Lost the remote from the Xiaomi TV? 7 working ways to find it

Why Xiaomi TV is lost more often than others – and how to fix it

You're cozy on the couch, you've played your favorite TV series - and suddenly you realize that the remote from the Xiaomi TV is not in its usual place. The sound works, the screen glows, but switch the channel or change the volume is impossible. The situation is familiar? According to statistics, owners of Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models of the brand lose remotes 3 times more often than users of Samsung or LG TVs. The reason is in the compact design of Xiaomi remotes: they are thinner, lighter and often fall between pillows or roll off tables.

Fortunately, 90 percent of the lost remotes are within 5 meters of the TV — you can’t see them because of their small size or unusual parking space. In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to find the remote, including little-known Xiaomi TV features that work even without a physical remote, and in the end, a checklist for how to avoid future losses.

Before you jump into the search, answer two questions: 1. When was the last time you used the remote? (This will narrow down the search area.) 2. Do you have an Android or iOS smartphone? (This will open up additional ways to control the TV.)

Method 1: Search for “hot spots” – where the remote is most often hidden

Start by systematically bypassing places where the remote might have been accidentally, and research shows that 65% of Xiaomi remotes are:

• 🛋️ Between the cushions of the sofa or chair - especially if they have covers or armrests.
• 📚 Under a coffee table or TV tab – Xiaomi remotes slide and fall at the slightest push.
• 🧦 In pockets of clothes you wore while viewing (such as a gown or sweater).
• 🐕 In the play area of children or animals, remotes often become “toys” for cats or toddlers.
• 🚪 Behind the door or on the windowsill - if the remote fell from the sofa and rolled back in an unexpected direction.

Professional life hack: Take a smartphone flashlight and light it up under low furniture. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Redmi TV Remote remotes have a glossy surface and reflect light, making them more visible in the dark.

⚠️ Warning: Don't look for the remote in the bin right away, check all the places listed first. In 12% of cases, the remotes end up in the bucket due to careless hand movement, but they can be saved if the garbage hasn't been removed.

Method 2: Use your smartphone as a remote – a temporary solution

If the physical search doesn't work, connect to the TV via your smartphone.

1. Download the official Mi Remote app (for Android) or Xiaomi TV Remote (for iOS).

The app allows you not only to control the TV, but also to turn it on if it supports the Wake-on-LAN function (available on Xiaomi TV models from 2020).

Settings → Network → Wake-on-LAN → Enable

If the app doesn't find the TV, check:

• 🔄 Is the TV firmware updated (in Settings) → On TV. → Update of the PO).
• 📶 Wi-Fi on your TV (the indicator should be green).
• 🔒 Does the firewall block the connection (turn it off on the router temporarily).

💡

If you have a Xiaomi TV with Google TV (Models 2022+), use the Google Home app – it supports voice control and remote search through the Find My Remote feature (not available on all models).

Method 3: Voice control – if the remote is lost forever

Modern Xiaomi TVs support voice control even without a remote, and you can activate it in two ways:

1. Through a button on the TV: Press the power button on the TV body (usually located on the side or bottom). After turning on, say "OK, Google" or "Hi, Xiao AI" (depending on the model). dictate a command, such as "High up the volume" or "Open YouTube."

Through a smart column:

If you have a Xiaomi Smart Speaker or Google Nest, link it to your TV in the Mi Home app and control your voice.

Voice commands support the main functions:

⚠️ Attention: Voice control may not work if the TV is connected to the network via cable, not via Wi-Fi.

Make sure the microphone on the TV is not silenced (no physical shutter)

Connect your TV to Wi-Fi (not via Ethernet)

Update the firmware to the latest version

Check if Xiao AI or Google Assistant is enabled in the settings-->

Method 4: Find the remote – a hidden feature Xiaomi TV

Few people know, but some Xiaomi TV models (starting with the Mi TV 4S and later) have a built-in remote search feature that forces the remote to emit an audible signal if it is in Bluetooth range.

How to activate:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Find the remote.
3. Press "Activate the signal."
4. The remote will start beeping within 30 seconds (if it is within a radius of 10 meters).

If after replacing the batteries, the remote does not work, try resetting it:

1. Remove the batteries.
2. Press and hold any button for 10 seconds.
3. Put the batteries back in and try connecting to the TV.

On Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Redmi TV Remote models with Bluetooth, you may need to re-pair:

Settings → Bluetooth → Forget the device → Connect again

Method 6: Alternative remotes – what to do if the original is not found

If your search is unsuccessful, consider temporary or permanent alternatives:

• 🎮 Gamepad – Connect Xbox or PlayStation controller via Bluetooth (works on Android) TV 10+).
• 🖱️ Mouse and keyboard - through USB Bluetooth (comfortable for navigating menus).
• 📱 Universal remote control – for example, BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote (configured via Mi Home).
• 🛒 Order duplicate – original Xiaomi remotes can be bought on AliExpress (articles: MDZ-26-AA for Mi TV 4, MDZ-32-AB for Redmi TV).

For Xiaomi TV models with HDMI-CEC (e.g. Mi TV Q1), you can control the TV from the console (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box or NVIDIA Shield).

Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable

⚠️ WARNING: Universal remotes may not support voice search and special buttons (e.g., launching Netflix or Prime Video in one click).

Method 7: Preventing future losses – 5 working tips

To avoid wasting time on searching, use these recommendations:

• 🏷️ Attach to the remote key fob with bright color or glowing in the dark (sold on AliExpress for 100-200 rubles).
• 📍 Use a tracker – for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Tag (attached to two-way Scotch).
• 🛋️ Get a “parking space” – a special stand or hook next to the TV.
• 🔋 Check the batteries every 3 months – the dead batteries often cause “loss” (the remote is in place, but does not work).
• 📱 Set up backup control via smartphone (see Method 2).

For families with children or animals, it is helpful to turn off the infrared port on the TV when the remote is not in use:

Settings → Input devices → Disable IR port

This will prevent accidental pressing and extend the battery life.

💡

The most reliable way not to lose the remote is to combine a physical tag (key fob/tracker) with a digital reserve (application on a smartphone).

FAQ: Frequent questions about lost Xiaomi TV remotes