How to run a Xiaomi TV without a remote: all working methods

The loss or breakdown of the remote from Xiaomi Mi TV is a difficult situation, but not critical. The current TVs of this brand (including the Mi TV 4A/4S/4X/5/5X/Q1/Q2 models and the Redmi Smart TV series) provide several alternative ways to enable and control without the original remote. In this article, we will examine all possible methods, from mechanical buttons on the case to remote control via smartphone or PC.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on the model of the TV, its current state (online or not) and the available devices at hand. For example, for Xiaomi TV Stick or Mi Box, one solution will suit, and for full-size Mi TV QLEDs – others. We will look at universal methods that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, and also indicate exceptions for specific models (for example, Mi TV LUX Transparent Edition with touch control).

1. Mechanical buttons on the TV body

The most reliable way to turn on Xiaomi TV without remote control is to use physical buttons located on the bottom or side panel of the case, their number and functionality depend on the model:

• 🔘 Power button — usually highlighted in red or has an icon ⏻. Press it one short press to turn it on/off. Some models (Mi TV 4S 55) require holding 2-3 seconds.
• 📺 Control buttons (Volume ±, Source, Menu) -- let you switch channels, adjust volume, and open menus, often hidden under a removable lid.
• 🔄 Joystick button (on 2020+ models) is a multifunction button that acts as a joystick (click up/down/left/right + select). Example: Mi TV Q1 75.

Where to look for buttons:

• 📍 Under the Mi logo on the bottom frame (most models).
• 📍 On the right side panel (e.g., Redmi Smart TV X55).
• 📍 Under a removable decorative panel (series Mi TV ES).

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi OLED Vision and Mi TV LUX TVs, physical buttons may not be available, in which case use the methods in the following sections.

Find the Power button (⏻) on the TV frame |

Make sure the TV is connected to 220V|

Press the button once (don't hold for more than 5 seconds) |

If not, check the power indicator (should flash or burn red)-->

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

If the mechanical buttons don't work or they don't, the next step is to use the smartphone as a remote. Xiaomi offers two official solutions:

• 📱 Mi Remote app — works with most Mi TV and Redmi TV models, requiring connection to the same Wi-Fi network with the TV.
• 🎛️ Google TV (Android TV Remote) is a universal application for managing Android TV, including Xiaomi. Supports voice input.

Instructions for Mi Remote:

1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network (if the TV is turned off, turn it on with a button on the case).
3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

For Google TV Remote:

1. Install the Android TV Remote app.
2. Launch it and select your Xiaomi TV from the list of devices.
3. Enter the 4-digit code that will appear on the TV screen.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV is completely off (not in standby mode), first turn it on with a button on the case. Apps don't work with devices turned off!

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If the TV doesn’t appear in the device list in Mi Remote, try rebooting your router or using a mobile hotspot for a direct connection.

3.Use of USB-keyboard

Few people know, but Xiaomi TV based on Android TV supports USB keyboard and mouse connection via USB-A or USB-C port (depending on the model), which allows you to fully control the TV without a remote.

How to connect:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the case (if switched off).
2. Connect the keyboard or mouse to the USB- port on your TV.
3. Wait for the driver to automatically configure (10-30 seconds).
4. Use the keys: Esc – back, Enter – choice, Arrows – navigation, Win + D – main screen.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Works even without a Wi-Fi connection.
• 🎮 Allows you to play emulators (e.g., via RetroArch).
• 🖱️ Convenient for text entry (search in YouTube, browser).

⚠️ Warning: On the Mi TV P1 and Mi TV 6 models, you may need to enable support for USB- devices in the developer settings (Settings → About TV → Assembly Number (press 7 times)).

Mechanical buttons on the body |

Application Mi Remote|

USB- keyboard/mouse |

Another way.|

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

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control your TV via a remote from another HDMI connected device (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Box, NVIDIA Shield, gaming console or Blu-ray player). If your Xiaomi TV is connected to such a device, you can:

• 🎮 Use the Mi Box remote or console to turn on the TV.
• 📀 Turn on the TV power button on the remote from the Blu-ray player.
• 🖥️ Control volume and channels via the sound panel (if it supports CEC).

How to turn HDMI-CEC on Xiaomi TV:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the body.
2. Go to Settings → Devices and accessories → HDMI-CEC.
3. Activate the option to Manage HDMI or Simplink (name depends on the model).
4. Connect the device to HDMI and check the work.

List of devices compatible with HDMI-CEC on Xiaomi TV:

• 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box S, Mi Box 4;
• 🎮 PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X;
• 💿 Samsung Blu-ray, LG DVD- players;
• 🔊 Sound panels Xiaomi Mi Soundbar, Sony HT-X8500.

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

For advanced users, there is a method of turning on a TV over a local area network using Wake-on-LAN (WoL) technology.

• 📶 The TV is connected to the router via an Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi does not support WoL).
• 🔌 The router settings have enabled the Wake-on-LAN option.
• 🖥️ You have a PC or smartphone with an app to send Magic Packet.

Instructions:

1. Find out MAC- TV address: Turn on TV with a button on the case. Go to Settings → Network → Network status. Write down MAC- address (example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).

Wake On Lan

Depicus Wake-on-LAN

Magic Packet

For smartphones, applications are suitable:

• 📱 Wake On Lan (Android);
• 🍎 Mocha WOL (iOS).

⚠️ Warning: WoL only works when connected via cable. If the TV is connected over Wi-Fi, this method will not work. Also check if WoL is enabled in the router settings (usually under LAN → Wake-on-LAN).

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Wake-on-LAN is the only way to enable Xiaomi TV remotely, but requires pre-configuration and wired connectivity.

6. Reset settings (if the TV does not respond)

If the TV doesn't turn on either way, there may have been a software failure, and then a hardware reset will help, which will bring the TV back to factory settings, but delete all the apps and accounts installed.

How to reset:

1. Turn off the TV (take the plug out of the socket).
2. Press and hold the Power button on the body (20-30 seconds).
3. Without releasing the button, connect the TV back to the network.
4. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
5. Release the button and the TV will start the reset process.

After discharge:

• The TV will be turned on in the initial setting.
• You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and log into your Xiaomi account (if you have used it).
• All software updates will be saved, but user data will be deleted.

⚠️ Warning: On the Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4C models, it can take up to 5 minutes to reset. Don't turn off power during the process - this will damage the firmware!

7. Alternative solutions (for rare cases)

If none of the above methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔌 Universal remote — buy a Xiaomi TV-enabled remote (e.g., One For All URC 7940). Setup takes 5 minutes.
• 📡 Infrared portable remote – some smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro) have an IR port. Use the Mi Remote app to control.
• 🔧 Service center – if the TV does not respond to buttons and does not turn on, the power supply or motherboard may malfunction.

For owners of Xiaomi TV Stick or Mi Box:

• Use the remote from another Android TV- device (e.g., from the NVIDIA Shield).
• Connect a Bluetooth keyboard (e.g., Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard).

FAQ: Frequent questions