How to tie the remote to Xiaomi Mi Box: all ways to synchronize

Linking the remote to the Xiaomi Mi Box is a procedure that every owner of this popular media player faces. Even if you bought a device with the original remote, sometimes you need to re-synchronize: after resetting, replacing batteries or buying a new remote (original or universal). In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of binding, including solutions for cases when the remote is not detected by the system or is malfunctioning.

The Mi Box (S, 4K, 4S, 5) is a Bluetooth connection for remotes, rather than a traditional IR port, which means that standard synchronization methods (such as getting stuck on a receiver) don’t work here. Instead, you need to perform a special procedure on the device menu or through a combination of buttons. We will describe each method in detail so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

1. Preparation for binding the remote: what to check

Before you start syncing, make sure that the problem is the lack of binding, not the hardware malfunction.

• 🔋 Battery charge: even if the indicator on the remote is on, try replacing the batteries with new ones (alkaline batteries Duracell or Energizer are recommended).
• 📶 Distance to the console: the remote must be no further than 3 meters from the Mi Box without barriers (walls, metal surfaces block the signal).
• 🔄 Reboot the device: Turn off the Mi Box power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again - this will reset temporary Bluetooth errors.
• 🎮 Port Check: If you are using USB-remote (for example, for games), connect it to another port on the console.

If the remote still doesn’t work after this, move on to the binding procedure.Please note: for the Xiaomi Mi Box 5 (2023), you may need to update the firmware to the version of MIUI TV 3.0+, as earlier versions had bugs with the recognition of new remotes.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi Box is connected to your TV HDMI-CEC, temporarily disable this function in the settings TV. It can conflict with the Bluetooth remote connection.

2. Standard binding of the original remote

This method is suitable for the original Xiaomi remotes, which come with the Mi Box S, 4K or 4S. The procedure takes no more than 2 minutes and does not require additional devices.

1. Step 1: Turn on the Mi Box and wait for the home screen to load fully.
2. Step 2: Press and hold the Menu + OK buttons on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes blue.
3. Step 3: Put the remote 10 to 20 cm to the console, synchronization will happen automatically (the indicator will light up in green).
4. Step 4: Check the buttons – if everything goes well, the remote will respond to the presses.

If the light flashes red, it means synchronization error.

• Repeat the procedure by holding the buttons for longer than 7 seconds.
• Check if other Bluetooth devices (headphones, keyboards) are connected to the Mi Box – they can cause interference.

3. Universal IR remote binding

Xiaomi Mi Box does not support IR remotes out of the box, but they can be tied through USB-IR receiver (for example, Xiaomi Mi) IR Blaster) or using special codes. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Through USB-IR receiver

If your Mi Box is equipped with a USB 2.0 port (models S and 4S), connect the IR Blaster to it:

1. Connect the receiver to USB-prefix.
2. Go to Settings → Input Devices → Add an IR remote.
3. Select the brand of your universal remote from the list (e.g. Huayu, One For All).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to test the buttons.

Method 2: Manual code entry

For remotes without automatic determination, you will need to enter the code manually. Below is a code table for popular models:

To enter the code:

1. On the universal remote, hold the Setup until the indicator flashes.
2. Enter the code from the table (e.g., 0178 for One For All).
3. Press OK and check the Volume and Home buttons.

⚠️ Warning: If after you enter the code, the remote controls the TV but does not respond to the Mi Box, then the IR receiver on the console is disabled. Activate it in Settings → Additionally. → IR port.

4. Remote binding via the Mi Box settings menu

If the standard button combination doesn’t work, try syncing the remote via the system menu, which is suitable for all models, including the Mi Box 5 with updated firmware.

1. With a mouse (connected via USB or Bluetooth) or a remote from your TV (if HDMI-CEC is enabled), log in to Settings.
2. Go to the section Input Devices → Remotes and keyboards.
3. Select Add Bluetooth remote.
4. Press and hold Back + Home on the remote until the message "Remote detected" appears.
5. Confirm the binding on the screen.

If the menu does not include "Add Bluetooth remote", then your firmware is outdated. Update Mi Box through Settings → About console → System update.

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If you don’t have a mouse to navigate the menu, use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS), which will temporarily replace the remote and allow you to perform the binding.

5. Problem Solving: The remote is not tethered

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔄 Reset remote settings: Remove the batteries for 10 minutes, then re-tether.
• 📱 Device conflict: Disable all other Bluetooth gadgets (earphones, gamepads) within a 5-meter radius.
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction: If the indicator on the remote does not light up when you press buttons, check the contacts of the batteries or contact the service.
• 🖥️ Mi Box: On models of Mi Box S with firmware older MIUI TV 1.8 may not support new remotes!

To diagnose hardware problems:

1. Connect to the Mi Box keyboard by USB and type the command: adb shell dumpsy bluetooth_manager Find a line in the conclusion "paired_devices" — If the list is empty, the Bluetooth module does not detect the remote.
2. Check Bluetooth through the test menu: Adb shell am start -a android.settings.BLUETOOTH_SETTINGS If the menu is not opened, the system file may be damaged.

6. Alternative ways to control the Mi Box without a remote

If the remote is not possible, use alternative methods:

• 📱 Mobile app: Install Mi Remote (Android) or TV Remote (iOS) Connection occurs via Wi-Fi, without Bluetooth.
• 🖱️ USB-Mouse/keyboard: Any wired or wireless mouse with USB-The receiver will work without additional settings.
• 🎮 Gamepad: Connect Xbox or PlayStation controller over Bluetooth – it supports navigation on the menu.
• 🗣️ On models with Google Assistant (such as Mi Box 5), use the command “OK Google, open Netflix".

To connect the mouse/keyboard:

1. Put it in. USB-receiver at Mi Box port.
2. Wait for the automatic driver installation (up to 30 seconds).
3. Use the mouse wheel to scroll through the menu and the W/A/S/D keys on the keyboard to navigate.

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The Mi Remote app requires the Mi Box and smartphone to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the console uses Ethernet, turn on the phone access point and connect to it Mi Box.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

User experience shows that most remote tethering problems are caused by common errors.

Another common problem is the HDMI-CEC conflict, where if your TV supports this feature (such as Samsung Anynet+ or LG Simplink), it can intercept the remote's signals to fix this:

1. Turn off HDMI-CEC in the TV settings.
2. Or set your device priority by selecting the Mi Box as your primary source.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions