How to find a lost remote from a Xiaomi TV: proven ways and alternatives

Losing a remote from a Xiaomi TV is a familiar situation for many: it falls into the sofa crevices, then it ends up under the pillow, then suddenly disappears at the most inopportune moment. If you're reading this article, then the standard seats are already checked, and the TV stubbornly does not respond to voice commands (if they are supported by your model at all), Don't rush to buy a new remote — 80% of the time it is at home, just not where you expect.

In this article, we will explore a systematic approach to search, from obvious places to unexpected hideaways where the remote could “run away.” TV without a remote, using a smartphone, keys on the body or even homemade solutions.Spoiler: in most models (for example, Mi). TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV) There are hidden functions that you may not know about.

Before you start looking, tell me honestly: When was the last time you used a remote? If it's been more than a week, the odds of finding it in hot zones (table, sofa) are slimming to zero. But don't despair, we have a proven technique that has helped hundreds of users, and let's start with the simplest.

1. Check the "classic" places - where the remote is most often

Start with the places where the remote should be logically located. Statistics show that the remote is not the only place to be. 60% It's within range of the time. 1.5 It's just not in the most visible place.-5 Locations that are worth checking out first:

• 🛋️ Under pillows and blankets on the sofa/armchair, the remote easily sinks in upholstered furniture, especially if you like to watch TV lying down, run your hand through all the crevices, sometimes it gets stuck between the pillow and the back.
• 📺 Behind the TV or on the shelf underneath, many people put the remote on the top edge of the TV, where it slides back, and if the TV is on the sidewalk, look in the gap between the wall and the back.
• 🍽️ On or under the table, especially if you're eating in front of a screen, the remote could have fallen to the floor and rolled under the foot of the table.
• 🧦 In your pockets, check the jackets, jeans, or even the pajama pants that were hanging next to the couch, and the remote could have accidentally gotten in when you got up.
• 🐕 Pets in "storage" places, cats and dogs sometimes drag small objects into their corners.

If you don't find the remote, go to advanced search. But first, say, are you sure you've searched with the flashlight on? Many Xiaomi remotes have a black or dark gray body that merges with furniture at dusk. Use a smartphone flashlight, which increases the odds by 30 percent.

⚠️ Note: If there are children in the house, check their toys. Xiaomi remote is similar in size to some children's gadgets (for example, from toy cars) and can be "requisitioned" for games.

2. Non-obvious places: where the remote could "run away" unnoticed

When standard methods didn't work, it's time to think like a detective, the remote could end up in places you didn't even think you'd be able to imagine, and here's a list of unexpected places that users found in forum reviews:

• 🧺 In the laundry basket, if the remote fell to the floor, it could have been accidentally swept along with the garbage or thrown into the laundry with things.
• 🚪 Outside the door or in the doorway, and the remote could get stuck between the door and the jamb if you carried it in the other room.
• 📦 In boxes of equipment, after unpacking a new TV, many people put the remote control in a box for storage and forget about it.
• 🚗 If you were carrying a TV or a remote control, it could have been in the glove compartment or under the seat.
• 🌿 Yeah, it sounds weird, but the remote can fall into the ground if the pot is next to the couch.

Pay special attention to places where there was a recent cleaning, the remote may have been accidentally thrown away with garbage or hidden under furniture during a general cleaning. If you have a robot vacuum cleaner (like the Xiaomi Mi Robot), check its garbage container — there are cases when the remotes ended up there after cleaning.

Another life hack: call the household and ask if they have taken the remote control, often when a family member has taken it to another room (for example, to turn on the TV in the bedroom) and forgot to return it.

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If the house has other remotes (from the air conditioner, music center), check if you have not confused them. Xiaomi remotes look similar to many universal models.

3. How to find the remote with a smartphone: 3 working methods

If manual search didn't work, plug in the technology. Modern smartphones can help you find -- even if the remote doesn't support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Here are three proven methods:

Method 1: Use the Find Device app (for Bluetooth remotes)

Some Xiaomi remotes (for example, for Mi models) TV Q2 or Mi TV ES 2022) equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy module. If your remote is one of them, try:

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Sign in with the same account as you do on TV.
3. Go to the Devices section → Add the device → remote.
4. If the remote is in the range of Bluetooth (up to 10 meters), it will appear on the map.

Note: this method only works for official Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes. If you have a universal remote or an old model, move on to the next one.

Method 2: Turn on the sound signal via Mi Remote

Mi Remote (available on Google Play) not only replaces the remote, but also helps you find it.

1. Open Mi Remote and select your TV from the list of devices.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Settings → Find the remote.
3. If the remote is within radius 3-5 It will emit an audible signal (if it supports this function).

Unfortunately, this option is only available for Xiaomi 2020 consoles and newer ones. TV 4A) This method won't work.

Method 3: Use your smartphone camera to search for an IR signal

This is the most reliable way to test the remote even if you can't see it, because the cameras in the smartphones see the infrared signal that the remote is emitting.

1. Turn on the camera on your smartphone and point it to a place where the remote may lie.
2. Press any button on the remote (if there is one).
3. If the remote is serviceable, on the smartphone screen you will see a flicker of purple light.

This method works even in complete darkness, and it helps you find the remote control, for example, under the sofa or in the crevices of furniture, and if there is no flicker, either the remote is discharged or it is not there.

