How to control a Xiaomi TV without a remote: the complete guide

When the remote control suddenly stops responding or is lost, it is often taken by surprise. Xiaomi’s devices are powered by the Android TV operating system, which gives users huge advantages in the form of control flexibility. Unlike older button models, modern smart TVs allow for alternative methods of navigation through the interface, which sometimes even more convenient than a regular accessory.

There are several proven ways to regain control of the screen without waiting for new hardware to arrive: You can turn your smartphone into a full-fledged remote, connect a regular computer keyboard, or use voice assistant features. Each method has its own nuances of connectivity and is suitable for different use cases.

In this article, we will take a look at all the options available, from simple solutions to advanced settings through ADB. You will learn how to set up a Bluetooth connection, which applications best mimic the original controller and what to do if standard methods do not work. The main thing is not to panic, since the MIUI for TV software shell provides many workarounds for management.

Using a Smartphone as a Universal Remote

The most affordable and quickest way to regain control of your TV is to use a mobile phone. Since Android TV and Android mobile OS share a common ecosystem, the interaction between them is as deep as possible. You don't need to buy additional hardware, just install a special application from the Google Play store.

To get started, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, a critical condition because the control signals are transmitted locally via the router. If the TV is not already connected to the Internet, this method may not work, and you will have to use another option, for example, a connection. USB-keyboard.

The most popular and functional application is the official Google Home utility or the specialized Android TV Remote Control. Once installed and launched, the program will automatically scan the network and find available devices. Select your TV from the list, and the confirmation code will appear on the TV screen, which you need to enter on the phone.

• 📱 Google Home: Not only allows you to manage media, but also to stream content from your phone to the big screen.
• 🎮 Android TV Remote: The official app from Google with touchpad and voice emulation.
• 🌐 Mi Remote: A branded solution from Xiaomi, often preinstalled on the brand’s smartphones.
• 🔌 Universal TV Remote: Third-party apps that work through an IR port, if it is in the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone can't see TV, check your router settings. Sometimes, "Customer isolation" AP» Blocks communication between devices within the same network.

Connection USB-keyboards and mice

When wireless methods are unavailable or require initial setup, a wired connection comes to the rescue. - Android Operating System TV Supports standard input devices HID (Human Interface Device means you can connect a regular computer to a computer. USB-keyboard or mouse directly to the TV port.

This is especially useful in situations where you need to enter a Wi-Fi password and the remote is broken, and the keyboard allows you to quickly type in, which is very inconvenient on a standard remote, while the mouse ensures that the cursor is accurately moved around the screen, mimicking the touchpad on the remote.

Simply insert the device into a free USB port on the back or side of the TV, the system automatically recognizes the periphery and installs the necessary drivers, and a notification may appear on the screen about the connection of the new device, after which the cursor or text cursor will become active.

Note that not all media keys on the keyboard can work correctly. Basic features such as navigation arrows, Enter, Esc (back) and space (selection) work consistently. Specific brightness or sound control buttons may be ignored by the TV system.

Configure Bluetooth gamepads and controllers

Xiaomi TVs are equipped with a built-in Bluetooth module, which opens up the possibility of connecting wireless gamepads. This is a great way to turn the TV into a gaming console or simply get an alternative control device. Bluetooth HID support allows you to use controllers from Xbox, PlayStation and various universal gamepads.

To pair, you need to go to the settings menu. Since the remote may not work, use the previously connected one. USB-You can use a mouse or a keyboard to navigate, and the way to set up is usually this: → Controllers and accessories → Add accessory. TV will start searching for available devices.

Put your gamepad into pairing mode (usually by pressing a special button). When the device appears in the list on the TV screen, select it to connect. After a successful navigation button, the gamepad will work similarly to the remote buttons, providing wireless control.

Voice control and smart home

Modern Xiaomi TV models are integrated with the smart home ecosystem. If you have a smart speaker with Alice, Google Assistant or Siri, you can control the TV with your voice. This is especially convenient for basic commands: turn on, turn off, change the volume or launch an application.

To implement this scenario, the TV and smart speaker must be linked to the same account in the corresponding app (e.g. Google Home or Yandex). Once linked, you can say commands like "OK, Google, turn on YouTube on your TV" or "Alice, turn down the sound."

Voice content search is also a powerful tool, and instead of manually typing a movie title with a virtual keyboard, just say it, and it recognizes speech and it will search all the streaming services that are installed.

• 🎙️ Google Assistant: Deep integration with Android TV, management of any functions of the system.
• 🏠 Yandex Smart Home: Support for Russian Film and TV Services, Control through Columns.
• 📺 Apple HomeKit: For owners of Apple equipment, control through the app “Home».
• 🔊 IR blasters: Using an IR port phone as a universal remote.

⚠️ Attention: Voice control requires a stable Internet connection, and when network problems occur, commands may not be executed or processed with a long delay.

Using an IR port on a smartphone

Many Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones feature an integrated infrared port (IR blaster), which allows the phone to operate like a classic remote control, emitting infrared signals that the TV receives, a technique that has the advantage of not needing a Wi-Fi network.

To activate the feature, open the MI Remote app (Mi Remote). If it is removed, it can be downloaded from the app store. Select the TV category and start searching for a brand. In the list, find Xiaomi or Mi TV.

The app will suggest testing the buttons. Point the top of the phone (where the IR port is) towards the TV receiver and press the buttons on the screen. If the TV responds, save the profile. Now your smartphone completely replaces the physical remote, including the power and audio buttons.

💡

If there is no exact TV model on the list, try choosing a generic profile or profile from another model of the same year of release - the codes often match.

This is ideal for initial Wi-Fi setup when other methods are not available, but it is worth remembering that an IR signal requires a line of sight. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the phone must be directed directly to the TV, and the distance should not exceed 5-7 meters.

Advanced Methods: ADB and Network Management

For tech-savvy users, the ability to control the TV via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) protocol allows you to send commands to the device over the network, emulating button presses, is a powerful way to regain control if the interface is frozen or standard methods do not work.

First, you need to enable USB debugging in the developer menu on your TV. Path: Settings → About TV → Assembly (click 7 times). Then, in the Developer menu that appears, activate ADB debugging. After that, the TV will be available for connection from a computer or other Android device.

Using the ADB Keyboard app on your smartphone or console commands on your PC, you can send keycodes. For example, a command to emulate the home button looks a certain way. This allows you to completely bypass the graphical interface of the remote.

adb connect 192.168.1.XX


adb shell input keyevent 3

In the example presented 192.168.1.XX — it IP-The address of your TV, which you can find in the network settings, code 3 corresponds to the home button, there are many codes for different actions: back, menu, volume, etc. This method allows you to control even a completely deaf interface if the network is running.

💡

Using ADB is the most powerful tool for experts to perform any actions in the system, but requires accuracy in command input.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)