Losing or breaking a Xiaomi TV remote is a situation that almost every smart appliance owner faces. Without a traditional remote, it seems like the TV is turning into a useless “brick”, but in fact there are at least 7 alternative ways to control. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, from standard buttons on the case to hidden features of the Mi Home and Google Assistant, and also explain how to replace the original remote without overpaying.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi integrates several backup controls into its TVs, but their effectiveness depends on the model and firmware version. For example, the Mi TV 4S/4A series supports control via Mi Remote, and the flagship models (Mi TV Q2/Q1E) also supports voice commands. If your TV is released after 2020, the chances of regaining control without buying a new remote are as high as possible.
Before you get to the instructions, check the obvious: maybe the remote is just dead or dead between the sofa cushions. If the batteries are okay and the search is not working, then try alternative methods. Let's start with the simplest.
1. Control through buttons on the TV body
All Xiaomi TVs (except some) OEM-models for foreign markets) are equipped with physical buttons on the bottom or sidebar:
- 🔘 Power button (on/off)
- 📺 Signal source button (switching between the HDMI, TV, AV)
- 🔽 Joystick or touch keys (navigation on the menu)
- 🖱️ Confirmation button (analogue) OK remote)
On the Mi TV 4/4S, the buttons are hidden under the bottom edge and activated when pressed. On the Mi TV QLED and Master Series, there can be a backlit touchpad. To turn on the TV, hold the power button for 3-5 seconds.
- With a quick click on the joystick, select the menu item.
- Press the joystick down (or center) for confirmation.
- Use the Source or Input buttons to switch between connectors.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 4A 32) buttons are locked after 3 failed attempts to enter a password. PIN-For the code, try the standard code 0000 or 1234.
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If the buttons don't respond, check if the "Children's Lock" mode is activated. To reset, hold the power button for 10 seconds before the TV restarts.
2. Control via smartphone: Mi Remote app
The official Mi Remote application (available for Android and iOS) turns the smartphone into a full-fledged remote control. The main condition is that the TV and phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 🤖 Google Play
- 🍎 App Store
Instructions for setting:
- Install and open Mi Remote.
- Click Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
- Choose your TV model from the list (if not, try Mi TV 4 or Mi TV 4A as a universal option).
- Follow the instructions on the screen for synchronization.
If the TV is not detected:
- 🔄 Restart router and TV.
- 📶 Make sure both devices are connected to a 2.4 GHz network (not 5 GHz).
- 🔧 In the TV settings, check if Mi Remote Mode is enabled (Settings) → Devices → DU remote).
3. Voice control: Google Assistant and Alice
Xiaomi Android TVs (Mi TV Q, Master, ES series) support voice commands via Google Assistant.
- Activate Google Assistant on your smartphone or smart speaker (Google Nest, Yandex Station).
- Say a command, such as, "OK Google, turn on Mi TV in the kitchen" "Alice, switch to HDMI 1 on the TV"
- If the TV is not responding, check in Settings → Devices → Voice Assistant settings to see if access is enabled.
For models without Android TV (for example, Mi TV 4A), voice control works only through Mi Remote or Yandex with Alice (if the TV is connected to a smart home).
How to connect Xiaomi TV to Yandex Alice?
Important: Voice commands only work for basic functions (on, switching channels, adjusting volume). To navigate the menu or start applications, you will need a remote or smartphone.
4. Connect the keyboard or mouse via USB/Bluetooth
If the TV is installed firmware Android TV Or PatchWall, you can connect to it. USB-It's a keyboard, a mouse, or a gamepad, and it allows you to have complete control of the interface without the remote:
| Type of device | Interface. | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-keyboard | USB-A, USB-C (with adapter) | All models. | It works without additional drivers. |
| Wireless mouse | Bluetooth or USB-dongle | Models with Bluetooth 4.0+ | Couple required in TV settings |
| Gamepad (Xbox, PlayStation) | Bluetooth | Mi TV Q2, Master Series | Not all models are supported |
How to connect:
- Put it in. USB-device in the TV port (usually located on the side or back).
- If you use Bluetooth, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and select the device from the list.
- To navigate, use the arrows on the keyboard or mouse cursor.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 4A 32") USB-The ports are disabled to save energy, and to activate them, you need to update the firmware to the latest version.
Control via HDMI-CEC (if another remote is connected)
HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control the TV through the remote from a connected device (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box, NVIDIA Shield or operator consoles).
- Connect the device to the TV via HDMI.
- In the TV settings, activate HDMI-CEC (Settings → Display and Sound → HDMI-CEC).
- Use the remote from the connected device to control the TV.
Functions available through HDMI-CEC:
- 📺 Turning TV on/off
- 🔊 Volume control
- 🔄 Switching between signal sources
Limitations:
- ❌ Navigation on the Android menu is not working TV.
- ❌ Not all remotes support CEC (Check the documentation of your device).
Make sure that the HDMI cable supports CEC (usually marked as "High Speed")
Check if the CEC is enabled on the connected device (e.g., in the Mi Box settings)
Use an HDMI port marked "ARC" or "CEC" (usually HDMI 1)
Restart both devices after activating the function-->
6. Resetting to factory settings (if nothing helps)
If you can't control the TV in any of these ways, the last option is a hard reset, which will bring the TV back to the factory settings, but will delete all the apps and accounts installed.
Method 1: Through buttons on the body
- Turn off the TV.
- Press the Power button on the case and hold for 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
- With the joystick, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm.
Method 2: Through the Service Menu (for Advanced)
This method requires connecting a keyboard or mouse:
- Go to Settings. → On TV.
- Click on the build number several times until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
- Go back to Settings → For developers and select Reset.
⚠️ Warning: After the reset, the TV will require resetting, including a Wi-Fi connection and a Xiaomi account login!
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Resetting is a last resort. Try all the other ways before you resort to it. After resetting, you'll need a remote control or a smartphone to set up your initial setup.
7. Purchase of a new remote: original vs alternative
If you don't like any of the temporary solutions, you'll have to buy a new remote.
Original Xiaomi remotes
- 🛒 Xiaomi Mi TV Remote (standard, with voice control) — ~1 500–2 500 ₽.
- 🎮 Xiaomi Mi Game Controller (for gamers, compatible with Mi) TV Q2) — ~3 000 ₽.
Where to buy: official store Xiaomi, AliExpress (check the seller), Svyaznoy or M. Video.
Universal remotes
- 🔄 BroadLink RM4 Pro (manages Wi-Fi, supports Xiaomi) TV) — ~2 000 ₽.
- 📱 One For All URC 7940 (configured to be Xiaomi-based) — ~1 200 ₽.
Alternative solutions
- 🖥️ Logitech Harmony Hub (control via smartphone) — ~5 000 ₽.
- 🔌 USB-remote (connects to a TV port, for example Airmouse) — ~800 ₽.
When choosing, check:
- ✅ Compatibility with your TV model (check with the seller).
- ✅ Availability of buttons for Google Assistant or PatchWall (if you use these features).
- ✅ Reliability Reviews (Some Cheap Remotes Lose Communication in 2-3 Months).
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Before buying the original remote, check its article on the official Xiaomi website. For example, for the Mi TV 4S 55, the remote with the code MDZ-25-DC will suit.