When the main control tool for a smart TV suddenly stops responding or gets lost, it can ruin any movie night. Xiaomi owners often face the urgent need to replace the remote, as standard IR models are sensitive to mechanical damage, and Bluetooth devices can lose communication when batteries are discharged. Choosing the right device becomes not just a matter of convenience, but an urgent need to access content.
The peripheral market for Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV is now saturated with offerings ranging from original accessories to versatile Chinese counterparts that require complex setup. Infrared (IR) remotes are easier to use but require line of sight, while Bluetooth models allow you to control the TV from anywhere in the room and support voice input. Understanding the differences between these technologies will help you not overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not buy an incompatible device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail, the original Xiaomi remotes work only with Android-based TVs. TV PatchWall, but not compatible with conventional LCD-You will learn how to distinguish a high-quality analogue from a cheap clone, which models support voice search in Russian and whether you can completely replace the physical controller with a smartphone. USB-Adapters and methods of programming universal devices.
Types of remotes for the Xiaomi ecosystem: IR vs Bluetooth
The first thing you need to decide on when buying is the type of connection between the remote and the TV. Infrared remotes (IR) are a classic solution that has been used in household appliances for decades. They don't require pairing: you just insert the batteries and point the device at the TV receiver. But they have a significant disadvantage - the need for line of sight. If you hide the remote in the drawer of the nightstand or close the receiver on the TV with a decorative panel, control becomes impossible.
In contrast, Bluetooth remotes (often labeled as BT Voice Remote) offer significantly more features. They don’t require direct vision, have longer range and, most importantly for Xiaomi owners, support voice control. Voice search allows you to quickly find movies, run apps and even control the weather by simply pressing a button with a microphone.
⚠️ Note: When buying a third-party Bluetooth remote, make sure it supports the protocol HID or USB-Cheap IR copies won't be able to do voice control and mouse functions, even if they look like the original.
There are also hybrid models that can work in both modes, but for Xiaomi TVs this is rare. Most often Mi TV Stick and modern Smart TVs are equipped with Bluetooth models, while older or budget versions (for example, some Redmi models) can use an infrared port. You can check the type of your current remote by covering the front glass part with your finger and pressing any button: if the LED does not light up (check with the smartphone camera), then the Bluetooth remote.
Original Xiaomi remote models and their compatibility
If you want guaranteed compatibility and full functionality, the best choice is the original Xiaomi remotes. They are multi-generational, and it's important to know which version will suit your TV. The most common models are Mi Remote Control (black, rectangular, Bluetooth) and newer versions with redesigned ergonomics. The original devices are automatically recognized by PatchWall or Android TV, requiring only simple pairing through the settings menu.
The original remote usually has a minimalist design, rubberized buttons and a built-in microphone for voice input. their compatibility is high: the same remote can work with Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and most TV series Mi TV 4, 4S, 4X, P1, A2. However, there is a nuance with regional versions. Global remotes may not have some specific buttons for Chinese services, which for the user in the CIS is more a plus than a minus.
Below is a table of compatibility of popular remote models with Xiaomi devices:
| Model remote control | Type of communication | Voice control | Compatible devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Remote (Black) | Bluetooth 4.0 | Yes. | Mi TV Stick, Mi Box, Mi TV 4S/4X/P1 |
| Xiaomi IR Remote | Infrared | No. | Old Mi TV, Redmi TV (budget) |
| Mi Voice Remote Pro | Bluetooth + IC | Yes. | The flagship Mi TV Q1, Q2, Master Series |
| Redmi Remote | Infrared/Bluetooth | Depends on the version. | Redmi Smart TV A, X Series |
When you buy the original, you get a device that doesn't require drivers or complex code manipulations. It pairs automatically when you first turn on or through the Settings menu → Remotes and accessories. If your TV supports NFC (found in top models), some remotes can be paired with a simple touch, although this is still rare in the mass segment.
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When buying an original remote on marketplaces, pay attention to the presence of the "Mi" logo and build quality. Too light devices with a backlash of buttons often turn out to be low-quality fakes.
Universal analogues: is it worth saving?
There are many universal remotes in the electronics market that are marketed as being suitable for Xiaomi, which are significantly cheaper than the originals but often require customization, BBK, Supra and various OEM-AliExpress models, their main advantage is the price and availability in any home appliance store.
