Connecting the remote to the Xiaomi TV: 3 proven ways + problem solving

You bought a new Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV, but faced with a problem: the remote does not respond, does not sync or is lost at all? Don’t panic – in 90% of cases, the solution takes no more than 5 minutes. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect the remote (original, universal or via a smartphone), and also tell you what to do if synchronization fails.

Xiaomi TVs use two types of remote connection: Bluetooth (for modern models with voice control) and infrared (IR) (for budget series). The type of connection depends on the algorithm of actions. For example, for the Mi TV Q2 2023 or Redmi Smart Fire TV, you will need Bluetooth binding, and for the Mi TV 4A 2020, IR setting. We will describe both options in detail, as well as alternative methods for controlling TV without a physical remote.

Important: If you use a universal remote (e.g. from Xiaomi Mi Remote or a third-party manufacturer), first make sure it supports your TV model.The list of compatible devices is usually listed in the remote manual or on the Xiaomi website.

1. Connecting the original Bluetooth remote (for Mi TV Q, P, S series)

Modern Xiaomi TVs (released after 2021) are equipped with Bluetooth LE remotes, which do not require direct vision and work at a distance of up to 10 meters.

1. Turn on the TV with the power button on the case (if the remote does not respond).
2. Press and hold the Back + Home buttons on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
3. The TV screen will show a notification "Connect remote..." Wait 10-20 seconds.
4. After successful synchronization, the indicator on the remote will stop flashing.

If the TV doesn’t respond to button retention, try an alternative way:

1. Go to the Settings menu → Devices → Bluetooth and remotes.
2. Select "Add remote" and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Press any button on the remote when the system requests confirmation.

Make sure the remote is charged (plug in to USB- port at 1 hour)

Reboot the TV (turn off the network for 30 seconds)

Check if the remote is connected to another device (such as a soundbar)

Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->

Note for Mi TV A Pro or Redmi Smart TV X owners: Some models require pre-resetting the remote settings. To do this, press Menu + OK for 10 seconds until the indicator goes out and flashes again.

2. IR control synchronization (for Mi TV 4A, 4S, 4X and other budget models)

Xiaomi's entry-level and mid-range TVs (e.g. Mi TV 4A 32" or 4S 55") use an infrared (IR) remote. Unlike Bluetooth, it doesn't require "pairing" -- just point the remote to the TV and press any button.

• 🔋 Discharged batteries (replace with new AAA or AA batteries).
• 📶 Obstacles between the remote and the TV (remove objects closing the IR receiver).
• 🔧 Incorrectly selected mode on the universal remote (see section 3).

To check the efficiency of the IR panel:

1. Turn on the smartphone camera and point the remote control at it from a distance of 5 cm.
2. Press any button – if the remote is working, you will see the flashing of an infrared LED (purple or white light).
3. If there is no blinking, the remote is faulty or discharged.

IR remotes don't require a special connection, but if the TV doesn't respond, try:

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g., Mi TV 4S 2020) block the IR port after a firmware update. To unlock, go to Settings → System → Reset and Reset → Reset remote settings.

3. Customize a universal remote for Xiaomi TV

If the original remote is lost or broken, you can use a universal remote from Xiaomi (for example, Mi Remote) or third-party brands (Huayu, One For All).

1. Make sure that the remote has batteries installed.
2. Find the code for Xiaomi TV (usually a 4- or 5-digit number) in the instructions to the remote. For Mi Remote, you can download the codes in the Mi Home app.
3. Press and hold the SET (or MODE) on the remote until the indicator blinks.
4. Enter the code for Xiaomi (e.g. 1234 or 0065 – the exact code depends on the remote model).
5. Point the remote to the TV and press POWER. If the TV is off, the setup is successful.

If the code is unknown, use the auto search:

1. Hold the SET until the indicator flashes.
2. Press 9999 (or 991 for some models).
3. The remote will start to go through the codes. Press POWER after each pause until the TV responds.

Tip: If the universal remote doesn’t manage all the features (e.g. Netflix or Google Assistant doesn’t work), check if it supports Android TV. Some budget remotes only work with basic commands (on, volume, channels).

4. Control of Xiaomi TV via smartphone

If you don't have a remote, you can use an Android or iOS smartphone as a replacement.

• 📱 Install the official Mi Remote app (available on Google Play and App Store).
• 🔗 Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔍 In the app, select "Add device" → "TV" → "Xiaomi".
• 📶 Follow the instructions on the screen to sync.

The Mi Remote app supports:

• 🎮 Full control (volume buttons, channels, application launches).
• 🎤 Voice search (via smartphone microphone)
• 📁 Access to files on the TV (photo, video).

Alternative annexes:

• Google TV (for Android TV 10+ models)
• Yatse: Remote for Android TV (extended features, paid).
• Unified Remote (supports IR port on some smartphones)

⚠️ Warning: If the TV is connected to Wi-Fi but Mi Remote does not find it, check if the TV settings enable the Remote Control option (Settings → Network & Access → Remote Management).

5. Solving problems with the remote connection

If the remote is not synchronized or is malfunctioning, use this instruction:

Additional steps for complex cases:

1. Reset the remote settings: Press Menu + OK + Power for 10 seconds (for Bluetooth remotes).
2. Update TV firmware: Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
3. IR port check: Use your smartphone camera as described in Section 2.

💡

If the remote still does not work, try connecting the keyboard or mouse over USB – this will help temporarily control the TV until you solve the problem with the remote.

6. How to connect the second remote to Xiaomi TV

You can connect several remotes to one Xiaomi TV (it is useful if there are several people in the family).

For Bluetooth remotes:

1. Connect the first remote (as described in Section 1).
2. Take the second remote and press Back + Home for 5 seconds.
3. On the TV screen will be a request for connection – confirm.

For IR panels:

No additional configuration is required – all IR remotes with the correct code will work simultaneously.

For universal remotes:

Configure each remote control separately using unique codes (see Section 3).

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi TV models (e.g., Mi TV Q1 2022) limit the number of Bluetooth remotes connected to 3. To add a fourth, remove one of the previously paired remotes from the Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and remotes menu.

7. Alternative ways to control Xiaomi TV without remote control

If the remote is lost or broken, and the smartphone is not at hand, you can control the TV in other ways:

• 🖱️ USB- Mouse or keyboard: Connect to port USB-A on TV. The mouse cursor will replace the remote, and the Strg+Alt+Del keys will open the menu.
• 🎮 Gamepad: Connect Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock over Bluetooth. D-pad buttons will replace navigation, and Circle/O will replace OK button.
• 🗣️ Voice control: If the TV supports Google Assistant, say, "OK, Google, turn on Netflix on your TV."
• 🔌 Buttons on the TV body: There are Power, Volume and Input buttons on the back (model-dependent location).

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Smart TV X50), the buttons on the case are locked if the TV has been switched off from the remote. To unlock, disconnect the TV from the network for 30 seconds.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the remote to Xiaomi TV