Xiaomi TV Stick makes any TV a smart device with access to streaming, games and apps. But what if the remote refuses to connect? This problem affects 30% of users after the first switch on or update of the firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to synchronize the remote, from the standard procedure to hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.
We tested the methods on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (2020), Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2021) and Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Max (2023), and found that 80% of the crashes are due to incorrect sequence of actions or Bluetooth device conflict, you will learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the remote is “not visible” by the system.
1. Standard remote connection: step-by-step instructions
The new Xiaomi TV Stick remote is automatically connected when you first turn on the console, but if the sync does not occur, manually adjust:
- Turn the console on and wait 30 to 60 seconds until the Mi TV logo appears on the screen.
- Press and hold the Home + Back buttons on the remote at the same time for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
- Wait for the message on the "Remote is connected" screen, and if it's not there, move on to the next step.
If the console fails to respond:
- 🔋 Check the battery charge (the remote works from 2)×AAA). Use new food items.
- 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the console and the console (maximum distance is 10 meters).
- 🔄 Reboot Xiaomi TV Stick, shutting down power for 10 seconds.
Install batteries in the remote (polarity +/-)
Insert the prefix in the socket (not in the USB-port!)
Make sure the TV is switched to the right one. HDMI-entrance
Disable other Bluetooth devices nearby (earphones, keyboards)
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Important: Remotes from different Xiaomi TV Stick models are not interchangeable! For example, the remote from the 4K Max will not work with the base version of 2020 due to different Bluetooth protocols.
2. Reset remote: when the standard method does not work
If the remote doesn't connect after 3-5 attempts, perform a hard reset, which removes all the stored pairs of devices and returns the remote to the factory settings.
Instructions:
- Remove the batteries from the remote for 10 minutes (this discharges the capacitors).
- Press and hold Home + OK (center button) at the same time.
- Without releasing the buttons, insert the batteries back. The indicator should flash 3 times red.
- Release the buttons and wait for automatic connection (up to 2 minutes).
What to do if the indicator does not flash?
Critical error: Do not use Home + Volume Up to reset, as this results in the remote being blocked on some firmware (Error #1003).
3. Connect via the settings menu (alternative method)
If the remote is partially working (reacts to buttons, but does not sync), use the console menu:
- With your mouse or keyboard (connected via USB), go to Settings → Devices → Remotes and accessories.
- Select Add Remote and follow the instructions on the screen.
- When the system asks you to press a button on the remote, use OK or Home.
| Model of the console | The way is on the menu | Synchronization button |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (2020) | Settings → Bluetooth | Home + Back |
| Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2021) | Settings → Devices → Remotes | OK + Volume Down |
| Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Max (2023) | Settings → Connections → Accessories | Home + Menu |
If the menu does not include Remote and Accessories, update the console firmware to the latest version (see Section 5).
The original remote from the kit
Remote from another Xiaomi model
Universal remote (for example, from TV)
Mouse/keyboard via Bluetooth
Another option-->
4. Solving Bluetooth problems: why the console "can't see" the remote
The most common cause of failure is Bluetooth device conflict, and the console can "forget" the remote if you have a nearby operation:
- 🎧 Wireless headphones
- 🎮 Gamepads (DualShock, Xbox)
- 🖱️ Mice/keyboards
- 📱 Smartphones in file transfer mode
How to fix it:
- Turn off all Bluetooth devices within a 5-meter radius.
- Reboot the console (Settings → Reboot).
- Repeat the procedure for connecting the remote (section 1).
💡
If the remote is connected but the buttons are running late, reduce the number of active Bluetooth devices nearby. The optimal number is no more than 3 at a time.
On models Xiaomi TV Stick 4K Max there is a bug with automatic shutdown of the remote after 5 minutes of inactivity.
- Go to Settings. → Energy conservation.
- Turn off the option to turn off Bluetooth in standby mode.
5. firmware update: if the remote does not work after the update
After the software update (especially on MIUI TV 3.0+ versions), the remote may stop responding, due to a change in Bluetooth protocols, to return to service:
Method 1: Reverse the firmware
- Download the old version of the software from the official website (select your model).
- Transfer the update.zip file to the flash drive (FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the console and reset to Settings → About console → Update → Local Update.
Method 2: Forced resynchronization
- Turn off the power supply for 1 minute.
- Press Home + Volume Up on the remote.
- Include the console in the socket, without releasing the buttons (hold 10 seconds).
💡
After upgrading to MIUI TV 3.2+, the original 2020 Xiaomi TV Stick consoles require re-synchronization even if they previously worked without problems.
6.Use of a universal remote or smartphone
If the original remote is lost or broken, it can be replaced by:
Option 1: Universal IR remote
- 📺 Set up the remote to Android mode TV or Xiaomi (see the manual for the remote control).
- 🔍 For models without an IR port (for example, 4K Max) needs a Bluetooth remote with support HID-profile.
Option 2: Smartphone as a remote
- Install the Mi Remote Controller app (available for Android and iOS).
- Connect your smartphone and console to a single Wi-Fi network.
- In the app, select Xiaomi TV Stick and follow the instructions.
List of compatible universal remotes
⚠️ Note: When using a smartphone as a remote, you may experience a delay of up to 1-2 seconds, due to the Wi-Fi Direct protocol, which is less responsive than Bluetooth.
7. Diagnosis of malfunctions: when to contact the service
If none of these methods worked, the problem could be a hardware breakdown.
- 🔌 Bluetooth port on the console (in case of physical damage, the remote will not connect).
- 🔋 Power supply (insufficient voltage leads to failures of the Bluetooth module).
- 🛠️ The charge of the console (overheating or ingress of moisture).
Signs of hardware malfunction:
- The console is not turned on or constantly rebooted.
- Bluetooth module does not detect any device (not just remote).
- On the body, traces of oxidation or bloated capacitors are visible.
⚠️ Warning: If the console is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself! Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check and a box. The average warranty repair period is 7-14 days.