How to set up a Xiaomi remote for controlling a TV: all methods and codes

Why to program the Xiaomi remote for the TV and what you need

Xiaomi remotes — especially Mi Remote, Mi TV Stick Controller, or universal IR panels from a suite of smart devices — can replace the original remotes from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brands. But they need to be set up correctly. Unlike standard remotes, where buttons are tightly tied to functions, it requires programming through an app or manual code entry.

The main reasons for reconfiguring the remote:

• 🔄 Replacement of the lost/broken original remote
• 🎮 Simplification of control (one remote for TV, consoles, air conditioning)
• 📱 Integration with the Mi Home ecosystem for voice control
• 💰 Savings on buying a new remote from a TV manufacturer

For successful configuration you will need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android or iOS with the Mi Remote app (download in App) Store/Google Play)
• 🔋 Xiaomi’s charged remote (make sure the battery isn’t drained)
• 📺 TV on with working IR receiver (check if it responds to the original remote)
• 📶 Stable Internet connection on a smartphone (to download the code base)

How to Program Xiaomi Remote: Which to Choose

There are three main methods of setting up, and their choice depends on the remote and TV model:

1. Automatic search: The app picks up the code by sending signals to TV, and it works for 90 percent of today's TVs.
2. Manual code entry – if the automatic search didn’t work, you can enter the manufacturer’s code manually.
3. Button learning is a rarely used method where the Xiaomi remote "remembers" signals from the original remote.

The most versatile and simple way is automatic search, which works even if you don't know the TV model, manually typing codes is relevant for older TVs (released before 2010) or rare brands, and learning buttons can come in handy if your TV isn't supported by Mi Remote, but it takes longer.

Step-by-step: Automatic setup via Mi Remote

This method is suitable for Mi Remote (white or black), Mi TV Stick Controller and other Xiaomi IR remotes with app support.

1. Install the Mi Remote app on your smartphone and open it. When you first start, allow access to Bluetooth and Camera (you need to sync with the remote).
2. Click Add Device → Select Television Category.
3. Turn on the TV and point the Xiaomi remote to it. The app will start sending test signals.
4. Once the TV reacts (e.g., changes channel or volume), click Yes, it works in the app.
5. Save the setting by assigning a name to the device (such as Samsung Bedroom).

If the TV doesn't respond:

• 🔄 Try repeating the search by placing the remote closer to the TV (at a distance of 10–30 cm).
• 🔋 Check the battery charge of the remote (on some models the indicator burns when you press the buttons).
• 📱 Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth enabled and the app is allowed access to it.

Install the Mi Remote app|Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone|Allow access to the camera|Turn on the TV.|Check the battery charge of the remote-->

Manufacturer codes for manual setting

If the automatic search didn’t work, try to enter the code manually. Below is a code table for popular brands. For Xiaomi Mi TVs, use code 10178 or 11158, which works with most models from 2018-2026.

How to enter the code manually:

1. In the Mi Remote app, select Add Manually.
2. Specify the brand of the TV (if it is not on the list, select Other).
3. Type the first code from the table and press Test. If the TV doesn't respond, try the next code.
4. After a successful test, save the setting.

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If neither code fits, try entering code for another brand in the same group, such as for TCL TVs, codes from Roku (10176) are sometimes used, and for Hisense codes from Sharp (10173).

Learning buttons: if nothing works

This method requires the original remote control of the TV, and the point is that the Xiaomi remote "remembers" the signals from the original remote and plays them back.

1. In the Mi Remote app, select Button Learning (or Customize in English).
2. Direct both remotes with IR transmitters to each other at a distance of 2-3 cm.
3. Press the button on the original remote (e.g., On/Off), then the same button on the Xiaomi remote.
4. Repeat for all the necessary buttons: Volume +/-, Channels, Menu, OK.

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ It takes 10-15 minutes (you need to train each button separately).
• 🔋 Not all Xiaomi remotes (check in-app support).
• 📶 Some functions (such as voice search) cannot be taught.

Common problems and solutions

Even after a successful setup, failures can occur, and here are the typical situations and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi’s remote controls the TV, but some buttons don’t work (like Netflix or Prime Video), that’s OK. These buttons are often tied to the TV firmware and don’t duplicate on the universal remotes.

If the Xiaomi remote controls the TV, but periodically "forgets" the settings:

• 🔄 Reboot the remote (remove the battery for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.
• 🔧 Reset the remote settings in the application (Settings) → Reset) and reset.

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If the TV is responsive to Xiaomi’s remote but not all buttons, check if it conflicts with other IR devices (air conditioning, music center). Try using the remote in another room – if the problem is gone, look for the source of interference.

Additional features: what else can Xiaomi remote

Xiaomi's remote can not only replace the original remote, but also expand its capabilities.

• 🎮 Control consoles: Mi Box, NVIDIA Shield, Apple TV (Select the category Configure in Mi Remote).
• 🔊 Adjusting the sound bar or soundbar (if they support IR control).
• 💡 Manage Yeelight or Philips Hue smart lighting via Mi Home (requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi network).
• 📱 Using a smartphone as a remote (Virtual remote in Mi Home).

To control multiple devices at the same time:

1. In the Mi Remote app, add all devices (TV, console, soundbar).
2. On the main screen of the application will appear a panel with tabs – switch between them with one touch.
3. For frequently used commands (e.g., On TV + console), create scripts in Mi Home.

If you're using a Mi TV Stick, you can set the remote to control both the console and the TV at the same time.

1. Connect the console to the TV and complete the initial setup.
2. From the Mi TV Stick menu, go to Settings → Remote and Bluetooth → Set up the TV remote.
3. Choose a brand of TV and follow the instructions on the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi remote