Xiaomi remote: the complete guide to setup and use

Xiaomi’s remotes aren’t just buttons for channel switching; they make interactions with Mi TVs, Mi Boxs, or brand projectors intuitive, and often replace multiple devices with universal control, but even advanced users have questions about how to synchronize the remote with technology, activate the voice assistant, or fix sudden disruptions.

In this article, we’ll look at all the features of Xiaomi remotes, from basic to hidden, explain how to connect them to different devices (including third-party TVs), and give checklists to fix typical problems. Particular emphasis will be placed on models with Bluetooth (for example, Mi Remote Controller 2), which require specific configuration, as well as compatibility with the Mi Home smart home. If your remote suddenly stopped responding to commands or you want to learn how to control it via a smartphone, here you will find answers.

Xiaomi Remote Types: What Do You Have?

Before you start setting up, it’s important to determine which model of remote you’re holding, which is what the features and connectivity are, and Xiaomi makes several types of remotes, and they’re easy to confuse.

Main categories:

• 📺 Infrared (IR) The remotes are the simplest, point-to-point (to-point) and are used in budget TVs and Mi Box S.
• 🔵 Bluetooth remotes — connect to the device wirelessly, do not require direct vision. Examples: Mi Remote Controller 2 for Mi TV 4S/5 Pro.
• 🎤 Voice-controlled remotes – equipped with a microphone to activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI (in Chinese versions.
• 🖱️ Air Mouse remotes - with a touchpad to control the cursor (like a computer mouse) are found in the Mi Box 4 and Mi Smart Projector projectors.

How do you know your remote? Turn it over and find a sticker with an article. For example, MDZ-25-AA is Mi Remote Controller 2 for TVs, and MDZ-16-AB is the remote for Mi Box S. If there is no sticker, look at the number of buttons and the presence of a microphone.

Connecting the remote to the TV or Mi Box

The process of synchronizing the remote with the device depends on the type of remote control, and let's consider both options for infrared and Bluetooth models.

Infrared (IR) remote

This remote doesn't require any pre-connection, it works out of the box.

1. Insert batteries (usually 2×AAA).
2. Direct the remote to the device’s IR receiver (usually located at the bottom of the TV screen or on the front of the Mi Box).
3. Press any button to check.

If the remote does not respond, check:

• 🔋 Polarity of batteries (contacts must match markings in the compartment).
• 📶 Distance to device (maximum 5-7 meters).
• 🚫 Obstacles between the remote and the receiver (glass, walls).

Bluetooth remote

Such models (for example, for Mi TV 5 Pro or Mi Projector 2 Pro) require pairing with the device.

1. Turn on the TV or the Mi Box.
2. Press and hold the Home + Back button (or Menu + OK, depending on the model) on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes.
3. The device will display a notification to search for a new remote. Confirm the connection.

If mating does not occur:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → About the device → Reboot).
• 📱 Make sure the remote is not fully discharged (the indicator should flash when you press the buttons).
• 🔧 Reset the remote settings: pinch Home + Volume+ 10 seconds.

The secret functions of the Xiaomi remote

Many users have been using the remote for years, unaware of its hidden capabilities.

Voice control

If your remote is equipped with a microphone (button with an icon) 🎤), You can:

• 🔍 Search for movies and TV series in voice: "Find 'Game of Thrones'".
• 📺 Manage channels: “Switch to NTV".
• 🌡️ Control your smart home: “Switch on the lights in the living room” (if connected to Mi Home).

To activate, hold the microphone button for 1-2 seconds until the beep sounds. Importantly, the voice assistant only works when you are connected to the Internet.

Control of the cursor (Air Mouse)

On the remotes with the touch panel (for example, for the Mi Box 4) you can:

• 🖱️ Move the cursor around the screen, as if on a computer.
• 📝 Enter text using a virtual keyboard (hold your finger on the panel for clicking").
• 🎮 Play simple games (for example, Asphalt 9 with gamepad support).

The cursor sensitivity is adjusted in Settings → Input Devices → DU remote.

Universal governance

Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes can be programmed to work with third-party devices (air conditioners, sound panels, etc.).

1. Open the Mi Remote app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
2. Select the type of device (e.g., "Air Conditioning").
3. Follow the instructions on the screen for synchronization.

The list of supported brands includes Samsung, LG, Sony and others. The full list can be found in the app.

Solving remote control problems

If Xiaomi's remote is out of order, don't rush to buy a new one. 90% of the time, it's solved in 5 minutes. Let's look at the typical failures and how to fix them.

Remote is not responding to pressing

Check the following:

Buttons are running with a delay

This is typical of Bluetooth remotes with a weak signal.

• 📶 Bring the remote closer to the TV (optimally 1-2 meters).
• 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → Reboot).
• 🛠️ Update the TV firmware (Settings) → About the device → Update of the PO).

💡

If the remote starts to glittle after a fall, check the integrity of the circuit board. Often the contact of the battery compartment leaves - it can be bent neatly with a screwdriver.

Voice assistant is not working

Problems with the microphone are usually related to:

• 🎤 Pollution of the microphone hole (clean with a toothpick).
• 🌐 Internet access (voice commands are handled by the cloud).
• 🔇 Disabled access to the microphone in the TV settings (Settings) → Confidentiality).

💡

If the remote does not work after all the manipulations, try connecting it to another device (for example, a projector), which will help determine whether the problem is in the remote or in the TV.

Setting up the remote via smartphone

You can control the Xiaomi TV or Mi Box directly from your smartphone, turning it into a virtual remote.

1. Download the Mi Remote app (Android/IOS).
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to a single Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select Add Device → Xiaomi TV and follow the instructions.

Advantages of a virtual remote:

• 📱 No need to look for a physical remote.
• 🎛️ Additional features are available (for example, adjusting the color temperature of the screen).
• 🔄 You can control several Xiaomi devices at the same time.

If the TV is not on the device list, make sure that:

• 📡 Developer Mode is enabled on TV (Settings) → About the device → Version of the software - press 7 times).
• 🔗 In the settings of the TV network, connections are allowed over the local network.

Update of remote firmware

Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes (such as those for Mi TV 5/Pro) can receive firmware updates through the TV, which fixes bugs, adds new features (such as support for additional voice commands), and improves communication stability.

1. Connect the remote to the TV.
2. Go to Settings → Remote DU → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, confirm the installation.

It takes 2-5 minutes. Don't press buttons on the remote during the upgrade! In case of a failure, you may need to reset to factory settings.

For infrared remotes, firmware updates are not provided - their functionality is rigidly prescribed in the chip.

Resetting the remote to factory settings

If the remote is not behaving properly (it switches channels on its own, does not respond to a part of the buttons), a complete reset will help.

Bluetooth remote

Hold the combination:

• Home + Back – for most models.
• Menu + Volume + is available for the Mi Box.

Hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicator blinks 3 times. After that, the remote will be reset, and it must be reconnected.

Infrared remote control

Reset is not required – just remove the batteries for 1 minute. If the remote continues to glitch, the problem may be sticking buttons (to clean) or damage to the IR transmitter.

⚠️ Attention: After the Bluetooth remote is reset, all the associated devices will be removed. If you used it to control the air conditioner through the Mi Home, you will have to reconfigure it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi remotes