The problem is that the TV doesn’t react to anything.
Are you left without a remote from Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV, and the buttons on the case are either missing (as in the models of Mi TV Q1E or Redmi Smart Fire TV) or not working? The situation seems hopeless, but in fact there are at least 5 proven ways to turn on the TV without traditional controls.
In this article, we will discuss hardware methods (hidden buttons, service connectors), software solutions (mobile applications, voice assistants) and even non-obvious life hacks that are not written about in the official instructions.
Warning: Some methods require an internet connection or another Xiaomi device (smartphone, smartwatch) if you don’t have any of these, go to the hardware methods section.
Method 1: Managing through a mobile application
The fastest and most versatile method is to use the official Mi Remote app (formerly Mi TV Remote), which works even if the TV is turned off, but must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
- Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
- Open the app and click Add Device → TV.
- Choose your Xiaomi TV model (if it’s not on the list, choose Mi TV 4/4A/4C).
- Follow the instructions on the interface screen. If the TV is turned off, hold the Power button in the app for 5-10 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: The app won't work if the TV never connected to Wi-Fi or was reset to factory settings.
If Mi Remote can’t find the TV, try alternative apps:
- 📱 Google TV (pre-Android TV Remote – works with models on Android TV 9.0+.
- 🎮 Unified Remote – supports Bluetooth control (pre-pairing is required).
- 🔄 AnyMote – universal remote with support for IR port (if you have it in your smartphone).
💡
If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch smartwatch, try controlling your TV through the Mi Home app. Some firmware has a Quick Control feature to turn on your TV.
Method 2: Voice assistants (Alice, Google, Siri)
If your Xiaomi TV supports voice control (models with a microphone on the remote or built-in Google Assistant), you can try to turn it on with voice.
- 🔌 The TV is connected to the outlet and is in standby mode (the indicator is on fire or flashing).
- 📶 The device was previously configured via Google Home or Mi Home.
- 🎤 The room has a column with Alice, Google Nest or HomePod.
Commands to be activated:
| Assistant | Team team. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alice (Yandex) | Alice, turn on the TV in the room. | Pre-binding of TV in the Yandex application is required. |
| Google Assistant | Okay, Google, turn on Mi TV. | It only works if the TV is added to Google Home. |
| Siri (Apple) | Hi Siri, turn on the Xiaomi TV | You need to set up via Apple HomeKit (not supported by all models). |
⚠️ Warning: If the TV is completely off (taken out of the socket or the network filter went off), the voice commands will not work.
How to link Xiaomi TV to Google Home?
Method 3: Hidden hardware buttons and service methods
If the software didn't work, it's time to move to hardware. Even Xiaomi TVs with no visible buttons have hidden ways to turn them on.
📺 Models with physical buttons (Mi) TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X)
There's a little Power/Source button on the back or on the bottom of the case.
- 🔘 Tactile (pressed as on a smartphone).
- 🔄 Joystick (turns around to navigate the menu).
- 🕳️ Hidden under a stub (you need to put a screwdriver or nail on it).
🔧 How to find out:
- Look at the bottom of the screen (usually under the Mi logo).
- Check the back panel next to the HDMI or USB connectors.
- Light up the flashlight – the button can be transparent.
View the bottom frame of the screen|Check the back panel near the ports|Put the slacks in the back (if any)|Try to press all suspicious protrusions
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🖥️ Models without buttons (Mi) TV Q1E, Redmi Smart Fire TV)
It is more difficult here, but there are 3 options:
- Service connector - some models have a 3.5 mm port for a service remote (you need to order a special cable).
- Reset button – Reset holding (usually in the hole next to the AV-Input) for 10-15 seconds can turn on the TV.
- USB power – if the TV doesn’t respond to the power button, try to disconnect it from the socket, wait 1 minute, then turn it on again.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the TV for button search if it's warranty! Xiaomi models often use seals and damage to them will void warranty service.
Method 4: Enable via HDMI-CEC (if other devices are connected)
If you have a console (such as a Mi Box), a game console, or a sound bar connected to your Xiaomi TV, you can turn on the TV through them using HDMI-CEC technology. It allows devices to control each other over an HDMI cable.
🔌 How it works:
- Enable a connected device (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Box S or PlayStation).
📌 List of devices that support HDMI-CEC Xiaomi TV:
- 🎮 Game consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X, Nintendo Switch.
⚠️ Attention: If HDMI-CEC If it's disabled in the settings, it won't work. To turn it on later, go to Settings. → HDMI-CEC → Turn it on.
💡
HDMI-CEC is the most reliable way to turn on your TV if you have a console or a console connected, and it works even when the remote is discharged.
Method 5: Hard reset (if nothing helps)
If the TV doesn't respond to anything, the last option is a hardware reset, which will remove all settings, but will return control.
| Model | Resetting method | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4/4A/4C | Hold the Power Button + Volume down 15 seconds. | Reset to factory settings, loss of Wi-Fi and accounts. |
| Redmi Smart TV X | Press Reset (the hole next to the AV) with a paper clip for 10 seconds. | Only reset settings, application data will be saved. |
| Mi TV Q1E | Turn off the power, press the Volume up, plug it into the socket. | Enter recovery mode (requires a remote for navigation). |
⚠️ Warning: After a hard reset, the TV will require reconfiguration, including Wi-Fi connection and login to Xiaomi account. If you don't have a remote, use the mobile app (Section Method 1).
🔧 What to do if the reset does not help?
- 🔌 Check the power supply - possibly a problem in the socket or cable.
- 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is required).
- 🔄 Try to update the firmware through USB (instruction on the official website).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you try to turn on Xiaomi TV without the remote, users often make common mistakes that only complicate the situation.
- Ignoring power indicator: If the light bulb on the TV is not on, the problem is not the remote, but the power (check the socket, the network filter, the cable).
- Use of informal applications: Many "universal remotes" from app stores contain viruses or do not work with Mi TV.
- Hard reset without preparation. If you don't save your Wi-Fi settings and your account, after the reset, the TV won't connect to the Internet, and you'll be left without control.
💡 Tip: If you often lose the remote, set up in advance:
- 📱 Control via smartphone (application Mi Remote).
- 🎤 Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Alice).
- 🔌 HDMI-CEC prefixed.