How to find a remote from Xiaomi Mi Box: from search in the house to buy a replacement

Why is the Mi Box remote lost more often than others?

The Xiaomi Mi Box S, Mi Box 4K or Mi Box Pro is a small but crucial device. Its miniature size (just ~10 cm long) and glossy surface make it an ideal candidate for “loss” between sofa cushions, in table crevices or among the wires at the TV. According to service centers, 3 out of 5 owners lost the remote from the Mi Box at least once in the first six months of use.

To make matters worse, without a remote, the console becomes a brick: you can switch the signal source on your TV, but you can't control the Android TV menu without a remote control. Fortunately, there are several proven ways, from simple in-house searches to using your smartphone as a temporary replacement, and then we'll go through all of them, starting with the simplest ones.

If you are sure that the remote not only fell down somewhere, but broke down (does not respond to pressing, the battery is discharged), skip the first sections and immediately go to the instructions for buying a new one.

Method 1: Systemic search in the house – where to look first

Before you panic, dedicate 10–15 Xiaomi Mi Box comes with a black or silver remote that is easily lost on dark surfaces.-5 places where they are most often found:

• 🛋️ Under pillows and in the crevices of the sofa/chair — especially if you often snack in front of the TV. Check with your hands, not just visually: the remote control can fall deep.
• 📺 Behind or under the TV, many people put the remote on the top of the TV, from where it slips off when vibrating.
• 📦 In the box from the console – if you have recently moved or cleaned, check the original packaging.
• 🧦 In a box with small things – coins, batteries, clips... and your remote control.
• 🐕 In the “cloaks” of pets – cats and dogs often drag small objects into secluded places (under the bed, behind the closet).

If visual inspection didn't work, use your smartphone flashlight: point lights under the furniture — the glossy surface of the remote will reflect the beam. Another life hack: call your smartphone when it's lying next to the TV — vibration from the bell can move the remote control if it's stuck in the gap.

Method 2: Use your smartphone as a temporary remote

If your search is unsuccessful, don’t despair: your Android smartphone or iPhone can temporarily replace the remote. There are two options for this: the official application from Xiaomi and universal solutions.

Official Mi Remote app

The Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) lets you control the Mi Box via Infrared Port (IR) or Wi-Fi (depending on the console model).

1. Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
2. Open the app and select Add Device → Xiaomi Mi Box.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: the console and smartphone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
4. If the Wi-Fi connection doesn’t work, try IR Blaster mode (requires the presence of an IR transmitter in your smartphone).

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) and newer when first connecting via Mi Remote may require input PIN-The code that's displayed on the TV screen. If you don't have a remote, plug the keyboard into the TV screen. USB Or use your mouse to navigate.

Universal remote application

If Mi Remote is not suitable (for example, you don’t have an IR port on your phone), try alternatives:

• 🎮 Yatse: Remote for Android – advanced features (gestures, widgets), but requires customization.
• 🔄 Unified Remote – a universal solution for PC and TV set-top boxes.

Download Mi Remote or Google TV|Connect to the same Wi-Fi network|Turn on Bluetooth (if required)|Check for the presence of an IR port (for the IR-regime)|Launch the application and add the device-->

Method 3: Managing through USB-keyboard

If the smartphone is not suitable (for example, not at hand), and the remote is lost irrevocably, connect to the Mi Box. USB-keyboard or mouse. That'll allow:

• 🖱️ Navigation on the menu (mouse simulates remote control).
• ⌨️ Text input (convenient to search on YouTube or Netflix).
• 🔧 Access to settings to connect a new remote.

Any keyboard with a USB-A or USB-C port (via an adapter) will do. Wireless devices will require a Bluetooth adapter if it's not built into the console. Importantly, some Mi Box models don't support USB-hub -- plug the devices directly in.

Key combinations for control:

💡

If you don't. USB-keyboard, connect the game controller (for example, from Xbox or PlayStation) over Bluetooth. → Input Devices Select It as the Main Control Device.

Method 4: Buying a new remote – original vs analogues

If the search and the temporary solutions didn't work, it's time to consider buying a new remote.

1. Original remote from Xiaomi

Pros:

• ✅ 100% compatible with Mi Box (including voice search and hotkeys).
• ✅ Quality of assembly and materials (unlike most analogues).
• ✅ Warranty from the manufacturer (usually 12 months).

Cons:

• ❌ Price: from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles (depending on the model).
• ❌ Long-term delivery when ordering from China (if you buy on AliExpress).

Where to buy it?

• 🛒 Xiaomi official store (mi.com) – authenticity guarantee.
• 📦 AliExpress – cheaper, but check the seller (rating) >98%).
• 🏬 M-Video, Citilink, El Dorado - sometimes available.

2. Universal or compatible remotes

Budget alternatives are remotes from third-party manufacturers, for example:

• 🎛️ MECOOL M8S Pro Remote – Compatible with Mi Box S/4K, price ~800 ruble.
• 🔘 X96 Mini Remote – Simple, without voice control, ~500 rubles.

⚠️ Note: When buying an analog, check compatibility with your Mi Box model (for example, for example, MDZ-16-AB or MDZ-22-AB). Some remotes only work with certain versions of firmware.

Method 5: Configure control through voice assistants

If you have a smart speaker (Yandex Station, Google Nest, Alice) or a smartphone with a voice assistant, you can control the Mi Box without a remote.

1. Connect the Mi Box and the speaker to a single Wi-Fi network.
2. In the Google Assistant (or Alice) settings, add an Android TV device.
3. Activate voice control commands like, "OK Google, turn Netflix on the Mi Box" "Alice, put the Lord of the Rings movie on TV"

Limitations:

• 🔇 Not all features are available (for example, you can not open Settings or install an application).
• 📶 A stable internet connection is required.
• 🗣️ It works only in English/Russian (depending on the region of the console).

Method 6: Reset console settings (if the remote is lost forever)

If you decide to buy a new remote, but it hasn't arrived yet, and the console is stuck or requires confirmation of actions, you may need a hard reset, which will return the Mi Box to factory settings, but will delete all installed apps and accounts.

For remote reset:

1. Turn the console off the power.
2. Press the OK button on the front of the Mi Box (if any).
3. Without releasing the button, connect the power.
4. Hold OK for another 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
5. With the Volume +/- keys (on the console case), select Wipe data/factory reset and confirm.

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB) And the newer reset button can be hidden under a plug. Use a paper clip or toothpick to access it.

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Resetting is a last resort. Before you do that, try connecting your keyboard or smartphone to save data.

Method 7: Alternative control devices

If the remote is lost and you do not want to buy a new one, consider these options:

• 🎮 Game controller – Xbox, PlayStation or 8BitDo Connect to Bluetooth and completely replace the remote.
• 🖱️ Wireless mouse with presentation buttons – some models (like Logitech Spotlight) have media control keys.
• 📱 Smart watches – applications like Wear TV Remote allows you to manage Android TV with the Apple Watch or Wear OS.

To connect alternative devices:

1. Go to Settings → Input Devices → Add Bluetooth device.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the controller/mouse.
3. Select the device from the list and confirm the connection.

💡 If you lose a remote often, attach a Bluetooth tracker (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Tag) to it, which will allow you to find it through your smartphone on the signal.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)