How to use a Xiaomi TV without a remote: the complete guide

Losing or breaking a remote from a Xiaomi TV is a frustrating but not critical situation. Current Mi TV models (including the Mi TV 4A/4S/4X/5/5 Pro/Q1/Q2) support several alternative controls that not everyone knows about. In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods for turning on, configuring and fully controlling a TV without a physical remote, from standard buttons on the body to voice control and hidden service functions.

It is important to understand that the control options depend on the model and version of the firmware. For example, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (set-top box) requires a mandatory remote for initial configuration, while full-fledged Mi TV Q1 75" or Mi TV 5 Pro have advanced options. We will focus on the unique features of the firmware MIUI TV 3.0+, which allows you to do without the remote even for complex operations such as resets or software updates.

1. Control through buttons on the TV body

All Xiaomi TVs (except for the ultra-thin Mi TV LUX models) feature physical buttons that duplicate the core functions of the remote, usually located on the bottom or back of the brand logo.

• 🔘 Power button – on/off (sometimes combined with indicator)
• 📺 Input/Source — switching (HDMI, USB, TV)
• 🔽🔼 Volume buttons - adjusting the sound (±)
• 🔄 Confirmation button (OK) — menu item
• ↩️ Back/Return — return

On the Mi TV 4S 55" and later, the buttons are often touch-sensitive (respond to touch rather than pressing).

1. Press Input/Source and hold for 3 seconds, the source selection panel will open.
2. Use Volume ± to navigate the list (HDMI1, HDMI2, TV, etc.).
3. Press OK to confirm the selection.

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If the buttons don’t respond, check to connect the TV to the outlet without filters/extensioners – some models lock the panel at low voltage.

Method limitation: Physical buttons can’t open System Settings or install applications, and alternative methods will be required (see the following sections).

2. Control from a smartphone through the Mi Remote app

The official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) converts the smartphone into a full-fledged remote control for Xiaomi TVs. The application supports not only basic functions (channel switching, volume control), but also access to Settings, PatchWall (launcher Xiaomi), as well as management of smart devices of the Mi Home ecosystem.

Instructions for connection:

1. Download Mi Remote for Android or iOS.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your TV (depending on the model).
3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair (entry may be required) PIN-TV-code).

Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network | Turn on Bluetooth on your TV (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth) | Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version | Allow the app to access location (required for Bluetooth)

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Advantages of the method:

• 🎮 Full access to all remote features, including Voice Search and Quick Settings.
• 🔄 The ability to control multiple Xiaomi devices (such as a TV) + The soundbar of Mi Soundbar).
• 📱 Synchronization with Mi Account – settings are saved when changing your smartphone.

If the app does not find the TV:

⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 5 and later, before connecting via Mi Remote, you need to activate the Network Management option in the Settings menu → System system → Control of the device. Without it, the TV will be invisible to the smartphone.

3. Voice control via Google Assistant or Alice

Xiaomi Android TVs (Mi TV Q1/Q2 series, Mi TV 5 Pro) support the built-in Google Assistant voice assistant, as well as integration with Alice from Yandex. This allows you to control TV without a remote, using only voice commands.

Activation of Google Assistant:

1. Make sure the TV is connected to the internet.
2. Press and hold the Microphone button on the remote (or activate via Settings → Voice Search).
3. Say a command such as: "Turn on Netflix on TV", "Current volume to 50%", "Switch to HDMI 1"

To manage through Alice:

• 🎤 Connect the TV to the account Yandex through the application Alice on the smartphone.
• 🔗 Use commands like, "Alice, turn on Mi." TV Alice, put cartoons on the TV in the living room"

Limitations:

• ❌ It doesn’t work on models without Android TV (Like Mi. TV 4A PatchWall).
• ❌ Requires a permanent connection to the Internet.
• ❌ Not all commands are supported in Russian (for example, setting up a color profile).

4. Use of universal remotes or IR transmitters

If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use a universal remote (such as the Xiaomi Mi Universal Remote or BroadLink RM4 Pro) or an Arduino/ESP8266-based IR transmitter. These devices mimic the signals of the original Xiaomi remote.

Configuring the universal remote:

1. Enable the learning mode on the universal remote (usually the Learn or Set button).
2. Point the original Xiaomi remote (if any) to the universal remote receiver and press the button you want to program (e.g., Power).
3. Repeat for all the buttons you need (Volume+, Home, OK, etc.).

For BroadLink RM4 Pro:

• 📱 Install e-Control or BroadLink Manager.
• 🔍 Add Xiaomi TV from the device base (select the model manually).
• 🎛️ Set up a virtual remote in the application.

If you use Home Assistant or Yandex Smart Home, you can configure your TV management through these platforms using Xiaomi Miio or BroadLink plugins.

5. Connect the keyboard or mouse via USB/Bluetooth

Xiaomi’s Android TVs support the connection of peripherals, such as keyboards, mice or gamepads, allowing you to control the interface in the same way as on a computer – useful for typing text (for example, when searching on YouTube) or navigating menus.

How to connect:

• 🖱️ USB-Mouse/keyboard: Connect to the port USB-A Drivers will be set up automatically.
• 📶 Bluetooth devices: Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth (via buttons on the case or Mi Remote). Activate search mode on the TV. Enable keyboard/mouse pairing.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Quick text input (for example, to log in to a Netflix account).
• 🎮 Easy navigation on the menu (especially on large Mi screens) TV Q1 75").
• 🔧 Possibility of use ADB-commands for advanced settings (see the next section).

Now you can:

• 📺 Turn on/off the TV from the console.
• 🔊 Adjust the volume through the sound panel.
• 🎮 Use the gamepad to navigate the Android menu TV.