Mouse mode on the Xiaomi remote: how to turn on and use

Xiaomi's remote controls are not just buttons for switching channels; they have powerful features that many users don't even know, and one of the most useful modes is cursor control, which turns the remote into a computer mouse. This is especially true for Mi. TV Stick, Mi Box and Xiaomi smart TVs, where without an accurate pointer it is difficult to work with a browser, games or some applications.

In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for different remote models, learn how to turn on mouse mode through settings and hotkeys, and get tips for solving typical problems. We'll look at why the cursor might not appear on the screen, how to adjust sensitivity, and what alternative controls exist. If you've ever tried to click on a small button on a web page using a regular remote control and have been inconvenienced, this is the guide for you.

What Xiaomi remotes support the mouse mode

Not all Xiaomi remotes are equipped with cursor control, and here are the main models where this mode is available:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Mi TV Remote (for Mi TVs) TV 4/4A/4C/4S/5/5X and newer) - touch panel or joystick
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Mi Box S / Mi Box 4K Remote - built-in gyroscope + touchpad
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Mi TV Stick / Mi TV Stick 4K Remote - joystick with cursor support
  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Mi Game Controller (for gaming consoles) - analog stick

Remotes without a touchpad or joystick (such as the simplest IR remotes for budget TV models) do not support mouse mode. To check compatibility, note the presence of:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Touch panel (smooth surface under the thumb)
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Joystick (a small round button that can be tilted)
  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Mouse icons on the body (usually next to the touch panel)

If your remote doesnโ€™t make it to this list but you want to control your cursor, consider alternatives: a Bluetooth mouse, a remote app on your smartphone (such as Mi Remote), or USB-mouse (for port devices) USB-A).

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi remote is yours?
Mi TV Remote (for TV)
Mi Box S Remote
Mi TV Stick Remote
Another Xiaomi remote
I don't know.

Method 1: Enabling mouse mode through settings

The most reliable method of activating the cursor is through the system menu. TV, Mi Box and Mi TV Stick:

  1. Press the Settings button on the remote.
  2. Go to the System section โ†’ Input devices (or Remote & accessories in English version).
  3. Choose the DU Remote. โ†’ Mouse Mode (or Mouse Mode).
  4. Activate the switch to the position VL.

Then the touchpad or joystick will start to work like a mouse, so to turn off the mode, repeat the steps and select Off.

Check the battery charge of the remote (at least 30%)

Connect the device to the Internet for synchronization

Make sure that the remote has a touch panel or joystick

Close all applications that interfere with the setting-->

Some firmware may have different paths. TV Stick 4K You need to go to Settings. โ†’ The device โ†’ Remote and accessories โ†’ If there's no point, update the firmware:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ System Update.
  2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after updating the firmware mouse mode is gone, reset the remote settings: pinch Menu + Home for 5 seconds, then reconnect the remote via Bluetooth.

Method 2: Hot keys for quick switching on

Not everyone knows, but on most Xiaomi remotes, you can activate the mouse mode with a single click.

Model remote controlButton combinationNote
Mi TV Remote (with touch panel)Double touch on the touch panelThe cursor will appear in 1-2 seconds
Mi Box S RemoteHold on OK + touch-barIt only works on the firmware of the newer 2021
Mi TV Stick RemotePress and hold the joystick upwards of 3 secondsOn some models, you need to turn the joystick clockwise.

If the combinations donโ€™t work, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery charge (at a charge below 15%, the touch panel may not respond).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Distance to device (maximum 5 meters for Bluetooth remotes).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reconnect the remote: pinch the Menu + Home for 10 seconds, then reconnect through Settings โ†’ Bluetooth.
What if the remote does not respond to touch?
If the touchpad doesn't work even after it's reset, the problem may be contamination of the contacts. Rub the panel with an alcohol napkin and check the integrity of the film underneath. The joystick remote controls often break the mechanism, in which case only replacing the remote or using alternative input devices will help.

Sensitivity setting and cursor calibration

Once you activate the mouse mode, you may find that the cursor is moving too fast or too slow, and this is corrected in the settings:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Input Devices โ†’ Remote DU.
  2. Choose Mouse Sensitivity (or Mouse Sensitivity).
  3. Move the slider in the range from 1 (slowly) to 10 (quickly).
  4. To calibrate, click Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen (usually circle the cursor in a circle or cross).

The best settings depend on the screen diagonal:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ For TVs 32-43": sensitivity 5-7.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ For 50" and above: 7-9 (so that you do not have to "go" with a cursor for a long time).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ For game consoles: 3-5 (for accurate aiming).

If the cursor is "twitching" or moving in jerks, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot the device (Settings) โ†’ Reboot).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update the firmware remote (via Mi Home or Mi Remote on your smartphone).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Reset the remote settings to factory (in the menu of Input Devices).

๐Ÿ’ก

Calibration of the cursor must be repeated after each update of the deviceโ€™s firmware โ€“ this is due to a change in the signal processing algorithms from the remote.

