Xiaomi’s remote control (DU) from TVs is not just a channel switching device; modern models feature voice control, a touchpad, quick access buttons to streaming services, and even a built-in microphone to work with the AI- XiaoAI. However, many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time or are unaware of hidden features that greatly simplify interaction with TV.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with Xiaomi Mi TV remotes (including Mi TV 4/5 Pro, Mi TV A Pro, Mi TV S Pro and Redmi Smart TV): from basic settings to solving typical problems like broken buttons or synchronization failures. Particular attention will be paid to the unique “One-touch” feature, which allows you to turn on the TV and launch your favorite application (for example, Netflix or YouTube) with a single button – the option is available only on Xiaomi remotes in 2022 and later.
Xiaomi Remote Types: How to Determine Your Model
Xiaomi produces several types of remotes for TVs that differ in design, functionality and compatibility. To properly configure the device, first determine its type:
- 📺 Standard IR remote (infrared): the simplest option with volume control buttons, channels and menus. Suitable for budget models (Redmi Smart TV, older versions of Mi TV 4A).
- 🎤 Voice-controlled Bluetooth remote: equipped with a microphone for the command "Hello XiaoAI" and a touchpad. Compatible with Mi TV 5 Pro, Mi TV Q1 and later. Works without line of sight (up to 10 meters).
- 🖱️ Air Mouse Remote: It has a built-in gyroscope to control the cursor on the screen (like a computer mouse) and is used in the Mi TV Stick and some Mi Box models.
- 🔄 Universal remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote): Suitable for multi-device management (TV, air conditioning, audio system) Requires pre-configuration via the Mi Home app.
To find out the exact model of your remote, flip it over and find a sticker with an article. For example, the MDZ-22-AB is a Bluetooth remote for the Mi TV 5 Pro, and the MDZ-16-AA is an IR remote for the Mi TV 4A. If there is no sticker, check compatibility by year of release of the TV: models until 2020 are usually equipped with IR remotes, after Bluetooth.
First connection of the remote to the TV
If you have just unpacked a Xiaomi TV or bought a new remote, it needs to be synchronized with the TV.
For IR panels (infrared)
The IR panels don't require special adjustments, they work immediately after the batteries are installed, but if the buttons don't respond, they will:
- Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV (glass, walls).
- Check the polarity of the batteries (usually two AAA fingers).
- Point the remote to the IR receiver (usually located at the bottom of the screen) and press any button. If the remote lights up a red LED, it's functional.
For Bluetooth remotes
Bluetooth remotes (for example, for the Mi TV 5 Pro) require pairing:
- Turn on the TV with the power button on the body.
- Press and hold the Home + OK buttons on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
- The TV screen will display a notification "Search remote..." Wait 10-20 seconds before the message "Connected."
If synchronization fails, reset the remote settings: remove the batteries, press any button 10 times in a row, then insert the batteries back and repeat the procedure.
☑️ Preparation for connecting Bluetooth-based remote
The main functions and hidden capabilities of the remote
Xiaomi remotes have non-obvious features that are not written in the instructions.
- 🎬 Quick App Launch: Press and hold the Netflix, Prime Video or YouTube button – the TV will turn on and immediately open the selected service (only works on Bluetooth remotes).
- 🔊 Silent Sound Mode: Press Mute twice, and the TV will dim the volume to 20% (convenient for night viewing).
- 🔄 Signal Source Switching: The Source button cycles between HDMI, AV, TV and Screen Mirroring.
- 📱 Smartphone control: You can use gestures on Air Mouse remotes (e.g., shake the remote to return the cursor to the center of the screen).
There's a hidden combination on Bluetooth remotes to reset your TV settings: press Home + Back + OK for 10 seconds. After that, the TV will reboot and return to factory settings. Use this feature only as a last resort!
How to activate the developer mode through the remote
| Button | Normal action. | Hidden function |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Return to the main screen | Double-click – opens the list of recent applications |
| Back up. | Back a step. | 3 seconds retention – closes the current application |
| Voice search | Activation of XiaoAI | Press and hold – will turn on dictation mode to search |
| Settings | Opening the settings | Triple pressing – resetting the sound settings to standard |
Voice control: settings and commands for XiaoAI
Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes support XiaoAI voice assistant, which understands commands in Russian and English.
- Make sure the TV is connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or cable).
- Press and hold the microphone button on the remote until the sound of the beep.
