How to turn on Xiaomi remote: from synchronization to troubleshooting

Xiaomi's remote is not just an accessory, it's a key element of interaction with your TV, your Mi Box, or any other device in the ecosystem. But even these simple devices sometimes throw up surprises: they don't respond to clicks, they suddenly turn off, they require re-synchronization after updating the firmware. If your remote stopped turning on or never worked since you bought them, don't rush to buy a new one, and in 90% of cases the problem can be solved yourself.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from basic battery checks to hidden synchronization functions that are not mentioned in the official instructions. TV Stick, Mi Box S and Mi TVs TV A2/A Pro, because their remotes have unique features, and you'll also learn what to do if the remote is only turned on at close range or works over and over again, which is a common problem with the settings of the IR transmitter.

1. Checking the baseline parameters before inclusion

Before you start a complex manipulation, make sure that the problem is not the basics, and according to service centers, 45% of complaints about “default” remotes are resolved at this stage.

Start with a visual inspection:

• 🔋 Check the batteries, even if they're new, the contacts could have oxidized.
• 📶 Make sure there are no barriers between the remote and the device: glass, mirrors or direct sunlight (they block the IR signal).
• 🔄 Restart TV/Setters: Sometimes a system failure leads to ignoring signals from the remote.
• 📱 If you have Mi. TV Stick, check if it's override. USB-IR receiver device (it is located on the side panel).

Pay special attention to the indicator on the remote:

• 🟢 Green flashing light when pressing any button – the remote is serviceable and sends a signal.
• 🔴 Red constant light – batteries are discharged or short circuit.
• ⚫ No indication - possible breakage of the board or disconnected plume (relevant for remotes with backlighting).

⚠️ Note: If you use the remote from Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (model) MDZ-16-AB), Remember that it only works at a distance of up to 5 meters and requires line of sight.° and more) may not be recognized.

2.Sync the remote with the Xiaomi device

If the remote is new or has been reset, it must be tied to the device, and the process differs depending on the type of connection: Infrared (IR) or Bluetooth.

For IR remotes (most of Xiaomi TVs):

1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the body.
2. Press and hold the Menu buttons. + OK 5-7 seconds on the remote until the indicator blinks twice.
3. Point the remote to the IR receiver (usually located at the bottom or side of the screen) and press any button.

For Bluetooth remotes (Mi Box, Mi) TV Stick):

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate search mode.
3. Press and hold back Back. + Home on the remote for 10 seconds until it appears in the list of devices.
4. Select Mi Remote Controller and confirm pairing.

If the synchronization is not successful, try resetting the remote settings:

1. Remove the batteries for 30 seconds.
2. Press and hold the Power for 15 seconds (no batteries).
3. Set the batteries back and repeat the synchronization.

Check the battery charge (minimum) 1.5V)

Make sure the device is on.

Direct the remote to the IR receiver (for IR models)

Disable other Bluetooth devices (for Bluetooth models)

Repeat the combination 2-3 times with an interval of 5 seconds-->

3. Solving problems with a non-functioning remote

If the remote does not respond at all, use this diagnostic scheme:

Problem 1: The remote does not turn on the TV/set-top box

• 🔌 Check if the device is on (power indicator should burn).
• 🔄 Try turning on the TV with a button on the case, then sync the remote again.
• 📱 Install the Mi Remote app on your smartphone and check if the device responds to Wi-Fi commands.

Problem 2: The remote only works from close range

• 🧲 This is a sign of a weak IR signal.
• 🔋 Replace batteries with new ones (even if they are "almost alive").
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, disassemble the remote and check the integrity of the IR LED (it should glow in the smartphone camera when you press the buttons).

Problem 3: Buttons are pressed, but commands are not executed

• 🔄 Reset the remote (see instructions above).
• 📋 Check if the "Children's Mode" is activated in the settings of the TV (Settings) → Parental control).
• 🖥️ Update the firmware of the device: outdated versions of the software can conflict with remotes.

⚠️ Note: If you update the firmware Mi Box S to the version MIUI TV 3.0+ The remote stopped working, reset to factory settings through Settings → About the device → Reset. This is due to a change in the Bluetooth pairing protocol.

