How to set up a Xiaomi TV without a remote: the complete guide

Losing or breaking the remote from the Xiaomi TV is a bad situation, but not critical. TV, Redmi Smart TV And other devices of the brand provide alternative ways of controlling, even if you don't have the original remote, and in this article we will discuss all working methods, from using physical buttons on the body to connecting via a smartphone or a smartphone. USB-keyboard.

It’s important to understand that the options for setting up without a remote depend on the TV model and firmware version. For example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S and Redmi Smart TV X have different button locations on the case, and some budget models may not have physical keys at all. We’ll look at universal solutions that work on most devices, as well as niche methods for advanced users.

If you've never set up a TV without a remote, don't worry: it's easier than it looks. The key is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps. Let's start with the obvious: control through buttons on the TV body.

1. Control through buttons on the TV body

All Xiaomi TVs (except some) OEM-models are equipped with physical buttons on the bottom or side panel:

• 🔘 Power button (on/off) – often combined with an indicator
• 📺 Signal source button (Source/Input) — switching between HDMI, USB etc.
• ⚙️ Settings button – calls the menu of parameters
• 🔽/🔼 Navigation buttons (up/down) – to select menu items
• 🖲️ Confirmation button (OK/Select) — optional

On the Mi TV Q1 and later, the buttons can be touch-sensitive (touch-responsive rather than press-responsive) to activate the menu:

1. Press Settings (⚙️) Hold for 3 seconds if the menu does not open with the first touch.
2. Use ↑/↓ to navigate by point.
3. Press OK to confirm the selection.

If the buttons don’t respond, check:

• 🔌 Power connection (the indicator should burn or blink).
• 🧹 Clean contact (dust or fat can block sensors).
• 🔄 Reboot TV: disconnect from the network for 1 minute, then turn it on again.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV P1) The source button may not be there. In this case, to switch the source of the signal, use the Settings combination. → OK → ↓→ OK (path may differ).

2.Use of the smartphone as a remote control

The most convenient way to control is to turn a smartphone (Android or iOS) into a virtual remote.

• 📱 Smartphone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (depending on the TV model).
• 🌐 Connecting your TV and phone to a single Wi-Fi network.
• 📲 Mi Remote Controller (Official from Xiaomi).

Instructions for setting:

1. Download the Mi Remote Controller app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Open the app and allow access to the network and location (necessary for device search).
3. Click Add Device → Select Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the on-screen interface instructions. If you can't find the TV, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, use Bluetooth:

• Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and TV (in the Settings menu → Bluetooth).
• In the Mi Remote app, select Bluetooth connection.
• Confirm the pairing on the TV screen (if you receive a request).

Download Mi Remote Controller|Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network|Turn on Bluetooth on both devices|Allow the application to access the location-->

Alternative applications (if the official one does not work):

• 🔹 Peel Smart Remote supports most Xiaomi models.
• 🔹 Yatse: Remote Control – Extended Features for Android.
• 🔹 Unified Remote – works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On PatchWall firmware TVs (e.g. Mi) TV 4X) You may need additional authorization through your Xiaomi account. If you get an error when connecting, "Device is not supported", update your TV firmware through your Xiaomi account. USB (instruction).

3. Connection USB-keyboard

Few people know, but Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV support USB-Input devices: keyboards, mice, even gamepads, which allows you to fully control the TV without a remote control, any wired or wireless will do. USB-keyboard.

How to connect:

1. Insert the keyboard or mouse into USB-TV port (usually located on the side or back).
2. Wait for the automatic driver installation (10-30 seconds).
3. Use the arrow keys (↑↓←→) for navigation, Enter for confirmation, Esc for return.

Compatible devices:

If the keyboard is not working:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-In some models, only one port supports the port. HID-device).
• 🔄 Reboot the TV with a keyboard connected.
• 📋 Check compatibility: Some game keyboards (such as backlits) may not be recognized.

💡

If you don't. USB-Keyboard, but there is a laptop, connect it to the TV through HDMI Use your laptop as a remote control using apps like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop.

4. Control via HDMI-CEC (if another device is connected)

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control your TV through a remote from a connected device: a console (such as the Xiaomi Mi Box), a gaming console or a Blu-ray player. If your TV is connected to such a device, you can use its remote for basic functions.

How to turn HDMI-CEC on Xiaomi TV:

1. Go to the TV settings menu using the buttons on the case (section 1).
2. Select Settings → Devices and accessories → HDMI-CEC.
3. Activate the Control option via HDMI or Anynet+ (the name may vary).
4. Confirm the settings are maintained.

After activation, you will be able to:

• 📺 Turn on / off the TV console.
• 🔊 Adjust volume.
• 🔀 Switch signal sources (HDMI-port).

The limitations of HDMI-CEC:

• ❌ It doesn’t work with some budget models (e.g. Redmi Smart). TV A Series).
• ❌ Not all remote features are available (e.g., image customization).
• ❌ Requires a compatible connected device (not all consoles support) CEC).

5. Resetting to factory settings (if other methods don’t work)

If the Xiaomi TV doesn’t respond to buttons, doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi and doesn’t recognize USB-The last option is factory reset, which will bring the TV back out of the box, but delete all the stored data (accounts, network settings, installed apps).

How to reset:

1. Turn off the TV (remove the plug from the socket).
2. Press and hold the Source button (or Menu if Source is not available) on the case.
3. Without releasing the button, connect the TV to the network.
4. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears on the screen.
5. In the menu, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset using the navigation buttons and confirm the choice.

After the reset, the TV will automatically restart and start the initial setup wizard, at which point you can connect to Wi-Fi and use your smartphone as a remote (Section 2).

If the recovery menu does not appear:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (on some models, the reset only works when connected to a specific port).
• 🔄 Repeat the process by holding the Source button. + OK simultaneously.
• 📋 Check that the TV is not connected to the signal source (disconnect all the devices). HDMI-cable).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV ES And the newer reset through the buttons can be blocked, in which case you need firmware through the buttons. USB (instructions below) or contacting a service centre.

6. TV firmware via USB (for advanced users)

If the TV doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, flashing may be necessary, a method suitable for experienced users, as improper actions can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Internet access.
• 🔗 USB-drive (flash drive) up to 8 GB, formatted in FAT32.
• 📄 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi Support website).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware archive and unpack it. The firmware file should have the.zip or.pkg extension.
2. Copy the firmware file into the root drive directory (not the folder!). Rename it to update.zip.
3. Turn off the TV from the network, insert the flash drive into the USB-port.
4. Press and hold the Source + OK button on the TV case.
5. Connect the TV to the network without releasing the buttons. In 5-10 seconds, the update process will begin.
6. Wait until the end (TV will reboot automatically).

If the firmware does not start:

• 🔍 Check the name of the file: it should be update.zip (register!).
• 📁 Make sure the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 (not NTFS exFAT).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port or flash drive (some TV models don’t read drives larger than 32 GB).

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USB firmware is the last resort, and if the TV turns on and responds to buttons, try other methods first (smartphone, keyboard, HDMI-CEC).

FAQ: Frequent questions