How to check if the remote from the Xiaomi TV: the complete guide

Owners of modern smart equipment often face a situation where the TV turns on, but stops responding to commands. The first thing is suspicion of a hardware failure of the remote control. However, you should not panic ahead of time, since in most cases the problem lies in dead batteries or software failure of the pairing of the Bluetooth module.

Before you look for a replacement or call a wizard, you need to conduct a competent diagnosis of the device. Modern Xiaomi remotes, such as the model Xiaomi Mi Remote or Xiaomi Bluetooth Voice Remote, have a complex internal structure, different from the old IR analogs, Understanding how they work will help quickly localize the malfunction and restore functionality without unnecessary costs.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to check the remote from the Xiaomi TV for performance, using the tools at hand and built-in functions of the Android TV system. You will learn how to distinguish a software glitch from a physical failure of the infrared emitter or button mechanism.

Visual Diagnostics and Verification of Elements

The most common, but most common, cause of failure is a dead battery. Even if the LED on the remote body lights up when you press the buttons, it does not guarantee that the voltage is enough to transmit a stable signal to the TV. It is recommended to replace the batteries with new ones, even if the old ones seem to work. Pay attention to the oxidation of contacts inside the battery compartment; if you detect a white plaque, it should be cleaned carefully.

After replacing the batteries, carefully examine the case for mechanical damage. Falls from a height can lead to detachment of the contact pad inside the device or microcracks in the board. If the remote is falling, the problem may be in the broken contact of the plume or the board itself.

It's also worth checking the IR emitter that's on the end of the device, and it should be clean, free of dust and pollution that can block the signal, and in rare cases, rubbing the emitter's lens with a soft cloth that doesn't contain pile helps.

Method of checking through the smartphone camera

One of the most reliable and quickest ways to check a Xiaomi remote is to use a mobile phone camera. Smartphone digital arrays are able to capture infrared radiation that the human eye can’t see, a method that is ideal for checking IR channels, although for Bluetooth remotes it will only show the IR part (usually an on button).

To conduct the test, perform the following actions:

• 📱 Open the Camera app on any smartphone (Android or iOS).
• 🔦 Place the top end of the remote directly on the camera lens.
• 👆 Press different buttons on the remote while looking at the phone screen.
• 👀 Look for flashes of purple or white light on your smartphone screen at the time you press.

If you see diode flashing on your phone screen, the infrared port is good and transmitting. If there is no light at any button, the problem may be batteries or the IR emitter fails completely. Note that some modern smartphones have filters that block IR, so it is better to use a device that is 3-5 years old or a front camera, which often lacks such filters.

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Use the video mode on your smartphone to check the remote – so it is easier to notice short-term flashes of IR diode, which can be missed in photo mode.

Diagnostics of Bluetooth connection

Xiaomi's flagship remotes, such as Mi Voice Remote, use Bluetooth to transmit voice and navigate menus. If the IR channel works and the navigation doesn't, the problem lies with the Bluetooth module. You can check the status of the connection through the system menu of the TV.

You need to go to the system settings. The path may vary depending on the firmware version, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Remotes and accessories → Bluetooth. In this menu, you will see a list of paired devices. If your remote appears as "Connected" but does not work, try reconnecting.

Many Xiaomi TV models require the back and menu (or home) buttons to be pressed simultaneously for 5-10 seconds until the LED on the remote blinks, and then the TV must discover the device again.

Using a Smartphone as a Remote

If the physical remote is no longer responsive and the TV needs to be controlled urgently, you can use your smartphone as a temporary replacement. This is also a great way to check whether the TV itself and its signal receiver are working. For Xiaomi and Android TV devices, there is an official Mi Remote app or Google Home.

Make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, launch the app and follow the instructions to add a new device, and if the app is stable, the problem is guaranteed to be in the remote, not the TV receiver.

There are three main types of phone connection:

• 📶 Wi-Fi: works over a local network, requires configuration.
• 📡 IR port: if your smartphone has an IR transmitter (often found in Xiaomi, Huawei), you can emulate the remote without setting up the network.
• ☁️ Cloud service: management through Mi Account.

This method is especially useful when you need to log into the settings menu to perform a reset or firmware update if the buttons on the physical remote are stuck or not working.

Table of malfunctions and ways of their elimination

For a quick diagnosis, use the following table, which systematizes the main symptoms and possible solutions, which will help save time on finding the cause.

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If none of the software methods did not help, and the smartphone camera does not capture the IR signal, most likely, a replacement of the remote or its internal soldering is required.

Resetting and reconnecting (Hard Reset)

In cases where the remote is behaving inadequately (spontaneously changes channels, cursor sticks), it may be necessary to force the reset of the control device itself. This action does not affect the settings of the TV, but only clears the memory of the remote.

For most Xiaomi models, the following sequence of actions is relevant:

1. Get the batteries out of the remote.
2. Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds (to discharge the residual current).
3. Put the batteries back in.
4. Immediately after turning on, press the Back + Menu (or OK + Back) button combination and hold it until the message appears on the TV screen.

Sometimes you need to disconnect the TV itself from the network for 5 minutes before starting the procedure of resetting the remote, which eliminates the influence of static electricity accumulated in the system.

⚠️ Note: When performing a reset, make sure you are no more distant than that. 20-30 At the time of reconnection, the signal may be unstable, and the remote must "catch" the response from the receiver.

Replacement or Replacement: Which is Better?

If all the diagnostic methods showed that the hardware of the remote is faulty (burned IR diode, damaged board, broken plume), the question arises about repair. The original Xiaomi remotes are quite complex design, and it can be difficult to find spare parts (especially button membranes or Bluetooth modules).

The cost of the original Xiaomi Bluetooth Voice Remote is often comparable to the cost of a repair wizard. So it's more cost-effective to buy a new device in most cases. There are also many compatible counterparts on the market that are cheaper, but can be inferior in terms of build and voice control.

When buying a new remote, pay attention to support for the Bluetooth version. Older remotes may not be friends with new Xiaomi TVs and vice versa. It is best to search for a model by the exact article indicated on the back cover of your device.

⚠️ Caution: Buying cheap Chinese counterparts, you risk running into a lack of voice search support or incorrect operation of the Netflix button and other service keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)