How to find a remote from a Xiaomi TV: from home search to alternative solutions

Losing a remote control from a Xiaomi TV is a familiar situation, and one careless movement, and a small plastic assistant disappears into the bowels of the sofa, falls under the closet or "goes" to the nursery with the designer. But don't panic: 90% of the time the remote is within a radius of 5 meters from the TV, and if not, it is easy to replace temporarily or permanently.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can do it, from simple house searches based on loss psychology to using your smartphone as a replacement, and if you're really lost, you'll learn how to pick a new one (original or universal) and even save money on your purchase. We will pay special attention to the Mi models. TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV and other popular series - their remotes have nuances in control.

Let's warn you, not all methods are equally convenient, for example, voice control through Google Assistant does not work on all models, and the remote application can be glitched when Wi-Fi is weak. USB Or using infrared on older smartphones. Read on to find the best way to handle your situation.

1. House search system: where to look for the remote in the first place

Start with logical zones, places where the remote could have been by habit or chance. 60% The remotes are three meters from the TV, but not always in plain sight.-10 Places that are worth checking out first:

• 🛋️ Between pillows and in the crevices of the sofa/armchair, especially if you often watch TV lying down. Check not only the surface, but also the inner pockets between the pillows.
• 📺 Behind the TV or on the shelf below it – the remote could slip when pressing buttons or cleaning.
• 🍽️ On the table or under plates – if you eat in front of the screen, the remote can easily get lost among the dishes.
• 🧸 Children often take the remotes to play and then forget to return.
• 🧦 In your clothes pockets – check the jackets, robes or jeans you wore while watching.
• 🗑️ In the trash can – if recently cleaned, the remote could accidentally get into the garbage (especially if it is black).
• 🐶 In a bowl or toys of a pet – animals sometimes drag small objects.
• 📚 Between books or magazines, the remote could have fallen like a bookmark.
• 🚗 In the car – if you were carrying a TV or the remote accidentally hit the bag.
• 🔌 Near sockets or chargers – sometimes the remote is placed there “temporarily».

If visual inspection didn't work, use a flashlight -- many Xiaomi remotes have glossy surfaces and reflect light. Illuminate potential locations from different angles. Another life hack: call your smartphone next to the TV -- vibrations can push the remote control out of the gap.

⚠️ Warning: Do not shake the sofa or chair too much - the batteries from the remote control can fall out and roll even further. If the remote is found, immediately check if the contacts of the batteries have oxidized (this is a common cause of failure after long lying in a damp place).

2.How to use a smartphone instead of a Xiaomi remote: official and alternative applications

If the search is unsuccessful, the smartphone will be the temporary replacement. Xiaomi offers the official solution - the Mi Remote Controller app, but it does not work on all models. Below are 3 proven ways to control the TV via the phone.

Method 1: Official Mi Remote app (for Mi) TV redmi TV)

The Mi Remote Controller app is available for Android and iOS.It supports most Xiaomi models, including the Mi. TV 4A/4S/4X, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV And others:

1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app and select Add Device → TV → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the app will automatically find the TV.

If the TV is not detected:

• 🔄 Restart router and TV.
• 📶 Check that Mi Home is enabled on the TV (in network settings).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN On the phone, it can block the local connection.

Method 2: Universal Remote Applications (for all models)

If the official app doesn't fit (for example, you have an old Mi model) TV 3), try universal solutions:

For IR-controlled applications (such as ZaZa Remote), you need a smartphone with an integrated infrared port, and you can check for it in the model specifications or using the application. IR Tester.

Method 3: Voice control (for models with Google Assistant)

Xiaomi TVs on Android TV (Like Mi. TV Q1E or Mi TV P1) Support voice search through Google Assistant:

1. Say, OK, Google on your phone or smart speaker.
2. Say a command like: Turn on Netflix on your TV or turn up the volume on Xiaomi TV.
3. If the TV is not responsive, check the Google Assistant settings. → Devices → Tweaking the TV.

⚠️ Attention: Voice control works only for basic functions (on, volume control, application launch.

3. Hardware alternatives: keyboard, mouse and universal remotes

If the smartphone doesn't fit (for example, there's no infrared port or Wi-Fi issue), you can use physical devices. Many don't know, but Xiaomi TVs support control through:

• 🖱️ USB-Mouse or keyboard – connect to the port USB-A The Esc (back), Enter (select), Arrows (navigation) keys will replace the remote.
• 🎮 Gamepad - for example, Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock (via Bluetooth.
• 📟 Universal IR remote – for example, Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote or BroadLink RM4 Pro. Configured for any model.
• 🔌 HDMI-CEC — If the TV is connected to the console (for example, Mi Box), you can control it through the console console.

Step-by-step instructions for USB-keyboard:

1. Connect the keyboard to the port USB on the TV (usually side or back).
2. Wait for the cursor to appear on the screen (it can take up to 10 seconds).
3. Use keys: Arrows – navigation; Enter – choice; Esc – return back; F1–F12 — Quick access to functions (e.g, F3 — home).

Universal remotes require a model code. For Xiaomi, the most common codes are: 1245, 0178, 1176 or 0039. These must be entered manually when setting up the remote (the instructions are in the manual for the universal remote).

