How to Use a Xiaomi TV Without a Remote: A Complete Guide to 2026

Losing or breaking a remote control from a Xiaomi TV is a bad situation, but not a critical one. Modern Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV support several alternative controls that not everyone knows about. In this article, we will discuss 10 working methods for turning on, configuring and fully using a TV without the original remote control - from hidden mechanical buttons to controlling from a smartphone or voice.

It’s important to understand that the control options depend on the TV model and firmware version. For example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S and Redmi Smart TV X55 have different combinations of buttons on the body, and in new models from 2023 to 2026 (for example, Xiaomi TV A Pro), some of the functions are available only through the application.

Mechanical buttons on the TV body: where to look and how to use

All Xiaomi TVs are equipped with hidden mechanical buttons, even if they are not visible at first glance, and their location depends on the model:

• 📺 Mi TV 4A/4S/4X: buttons are hidden under the Mi logo at the bottom of the frame (click on the logo with effort).
• 📺 Redmi Smart TV X50/X55/X65: power button and joystick are on the back panel on the right (near the connectors) HDMI).
• 📺 Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro (2023–2026): touch button under the screen (touch it for a long time to turn on).

Standard button set:

• 🔘 Power – on/off (hold 3-5 seconds).
• 🔄 Joystick (or touch circle) – navigation on the menu (up/down/left/right) + choice).
• 🏠 Home – Return to the main screen (in some models, Joystick combination) + Power).

To navigate the menu:

1. Press Joystick up/down to select the item.
2. Press Joystick in the center for confirmation.
3. Hold Joystick to the left for 2 seconds.

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If the buttons don’t respond, check if they are locked in the settings. Connect the keyboard via USB and go to Settings → Devices → Button Lock.

2. Control via smartphone: the official Mi Remote app

The most convenient way is to use your smartphone as a remote, and the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) is suitable for this. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the app and select Add Device → TV → Xiaomi.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (the app will automatically find the TV).
4. If the search fails, enter IP-Television address manually (you can find it in Settings) → On TV. → Network status).

The features of the Mi Remote app:

If the app does not find the TV:

• 🔌 Restart router and TV.
• 📶 Make sure both devices are connected to a 2.4GHz network (not all models support 5GHz).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN smartphone.

3. Alternative management applications (if Mi Remote does not work)

If the official app doesn't fit (for example, because of an outdated TV model), try third-party solutions.

• 🤖 Google TV (Android TV Remote – a universal application for all TVs on Android TV. Download: Google Play.
• 🍎 Apple TV Remote – if you have an iPhone but your TV supports AirPlay (relevant to Xiaomi) TV A Pro 2023+).
• 🎮 Unified Remote – supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi control, but requires manual configuration.Download: Google Play.

Setting up Google TV Remote:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select Set up the TV → Xiaomi.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to enter the code from the TV).

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✔ Support for older models (e.g. Mi) TV 3).
• ✔ Additional functions (for example, a keyboard for text input).
• ✔ Working via Bluetooth (if Wi-Fi is turned off).

4. Control via keyboard and mouse over USB

If you have USB-Keyboard or mouse (wired or wireless), they can be connected directly to the TV. This method works on all Xiaomi models with Android TV (starting with Mi TV 4A).

How to connect:

1. Put it in. USB-receiver (for wireless devices) or cable to port USB 2.0 on TV.
2. Wait for the automatic driver installation (10-30 seconds).
3. Use the keys to navigate: Arrows - move through the menu. Enter - choice. Esc - back. Win or Alt + Tab - open the main menu.

Use tips:

• 🖱 For convenience, connect a wireless mouse - it will allow you to move faster through the interface.
• ⌨ To type text (for example, in YouTube), use a keyboard – it is much faster than a virtual keyboard on the screen.
• 🔌 If the device is not detected, try another one. USB-port or reboot the TV.

Connect the device to USB-television-port|

Check the connection indication (LED on mouse/keyboard)|

Restart the TV if the device is not recognized |

Check compatibility (USB 2.0/3.0)

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In Xiaomi models TV A Pro 2026 supports Bluetooth keyboard connection without USB-Receiver – for this go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and perform pairing.

5. Voice control: Google Assistant and Alice

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV support voice control through Google Assistant, and in models for the Russian market (for example, Redmi Smart TV X55) also available Alice from Yandex.

How to activate Google Assistant:

1. Make sure the TV is connected to the internet.
2. Press and hold the microphone button on the remote (if any) or say “OK, Google.”
3. If the microphone is not working, connect an external one (via USB or Bluetooth).

Examples of voice commands:

• 🔊 "Turn on Netflix on Xiaomi TV" — launch.
• 🔊 "Increase volume by 20%" - adjust the sound.
• 🔊 "Find the Lord of the Rings movie – Find content.
• 🔊 "Turn off the TV in 30 minutes – Sleep Timer.

For Alice:

• 🎤 Say, Alice, turn on cartoons on YouTube".
• 🎤 "Alice, set the volume to 15".
• 🎤 "Alice, what is the weather forecast today? (will be displayed on the screen).

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Voice control works only when you are actively connected to the Internet. Models without a built-in microphone (such as the Mi TV 4A) will require an external device with a microphone (such as a smartphone or smart speaker).

6.Use HDMI-CEC to control other remotes

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control the TV using remotes from other devices (for example, from the Xbox console, Blu-ray player or sound panel).

How to turn HDMI-CEC on Xiaomi TV:

1. Go to Settings → Devices and accessories → HDMI-CEC.
2. Activate the HDMI Manage option (some models call it Anynet+ or Simplink).
3. Connect the device to the TV via HDMI.

What functions will be available:

• 🎮 Turning on/off the TV from the console.
• 🔊 Volume control.
• 📺 Switching signal sources (HDMI1, HDMI2 etc.).

The limitations of HDMI-CEC:

• ❌ Navigation on the Android menu is not working TV.
• ❌ Not all models support a full set of commands (depending on the manufacturer of the connected device).

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If HDMI-CEC doesn't work, check the cable -- some cheap cables don't support control signaling. Use certified High-Speed HDMI cables.

7. Reset TV settings without remote control

If you lose the remote and can’t log in to settings (for example, because of a blocked interface), you can perform a hard reset to factory settings, which will delete all data, including installed apps and accounts.

Resetting methods:

• 🔧 Through the buttons on the body: Turn off the TV from the socket. Press the Joystick (or Power) button. + Volume for older models. Connect power without releasing buttons during the 10–15 Release the buttons when the recovery menu appears on the screen. Select Wipe data/factory reset with joystick.

Through ADB (for advanced users)

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.deviceadmin.ResetDeviceActivity

Connect your TV to your computer via USB and use Android Debug Bridge.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The TV will restart and offer to go through the initial setup.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi and install Mi Remote for further management.

Examples of commands for smart speakers:

Limitations:

• ❌ Not all Xiaomi models support Alexa integration (check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website).
• ❌ Content management (e.g., application launch) may require additional customization through IFTTT.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the TV during the upgrade, this can lead to a blink (unable to turn on).If the process is suspended during the file verification phase, wait 10-15 minutes before the forced reboot.