- Say the command clearly, such as “turn on Netflix” or “turn up the volume by 30%.”
List of supported teams:
- 📺 TV control: "Switch on TV," "Switch off in 30 minutes," "Switch to HDMI 1."
- 🎵 Media: "Play The Lord of the Rings movie on Netflix," "Put music on YouTube."
- 🔍 Search: "Find the Comedies of 2023," "Show the Weather for Tomorrow."
- ⚙️ Settings: "Set brightness to 70%", "Switch to game mode".
If XiaoAI does not respond:
⚠️ Warning: Check if the microphone is on in the settings of the TV (Settings → Voice Control → Allow microphone access). Also make sure that the remote has working batteries in place - when the charge is low, voice commands may not be recognized.
💡
If XiaoAI doesn't recognize commands correctly, try speaking more slowly and clearly, pausing between words, and you can also retrain your voice profile in the assistant settings.
Solving problems with the Xiaomi remote
If the remote stops working or behaves incorrectly, use this instruction:
Remote is not responding to pressing
- 🔋 Check the batteries (even if they are new, factory defects are possible).
- 📶 For Bluetooth remotes: Reboot the TV and re-pair the pairing.
- 🔍 Wipe the IR emitter on the remote with an alcohol napkin (dust can block the signal).
- 🔄 Reset the remote to factory settings (for Bluetooth: press Home + OK for 10 seconds).
Buttons are running with a delay
This is a typical problem for IR remotes with a weak signal.
- 📍 Bring the remote closer to the TV (maximum distance 8 meters).
- 💡 Remove sources of infrared interference (e.g., incandescent lamps or sunlight falling on the IR receiver).
- 🔧 Update your TV firmware (Settings → Software Update).
Voice control is not working.
If XiaoAI does not reply:
⚠️ Warning: Voice functions may be disabled in regional firmware. Check the software version: if it ends in CN (Chinese), install global firmware (Global) via Settings → Update → Select a file.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote doesn't turn on TV. | Batteries are out or synchronization is out. | Replace the batteries, reconjugate the pairing |
| Stick buttons (repeated operation) | Contamination of contacts or damage to the membrane | Wipe the buttons with alcohol, with severe wear - replace the remote |
| Voice search is not working. | No internet or microphone is turned off | Check the network connection and permissions in the settings |
| The remote controls the TV only from close range | Weak IR signal or interference | Use Bluetooth remote or eliminate sources of interference |
How to Replace or Buy a New Xiaomi TV Remote
If the remote is broken or lost, it can be replaced. The original Xiaomi remotes are sold in official stores (for example, on the Mi Store or AliExpress), and universal models with support for IK/Bluetooth are suitable.
- 🔗 Compatibility: The remote must support your TV model (check the article on the box).
- 📶 Connection type: for Mi TV 5 Pro and later you need a Bluetooth remote, for older models – IR.
- 🎤 Microphone availability: If you need voice control, choose models with the XiaoAI button.
Average cost of original remotes:
- IR remote: 500-800 ₽.
- Voice-controlled Bluetooth remote: 1200–1800 ₽.
- Universal Remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote): 2000–2500 ₽.
To connect the new remote to the TV, follow the instructions in the "First Connection" section. If the original remote is not available, you can use the smartphone as a replacement: install the Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) and connect to the TV via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
💡
When buying a universal remote, check whether it supports NEC (for IR) or BLE (for Bluetooth) – this ensures compatibility with Xiaomi TV.
Alternative ways to manage Xiaomi TV without remote control
If the remote is lost or broken, you can control the Xiaomi TV in several ways:
1. Through a smartphone
Install the official Mi Remote app:
- Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Select the device type: TV → Xiaomi.
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
- Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.
2. Through buttons on the TV body
There are physical buttons on the back or side of the TV:
- Power - on/off.
- Source: Switching signal sources.
- Volume +/- - Volume control.
- Menu - Sign in to settings (on some models).
3. through voice assistant (if supported)
If the TV is connected to Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex, you can give commands through a column or smartphone:
Okay, Google, turn on Xiaomi TV on Netflix
Alice, set the volume to 50% on the TV.4. via HDMI-CEC
If a device is connected to the TV via HDMI (such as the Xiaomi Mi Box or PlayStation), you can control the TV from the remote of this device. To do this, turn on the HDMI-CEC function in the settings of the TV (Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable).