How to set up MI Xiaomi remote: a complete guide with photos and tips

Universal. MI Xiaomi’s remote is a compact device that will replace dozens of keychains from TV, air conditioning and even multimedia systems, but many users face problems with the first setup: The remote can't find the device, the buttons are not working correctly, or you can't connect to Wi-Fi at all. In this article, we'll look at all the stages of settings, from unpacking to fine customization, and also reveal secrets that are not written in the official instructions.

Feature MI The Remote Controller is that it runs through the Mi Home or Mi Remote app (depending on the model), which means that without a smartphone, it cannot be fully customized. However, after the initial configuration, the remote can function autonomously, such as controlling a Xiaomi Mi TV. TV or Redmi Smart TV. We will consider both options for connecting: through the application and in manual mode.

Important: If you have an older remote control 2020 For example, Xiaomi Mi Remote Bluetooth 2), Some features may be missing (2023-2026 Voice control and Matter support for smart homes are available. Check your device version in the Mi Home app settings.

1. Preparation for setting up: what will be needed

Before you start synchronizing, make sure you have everything you need, and without these components, the process can be delayed or even failed.

  • πŸ“± Smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+ with the Mi Home app installed (download: Android / iOS).
  • πŸ”‹ Charged. MI remote (indicator should be green when pressing any button) If the indicator is red, plug it into charging for 30 minutes.
  • πŸ“Ί Control device (TV, air conditioner, projector, etc.) with the infrared port on (check if there are any obstacles in front of the signal receiver).
  • πŸ“Ά Stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (Xiaomi remotes don't support 5GHz!).If you have a dual-band router, temporarily turn off 5GHz in the settings.

If you are setting up a remote for Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi TV, Make sure the TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the smartphone, for devices from other brands (such as Samsung or Samsung). LG) This is not necessary, but will make it easier to add.

⚠️ Note: If your remote is pre-2021 (such as Mi Remote Youth Edition), it may not support Bluetooth. LE. In this case, to control the TV Xiaomi will require a mandatory connection via Wi-Fi.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi remote is yours?
MI Remote Controller (2023-2026)
MI Remote Bluetooth 2 (2020-2022)
Mi Remote Youth Edition (until 2021)
I don't know.
Another brand

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Home app

Mi Home is the control center for all Xiaomi devices, and without it, you can't fully configure the remote.

  1. Download and install Mi Home from the official store (links above).
  2. Sign up or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account (if not, create one via email or phone number).
  3. Select the region "Russia" (or your country) in your profile settings. This is important for the correct operation of infrared databases.
  4. Press. + β†’ Add the device β†’ Remote remotes and choose your model.

If your remote model doesn't appear in the list, try selecting "Other" or updating the app. 2023-2026 You may need a branded Mi Remote app (separate from Mi Home).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for remote setting

Done: 0 / 5

Once you add the device, the app will have a card, and click on it and select "Add Managed Device," and that's where the most important step is synchronization with the hardware.

3. Synchronization of the remote with the TV or other equipment

The connection process depends on the type of device. For Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV, Redmi TV) Bluetooth + Wi-Fi, for the rest - infrared port (IR). Let's look at both options.

Connection to Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV)

If you have a TV from Xiaomi, the remote will connect automatically via Bluetooth after adding to the Mi Home.

  1. Turn on the TV and go to Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Activate device search and select yours MI remote.
  3. Confirm the pairing on the TV and in the Mi Home app.

Once successfully connected, the remote will control TV even without a smartphone β€” all commands are transmitted directly over Bluetooth. IR-port.

3.2 Connection to devices of other brands (Samsung, LG, Sony and others.)

Third-party technology uses infrared signal.

  1. In the Mi Home app, select "Add Managed Device".
  2. Specify a category (e.g., β€œTV”) and a brand (e.g., β€œSamsung”).
  3. Point the remote to the receiver. IR Devices (usually located in front) and click "Connection Test".
  4. If the remote doesn’t work, try another model from the list (for example, instead of Samsung). QLED 2020: Select Samsung Series 6").

If your brand is not listed, select Universal and manually test the buttons. Some devices (like older Philips) may require remote training, read section 5 about this.

Type of deviceProtocol of communicationWhether Wi-Fi is requiredSelf-contained work
Xiaomi TVsBluetooth + Wi-FiYes (for setup)Yes.
Televisions Samsung/LGInfrared (IR)No.Yes.
Air conditionersInfrared (IR)No.Yes.
ProjectorsInfrared (IR)No.Yes.
Multimedia systemsBluetooth/IRDepends on the model.Partially.

⚠️ Note: If the remote does not find the device through IR, check: πŸ”¦ Distance to receiver (maximum 8 meters). 🚫 No obstacles (glass, mirrors, direct sunlight). πŸ”‹ Remote charge (at low charge power) IR-drop-off).

4. Customize buttons and create custom commands

Standard button layout for MI The remote is not always convenient. Fortunately, it can be reassigned:

  1. Open the remote card in Mi Home.
  2. Go to β€œButton Settings” (or β€œCastomization” in newer versions).
  3. Select the button you want to change (like Netflix) and assign it a new feature from the list.

For advanced users, you can create custom commands, for example, you can program one button to turn on the TV, switch to the TV. HDMI1 And launch YouTube:

  1. In the "User commands" section, click "Create".
  2. Add a sequence of actions (for example: Nutrition) β†’ HDMI1 β†’ OK).
  3. Save the command and assign it to any button.