Check if the Bluetooth remote supports (see the model on the box)

Install Mi Home or Mi Remote

Turn on the camera and look for an IR signal in dark places

Try to call an audible signal through the application-->

4. Alternative ways to control the TV without a remote

If the search is unsuccessful, do not despair – Xiaomi TV You can control it without the remote. Here are 4 working methods, from the simplest to the most complex:

Method 1: Buttons on the TV body

All Xiaomi TVs (including Mi) TV 4S, Mi TV 5, Redmi Smart TV) They have hardware buttons on the body. They're usually located:

• On the right side panel (most models).
• On the lower frame (some Redmis) TV).
• Behind, next to the connectors (in older models, for example, Mi). TV 3).

Standard button set:

These buttons allow you to turn on your TV, change the channel, or even go to settings. For example, to open Settings, press Menu. → ↓→ ↓→ OK (The path may differ depending on the model).

Method 2: Control via Smartphone (Mi Remote, Google) TV)

The most convenient way is to use your smartphone as a remote control.

1. Download the Mi Remote app (official from Xiaomi) or Google TV (if you have Android TV).
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select a model of your TV (e.g., Mi). TV Q1 75").
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

The advantage of this method is that you get a full virtual remote with all the features, including voice search (if supported).

Method 3: Voice control (if supported)

Xiaomi models TV with built-in Google Assistant or XiaoAI (e.g. Mi) TV Q2, Mi TV ES 2022) supports voice control, to activate it without remote control:

1. Say it loudly: “OK, Google” or “(XiaoAI)” (for the Chinese versions).
2. If the microphone is turned off, turn it on with a button on the case (usually it is signed by the microphone icon).
3. Say a command, such as “turn on Netflix” or “turn up the volume.”

Importantly, for a voice assistant to work, the TV has to be connected to the Internet, and if the Wi-Fi is turned off, this method won't work.

Method 4: Universal remote or remote from other equipment

If you have a remote from another device (such as a Xiaomi Mi Box, air conditioner, or even a remote control). DVD-It's a player, and you can program it to control the TV:

1. Find the instructions for the universal remote code for Xiaomi TV (This is usually 0145, 0178 or 0226).
2. Hold the Setup (or Set) button on the remote until the indicator flashes.
3. Enter the code for Xiaomi and click OK.
4. Check the Volume and Power buttons.

If there is no suitable code, try auto-search:

1. Hold the Setup until you blink.
2. Press Power and hold until the TV is turned off.
3. Save the settings with the OK button.

⚠️ Note: Some universal remotes (e.g. from Samsung or Samsung) LG) Not compatible with Xiaomi TV Because of the different IR protocols, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website before you buy a new remote.

5.What to do if the remote is lost forever: buying a new vs. homemade solutions

If all the attempts to find the remote have failed, it's time to consider alternatives.

Option 1: Buy the original Xiaomi remote

The most reliable, but also the most expensive way, the original remotes can be ordered:

• 🛒 Official Xiaomi store (e.g. mi.com or AliExpress from official sellers).
• 🏬 Electronics stores (M. Video, Citilink, Eldorado).
• 🌍 Marketplace (Avito, Yula) – but be careful with fakes.

The cost of the original remote for Xiaomi TV It varies from 1,000 to 2,500 rubles depending on the model:

Before you buy, check the exact model of the remote - it is indicated on the back of the original remote or in the documentation for the TV. TV 5 is suitable for Xiaomi Mi Remote R3, and Mi TV 4A — R2.

Option 2: Buy a universal remote

More budget solution – universal remote compatible with Xiaomi TV. Popular models:

• 🔘 Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote (~800 ₽) — It supports most Xiaomi TVs and other devices.
• 🔘 One For All URC 7940 (~1 200 ₽) — It is compatible with 90% of TVs, including Xiaomi.
• 🔘 Huayu Super Remote (~600 ₽) — Budget option with support for IR and Bluetooth.

When choosing a universal remote, pay attention to:

• 📋 List of supported brands (must be Xiaomi).
• 🔋 Type of food (batteries) AAA battery-power).
• 🎤 Availability of voice control (if necessary).

Option 3: Make the remote yourself (for advanced users)

If you're not afraid of experimentation, you can build a remote control panel with your own hands.

• 📱 Smartphone with an infrared port (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3).
• 🔧 Annex for IR control (e.g, IR Universal Remote or ZaZa Remote).
• 📄 IR command codes for Xiaomi TV (You can find it on forums, for example, 4PDA).

Instructions:

1. Install an application for IR management.
2. Choose a Xiaomi TV model or add codes manually.
3. Direct the IR port of the smartphone to the TV and check the buttons.

The disadvantage of this method: not all smartphones have an IR port, and without it you will not be able to control the TV.

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Before buying a new remote, try controlling your TV through your smartphone (Mi Remote) or buttons on your body, which solves the problem at no extra cost in 70% of cases.

6.How to prevent loss of remote in the future: 5 practical tips

To avoid wasting time on searching, use these simple life hacks:

• 🏷️ Put a keychain with a bright tag on the remote, and you can do this with a key ring or a Velcro, and a bright color (red, orange) will help you quickly find the remote on the couch.
• 📍 Get a remote house, like a stand next to a TV or a box on a desk, and teach your household to put the remote control only there.
• 🔋 Use a case with a mount, like a silicone case with Velcro, which you can stick to the end of the table.
• 📱 Set up backup. Install Mi Remote on your smartphone and check it in advance.
• 🔄 Buy a spare remote. Many users keep a second remote just in case (you can order it in advance on AliExpress for a fee). 300-500 ₽).

Another useful tip is to take a picture of the remote on both sides, and if it gets lost, it's easier to find a replacement or set up a universal remote.

If you have kids in your family, explain to them that the remote is not a toy, and you can even make a rule that whoever last used the remote is responsible for keeping it safe.

7. Frequent questions about Xiaomi remotes TV