How to control a Xiaomi TV without a remote: a complete guide with 7 proven methods

Why you can not do without a remote control - and how to do

Xiaomi Mi TV remote is not just an accessory, but the key to fully managing a smart TV. Without it, you lose access to the settings menu, channel switching, volume control, and even basic features like on/off. But what if the remote is lost, broken or batteries are dead and there is no spare one at hand?

Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several alternative controls, from hidden buttons on the body to mobile apps and voice assistants. In this article, we will examine all working methods, including little-known tricks for the Mi TV 4A/4S/4X/5 Pro and newer series, you will learn how to do without a remote not only for basic actions, but also for complex settings, such as connecting to Wi-Fi or resetting to factory settings.

Importantly, not all of these are universal. For example, Mi TV Sticks or portable models require a different approach than full-size TVs, and we'll be highlighting these in each section.

1. Control through buttons on the TV body

The most reliable, but limited, way is to use physical buttons that are on most Xiaomi models, which are usually located on the bottom or back of the brand logo.

• 🔘 Power button (on/off) – often combined with an indicator;
• 📺 Signal source button (Input/Source) — switching between HDMI, USB, TV;
• 🔽 Joystick or touch keys (up/down/ok) – to navigate the menu;
• 🔄 Reset button – hidden in the hole, requires a paper clip.

For example, on the Mi TV 4S 55, the joystick lets you navigate through menus, select items and confirm actions, but on the Mi TV Stick, there are no buttons at all, only an app or voice will help.

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If the buttons don't respond, check if they're locked in the security settings. On some models, after 3 failed attempts to enter the password, the physical keys are turned off.

⚠️ Attention: On Android models TV 10+ (Like Mi. TV Q1) The buttons on the body may not work in standby mode. First turn on the TV with the power button, then use the joystick.

2.Mi Remote mobile application (official decision)

Xiaomi's Mi Remote app is a virtual remote that replicates all the functions of the physical, and it works via Infrared Port (IR) or Wi-Fi (for Android TV models) and is free to download:

• 📱 Google Play for Android;
• 🍎 App Store for iOS.

Instructions for connection:

1. Make sure that the TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (for models with Android TV).
2. Open the app and select Add Device → TV → Xiaomi.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. IR-Connect to your smartphone on your TV (like a regular remote control).
4. If you want a password, try the standard combinations: 0000, 1234, or 1111.

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as TV

Allow the application to access the location

Update Mi Remote to the latest version-->

On PatchWall models (such as the Mi TV 5 Pro), the app allows you to control not only basic functions, but also run applications, adjust sound through a uniform equalizer and even turn on game mode.

⚠️ Note: If the TV is not on the list of supported devices, try to choose a model closer to the series. TV A Pro 2022 will fit the Mi profile TV 4A 2020.

3. Universal remotes and applications from third-party developers

If the official app doesn’t fit (for example, you have an older version of Redmi Smart TV), you can use alternatives:

• 🎮 Unified Remote – supports control over Wi-Fi, has customizable panels;
• 🖱️ TV SideView (Sony) – despite the brand, works with Xiaomi through DLNA;
• 📱 AnyMote Universal Remote – Supports IR Wi-Fi, there are templates for Xiaomi;
• 💻 TeamViewer QuickSupport – for remote control via PC (requires pre-configuration).

To connect via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router):

1. On the TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Turn on the mode and remember the network name (e.g. Xiaomi-TV-1234).
3. On your smartphone, connect to this network (password is usually not required).
4. Launch the remote app and select Wi-Fi Direct mode.

Critical information: On models with Android TV 9 and below (e.g. Mi TV 4A 2018), third-party apps may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case only official software or physical buttons will help.

4. Manage via Google Assistant or Alice

Voice assistants are a convenient way to control your TV without a remote, especially if you have a smart speaker (Yandex Station, Google Nest) or a smartphone with voice commands. Xiaomi TV is compatible with:

• 🎤 Google Assistant – works on all Android models TV;
• 🗣️ Alice from Yandex – requires pre-binding in the Yandex application;
• 🤖 XiaoAI – Xiaomi’s corporate assistant (works only on Chinese firmware).

Instructions for Google Assistant:

1. Make sure your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone or speaker.
2. Download the Google Home app and add the TV as a new device.
3. Activate the voice assistant with the phrase: “OK, Google, turn on Xiaomi TV.”
4. Supported commands: “Change volume on Xiaomi TV by 20%” – “Open Netflix on TV” – “Switch off Xiaomi TV in 30 minutes”

For Alice:

1. Open the Yandex app on your smartphone and go to Devices → Add.
2. Choose a TV. → Xiaomi and follow the instructions.
3. After tying, use the commands: "Alice, turn on the first channel on the TV" - "Alice, put the movie "Lord of the Rings" on Xiaomi TV"

Google Assistant

Alice from Yandex

Siri

XiaoAI by Xiaomi

I don't use voice assistants.-->

⚠️ Note: On models with Chinese firmware (Mi) TV ES) Voice commands can only work in Chinese, and Russification will require a global firmware update.

5. Connect the keyboard and mouse via USB or Bluetooth

If you have USB-You can connect them directly to the TV, you can connect them to all the settings, just like you're using a computer:

• 🖱️ USB-The port is supported by most Xiaomi models USB HID (Mouse/keyboard without drivers);
• 📶 Bluetooth – for wireless devices (pre-sparing is required in the TV menu);
• 🎮 USB-Hub – if there are not enough ports (for example, to connect the hard drive and mouse at the same time).

Instructions for Bluetooth devices:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the search mode and select your keyboard/mouse from the list.
3. Confirm sparring (you may need to enter 0000 or 1234).
4. After connecting, the mouse cursor will appear on the screen, and the keyboard will allow you to enter text and manage the menu.

Use tips:

• 🔍 To navigate PatchWall, it is more convenient to use a mouse with a wheel;
• ⌨️ Hot keys: — F1/F2: volume-control — F3: Switching sources – Esc: return to the previous menu (⊞): opening
• 🎯 For games (for example, in emulators) connect the gamepad Xiaomi Game Controller.

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USB-Keyboard is the only way to enter a complex password from Wi-Fi or Mi Account if the remote is not available and the on-screen keyboard is uncomfortable.

6. Control via HDMI-CEC (if another device is connected)

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control the TV through the remote from connected devices - for example, Xiaomi Mi Box, NVIDIA Shield consoles or even some Sony PlayStation models.

1. Connect the device to the TV through HDMI-port (preferably with support) CEC).
2. In the TV settings, turn on CEC: Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable (on some models, the option is called AnyNet+ or SimpLink).
3. Use the remote from the connected device to control the TV (volume, on/off, switching sources).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all TV features will be available (e.g., image settings);
• ❌ It only works when active. HDMI-signal;
• ❌ Some Xiaomi models CEC defaulted.

If the CEC is not working:

1. Check if yours is supported. HDMI-cable CEC-Signals (cheap cables may not have this function).
2. Update the firmware of the TV and connected device.
3. Reset HDMI-CEC settings to factory settings (Settings → System → HDMI Reset).

7. reset to factory settings (if nothing helps)

If you lose the remote and you can't connect to the TV in any way, you'll have a hardware reset, which will bring back all the settings to the factory, including Wi-Fi passwords and associated accounts, and importantly, after the reset, the TV will require you to reset it, just like after you bought it.

Resetting methods:

• 🔧 Using the Reset button: Find a small hole on the back of the TV that says Reset, insert a paper clip or toothpick into it, and hold it for 10-15 seconds.
• 📱 Through the menu (if available): Settings → System system → Reset → Reset to factory settings