4. Buying a new remote: original vs universal

If you lose the remote, you'll have to buy a new one, and there's two options: the original remote from Xiaomi or the universal one. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

The original Xiaomi remote

Advantages:

• ✅ 100% TV compatible (all buttons work, including voice search and hotkeys).
• ✅ Quality materials and long service life.
• ✅ Support for firmware updates (relevant for Bluetooth models).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ High price (from 1,500 to 3,500 rubles depending on the model).
• ❌ Long-term delivery (if ordered from AliExpress or official website).

Where to buy it?

Important: When buying the original remote, check compatibility with the TV model. TV 4S It is not suitable for Redmi Smart. TV X – They have different communication protocols.

Universal remote control

Advantages:

• ✅ Cheaper than the original (from 300 to 1,500 rubles).
• ✅ You can control several devices (TV, air conditioning, console).
• ✅ Quick delivery (available in most electronics stores).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all buttons can work (for example, there is no voice search).
• ❌ Manual code adjustment required.
• ❌ The quality of the assembly is worse than the original.

Recommended models:

• 🔘 Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote – supports up to 8 devices, there is backlighting (price) ~1 200 ₽).
• 🔘 BroadLink RM4 Pro – manages Wi-Fi, works with Google Home (~2 500 ₽).
• 🔘 One For All URC 7940 – budget version with support for Xiaomi (~800 ₽).

💡

Before buying a universal remote, check if it has codes for your Xiaomi model in its database. TV. For this, Google "[the remote model] + Xiaomi codes or look at customer reviews.

5. Homemade remote: Arduino, Raspberry Pi and others DIY-decision

If you like experiments, you can build a remote control for Xiaomi TV This is true for models with infrared receivers (most Xiaomi support it). Below are 3 working methods with different levels of complexity.

Method 1: Remote on Arduino (for advanced)

It will require:

• Arduino Nano board (~300 ₽);
• IR transmitter VS1838B (~50 ₽);
• Buttons and body (you can use an old remote from another technique).

Algorithm:

1. Connect the IR transmitter to D3 Arduino.
2. Download the IRremote library via Arduino IDE.
3. Download the sketch for Xiaomi TV and pay the fee.
4. Collect a diagram and check the buttons.

Example of code for the power button:

#include <IRremote.h>


IRsend irsend;




void setup() {}




void loop() {




irsend.sendNEC(0x41B88888, 32); // Power code for Xiaomi TV




delay(40);




}

Method 2: Smart remote on Raspberry Pi (for geeks)

If you have a Raspberry Pi, you can do it. Wi-Fi/Web-based IR remote:

1. Connect the IR transmitter to GPIO-pins of Raspberry Pi.
2. Install. LIRC: sudo apt install lirc sudo systemctl enable lircd
3. Write down the IR commands from the original remote (if any) or use the ready-made configs for Xiaomi.
4. Set up a web server (like Node-RED) to manage from your phone.

Method 3: Remote from an old smartphone (simple option)

If you have an older smartphone with an infrared port (such as the Xiaomi Mi 5 or Redmi Note 4), you can turn it into a remote:

1. Install the app IR Universal Remote.
2. Choose the Xiaomi TV model manually.
3. Check the buttons (calibration may be required).

⚠️ Attention: Homemade remotes on Arduino/Raspberry Pi requires soldering and programming skills. If you're a beginner, you'd better buy a universal remote, which is cheaper in time and nerves.

6.How to avoid loss of remote in the future: 5 working life hacks

To avoid wasting time on searching, use simple solutions:

• 🧲 Magnetic holder: Stick a small magnet to the remote control and fasten the metal plate on the TV or table.
• 🔗 Carbine keychain -- attach the remote to a table leg or shelf. It's sold in hardware stores (~100 ₽).
• 📍 Bluetooth tracker – for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Tag (~500 ₽). Attach to the remote and search through the Mi Home app.
• 🎨 Bright sticker: Put a fluorescent film or sticker on the remote, and it'll be conspicuous.
• 📱 Duplicate app – install Mi Remote on your phone and use it as a backup remote.

Another tip is to take a picture of the remote and save it to the cloud, so if you lose it, you can quickly remember what it looks like, or show it to the seller when you buy a replacement.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid losing the remote is to physically tie it to the TV (with a magnet or carbine), which eliminates accidental falls behind the sofa or into the crevices.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you search for or replace a remote, users often make common mistakes that make it harder to do.

• 🔍 They only search during the day — many Xiaomi remotes are black and blend into dark surfaces.
• 📱 Not checking app compatibility – not all remote apps work with Xiaomi TV. Before installing, read reviews.
• 💰 Buy the first remote – universal remotes are cheaper, but may not support all the features (for example, voice search).
• 🔋 Don’t change batteries – if the remote is found but doesn’t work, replace the batteries first (even if they’re “like new»).
• 🔄 Do not reset your TV settings – if the remote is not synchronized, try resetting the TV to factory settings (Settings) → On TV. → Reset).

Another common problem is that the remote only works close to the screen, which is a sign of a dead battery or a contaminated IR transmitter, and wipe the glass of the transmitter with alcohol and check if it's scratched.

If you bought a universal remote, but it does not work:

1. Check if the model code is correct.
2. Make sure the remote supports the protocol NEC (Xiaomi TV used).
3. Try to reflash the remote (if it is a smart model like BroadLink).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions