How to connect to a Xiaomi TV without a remote: all ways to control

Why Xiaomi TV can be controlled without remote control and when it will come in handy

The situation when the remote from Xiaomi Mi TV is lost, breaks down or discharged at the most inopportune moment, is familiar to many. Fortunately, modern smart TVs of this brand support several alternative ways of control — from built-in mechanical buttons to remote control from a smartphone, you do not have to rush to the store for a new remote control or call the wizard.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of connecting to Xiaomi. TV without the original remote, including hidden features that are not mentioned in the official instructions, for example, did you know that some models support control through the control system? USB-Keyboard or gamepad? And if the TV is getting stuck and doesn't respond to commands, it's going to help to crash reboot through the service menu.

The material will be useful to owners of any series: from the budget Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4S to the flagship Xiaomi TV Q2 and Xiaomi OLED Vision. All methods are tested on the firmware MIUI TV 2.0 and later.

Method 1: Control through buttons on the TV body

The most reliable, but least convenient, method is to use physical buttons on the back or side of the TV, which are even on the newest models, although the manufacturer carefully hides them.

• 🔘 Power button (on/off)
• 📺 Signal source button (switching between the HDMI, AV, TV)
• 🔽 Joystick or touch keys (navigation on the menu)
• 🏠 Home button (return to the main screen)

On Xiaomi TV A Pro and Xiaomi TV Q1E, the buttons are hidden under a removable lid on the back. To detect them, look at the TV from the side, look for small indentations or icons. For example, on the Mi TV 4X, the joystick is located under the brand logo.

Find the power button and hold it for 3 seconds to turn it on|Use the joystick to navigate the menu (up/down/left/right)|Press the Home button to return to the home screen|To select the option, press the joystick in the center (analogue of the button"OK")-->

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi TVs, buttons are blocked after 5 failed password attempts (if a child lock is installed.

Method 2: Connect via smartphone (Mi Remote or third-party applications)

If you have an Android or iOS smartphone, you can turn it into a full-fledged remote for Xiaomi TV.

• 📱 Official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iPhone)
• 🌐 Universal remotes such as Yatse or Unified Remote
• 🔄 Google's function TV Apple TV Remote (for Android models) TV 10+)

The easiest option is Mi Remote. Download it from Google Play or the App Store, then:

1. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Launch the app and select Add Device → TV → Xiaomi.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair (entry may be required) PIN-TV-code).

If the TV is not detected, check:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi Direct is enabled in the settings TV (Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Do the firmware versions match (some models require an update to the MIUI TV 3.0+).
• 📶 Are there any interference from other devices (such as microwaves or wireless headphones).

Method 3: Using HDMI-CEC (control via remote control from another technique)

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control multiple devices through a single remote. If your Xiaomi TV is connected to a receiver, game console (Xbox, PlayStation), or sound bar via HDMI, you can use their remotes for basic control.

To activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Devices and accessories → HDMI-CEC.
2. Enable HDMI Management (some models call it Anynet+ or Bravia Sync).
3. Confirm the pairing with another device.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs TV P1 Xiaomi TV ES function HDMI-CEC It can interfere with Google Assistant. If the voice assistant stops working, turn it off. CEC or update the firmware.

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If the console does not control the TV, try reconnecting HDMI-cable to another port, some Xiaomi models support CEC port-only ARC eARC.

Method 4: Connection USB-keyboard

Few people know, but Xiaomi TV based on Android TV supports the connection of peripherals via USB or Bluetooth, it allows you to control the TV as a computer — with a keyboard and mouse, will fit any wired or wireless keyboard with USB-A or Bluetooth 4.0+ interface.

Instructions for connection:

1. Put it in. USB-Receiver (for wireless keyboard) or connect the device directly to the port USB TV-wise.
2. If you use Bluetooth, go to Settings → Devices and Accessories → Bluetooth and select the keyboard from the list.
3. Use keys to navigate. ↑↓←→, And for selection, Enter.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Quick text input (comfortable for search on YouTube or browser).
• 🎮 Support for gamepads (e.g. Xbox Controller or DualShock 4).
• 🖱️ Ability to connect mouse to accurately control cursor.

On Xiaomi TV models with Amlogic T972 processor (e.g. Mi TV 4A 32), you may need to manually activate USB HID mode via the engineering menu (code ##3646633##).

Method 5: Voice control via Google Assistant or Alice

If your Xiaomi TV supports Google Assistant or Yandex Alice, you can control it without a remote.

1. Make sure the TV is connected to the internet.
2. Activate the voice assistant with a button on the remote (if it still works) or say “OK, Google” / “Alice” from the connected smartphone.
3. Use commands such as: "Switch on TV", "Open Netflix on Xiaomi TV", "Revolve volume to 50%" "Switch to HDMI 1"

List of supported voice commands for Xiaomi TV:

⚠️ Warning: Voice control only works on TVs with MediaTek processor MT9650 and newer (e.g. Xiaomi) TV Q2 75" or Xiaomi" TV A2 On budget models (Mi) TV 4A) This function can be disabled by the manufacturer.

Method 6: Emergency reset and login to service menu

If the TV is frozen, doesn't respond to commands, or you want to reset to factory settings, you can use the service menu, which is an extreme method, but it works even without the remote.

Instructions for rigid discharge:

1. Turn off the TV (take the plug out of the socket).
2. Press the power button on the case and, without letting it go, connect the power back.
3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo or recovery menu appears.
4. From the menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all installed apps, accounts and settings. After the procedure, the TV will require reconfiguration, including Wi-Fi connection and Mi Account login.

If you need to log into the engineering menu (for example, for screen calibration or port testing), use the combination:

On the remote (if any): Press consistently:


Menu → 1 → 3 → 7 → 9 → Menu





No remote: Connect USB- keyboard and press:




Ctrl + Alt + S

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you control Xiaomi TV without a remote, you can have errors.

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If neither of these things worked, check if the child lock or hotel mode is activated, and these features block alternative controls, and you may need to use the original remote control or call a service center to disable them.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions