How to independently check the remote from the Xiaomi TV for performance: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi's remote control from a TV is a small but critical device that makes it a pain to use comfortably, and if your remote control stops responding to presses, interrupts or doesn't turn on the TV at all, don't rush to buy a new one. In 70% of cases, the problem is solved in 10 minutes of self-diagnosis.

This article will help you systemically check the Xiaomi remote TV We'll look at both the obvious (battery replacement) and the non-obvious (smartphone IR check) methods, and we'll also learn how to distinguish between remote malfunction and TV problems. All instructions are adapted for Mi models TV 4/4A/4S/4X/5/5X, Mi TV Q1/Q2 and other series with IR panels.

We’ll focus on the hidden features of Xiaomi’s service menu that allow you to test the remote without additional devices — a method that not all users know, and you’ll also learn how to do without the remote if it finally fails while you wait for a replacement.

Visual inspection: first signs of malfunction

Start with an external look at the remote, which will take less than a minute, but will help you identify obvious problems.

• 🔋 Battery bay: check for corrosion, contact oxidation, or electrolyte dashing, and if the contacts turn green, that's a sure sign that the batteries leaked and could damage the board.
• 💧 Moisture and dust: look at the gaps between the buttons, dried droplets of liquid or dust often block the pressing, especially for remote controls that are stored in the kitchen.
• 🔍 Buttons: press each button in turn, and if any one "fails" or creaks, it could have accumulated dirt or broken the conductive gum.
• 📶 IR transmitter: At the top of the remote (usually under transparent plastic) is an infrared LED. It should be whole, without cracks or chips.

If you find contact oxidation, clean them gently with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or vinegar. Use compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment) or a soft brush to remove dust from under the buttons. Don't use wet wipes - they can leave fibers.

⚠️ Note: If the board shows signs of corrosion (green plaque), the tracks are likely damaged, in which case repairs will cost more than buying a new remote, it is easier to replace the device.

Replacement of batteries: a simple but effective method

In 40% of cases, Xiaomi's remote doesn't work because of dead batteries. Even if the display on the remote doesn't blink when you press it, it doesn't guarantee that the batteries are OK.

1. Turn the remote and move the battery compartment cover (on most models it is fixed by a latch).
2. Take out the old batteries. Pay attention to their type: Xiaomi consoles typically use AAA or CR2032 (depending on the model).
3. Clean the contacts in the compartment with a dry cloth or a rod (oxidation may prevent normal contact).
4. Install new batteries with polarity (+/-). For the test, it is better to use alkaline batteries (for example, Duracell or Energizer).
5. Close the lid and try turning on the TV.

If the remote is running after replacing the batteries, but after a few days it stopped responding again, the problem may be poor contact inside the compartment. Try putting a piece of foil under the spring contact for a better fit.

Remove old batteries | Clear contacts of oxidation |Install new batteries with correct polarity |Check remote at a distance of 2-3 meters from TV |Repeat the test with another set of batteries (if it did not work)

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Modern Xiaomi remotes (for example, for the Mi TV Q2 2023) can run on lithium batteries CR2032, which last up to 2 years. If your remote uses such batteries, but quickly discharges - this may indicate a malfunction of the power circuit inside the remote.

3. Verification of the IR transmitter through a smartphone

If the battery replacement didn't work, the next thing you need to do is check if the infrared transmitter (IR diode) is working on the remote. You don't need a tester: it's enough for a smartphone with a camera. The fact is that most cameras (especially on older smartphones) see infrared light.

Follow the following steps:

1. Turn on the camera on your smartphone (any: main, front or even camera in the scanning application is suitable). QR-code).
2. Direct the Xiaomi remote with an IR transmitter (top part) into the camera lens at a distance of 5-10 cm.
3. Press and hold any button on the remote (e.g., Power or Volume+).
4. Look at the smartphone screen: If the IR transmitter is working, you will see a flickering purple or white light.

If the LED doesn't flash:

• 🔌 Check the batteries again (even new ones can be discharged).
• 🛠️ The transmitter may have been physically damaged (crack, contact soldered off).
• 📱 Try another smartphone – some new models have IR filters on the camera.

If the IR transmitter flashes but the TV doesn't respond, the problem may be the signal receiver on the TV itself. Try pointing the remote directly at the IR receiver on the TV (usually located at the bottom of the body under the Mi logo) from a distance of 1-2 meters.

