How to turn on and configure the remote on the Xiaomi TV

Many Xiaomi smart TV users are faced with a situation where, after buying or replacing batteries, the peripheral device ceases to respond to commands. This is not a failure, but a feature of modern Bluetooth remotes that require a mandatory initial activation procedure. Unlike the older infrared models, there is no simple switching on, you need to establish a wireless connection to the TV module.

The activation process takes only a few seconds, but without understanding the algorithm of actions, you can waste a lot of time.The Android TV system on which the brand’s TVs are based requires manual pairing confirmation on the first run.If you have just unpacked the equipment or inserted new batteries, follow the steps below to restore functionality.

It's important to understand that until you sync it successfully, most buttons on the body won't work, except for some basic functions if implemented through an IR port, but the basic functionality, including voice search and menu navigation, will only be available after you complete the procedure of simultaneously pressing the home and back buttons.

Principle of operation and types of Xiaomi remotes

The Chinese manufacturer's current TVs come with two main types of control devices: the first one uses infrared (IR) technology, the second uses Bluetooth radio, and understanding the differences is critical because the methods of switching on and setting them are radically different.

Infrared remotes are passive devices, they don't have their own communication interface as we know it, and they start working right after the batteries are installed, unless the IR receiver on the TV is closed, you don't have to turn them on software, you just have to have power and line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver.

Bluetooth models like Xiaomi Mi Remote or Bluetooth Voice Remote require pairing, and this is done to extend the functionality of voice control, remote remote control, and non-line of sight, and these are the devices that need activation through the TV's system menu.

• 🔹 Infrared remotes work on the principle of "point and press", do not require pairing.
• 🔹 Bluetooth remotes provide advanced functionality and work from anywhere in the room.
• 🔹 Hybrid models can support both protocols, but Bluetooth is given priority.
• 🔹 Bluetooth requires charged batteries to work.

You can visually identify your device type, and if there's no transparent window on the end of the case, where infrared diodes are usually located, and the TV specs indicate Bluetooth, you'll have to pair it. In rare cases, the case may be marked with a BT or a logo.

Preparation for activation of the device

Before you go into technical manipulation, you need to make sure that the power source is working properly. Even new batteries that have been in the store for a long time may not have enough charge for the stable operation of the Bluetooth module. Weak current often leads to the fact that the remote control flashes, but does not enter the pairing mode.

Use only high-quality alkaline batteries such as AAA. Salt analogues, often bundled with household appliances, are only suitable for short-term inspection and quickly set down. To set up, it is better to immediately install fresh batteries from proven brands such as Duracell or Energizer.

⚠️ Warning: When installing batteries, strictly observe the polarity indicated inside the compartment. Incorrect installation can lead to short circuit and failure of the electronics.

Also make sure the TV itself is on and running.The screen should be on and the Android TV operating system should be fully loaded.If the TV is in sleep mode, the remote will not be able to connect to it, as the receiver can be temporarily disabled to save power.

Step-by-step instructions for turning on Bluetooth-based remote

The activation process itself looks the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and Mi TV models. The main requirement is distance. Stay at a distance of no more than 2 meters from the screen and point the remote towards the receiving module, which is usually located at the bottom of the frame or on the leg.

To start the search mode, you need to press two specific keys: on classic models, these are the Home and Back buttons. On some versions, especially with voice control, the combination may be different, for example, pressing the microphone and return buttons simultaneously. Hold them for 3-5 seconds.

Algorithm of action:


1. Insert batteries.




2. Direct the remote to the TV.




3. Clip "Home" + "Back."




4. wait for an audible signal or a pop-up window.

When the buttons are held, the LED indicator, if present on the body, should flash frequently. This is a signal that the device has switched to Discoverable Mode. On the TV screen in the upper right or lower corner, a system notification should appear with a suggestion to connect a new device.

Once you see a message, "New device found," or something like that, release the buttons. Use the remote (if any) that's already working or the buttons on the TV body to confirm the pairing. Once you've successfully connected, the indicator will stop flashing and the remote will start to fully control the interface.

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If the standard combination doesn't work, try pressing the "Menu" and "OK" buttons at the same time, and some regions ship modified versions of the remotes with modified key logic.

Configure via the system menu

In situations where an automatic pop-up doesn't appear, you can initiate a search manually through system settings, which is more reliable because it allows you to monitor the connection process and see the status of the connection in real time.

Using the control buttons on the TV body (usually on the back or bottom, under the logo), go to the main menu. You need to find the section responsible for peripherals. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the PatchWall shell or Android TV.

After you go to the appropriate section, select the option to add a new device. The system will start scanning the airwaves. At this point, repeat the procedure for pressing the buttons on the remote. As soon as Mi Remote or Bluetooth Remote appears in the list, highlight it and press the confirmation button on the TV body.

Successful connectivity is confirmed by the sound signal and the disappearance of the device from the list of available for connection, as it moves into the category of connected.

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Manual search through the settings menu is the most reliable way to activate if an automatic notification does not appear within 10 seconds.

Addressing common problems

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can get complicated. Often the problem is that the Bluetooth module on the TV itself is software glitched, and in this case, it helps to completely reboot the system, not just put it into sleep mode. Pull the power cord out of the socket for 1-2 minutes to reset the residual charge from the capacitors.

Another common cause is signal interference: If you have powerful 2.4GHz radiation sources near your TV (such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, or wireless headphones), they can jam the remote signal. Try turning off nearby devices while you set up.

⚠️ Note: Do not use a remote closer than 10 cm to the screen during pairing.A powerful signal in the immediate vicinity can cause matrix overlight or temporary image artifacts.

If the remote stopped working after updating the firmware, the input drivers may have gone down. In this case, try to remove the device from the list of paired devices in the Bluetooth menu and perform the procedure again. Sometimes you need to reset the remote settings to factory, if this is provided by the design (usually through a combination of 3-4 buttons).

In case none of these methods work, check the IR receiver. Point your smartphone camera at the front end of the remote and press any button. If you see a flashing purple or white glow on your phone screen, the infrared port is alive, and the problem may be in the TV receiver.

Using a Smartphone as an Alternative

While you're working with the physical remote, you can control the TV through your smartphone, which is especially useful if your native remote is lost or broken. There are several effective ways to use Xiaomi TVs that support Mi Remote or standard Android TV.

The easiest way is to use the built-in IR port on your smartphone (if you have one), and in the Mi Remote app, you have to choose a model of your TV, and the phone will turn into a full-fledged replica of the remote, which does not require you to connect to a single Wi-Fi network, because it uses infrared radiation.

If you don't have an IR port on your phone, use a Wi-Fi connection. Make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same network. Download Google's official Android TV Remote Control app or Mi Remote from the app store. Once you run, the app will scan the network and suggest you connect to your TV.

• 📱 Google Home App allows you to manage basic media features.
• 📱 Official Android app TV Remote gives full access to the interface.
• 📱 Third-party apps like CetusPlay offer enhanced functionality.
• 📱 IR ports in smartphones Xiaomi/Huawei Work without network settings.

This temporary solution will allow you to comfortably use your TV, watch content, and even set up your Bluetooth remote if the buttons on the TV body are uncomfortable, but for full use of all the features of the Smart TV, the physical remote remains the preferred option.