How to unlock the remote from Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions for all models

Xiaomi TV’s remote control can get locked for a variety of reasons, from accidentally pressing a button combination to software failures after a firmware update. Unlike smartphones, where unlocking the screen is a common procedure, remotes are rarely encountered by users, so they do not know how to act. This problem is especially relevant for owners of Mi TV 4S/5X/6/7, Redmi Smart TV and Xiaomi TV A Pro models, where remotes are equipped with additional features (voice search, fast buttons for services).

In most cases, the remote lock is a protective measure, not a breakdown. The manufacturer has envisaged several ways to unlock, but they depend on the cause of the failure. For example, if the remote stopped responding after a fall, the problem may be mechanical damage to the infrared transmitter. And if the lock occurred after the TV update, the software is to blame. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of unlocking, including hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.

Reasons for blocking the Xiaomi TV remote

Before you start unlocking, it's important to understand why the remote stopped working, which will help you choose the right method and avoid repeated failures.

• 🔄 Failure to sync with the TV after updating the firmware or resetting settings.
• 🔋 Battery discharge to critical level (even if the indicator does not flash).
• 🔒 Activate the child mode by accidentally pressing a combination of buttons (for example, Menu) + Mute).
• 📱 Conflict with other Bluetooth devices (if the remote is wireless).
• 💥 Mechanical damage: fall, hitting liquid, wear of buttons.

Most often, blocking occurs after automatic software updates on the TV. For example, Mi TV firmware versions 2.1.5+ changed the protocol of communication with the remotes, which may require re-association. If the remote stopped working immediately after the update, first try to restart the TV (unplug for 30 seconds), and then perform the sync again.

Another common situation is locking because of child mode, and many users accidentally activate it by pressing button combinations while cleaning or playing with children, in which case the lock icon usually appears on the TV screen, but if the remote is completely locked, the message may not appear.

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If the remote does not respond to pressing, but the indicator flashes when you press any button - the problem is most likely in sync with the TV, not in locking.

Method 1: Unlocking through a button combination

The fastest method is to use service combinations that reset temporary locks, which work on most Xiaomi and Redmi consoles released after 2018. Importantly, the method is not suitable for remotes with mechanical damage or a fully discharged battery.

Instructions:

1. Take the remote control and point it to the TV (distance is no more than 1 meter).
2. Press the Menu (or Home) and Mute buttons for 5-7 seconds at the same time.
3. Release the buttons when the indicator on the remote flashes twice.
4. Press the Power button – if the TV reacts, the lock is removed.

If the combination does not work, try an alternative:

• 🔄 Hold back. + Volume Down for 10 seconds.
• 🔄 Hold on Home. + Volume Up for 8 seconds (for voice control).

On some models (such as Mi TV 7) after successful unlocking, you may need to re-bind the remote via the TV menu. Go to Settings → Devices → Remotes → Add remote.

Method 2: Reset the remote through hardware buttons

If the software methods didn’t work, you can perform a hardware reset, which is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi Mi Remote and Redmi Smart TV Remote, which will return the remote to the factory settings, but will not affect the binding to the TV (it will have to be reconfigured).

Step-by-step:

Make sure that the remote has a charged battery.

Find a small hole that says "Reset" on the back.

Prepare a paperclip or toothpick to press the button

Turn off the TV while you reset.-->

1. Turn over the remote and find a small hole on the back that says Reset (usually next to the battery compartment).
2. Take a straightened paperclip or a toothpick and press a button inside the hole. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds.
3. The indicator on the remote should flash red 3 times - this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Insert the battery back (if removed) and try to re-attach the remote to the TV.

Once reset, the remote will be in device search mode to link it:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. Go to Settings → Devices → Remotes → Add a remote.
3. Press the Home + Back remote at the same time – the TV should detect the device.

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Hardware reset removes all user remote settings (such as assigned hotkeys), but does not affect the performance of the TV.

Method 3: Unlocking through the Mi Remote app

If the physical remote is locked but you have a smartphone, you can use the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS), which allows you to control your TV via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, as well as unlock the main remote.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the app and select the device type – TV → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for synchronization.
5. After connecting, go to the Remote Settings section and select Unlock the Remote.

If the app does not find the TV:

• 🔌 Check that the TV and smartphone are connected to the same network (not via mobile Internet!).
• 🔄 Reboot the TV with a button on the body.
• 📱 In the settings of the TV, turn on the option Remote control (Settings) → Communications and networks → Remote control).

Note: On TVs with firmware older than 2021, it may be necessary to manually add the device via a new device. IP-Find out the address. IP TV can be accessed from the menu settings → On TV. → Network.

Method 4: Update the remote firmware

In rare cases, the lock is associated with outdated remote firmware, especially if you have not updated the TV in a long time. The manufacturer periodically releases patches to correct synchronization errors. You can update the remote firmware only through the TV.

How to check and update:

1. Connect your TV to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Go to Settings → About TV → Software Update.
3. If an update is available, install it.
4. After updating the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Remotes → Update the remote.

If the Refreshment option is not available:

• 🔌 Try resetting the remote to factory settings (see Method 2).
• 🔄 Turn off the TV for 1 minute, then try again.
• 📥 Install the update manually through USB (guideline).

For manual updates:

1. Download the latest firmware for your TV model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the flash drive (FAT32 format).
3. Insert the flash drive into the TV and go to Settings → About TV → Update via USB.

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If the remote still doesn’t work after the update, try rolling back the TV firmware to the previous version. To do this, download the old firmware and install it via USB (see instructions above).

Method 5: Unlocking through the TV service menu

If the remote is locked due to a failure in the settings of the TV (for example, activated child mode or enabled lock devices), you can reset the restrictions through the service menu. This method requires caution, as improper actions can lead to resetting all settings.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body (usually located on the side or back).
2. On the standard remote (or through the Mi Remote app) click sequentially: Settings → All settings → General → Reset and administrator → Reset settings
3. Select Reset to factory settings (does not remove apps, only settings).
4. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code (default: 0000 or 1234).

If the service menu is not available:

• 🔧 Try an alternative path: Settings → The device → Additionally. → Reset.
• 🔄 Turn off the TV for 5 minutes, then try again.
• 📱 Use the Mi Remote app to access the menu (see Method 3).

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks, accounts and personal data, and after the procedure you will have to reconfigure the TV, including the remote link.

What to do if nothing helps

If all of these things don't work, the problem may be a hardware malfunction on the remote or the TV.

• 🔍 Check the remote on another TV (if possible). If it works, yours is the problem. TV.
• 🔋 Replace the battery with a new one (even if the old one seems to work). CR2032 or AAA model-wise.
• 📡 Check the IR port of your TV: point your smartphone camera at the remote receiver and press any button. If you see flashing on your smartphone screen, the port is running.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center if the remote is physically damaged (cracks, dents, traces of oxidation).

If the remote is permanently out of order, it can be replaced. The original remotes for Xiaomi TV cost from 1,000 to 2,500 rubles depending on the model. The alternative is universal remotes with support for Xiaomi, for example, BroadLink RM4 or Xiaomi Mi Remote Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: When buying a new remote, make sure it is compatible with your TV model. TV 4S Not suitable for Redmi Smart TV X due to different communication protocols.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Xiaomi TV remote