If you use a remote control for a smart home (like Yeelight lamps or Mi Robot vacuum cleaner), an additional Automation section will appear in the settings, where you can create scenarios like "Evening Theater" (turns off the lights, turns on the TV and launches movies).

πŸ’‘

If you lose a remote often, attach a key fob with AirTag or Mi Smart Tag to it. This will help you quickly find it through the Mi Home app.

5. Training remote for non-standard devices

If your device is not automatically recognized (e.g., an old Daikin air conditioner or a Dune receiver) HD), You can add it manually through training, and you'll need an original remote control.

The learning algorithm:

  1. In the Mi Home app, select "Add Device" β†’ Training".
  2. Specify the type of device (e.g., "Air conditioning").
  3. Direct the original remote and MI remote control to each other (infrared ports at a distance) 2-3 centimeter.
  4. Press the button on the original remote, then on MI remote - the signal will be recorded.
  5. Repeat for all required buttons (usually sufficient) 5-7: switching on, mode, temperature, fan).

The trained profile will be saved in the Xiaomi cloud and available on all your devices. If something goes wrong, you can reset the remote settings via Mi Home. β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Reset.

What to do if the training is not working?
If MI The remote doesn't recognize the original remote, try it: πŸ”„ Reboot both remotes (remove the batteries for 10 seconds). πŸ“± Update the Mi Home app to the latest version. πŸ”¦ Reduce the distance between the remotes to 1 cm. πŸ› οΈ Check the original remote for performance (replace batteries).

6. Solving common problems

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

6.1. The remote does not connect to Wi-Fi

  • πŸ“Ά Check that the router is running at 2.4 GHz (Xiaomi remotes do not support 5 GHz).
  • πŸ”„ Restart router and remote (hold the Power button for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± In the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, turn off the β€œSmart Connection” (may interfere with pairing).

6.2. The buttons are not working properly

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the remote and the device you control.
  • πŸ“± Update the remote firmware in Mi Home β†’ Settings β†’ Update of the PO.
  • πŸ› οΈ Reassign buttons manually (section 4).

The remote discharges quickly

  • πŸ”‹ Use only the original charging cable (inappropriate cables can damage the battery).
  • ⚑ Turn off Permanent Bluetooth in the remote settings if you are not managing Xiaomi TV.
  • 🌑️ Avoid overheating (do not leave the remote in direct sunlight).

πŸ’‘

If the remote stopped working after updating the firmware, reset to factory settings through Mi Home β†’ Settings β†’ Reset. This will bring back the old version of the software (if the update failed).

7 Additional functions: voice control and automation

Modern models MI remote (2023-2026 Support voice control via Alice (Yandex) or Google Assistant:

  1. At Mi Home, go to "Remote Settings" β†’ Voice assistant".
  2. Select the service (Yandex or Google) and log in.
  3. Assign voice commands (e.g., β€œTurn on the TV on Netflix”).

You can also integrate the remote into smart home scenarios, such as:

  • 🎬 "Cinema: Turns off lights, turns on TV, launches Kodi.
  • πŸŒ™ "Good night: turns off all equipment, activates the mode "Do not disturb" on the smartphone.
  • 🏠 "Care": simulates presence (turns on/off TV at random times).

To create scenarios, use the Automation section in Mi Home. You can add not only the remote control, but also other Xiaomi devices (lamps, sensors, robot vacuum cleaners).

8.Resetting the remote to factory settings

If the remote is getting glitchy or you want to sell it, do a full reset, and that will remove all the stored devices and return the standard settings.

Resetting methods:

  • πŸ“± Through the app: Mi Home β†’ Remote settings β†’ Reset.
  • πŸ”§ Hardware reset: press the Power buttons + Menu for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

Once reset, the remote will be like new β€” you have to reconfigure it. If you plan to sell the device, remember to untie it from your Xiaomi Mi Home account.

⚠️ Note: Reset does not remove trained IR-Xiaomi cloud teams. If you add the remote to the same account again, they will automatically recover.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up MI remote

❓ Can I use it? MI smartphone-free?
Yes, but only after the initial setup. TV You don't need a Bluetooth smartphone. IR-devices (air conditioning, TV of other brands) also do not require a constant connection to the phone – the remote works autonomously.
❓ Why the remote doesn't find my Samsung TV?
Possible causes: πŸ“Ί TV too new/old (base) IR-The team in Mi Home is updated once in a while. 2-3 month). πŸ”¦ Infrared TV receiver contaminated or closed. πŸ“± You have chosen the wrong model in the list (try "Universal" or training).
❓ How to update the remote firmware?
Open Mi Home β†’ Remote card β†’ Settings β†’ Software Update: If an update is available, click "Update" and wait until it is completed (don't turn off the remote from charging!).
❓ Can you control multiple TVs from one remote?
Yes, but only one at a time. To switch between devices: In Mi Home, add all the TV/air conditioners you need. On the remote, hold the Menu button for 3 seconds to open the device selection menu.
❓ Why is the remote discharged for 2-3 day-day?
Probable causes: πŸ”‹ Unoriginal charging cable (use only) 5V/1A). πŸ“Ά Continuously active Bluetooth (turn off in settings if not needed). 🌑️ Overheating (do not leave the remote in the sun or near the battery).If the problem remains, contact Xiaomi for support - a battery defect is possible.