auto-on is useful if you want your TV to start at a specific time, such as for morning news or recorded broadcasts, but it is not available on all models:

• ✅ Xiaomi TV A Pro (2023–2026) – via Settings → System system → Schedule.
• ✅ Redmi Smart TV X (2022–2026) – via Settings → Smart home. → Automation.
• ❌ Mi TV 4S/4A (before 2021) — only through the bypasses.

Instructions for supported models:

1. Go to Settings → System → Schedule of inclusion.
2. Activate the switch Turn on on schedule.
3. Set the time (to the minute) and the days of the week.
4. Select the source of the signal (e.g. HDMI 1 or TV).
5. Save the settings.

For models without built-in function, use:

• 🔌 Smart socket (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug) with an on timer. Connect the TV through the socket and set the schedule in the Mi Home app.
• 📱 Voice assistant (like Alice or Google Assistant) Say, OK, Google, turn on the TV at 7:00".

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Auto-on only works when you connect your TV to the Internet (to synchronize time). If the network is off, use a smart socket.

Cyclical timer: how to set up repeated on/off

This feature is useful for creating a “presence effect” at home or automatically switching between signal sources. For example, a TV can turn on for 30 minutes every hour, simulating activity. Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide a built-in cycling timer, but it can be implemented in two ways:

Method 1: Through a smart socket + automation in Mi Home

It will require:

• Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug (or other compatible outlet)
• The Mi Home app on your smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Connect the TV to the outlet.
2. In Mi Home go to Automation → Create → Schedule.
3. Add a condition: Time → Repeat every day.
4. Set intervals (for example, Turn on at 18:00, turn off at 18:30).
5. Save the script.

Method 2: Tasker (for advanced users)

If you have an Android TV, you can use the Tasker app to create complex scenarios.

Profile: Cyclical timer


Condition: Time from 18:00 to 22:00




Task:




1 Send Intent: android.intent.action.POWER_ON (to be included)




2.Wait: 30 minutes




3 Send Intent: android.intent.action.POWER_OFF (to turn off)




4.Waiting: 30 minutes




5. Move to step 1 (cycle)

This method requires root access or activated ADB debugging.

⚠️ Attention: Frequently turning on / off the TV (more often than 1 time per hour) can reduce the life of the matrix. The optimal interval for the "effect of presence" is 1 time in 2-3 hours.

Alternative methods: if there is no built-in timer

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support the desired feature, use one of these methods:

• 📺 Android console TV (Connect it to your TV and use apps like Sleep Timer or MacroDroid to set your timers.
• 🔌 Smart socket with Mi Home or Google Home support. Set up an on/off schedule through the app.
• 🎛️ Universal remote (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Pro) Program the on/off buttons with the timer.
• 💻 Python script (for geeks) Use the pychromecast library to control your TV over the network:

from pychromecast import Chromecast


Connection to the TV



Chromecast = Chromecast("192.168.1.100") # Replace your TV with IP




chromecast.wait()




Shutdown in 1 hour (3600 seconds)



chromecast.quit_app()




time.sleep(3600)




chromecast.turn_off()

To work the script, the TV must be on the same network as the computer, and in the settings → Network → Remote management must be enabled by the Chromecast protocol.

Frequent problems and their solutions

If the timer is not working, check these points:

If the problem is not solved, reset the TV settings:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (do not erase all data!).
3. After restarting, set the timer again.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions