Finding a replacement for a lost or broken control controller is often a quest, especially when it comes to the popular Chinese ecosystem. The owner of a smart TV suddenly finds that the usual Bluetooth interface has stopped working and the buttons have stuck, and the question of buying a new device arises before him. The cost of a remote for a Xiaomi TV varies in a wide range, depending on a variety of factors, including the type of connection, the presence of voice control and the region of purchase.
In today’s electronics market, you can find offers ranging from a few hundred rubles to several thousand, which confuses the inexperienced user. The original accessory from the manufacturer will always cost more, as it guarantees full compatibility with all the functions of the Smart TV, including voice search and quick access to applications.
It's important to understand that pricing is driven not just by brand, but also by signal technology. Infrared models that require line-of-sight are usually cheaper, whereas Bluetooth radios with a gyroscope for cursor control are much higher. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what the final cost is, where to look for the best deals, and what nuances to pay for unnecessary features.
Factors affecting the cost of Xiaomi remote
The first thing that determines the price is the type of TV connection. Budget models often use an infrared port (IR), which requires directing the device directly to the TV receiver. The more expensive options use Bluetooth protocol, which allows you to control the TV even if the remote is in your pocket or behind the back of the couch, the difference in price between the two technologies can be as much as twofold.
The second important aspect is the availability of additional modules, such as a microphone for voice input and NFC-Voice control makes the device much more expensive, as it requires more complex internal electronics and licensing fees for software, and the material of the case also affects: Low quality plastic reduces the price, while rubberized coating and metal edging add value.
- 📡 Communication technology: IR ports are cheaper, Bluetooth modules are more expensive and more functional.
- 🎙️ Availability of microphone: support for voice commands increases the price of the phone 30-50%.
- 🔋 Type of power: models with built-in battery are more expensive than those running on batteries.
Buying from an official service center or a large electronics store always implies a markup for the guarantee and legality of the origin of the product. Ordering through international marketplaces from China saves you, but increases the risk of receiving a defective product or long waiting for delivery. The average markup in retail chains in Russia for Xiaomi accessories is from 40% to 100% of the purchase price.
⚠️ Warning: When buying too cheap remotes on dubious sites, there is a high risk of encountering a fake that will not be able to update the firmware through the TV, which will limit its functionality in the future.
Price categories: original vs. analogues
The Xiaomi accessories market is clearly divided into segments, each focused on its customer. The original remotes, which come with the Mi TV Stick, Mi Box or Smart TV series, are in the premium segment, and their cost is due to the high build quality, perfect button fit and complete compliance with the design of the Android TV shell interface.
The quality products are a mid-range product, manufactured in the same factories in China as the originals, but can be sold under a different brand or without a logo. They are fully compatible with Xiaomi TVs, often have the same set of features, including voice input, but cost 20-30% less. Visually, they can differ in button color or the absence of the Mi logo.
The lowest price segment is occupied by universal remotes, designed to work with many brands, including Xiaomi, but often lack specific features, such as dedicated buttons for Netflix or Spotify. Their plastic can be tougher and the movement of buttons is less pleasant, but for basic control (on, volume, switching channels) they are quite suitable.
Choosing between the original and the copy often comes down to balancing budget and the desire to have full functionality. If you're critical to voice search and cursor control, saving on the original or a quality copy can be frustrating. If the TV is only used to watch on-air TV through the console, then overpaying for additional features does not make sense.
Comparative table of model cost
To illustrate this, we compare the average market prices of the different types of remote controls currently in use, and prices can vary depending on the exchange rate and the particular marketplace.
| Type of device | Average price (ruble) | Bluetooth presence | Voice control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Xiaomi (Bluetooth) | 1200 - 1800 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Analogue with voice (AliExpress) | 600 - 900 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Universal IR remote | 300 - 500 | No. | No. |
| Mini-keyboard (Air Mouse) | 800 - 1500 | Yes (USB) | Partially. |
From the table, it can be seen that universal IR models are the most affordable solution, but they require a line of sight and do not support modern smart TV functions. Touchpad mini-keyboards are a separate category convenient for web surfing, but their price is comparable to the original remotes, and ergonomics is not suitable for everyone.
⚠️ Note: When ordering foreign counterparts, look for the Bluetooth version. Some models may not support the newer versions of the protocol used in Xiaomi TVs. 2023-2026 release.
Why is the original more expensive?
Where is the best way to buy a remote?
Finding the best price takes time and analysis of several sites. Large Russian electronics retailers offer quick access to the product and the possibility of a return, but their prices often include a significant margin for rent and logistics. Here you pay for the confidence that the product is legal and has a local warranty.
Marketplaces (Ozon, Wildberries, Yandex.Market) represent a middle ground, there are many sellers competing, which knocks down prices. Often you can find original remotes unpacked with a TV set (so-called "" or OEM") at a price well below the recommended price, but it is important to read the reviews and ratings of the seller carefully.
- 🛒 Local shops: High price, but instant receipt and warranty.
- 🌏 Chinese sites: Minimum cost, but long delivery and difficulties with return.
- 📦 Marketplaces: Average price tag, convenient return, a wide range of analogues.
If you're not in a hurry, ordering from Chinese sites (AliExpress, Alibaba) will save up to 50% of the cost, but you should consider the risks of exchange differences and possible customs duties when ordering expensive equipment, although this is rarely a problem for one remote control, and Chinese sites also offer a wider selection of specific models, such as remotes with a backlit button.
💡
Use image search in mobile applications of marketplaces – this will help you find an accurate model of the remote from the photo of your old device, even if you do not know its article.
Alternatives: Smartphone and voice control
Before spending money on a new physical device, consider free alternatives. Xiaomi’s current TVs run on Android TVs, allowing you to use your smartphone as a full-fledged remote control, and install the official Google Home app or Xiaomi Mi Remote.
The app turns the phone's screen into a touchpad and keyboard, which is especially useful for typing text when searching for videos on YouTube or online cinemas. Most features are duplicated, including voice input through the microphone of a smartphone. The only drawback is the dependence on the battery of the phone and the need for a Wi-Fi network to pair.
Another option is to use a built-in voice assistant if the TV supports this function without a remote (via an external microphone or camera), although this is rare. USB-The port of the TV, turning it into a computer.
💡
The application on the smartphone is the best temporary replacement for the lost remote, allowing you to wait for the delivery of new equipment without losing comfort.
How to Check Compatibility Before Buying
To avoid making the wrong choice and wasting money, you need to make sure that the remote model is compatible with your version of the TV. Xiaomi uses different pairing protocols for different years of release. Old models may require an infrared port, while new ones have completely switched to Bluetooth Low Energy.
You can check compatibility with the TV model on the back sticker. Usually, the remotes that come with the Mi TV Stick 4K series, Mi Box S (2nd generation) and the new Smart TVs are the same design. If you buy an analog, look in the description for the phrase "compatible with Android TV Box", this increases the chances of success.
The process of pairing a new remote is usually standard: you need to bring the device close to the TV (at a distance of 10-15 cm) and press two buttons simultaneously (often it is Back and Home or Menu and OK).
☑️ Pre-purchase check
⚠️ Note: The remotes from the Mi Box consoles may not have power and volume control buttons on the TV, as they are designed to control only the console itself, not the screen.