But when you buy a device, you have to be willing to compromise. Often, these remotes only work in IR, even if the original was Bluetooth. This means losing voice control and having to point the remote strictly to the TV. In addition, the layout of the buttons may differ: instead of individual buttons for streaming services, there may be programmable macros that need to be adjusted manually.
There are also Bluetooth adapters for universal remotes. USB-Whistlewhistle that plugs into the TV port and allows you to connect almost any Bluetooth remote to it. This solution is suitable for advanced users who want to use, for example, a console console console console console console console console console or a specific multimedia controller.
⚠️ Note: Universal remotes with AliExpress often require you to enter the code of the TV model.In advance, find out the exact name of your model (on the sticker at the back), as automatic code search does not always work correctly with the PatchWall shell.
If you choose a universal option, look for models that support Learning Function, which can be “teached” to the commands of your old remote, even if it is partially faulty (for example, only the volume button does not work), you just put both remotes face to face, press the learning button and copy the signal.
☑️ Checking before buying an analogue
Using a Smartphone as a Control Panel
The fastest way to solve the problem of a lost remote is to turn a smartphone into a remote control. For Xiaomi TVs, this is the ideal option, since the Android TV ecosystem has excellent native support for mobile devices. You do not need to buy any additional accessories if you have a modern smartphone based on Android or iOS.
The main application for this purpose is Google Home (for Android) or the official Mi Remote app (for Xiaomi phones with an infrared port). If your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network, the connection is automatic. You can not only switch channels, but also type text from the phone keyboard, which is much easier to find videos on YouTube or enter passwords.
The iPhone also has a Google TV app that completely replaces the remote. The interface replicates the functionality of the physical device, including a touchpad for navigating the screen, and the only downside to this solution is the dependence on the phone's battery and the need to unlock the screen for each action.
If you have a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone with an integrated IR port (usually located on the top end), you can use the system application "Mi Remote" that works even without Internet or Wi-Fi, emulating the signal of a regular IR remote, in the application you just need to select the manufacturer "Xiaomi" and the model of the TV from the list.
What if your phone can’t see TV on Wi-Fi?
Instructions for pairing a new remote
After buying a new remote, whether it’s the original or a quality one, it needs to be paired with a TV. The process is slightly different for Bluetooth and IR devices. For Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes, the standard procedure is as follows: approach the TV at a distance of no more than 20 cm, insert the batteries and simultaneously press the Home (house) and Menu (three dots or stripes) buttons for 5-10 seconds.
If this does not happen, try restarting the TV by completely disconnecting it from the socket for 1 minute, and then repeat the procedure. Sometimes you need to remove old devices from the list of conjugated in the Settings → Remote and accessories menu to free up the slot for a new one.
For universal IR remotes, the process often involves code selection: Turn on the TV, press the Setup button (or Code) on the remote before the indicator lights up, then press the on button until the TV turns off. After that, press Setup to save the code. This can take time, as you have to go through dozens of combinations.
⚠️ Note: When pairing a Bluetooth remote, do not use old, dead batteries. When you establish a connection, the remote consumes more power, and a weak charge can lead to pairing error, even if the remote is new.
In some cases, especially with Chinese versions of TVs, it may be necessary to connect the remote control via the TV. USB-port with cable (if the remote is wired or has a wired connection mode for initial configuration). Once successfully paired, the TV may suggest updating the remote software - agree, this will improve the stability of the work.
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The key to successful pairing is that if standard button clamping doesn't work, try pressing back and menu or just OK and Cancel. Combinations may vary depending on the PatchWall firmware version.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Even after buying the right remote, users can run into problems, with one of the most common being delayed reactions or double characters when typed, often due to interference from other devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens) or weak batteries. Try replacing the batteries with quality alkaline batteries, avoiding cheap salt counterparts.
Another problem is voice dissynchronization, and if you click on voice search but the TV doesn't respond or writes a network error, check the microphone settings in the system. In some regions, voice search may be restricted or require you to change region in your Google account settings.
If the remote stopped working after updating the TV firmware, try resetting the remote. For the original Xiaomi models, this is done by removing the batteries, clamping all the buttons for 10 seconds (without power), then re-installing the batteries and re-pairing. This clears the internal memory of the remote controller.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in the Bluetooth module of the TV. If no Bluetooth devices (earphones, gamepads, remotes) are connected to the TV, you may need to reset the system to factory settings or contact a service center to flash the module.