How to restart the remote from the Xiaomi TV: from reset to firmware

Why Xiaomi TV remote may require a restart?

Remote control from Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X/Q1/Q2 And so on, they often become a source of headache, and the buttons go down, the signal goes down, the device doesn't respond to the commands at all. 80% In some cases, the problem is solved by simply restarting the remote, a procedure that many users confuse with resetting or replacing batteries. In fact, rebooting the remote is a set of measures that includes both software and hardware manipulation.

The main symptoms that indicate the need to restart: buttons freeze (for example, the sound continues to increase after one click), lack of response to commands when the indicator is running, spontaneous actions (the TV itself switches channels) or loss of communication after updating the TV firmware. It is important to understand that the Xiaomi remote is not just an IR transmitter, but a smart device with its own firmware, bluetooth module (in new models) and even a motion sensor.

In this article, we’ll look at all the official and hidden ways to restart the Xiaomi TV remote, including those that are not described in the manufacturer’s manual. You’ll learn how to distinguish hardware from software failure, when it’s enough to replace batteries and when you need a full reset. We’ll also reveal the nuances of working with remotes of different generations, from old IR models to modern Mi Remote Controller Pro with voice control.

Method 1: Soft restart (without resetting settings)

This is the most gentle method, and one worth trying first, and it doesn't affect the stored remote settings (like TV binding or custom buttons), but it reboots the software shell, and it's suitable for all Xiaomi remote models, including Mi Remote and Mi TV Stick Remote.

Instructions:

1. Remove the batteries from the remote for 10 to 15 seconds, and it breaks the power circuit and resets the temporary data in memory.
2. Press and hold any button (e.g. OK or Menu) for 5 seconds. This will discharge the residual charge of the capacitors.
3. Put the batteries back in, polarity, and if the remote is equipped with an LED, it should blink once.
4. Press Power and hold it for 3-4 seconds until the TV reacts.

If the remote was running after that, the problem was a temporary microcontroller failure, which helps in 60 percent of cases where static charge buildup or a conflict of commands in the device buffer is the cause of the malfunction.

Make sure the batteries are not discharged (check with a multimeter or replace with new ones)

Free the remote from covers/sticks that can block buttons

Check if there are any physical damage (cracks, dents)

Disable other IR devices in the room (air conditioners, music centers)-->

Method 2: Hard reset (full reset)

If the soft restart didn't work, the next thing to try is a hard reset, which resets all the time data on the remote, including the paired connections to the TV, but doesn't affect the firmware. RF-connection (e.g., Mi) TV Remote Pro or remotes for Mi Box).

Algorithm of action:

1. Remove the batteries.
2. Press the Menu + Back button (or Home + Volume+ for new models) at the same time.
3. Without releasing the buttons, insert the batteries back.
4. Hold the combination for another 10-12 seconds until the LED flashes double (a successful reset signal).
5. Release the buttons and wait until the remote restarts (about 20 seconds).

After a hard reset, the remote will lose its tether to the TV.

1. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Remote → Add remote.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to press and hold Home + Back on the remote for 5 seconds).

Method 3: Reflashing the remote via Mi Home

In rare cases, a remote failure is associated with damage to its internal firmware, which can occur after a failed TV update, power surge or physical impact (such as a fall).For such cases, Xiaomi has provided the ability to flash the remote through the Mi Home app (only for models with Bluetooth).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect the TV and remote to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, go to Devices → Add Devices → TVs and projectors.
4. Choose your TV model and follow the instructions on the screen.
5. When the system offers to update the remote firmware, confirm the action.

It takes 5-7 minutes to update, and don't interrupt it even if the remote stops responding, which is normal, and when it's done, the TV automatically restarts and the remote goes back to factory settings.

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If the Mi Home app doesn’t see the remote, try resetting it to factory settings (see Method 2), then try again, and make sure that the smartphone is enabled with Bluetooth and geolocation (required to find devices).

Method 4: Hardware reset (for power users)

This method is only suitable for collapsible remotes (such as the old Mi TV 3 or Mi Box models), it involves physically shutting down the battery (if soldered) or closing the contacts to completely zero memory.

What you need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver cross (for disassembly of the body).
• 🔋 Multimeter (to check the voltage).
• 🧲 Thin magnet (for resetting the Hall sensor in some models).

Instructions:

1. Carefully disassemble the body of the remote without damaging the latches.
2. Disconnect the board from the battery compartment (if the battery is soldered, it must be soldered off).
3. Find contacts on the board that say RST or RESET (usually located next to the chip).
4. Close them for 2-3 seconds with a screwdriver or tweezers.
5. Collect the remote back and check its operation.

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Hardware reset is a last resort, only if other methods have failed and the remote is not warranty-based, and 90% of the time, the problem is solved by software (Methods 1-3).

Method 5: Alternative methods of TV control

If the remote is finally out of order, and there is no replacement at hand, use alternative ways to control Xiaomi TV:

If you use an alternative method temporarily, don't delay repairing or replacing the remote for long.Prolonged control via a smartphone or voice commands can cause the TV processor to overheat due to constant activity of Bluetooth/Wi-Fi modules.

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In the Mi Remote app, you can create a virtual remote with custom buttons. For example, add direct links to Netflix or YouTube. To do this, go to Settings → Setting up the remote → Add a button.

Diagnostics of malfunctions: when restarting will not help

If none of these things have brought the remote back to life, maybe the problem is deeper, and here are the signs of hardware damage that requires repair or replacement:

• 🔋 The remote does not turn on even after replacing the batteries - a malfunction of the power chain or chips.
• 💧 Visible traces of oxidation on the board or contacts - a consequence of moisture.
• 🔥 Burning or melted elements on the board - short circuit.
• 📡 LED does not blink when pressing buttons - failure of the IR transmitter or Bluetooth module.

In such cases, self-repair is rarely effective. Contact the Xiaomi service center or order the original remote on the official website. The cost of a new remote for Mi TV 4/5 models is ~ 1,500-2,500 rubles, for Mi TV Q1/Q2 - up to 3,500 rubles.

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Before buying a new remote, check that it is compatible with your TV model, for example, the remote from Mi TV 4A will not work for Mi TV Q1 due to different communication protocols.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV remotes