Lost the remote from the Xiaomi TV? all ways to control without it

Losing or breaking the remote control of a Xiaomi Mi TV is a bad situation, but it is not a hopeless one. Modern smart TVs of this brand support several alternative ways of control, which are not known to all users. Even if you do not have a spare remote, you can turn on the TV, switch channels and adjust settings through a smartphone, computer or hidden physical buttons.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods - from official solutions (the Mi Remote app) to little-known life hacks (management through the use of a computer). HDMI-CEC We'll focus on the Mi models. TV 4A/4S/4X/5/5X Redmi Smart TV, Because they have nuanced interfaces, and if your TV doesn't respond to commands at all, at the end of the article, there's a section on hardware resets through service menus.

Before you buy a new remote, check all the options offered: you may even like to control TV from your smartphone or voice! and if the remote is simply “lost” in the couch, use the search tip in the last section.

1.Management through the official Mi Remote app

The most reliable and versatile way is to use the Mi Remote app (formerly Mi TV Remote), which works with all Xiaomi TVs starting in 2018 and allows you not only to switch channels, but also to open applications, adjust volume, and turn on / off TV via Wake-on-LAN (if the TV is connected to the router).

To set up the application:

• 📱 Install Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔄 Turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your TV (depending on the model).
• 🔍 In the application, select "Add device» → «Television» → «Xiaomi and follow the instructions.
• 🔑 For some models (Mi) TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X) will need to be entered PIN-code that is displayed on the TV screen.

Install the app on your smartphone | Connect TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network | Select a TV model in Mi Remote| Confirm the pairing on the TV screen (if required) | Check the main buttons (volume, channels)

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An important nuance: if the TV is turned off, the app will not be able to turn it on unless the Wake-on-LAN function has been activated in the network settings before, in which case you should use the physical buttons (section 3) or HDMI-CEC (section 4).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware older than 2020 (Mi) TV 4A 32", Mi TV 4S 55") Mi Remote may not support voice search. This feature requires you to update the software to the latest version.

2. Alternative management applications

If Mi Remote is not suitable (for example, due to outdated TV model or pairing problems), try universal applications. They work on the IR protocol (Infrared Port) or over Wi-Fi, but require additional settings.

Best options:

• 🌍 Google TV (pre-Android TV Remote – Google’s official Android TV app TV (including Xiaomi. Supports voice input and gestures.
• 🎛️ Yatse: Remote for Android TV — Extended remote with support for widgets and automatic scripts (for example, turn on TV on schedule).
• 🔄 Unified Remote is a universal solution for controlling over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. TV Google Play Services.

To operate these applications:

1. Make sure that your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. In the TV settings, activate the Remote Control option (path: Settings → Device → Remote Access).
3. In the app, select “Add device” → “Android TV” and follow the prompts.

The advantage of universal apps is that they often support customization of buttons (for example, you can add fast access to Netflix or YouTube).However, for Xiaomi models until 2019 (Mi). TV 4A) You may need to manually enter IP-TV address.

Smartphone (app)| Voice assistant (Alice, Google)| Physical buttons on the device | Other device (laptop, tablet) | I can't control without a remote control

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3. Physical buttons on Xiaomi TV

All Xiaomi TVs (including Redmi Smart TVs) feature hidden physical buttons that duplicate the core functions of the remote, located on the right or bottom panel of the case and can be almost invisible (sometimes hidden under a plug).

Typical button layout (left to right):

• 🔘 Power button (on/off) – usually highlighted in red or has an icon ⏻.
• 🔽 Volume buttons (±) — adjust the sound with a short press, a long press opens the menu.
• 📺 Source button (INPUT/SOURCE) — switch between HDMI, AV and TV.
• 🖱️ Joystick/D-pad (Newer models only – used to navigate menus (up/down/left/right) + confirmation).

How to turn on the TV without remote control:

1. Find the power button (⏻) On the body, on the Mi models. TV 5 and newer, it can be sensory.
2. Press and hold it for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. To navigate the menu, use the volume buttons (±) to move and the SOURCE button to select.

Limitations: Physical buttons can’t enter text (for example, to search YouTube) or open some system settings, requiring USB or Bluetooth keyboards (Section 6).

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

HDMI-CEC technology allows you to control your TV through a remote from connected devices such as a console (Xiaomi Mi Box, Apple TV), a game console (PlayStation, Xbox) or a sound bar. If your Xiaomi TV is connected to such a device over HDMI, you can:

• 🎮 Turn on / off the TV power button on the console.
• 🔊 Adjust the volume of the TV from the sound panel.
• 📺 Switching signal sources (e.g., with HDMI1 on HDMI2).

How to activate HDMI-CEC on Xiaomi TV:

1. Go to Settings → Device → HDMI-CEC.
2. Enable the option of “HDMI Management” (or “Simplink” on some models).
3. Connect your device to an HDMI port marked “ARC” or “CEC.”

If HDMI-CEC is not working, check:

• HDMI Cable – Must support version 1.4 or higher.
• Connected device settings (e.g., the Xiaomi Mi Box option is called “HDMI Control”).
• Update of TV firmware (in older versions of HDMI-CEC could be turned off after restarting).

5. Voice control (Alice, Google Assistant, Siri)

Xiaomi’s Android TVs (since 2020) support voice assistants like Alice (from Yandex), Google Assistant, and even Siri (via HomeKit), which lets you turn on TV, run apps, and search content without a remote.

Voice control setting:

• 🎤 Alice: Say "Alice, turn on the TV" (requires a Yandex Station column or a smartphone with the Yandex app.
• 🤖 Google Assistant: Activate the assistant on your smartphone and say, “OK, Google, turn on Mi.” TV». Pre-connect TV to Google account in settings.
• 🍎 Siri: It only works on Mi TV Q1/Q2 You need to add a TV to the app Home on iPhone.

Teams that Xiaomi TV understands:

- "Turn on Netflix on the TV"


“Increase the volume on Mi TV to 50%”




- "Switch to HDMI 1"




Find the Lord of the Rings movie on YouTube

Restrictions: Voice control does not work on a TV turned off (unless Wake-on-Voice is activated in network settings), and some commands may not be supported on models older than 2021 (Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV).

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6. Connect the keyboard or mouse via USB/Bluetooth

If you need to enter text (for example, a login in Netflix or a search query), and the remote does not, plug in. USB-Keyboard or Bluetooth mouse. Xiaomi TVs on Android TV Support these devices out of the box».

How to connect:

• 🖱️ USB-Mouse/keyboard: Insert into any port USB The mouse cursor will appear on the screen in 5-10 seconds.
• 📶 Bluetooth Device: Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth. Activate keyboard/mouse search mode. Select the device from the list and confirm pairing.