4. Alternative methods of control without remote control

If the remote is permanently out of order or lost, you can control the Xiaomi device using alternative methods:

Method 1: Mi Remote appendix (Android/iOS)

• 📱 Download the official Mi Remote app from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔗 Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 📺 Select the device model in the list and follow the instructions on the screen.

Note:

Mi Box

Remote control

Settings → Devices → Remote control

Method 2: Voice Assistant (for models with Google Assistant)

• 🎤 Press the Mic button on the remote (if any) or say “OK, Google” into the microphone of the smartphone.
• 📢 Say a command, for example: "Put Mi on." TV on HDMI 1" or "Revolve volume by 20%".

Limitation:

Mi Box

Google TV

Method 3: USB-keyboard

• 🖱️ Connect. USB-mouse-port.
• 🔑 Use it to navigate the menu and enable the function USB HID customized.

Advice:

Xiaomi

Mi Bluetooth Keyboard

💡

If you have Mi. TV Stick, you can use the remote from any TV with support CEC (HDMI-Control. To do this, turn on the option HDMI CEC in the settings of the consoles (Settings) → Display and sound → HDMI CEC).

5. Update of the remote firmware (hidden function)

Few people know, but Xiaomi remotes (especially models) MDZ-22-AB Support firmware updates, which can solve problems with freezes, buttons or loss of communication.

How to update the remote firmware:

1. Connect the TV/set-top box to the Internet.
2. Go to Settings. → About the device → Update of the DU remote.
3. If an update is available, confirm the installation.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (the remote will flash green 3 times).

Important: Do not interrupt the update process or press buttons on the remote during installation. In case of failure, reset the remote (see Section 2).

Remote models with support for updates:

• 📺 MDZ-22-AB (for Mi TV A2/A Pro)
• 📦 MDZ-19-AA (For the Mi Box S 2nd Gen)
• 📱 MDZ-24-AB (for Mi TV Stick 2023)

⚠️ Note: After updating the remote firmware MDZ-19-AA The Netflix button may stop working, because it's due to a change in the license agreements, so to get the function back, reset the remote and sync it again.

💡

Updating the firmware remote is the only way to fix the error “buttons work once in a while” on models in 2022 and later. Xiaomi official service centers recommend this procedure every 6 months.

6. Repair of the remote with your own hands: when it is possible

If the remote is physically damaged, but you are ready to try to fix it, here is a step-by-step guide for the most common breakdowns:

Breakdown 1: The individual buttons are not working

• 🔧 Disassemble the remote, carefully tucking the latches with a plastic card.
• 🧽 Clean the contact areas of the buttons with alcohol or swallow.
• 🔄 If the button fails, put a piece of foil under it for elasticity.

Breakdown 2: Remote not turned on (no indication)

• 🔋 Check the battery compartment for corrosion or track breaks.
• 💡 Replace the IR LED (part cost is 50-100) ₽).
• 🔌 Call the multimeter power chain from batteries to chips.

Breakdown 3: The remote works only with strong pressing

• 🧲 This is a sign of oxidation of the contacts on the board. WD-40.
• 🔄 If the oxidation is strong, replace the rubber membrane buttons (you can take from the old remote control).

Tip: Before you assemble the remote, take a picture of the location of all the parts. Pay special attention to the spring contacts of the battery compartment - they are easy to lose.

7. How to protect the remote from breakdowns: prevention

The service life of the Xiaomi remote can be significantly extended by following simple rules:

The 5 main enemies of the remote:

• 💦 Humidity: Even condensation from a glass of water can cause corrosion.
• 🔥 Overheating: Do not leave the remote in direct sunlight or near the battery.
• 🪨 Mechanical impacts: falling from a height of more than 1 meter often leads to the detachment of the plume.
• 🧲 Magnetic fields: Do not place the remote near the speakers or microwave.
• 🔋 Batteries that are discharged: if left for a long time, they can leak.

Care advice:

• 🧼 Once a month, wipe the remote with a napkin dipped in an alcohol solution.
• 🔋 Use the same type of battery (do not mix alkaline and salt).
• 📦 Keep the remote in a case or box if you don’t use it for a long time.
• 🔄 Reset the remote every six months (see Section 2).

Interesting fact: In the remotes of Xiaomi series MDZ-24 It uses Anti-Wear Buttons technology, which increases the life of the buttons to 500,000 clicks, but it only works when you use them properly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi remotes