4. Testing through Xiaomi service menu

Few people know, but Xiaomi TVs have a hidden service menu that allows you to check the remote without additional devices, which works on most models, including the Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4X, Mi TV 5 and later.

To get into the service menu:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the case (if the remote does not work).
2. Press sequentially on the remote (or emulate the taps via the Mi Remote app): Menu → Settings (⚙️) → About the device → POS version.
3. Quickly press OK on the remote 5-7 times in a row. The Factory Menu menu should open.
4. Go to the Remote Control Test (or similar, depending on the model).
5. Press any button on the remote – its code should be displayed on the screen (for example, KEY_POWER: 0x40).

If you press the buttons on the screen nothing appears:

• 🔄 Try restarting the TV (turn off the network for 30 seconds).
• 📡 Check if the signal is blocking the obstacle (for example, a glass shelf).
• 🔧 The IR receiver on the TV may be defective (requires repairs).

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other settings in the service menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

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If the remote is tested in the service menu, but does not work as usual, the problem may be the firmware of the TV. Try to update the software through Settings → About the device → System Update.

5. Checking the compatibility of the remote with the TV

Sometimes the Xiaomi remote doesn't work because it's not compatible with the TV model, but because it's not compatible with the TV model.

• 🔄 Buy the remote separately (for example, on AliExpress or in a service center).
• 📺 Connect the remote from another Xiaomi model (for example, from Mi Box to Mi) TV).
• 🔄 Updated the firmware of the TV, after which the remote stopped working.

To check the compatibility:

1. Find your TV model in Settings → About Device → Model (e.g. Mi TV 4A 43).
2. Look at the model of the remote on a sticker under batteries (e.g. RMT-1234).
3. Check the compatibility on the table:

If your remote is not compatible with your TV, it can be reflashed through special software (such as the Mi Remote Tool), but this requires ADB skills. The alternative is to use a universal remote (such as the Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote) that supports most models.

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If you lost the original remote, but you have an Android smartphone, install the Mi Remote app (official from Xiaomi) that emulates all the features of the original remote via IR port or Wi-Fi (for models with Android TV).

6. Alternative ways to control the TV

If the diagnosis showed that the remote is defective, but you need to urgently use the TV, use alternative methods:

• 📱 Mi Remote app: download it from Google Play or App Store. app supports Wi-Fi management (for Android) TV) or via an IR port (for older models).
• 🖱️ Mouse or keyboard: connect them through USB You can use the menu of the TV to move with your mouse cursor or keys. ↑↓←→.
• 🎮 Gaming Controller: If you have a Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock, connect it over Bluetooth – it will work like a remote control.
• 🔌 Buttons on the body: on the back or side of the TV, there are physical buttons Power, Volume and Menu.

For Mi TV models with Android TV 9.0+, voice control is also available via Google Assistant, activate it with a button on the case or with the "OK, Google" command (if the microphone is enabled in the settings).

If you’re planning to buy a new remote, look for Bluetooth models (such as the Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Voice Remote) that don’t require direct vision with a TV and are more stable than IR remotes.

7. when it is time to carry the remote for repair (or buy a new one)

If all of the above methods did not help, most likely, the remote control is not repairable at home.

• 💥 The remote does not respond to any button, although the batteries are new and the IR transmitter flashes (possibly damaged board).
• 🔥 After falling or getting liquid, some of the buttons work, and some do not (damaged current-conducting rubber band).
• 📉 The remote only works from close range (less than 1 meter) – this indicates a weak IR signal.
• 🔄 Buttons stick or work on their own (wear and tear of contacts).

The cost of repairing the remote in the service center is often comparable to the price of a new one (the original remote for Xiaomi costs 800-1500 rubles).

• Screwdriver T5 or T6 (for disassembly of the body).
• Multimeter (to check the chains).
• Alcohol and cotton swabs (to clean the board).
• Conductive glue (if you need to restore the contacts of the buttons).

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the remote, be careful with the spring contacts of the battery compartment, they bend easily. If the contact breaks, the remote will have to be thrown away.

If you decide to buy a new remote, choose the original models on official sites (Mi Store, AliExpress Official Store) or proven sellers. Avoid cheap counterparts - they often have a weak IR signal and quickly fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV remotes