How to turn on Xiaomi console without remote control: all working methods of 2026

Lost remote from Xiaomi Mi Box, Mi TV Stick or another console brand? Don't panic - you can turn on the device even without the original remote control. In this article, we have collected all the current ways, including hidden features of Xiaomi consoles, which are not written in the official instructions.

The main problem is that the screen is locked and you want to connect the remote or you don't react to any manipulation, and we're going to figure out how to get around these limitations with your smartphone, your keyboard, the physical buttons on the case, and even your router. The models are Mi Box S, Mi Box 4, Mi Box. TV Stick (all generations), as well as on consoles under the Xiaomi brand TV Box with Android TV.

If your console doesn’t respond to the power button on the case (which often happens after 2023-2026 updates), there’s a separate section in the article to address this problem, and we’ll also explain how to avoid relocking and configure alternative controls.

1. Enable via physical button on the body

The most obvious but often ignored way is to use a mechanical button on the console itself. TV Stick) it is located on the back or side panel:

• 🔘 Mi Box S/Mi Box 4 – Round button on the side, next to the port HDMI.
• 🔘 Mi Box 3 – a miniature button on the back, next to the power connector.
• ⚠️ Mi TV Stick - no physical button! For this model, go to the following ways.

To turn on the console:

1. Connect the power supply to the outlet (if disconnected).
2. Press and hold the Power button on the case for 3-5 seconds.
3. If the indicator lights up in blue, the console is on, and if it's red, it charges (wait 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On Mi Box S models after upgrading to Android TV 12 buttons may not work the first time. Try pressing them 2-3 times at 1 second interval.

2. Control via smartphone (Mi Remote, Google TV)

If the physical button doesn’t help or doesn’t (like the Mi button) TV Stick, use your smartphone as your remote, and you'll find official apps and third-party solutions:

Method 1: Mi Remote App (for all models)

The official application from Xiaomi works even without connecting to the same network with the console (only Bluetooth is needed):

1. Download Mi Remote (Android) or Mi Home (iOS).
2. Launch the application and select Add Device → Television/Placebox.
3. Find the Xiaomi Mi Box (or your model) in the list.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing over Bluetooth.

If the console is turned off, first turn it on through the button on the case (see section 1), then connect through the application.

Way 2: Google TV / Android TV Remote (for Android consoles) TV)

For Android models TV (For example, Mi Box S will fit the standard application from Google:

• 📱 Install Android TV Remote (Android) or Google Home (iOS).
• 🔍 Make sure your smartphone and console are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🎯 In the application, select your console from the list of devices.

⚠️ Note: If the console has not previously been connected to a Google account, this method will not work.

3. Connection USB-keyboard

Any Xiaomi console supports USB-Input devices are the official function of Android TV. You'll need it:

• 🖱️ USB-mouse or keyboard (wired or with a USB-receiver).
• 🔌 OTG-Adapter (if the console does not have a full-size port) USB-A).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the keyboard / mouse to the console via USB-port OTG-adapter TV Stick).
2. If the console is turned off, turn it on with the button on the case (section 1).
3. After the system is loaded, the mouse cursor or keys of the keyboard should work.
4. Use it for navigation: 🖱️ Mouse: Standard cursor (like on PC). ⌨️ Keyboard: arrows (↑↓←→), Enter, Esc.

If the device is not determined:

• 🔄 Reconnect it to another port.
• 🔌 Try another one. OTG-Adapter (some cheap models are not compatible).
• 🔄 Reload the console with a button on the body.

4. Enable via router (Wake-on-LAN)

A little-known way for advanced users to wake up the console over the LAN, and it works if:

• 📶 The console is connected to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• 🔌 Wake-on-LAN is supported by your model (powered by Mi Box S, Mi Box 4).
• 🔧 In the settings of the router allowed Broadcast traffic.

Instructions:

1. Find out. MAC-console address (printed on a sticker from the bottom or in router settings).
2. Install a WoL app on your smartphone or PC, for example: 📱 Wake On Lan (Android). 💻 Depicus Wake On Lan (Windows).

MAC-address

Magic Packet

If the console fails to respond:

• 🔧 Check if Wake-on-LAN is enabled in router settings (section) LAN → Advanced).
• 🔄 Reconnect the power console (remove the cable for 10 seconds).

wakeonlan XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

(substitute XX on MAC-prefix).-->

5. Resetting to factory settings (if the console is locked)

If the console is on but requires a remote to unlock the screen (for example, after a crash or update), hard reset will help, which will delete all data, but return access to the system.

For models with the Reset button (Mi Box 3, some versions of the Mi Box S):

1. Find the Reset button (usually next to the HDMI-port or inside the opening for AV).
2. Insert the paperclip/toothpick and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
3. The console will restart and start the reset process (the indicator will flash yellow).

For models without the Reset button (Mi Box S, Mi) TV Stick):

1. Put the keyboard on. USB (see section 3).
2. On the lock screen, press Shift. + Esc (simultaneously) 3 times.
3. In the menu that opens, select Factory Reset with the keys.

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, the console will require reconfiguration, including a Wi-Fi connection and login to a Google account. If you forget the account details associated with the device, access to some features will be limited!

6. Alternative remotes and universal solutions

If you need a permanent solution (rather than a one-time switch on), consider alternative remotes:

• 🎮 Game pads with support for Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock 4, connect to Bluetooth and completely replace the remote.
• 📺 Universal remotes (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Or Logitech Harmony, which is customized to an IR port (if any).
• 🔊 Voice assistants: if the console is connected to Google Assistant or Alice, you can control her voice through a speaker or smartphone.

How to connect the gamepad:

1. Turn on the console (through a button or smartphone).
2. Go to Settings → Input Devices → Add an accessory.
3. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad (click the Share button). + PS For DualShock).
4. Select the gamepad from the list of found devices.

For universal remotes, you will need:

• Download the manufacturer’s app (e.g. BroadLink or Logitech Harmony).
• Add the device by code (for Xiaomi Mi Box, code 1234 or 0178 is usually suitable).
• Check the buttons manually (some features may not be supported).

💡

Gamepads and universal remotes are the best solution for permanent use, not only replacing the original remote, but also adding new features (such as voice input or macros).

7. What to do if nothing works?

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Power supply: Try another adapter with similar characteristics (5V/2A most models).
• 🔋 Remote Battery: Even if the remote doesn't work, remove the batteries for 10 minutes - sometimes it resets the lock.
• 🔧 Hardware damage: if the console does not respond to the power button and does not warm up, the motherboard may break.

Extreme measures:

• 🔄 Firmware through USB: if the console is turned on, but not loaded, you can reflash it manually (instructions for specific models look for forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 🛠️ Contact the service: if the warranty is valid, Xiaomi will replace the remote control for free or fix the console.

⚠️ Warning: Self-firmware can lead to a complete loss of warranty and buildup of the device. Use this method only if you are confident in your skills!

FAQ: Frequent questions