When a TV remote suddenly stops working or is lost, it can take anyone with a smart appliance by surprise. Android TV devices often require initial setup, which is critical to having a remote control signal. However, Xiaomi engineers have envisaged several scenarios to circumvent this limitation, allowing the system to start even when the regular accessory is completely inoperable.
In most cases, the problem is solved by using alternative input tools that you already have at your fingertips. This could be an IR-ported smartphone, a common one. USB-It's important to understand that the interface of the TV is designed to respond to standard devices. HID-This provides a wide range of management opportunities.
Before we start taking any drastic measures, we need to check the basics, like having batteries in the remote or being able to charge it if it's battery-powered. If the Bluetooth module fails and the IR sensor is missing, we're going to the methods described below that are guaranteed to help activate the screen.
Use of control buttons on the TV body
The most obvious but often ignored way is to find a physical power button on the device itself. In modern Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV models, manufacturers try to minimize the number of visible elements by hiding them in hard-to-reach places. Usually, the Power button is located on the bottom edge, behind, center or side, sometimes combined with a control joystick.
If you have a multifunction joystick on your device, the algorithm of actions may differ from the usual one-time pressing. In some firmware, you need to hold the button for 3-5 seconds to turn on until the LED indicator lights up. In other models, you need to press the button once to put the TV in standby mode, and again to start the system.
Keep in mind that control through the case is often limited to only the on/off function and volume switching. Full navigation on the Smart TV menu through physical buttons is impossible without connecting the external periphery. If the joystick does not respond to pressing, it may be in deep sleep mode and requires power supply through the socket.
⚠️ Warning: Do not put excessive physical effort into finding buttons on thin TV panels. Plastic in the control areas can be fragile, and strong pressure will lead to cracks or breakage of the joystick mechanism.
Connection USB-keyboard
Android operating system TV, Xiaomi TVs are based on, has native support for standard input devices HID. This means that you can connect a regular computer USB-You put a keyboard or mouse in the free port of the TV, and the system recognizes them instantly. This is one of the most reliable methods if the infrared port in the remote is burned and the smartphone does not have an infrared emitter.
When you connect the periphery, you can have a cursor or text field highlighting on the screen. Navigating the TV interface uses arrows on the keyboard, an Enter key to confirm the selection, and an Esc key to back up, and a mouse allows you to control the cursor directly, which is especially useful when you first set up Wi-Fi or enter passwords from accounts.
It is important to note that not all USB-The ports on the TV can support data transfer, some are designed solely to power external drives. If the keyboard didn't work on the first try, try switching it to another connector, preferably marked with a symbol. USB 2.0 or 3.0. In rare cases, it may be necessary to restart the TV by disconnecting the power from the network after connecting the device.
☑️ Compatibility check USB-device
Control via smartphone with IR port
Many Xiaomi smartphones, as well as some Huawei and Honor models, have built-in infrared ports, which makes your phone a universal remote that can control any technology that can perceive infrared signals.
The setup process takes only a few minutes. Once the application is launched, you need to select the device type (TV) and brand (Xiaomi or Mi). The application will offer a series of test signals: you will need to confirm the response of the TV by pressing the screen of the smartphone. Once the connection is established, the phone will be able to fully emulate the work of the regular remote, including power.
The advantage of this method is that you don't have to buy any additional equipment, but remember that IR requires direct visibility between your phone and the TV receiver, and if you're in another room or there's an obstacle between the devices, the signal won't pass, unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.
Applications for management over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If your TV is already connected to Wi-Fi and has remote control enabled, you can use the official Google Home or Mi Home app. Unlike the IR remote, these programs transmit commands over a local network or the cloud, allowing you to control the equipment even without direct vision. However, for the initial turn on of the TV turned off, this method is only suitable if the TV is in standby mode, and not completely de-energized.
To work through Google Home, you need your smartphone and TV to be on the same network. Once you detect the device, you will have a virtual remote with a full set of functions. In the case of Xiaomi, the Mi Home app allows you not only to turn on the device, but also to customize automation scenarios, such as starting the TV when you open the door.
There are also third-party apps, such as Android TV Remote Control, which often prove to be more functional than standard tools. They allow you to use a smartphone keyboard to enter text, which greatly speeds up the authentication process in services. If the TV is not visible on the network, check the router settings: sometimes isolation of Wi-Fi clients can block communication between devices.
What to do if your phone can’t see TV?
Use of HDMI-CEC and external devices
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology allows devices connected via HDMI to control each other. If your Xiaomi TV has a PlayStation, Xbox, or media player that supports this feature, you can turn on the TV by activating the connected device. When you start the console, it automatically signals to turn on the display and switch to the desired input.
To activate this function, it must be pre-enabled in the settings of the TV (usually this is the Settings item). → General. → HDMI Control. If you used the remote and configured this option, you can now not search for the remote control of the TV at all using only the console controller, this is especially true for gamers and users. TV-boxing.
Not all HDMI cables support CEC control signals. If this method doesn’t work, try replacing the cable with a better, certified version of HDMI 2.0 or higher, and it’s also worth checking the settings of the external device itself, as there may be different names for CEC: Anynet+ from Samsung, Bravia Sync from Sony or simply HDMI Control.
Table of compatibility of management methods
To organize information and choose the most suitable way for your situation, check out a comparative table that will help you quickly assess the capabilities of the equipment you have.
| Management method | Equipment required | It works without a network. | Full functionality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons on the case | No. | Yes. | No (only on/loudness) |
| USB-keyboard | Anybody. USB-keyboard | Yes. | Yes (navigation and input) |
| Smartphone (IR) | Phone with IR port | Yes. | Yes (full emulation) |
| Applications (Wi-Fi) | Smartphone + router | No. | Yeah (depending on settings) |
| HDMI-CEC | console or console | Yes. | Partially (depending on the device) |
💡
The most universal and affordable way to enable without a remote is to use a conventional computer USB-Keyboard that works even without setting up the network and the Internet.
Buying and setting up a universal remote
If none of the software methods are suitable, you have to buy a replacement. Universal remotes with support for Android TV can be found in any electronics store. When choosing, pay attention to the presence of Bluetooth, as voice search only works through it, unlike simple IR models.
There are also special adapters that are inserted into the USB-port of the TV and allow you to control it from any IR remote, which can be a temporary solution while you wait for the original accessory to be delivered. When you buy a new remote, make sure it is compatible with your Mi firmware version. TV, Older models may not support new functions.
When you purchase a new control device, you often need to pair. Usually, it involves simultaneously pressing the Menu and Back or Home and Settings buttons near the TV. The screen should blink to confirm that you have successfully paired. If automatic pairing has not occurred, check Settings → Bluetooth accessories for manual addition.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a universal remote, avoid cheap Chinese counterparts without certification. They may have a signal delay or work incorrectly with the voice assistant Google Assistant, which is critical for full use of Smart Smart. TV.