Problem Solving: The cursor doesnโ€™t appear or doesnโ€™t work properly

If the mouse mode is not turned on, here is a checklist for diagnosis:

โš ๏ธ Attention: On the Mi remotes TV Stick first revision (2019) Mouse mode works only with firmware newer 2.0.18. Update the device through Settings โ†’ About the system โ†’ Update.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The cursor doesn't show up.Mouse mode is disabled in the settingsEnable it through Settings โ†’ DU remote โ†’ Mouse mode
The cursor is twitching.Low battery charge or interferenceCharge the remote, remove sources of interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves)
The mouse only works in one direction.Failure of the joystick or touch panelTry to reset the remote or replace it.
Cursor disappears in 5 secondsEnergy savings activatedTurn it off in Settings. โ†’ Energy conservation

If nothing helps, try alternative management methods:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Connect. USB-mouse-wise OTG-cable (operates on Mi Box and Mi) TV portable USB-A).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Use your smartphone as a cursor remote (Mi Remote, Unified Remote).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Connect a game controller (e.g. Xiaomi Gamepad) โ€“ analog sticks will replace the mouse.

๐Ÿ’ก

On Mi. TV Stick can be enabled by debugging USB and control the cursor through the computer using adb. โ†’ About the system โ†’ Build number (click 7 times), then connect to ADB Use the input mouse command.

How to use the mouse mode: practical tips

Xiaomiโ€™s remote mouse mode is convenient but addictive, and here are some life hacks to use effectively:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Left Click: Short tap on touch panel or joystick.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Right Click: Hold your finger on the panel for 2 seconds (or press Back) + touch).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Scroll: swipe up/down the edge of the touch panel.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Precise getting stuck: Reduce sensitivity to 3-4 for small items (e.g. in a browser).

For the Mi Box and Mi TV Stick Mouse Mode is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

  • ๐ŸŒ Web surfing: convenient to click on the links in the browser TV Bro or Firefox.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Emulators: control in games (e.g., games, DOS-emulators or RetroArch).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Text input: it is easier to choose letters on the virtual keyboard.
  • ๐Ÿ“ File Manager: Drag files through ES Conductor or X-Plore.

On Mi. TV Stick 4K (model MDZ-26-AB) Mouse mode automatically turns off when you connect your Bluetooth keyboard. To avoid this, turn off the option "Auto-switch input devices" in Bluetooth settings.

If you use a mouse frequently, consider buying a Bluetooth mouse with Android support. TV. It will be more stable than the remote and offer more features (like a scrolling wheel:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Mouse (Lightweight, Compact).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Logitech MX Anywhere 3 (multifunctional but expensive).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Rii Mini X1 (with a keyboard, perfect for the Mi Box).

Alternative ways to control without mouse mode

If your remote doesnโ€™t support mouse mode or itโ€™s broken, there are a few ways to get around this limitation:

  1. Remote app on your smartphone: Install Mi Remote (official) or Unified Remote. Connect to your device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Enable Touchpad or Mouse in the app settings.
  2. USB-mouse + OTG-cable: Buy OTG-adapter (USB-C โ†’ USB-A or micro-USB โ†’ USB-A). Put any one on. USB-The mouse will be automatically displayed to the port on the device).

Gamepad with analog stick:

  • Connect Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock 4 via Bluetooth.
  • In the game or application settings, select the management of the stick.

For Mi. TV Voice input (Microphone button on the remote) is also available, which can replace the mouse in some scenarios (for example, a YouTube search or text input.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Mi TV Stick First Revision Connection USB-mice can cause the device to overheat due to insufficient power. Use only low-power mice (e.g. Logitech) M185) Or connect through a hub with external power supply.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the mouse mode on Xiaomi

Can I use the mouse mode on the remote from Xiaomi Mi? TV 4A 2018?
Yes, but only if your remote has a touchpad (a smooth surface under your thumb) and the non-sensored remotes (with arrow buttons) don't support this function. Check the remote model: if it has a mouse icon next to the touchpad, mode is available.
Why does the cursor disappear after a few seconds of inactivity?
It's about saving energy. Turn it off in Settings. โ†’ Energy conservation โ†’ Sleep mode remote. Also check the settings of the screen: if you turn on sleep mode or Screensaver, the cursor may disappear.
How to make a right-click on the Xiaomi remote?
The method depends on the model: On the remotes with the touch panel: hold your finger on the panel for 2-3 seconds. On the Mi Box S Remote: press Back + touching the touchpad. TV Stick Remote: Hold the joystick down for 1 second, then press OK. If it doesnโ€™t work, check the firmware โ€“ on older versions, the right click may not work.
Can I connect a wireless mouse to Xiaomi Mi? TV Stick?
Yes, but with reservations: Bluetooth mice (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Mouse) are connected via Settings โ†’ Input devices โ†’ Bluetooth. USB-mice demand OTG-adapter (USB-C โ†’ USB-A). On Mi. TV Stick first revision USB-There's no port, only Bluetooth. Use Android-enabled mice to work smoothly. TV.
Why did the mouse stop working after the firmware update?
This is a typical problem when switching to new versions of the software. Solutions: Reset the remote settings: pinch Menu + Home for 10 seconds. Reconnect the remote via Bluetooth (Settings) โ†’ Input devices โ†’ Add device.Slip back to previous firmware (if available) or wait for a patch.Check Xiaomi forums - often uploaded fixed firmware versions.