Modern Xiaomi TVs with Android TV or PatchWall operating system offer a wide range of functionality, but their initial configuration can cause difficulties for users. Particular attention should be paid to pairing the remote control, since it is the main tool for navigating the interface. The binding process depends on the model of the device and the type of remote used: infrared or Bluetooth.
In most cases, the procedure takes no more than a minute if you follow the correct algorithm of actions. However, there are nuances associated with firmware versions and the state of the batteries that can block the connection. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to tie the remote to a Xiaomi TV, including methods for models without an integrated IR receiver.
Before you get to the technical part, make sure that the TV is connected to the power grid and ready to go. Often the problem is not a software failure, but a banal discharge of the batteries or the lack of direct contact between the emitter and the receiver. Proper equipment preparation is the key to successful synchronization.
Definition of the type of remote and preparation of equipment
The first step is to identify your control device. Xiaomi TV remotes are divided into two main types: classic infrared (IR) and modern Bluetooth models with voice control. Infrared remotes work on the principle of transmitting light signals and do not require complex configuration — just insert batteries and point to the TV receiver.
Bluetooth remotes, which often come with new Mi TV Stick models or Mi TV P1 series TVs, require a mandatory pairing procedure. They allow you to control the TV even if the remote is out of line of sight, for example, lying on a table. To start, make sure that the compartment has fresh AAA batteries, observing polarity.
- 🔋 Check contacts in the battery compartment for oxidation or contamination.
- 📡 Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV if you use an IR model.
- 📺 Turn on the TV with a physical button on the case if the remote is not yet responsive.
If you use your smartphone as a remote control through the Mi Remote app, make sure your mobile device and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is critical for detecting your device on a local network. In the case of a physical remote, Wi-Fi is not required for basic control, but is necessary for activating voice functions.
Connecting Bluetooth remote to TV
For owners of Bluetooth-enabled TVs, the binding procedure is key. Once the TV is turned on and the batteries are installed, the system automatically goes into the peripheral device search mode. If the automatic connection does not occur, you must manually activate the pairing mode.
Find two special buttons on the remote, usually the Home button (house icon) and the Menu button (three dots or stripes). TV Stick, the combination can be different, for example, the simultaneous clamping of the buttons "back" and "home" press them simultaneously and hold them for a period of time. 5-10 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: Do not release buttons immediately after the reaction occurs. Hold them until a notification of successful device connection appears on the TV screen.
When pairing, the LED on the remote can start flashing quickly, signaling data transmission, the distance between the remote and the TV at this point should not exceed 20-30 centimeters, which will provide a stable signal and prevent connection errors.
☑️ Pre-conjugation check
Using an IR remote and setting up universal control
Classic infrared remotes don’t require software binding, as they use standard command codes. However, if your remote stopped working or you purchased a universal Xiaomi remote, you may need to adjust the manufacturer’s code. The TV menu often has an automatic code selection feature.
To set up, go to Settings → General → Device Management. Here, select the TV device type and the Xiaomi or Mi brand. The system will offer a test check by pressing the power button. If the TV responds, save the settings. Otherwise, repeat the procedure with another code from the list.
It's important to understand the difference between an IR signal and Bluetooth. An infrared remote requires line of sight, so make sure the IR receiver on the bottom of the TV isn't closed by decorative elements or a sound bar. The cleanliness of the receiver also plays a role: dust can scatter the signal.
If you use an IR port smartphone (like the old Xiaomi Redmi or POCO models), you can configure it as a remote without Wi-Fi connection. The Mi Remote app has a vast codebase. Just select your TV model from the list, and the phone becomes a full-fledged remote control.
Managing through Mi Remote and Google Home
The alternative to a physical remote is to use a smartphone. Google Home or the official Mi Remote is great for Android TVs. This is especially true if the regular remote is lost or defective. It requires a stable connection to one Wi-Fi network to work.
Launch the app on your smartphone and press the add button. The system will start scanning the network. When your TV name appears on the screen (e.g. Android TV 43), select it. The confirmation code will appear on the TV screen, which you need to enter on the smartphone.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth enabled and geolocation enabled for accurate search.
- 🌐 Check that your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
- 🔐 Allow the application to access the local network in the OS privacy settings.
Once successfully coupled, the smartphone interface completely duplicates the remote's functions, including voice input and media management, which turns your phone into a powerful universal controller, and you can also transfer files to your TV through the application or display images from your smartphone to the big screen.
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If the app can’t see the TV, try temporarily disabling the VPN on your smartphone, as it can hide the device on your local network.
Solving Connection and Response Problems
Sometimes the binding process is not smooth, the remote may not respond, or the connection is constantly broken, and one of the common causes is static electricity or a temporary failure in the Bluetooth module of the TV, in which case a complete reboot of the system helps.
Perform a full shutdown cycle: press and hold the power button on the remote (or TV case) for 5 seconds, select “Switch off”, and then pull the power cord from the outlet for 1-2 minutes, this will reset the residual charge and restart all system processes, including communication modules.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote is off. | Batteries discharged. | Replace the food with new ones |
| It only works close to you. | Weak signal or interference | Remove obstacles, check the IR port |
| Voice is not working. | No Internet access | Check the settings of the Wi-Fi router |
| Team delays | System overload | Reboot the TV |
If the problem is software-based, you may need to reset the remote settings, remove the batteries, press all the buttons for 15 seconds, then insert the batteries back and repeat the pairing procedure, which clears the memory buffer of the remote controller.
Configure voice control and hot keys
Once successfully tethered, the Bluetooth remote is recommended to configure voice control. Press the microphone button and follow the instructions on the screen for calibration. Google Assistant or XiaoAI (in Chinese versions) will allow you to control the TV with voice commands, which is especially convenient when searching for content.
You should also pay attention to programmable buttons. Some Xiaomi remote models allow you to assign the launch of specific applications (for example, Netflix or YouTube) to individual buttons. This is configured in the Settings → Device → Applications section.
⚠️ Warning: Voice commands may not work properly if the microphone is closed with your finger or if the room is very noisy.
Regularly updating the TV firmware improves the remote and adds new recognition features. Check for updates in the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. New software versions often contain patches for the Bluetooth stack.
Secret remote function
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The stability of the Bluetooth remote depends on the version of the TV firmware and the quality of the batteries, so regular software updates are a prerequisite.