How to control a Xiaomi phone from another device

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have become digital life centers, where critical data, bank account access, and personal photo albums are stored. The need to access your device from a distance, or help an elderly relative set up a complex setting in MIUI, is increasingly emerging. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and the manufacturer’s specific shells offer a variety of solutions for organizing remote access.

There are several proven methods for doing this, each with its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of the specific method depends on whether you are on the same local network or plan to control the gadget over the Internet, as well as on the version of the installed operating system.

It is important to understand that to successfully implement a remote connection, both devices must be functional and have access to the network. In some cases, you will need to pre-set access rights, which is especially true for owners of smartphones with a HyperOS shell or earlier versions of MIUI. Let's look at what opportunities are open to the user.

Embedded capabilities of Xiaomi ecosystem

The first thing that comes to mind when using one brand’s technology is native features: Xiaomi has introduced Mi Remote, which allows you to turn your smartphone into a universal remote control, but this tool is focused primarily on managing household appliances (TVs, air conditioners) through an infrared port or Wi-Fi, rather than full control of the screen of another phone.

To fully manage the other mobile device, MIUI’s built-in tools offer Translation or integration with Google services. If both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and are authorized under the same Google account, you can stream the screen or access some features. However, for deep management (clicks, text input), embedded tools are often not enough without installing additional software.

It’s worth noting that trying to control your phone exclusively through the Mi Cloud will only allow you to track your location, lock your device or delete data in the event of a theft, but will not allow you to see the screen in real time.

Third-party applications for remote access

The most flexible and popular way to organize remote control is to install specialized applications, which have been led by TeamViewer, AnyDesk and AirDroid for many years, which allow you to transmit screen images and transmit touch commands with a delay that depends only on the quality of the Internet connection.

These applications often require special permissions on Android, such as access to Accessibility, so that a remote operator can emulate fingerstrokes, without which you can only see the screen, but not interact with it.

When choosing an app, consider security policies. Free versions often have session or data rate limits. Paid rates offer higher frame rates, which is critical if you plan to not just set up your phone, but also show how to use the MIUI interface.

Special attention should be paid to AirDroid, which is often praised for the ease of working with the file system. It allows you not only to see the screen, but also easily throw photos, documents and other files. APK-Files between devices without cables, making it a great choice for family-friendly gadgets.

Using Google Services to Manage

Since Xiaomi runs on Android, you can’t ignore Google’s tools.The Device Not Found service (formerly Android Device Manager) allows basic management, but for a full-fledged remote desktop, Chrome Remote Desktop is more common. This method requires installing an extension in the Chrome browser on a PC and apps on a phone, but from phone to phone transfer is also possible via the web interface.

The main advantage of Google’s methods is that they are highly secure and do not require third-party servers to transfer data, as the connection is often established directly or through secure Google Cloud channels. However, setting up can seem difficult for an untrained user, especially when working with security certificates.

⚠️ Note: When using any Google cloud services, make sure that both devices are enabled with two-factor authorization, which will protect your data in the event of a compromise of your account password.

If you plan to use this method frequently, it makes sense to create a separate user profile on your Xiaomi device specifically for remote sessions, which isolates personal data and apps from potential third-party access during a support session.

An important nuance is that some Android features can block screen capture in the applications of banks or messengers with increased secrecy, in which case the remote operator will see the black screen, which is normal operation of the Android security system, not an application error.

TeamViewer setup for Xiaomi

One of the most reliable solutions for user support is the bundle of TeamViewer Host (on a managed phone) and TeamViewer (on a control phone).It is important for Xiaomi owners to know that the system can aggressively unload background processes, so you need to configure the application correctly.

Once TeamViewer Host is installed on a Xiaomi phone, the system will ask for a lot of permissions. It's critical to not just allow, but also to fix the application in memory, preventing auto-cleaning. To do this, open the menu of running applications, press TeamViewer and select the lock icon. Also, in the battery settings for this application, you need to select "No restrictions" mode.

The connection process is as follows:

• 📱 On a managed phone, TeamViewer Host is launched and copied ID device.
• 💻 The received phone is entered on the control phone ID in the Partner field".
• 🔒 On the screen of Xiaomi appears a request for permission to connect, which must be confirmed.
• 🖱️ Once confirmed, the session opens and you have full control of the interface.

Special attention should be paid to the management plugin. When you first start TeamViewer will offer to install an additional control plugin (Control Add-on). Xiaomi often requires it to emulate touch correctly without root rights. Installation of this component is mandatory for full operation.

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For stable TeamViewer on Xiaomi, turn off energy savings in the Super-Energy Saving mode, otherwise the system will forcibly break the connection when the screen is gone.

Alternative methods: Airdroid and Scrcpy

For advanced users who do not fit standard commercial solutions, there is a bundle of AirDroid and a web interface, or Scrcpy utility. AirDroid is convenient in that it allows you to control the phone directly from the browser of another device, which eliminates the need to install a client application on the control phone, if only the web version is at hand.

Scrcpy is an open source tool that requires USB or ADB over Wi-Fi connectivity. Although originally designed to be managed from a PC, there are some Android ports and analogues (like Scrcpy-Android) that allow you to stream a screen with minimal latency, ideal for gamers or those who care about high frame rates.

Comparison of the main characteristics of popular solutions:

The choice between these tools depends on your technical skills. If you just need to help your grandmother set up contacts, TeamViewer will do. If you're a developer or enthusiast testing applications on Xiaomi, Scrcpy has no equal in response rate.

Security and fraud prevention

The topic of remote access is inextricably linked to security issues: Fraudsters often use legal tools like TeamViewer or AnyDesk to entice a victim to access the access code and gain full control of the phone, including banking apps, and no bank or police officer will ever ask you to install a remote access app.

Xiaomi owners should be especially careful when they request accessibility for unknown applications, which allow the software to read the contents of the screen and simulate user actions. If you do not install the application yourself or do not trust the interlocutor 100%, access cannot be provided.

⚠️ Note: Never provide confirmation codes from SMS Do not install remote access apps at the request of a caller who poses as a security officer.

For added protection, it is recommended to set up a whitelist in antivirus or built-in MIUI security scanner, preventing the installation of applications from unknown sources, other than trusted stores.

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Remote access is a powerful tool that should be used only on your initiative and only with trusted contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)