How to Transfer Xiaomi Remote to Connection Mode: Instructions for All Models (2026)

Have you bought a new Xiaomi remote or are you trying to connect your old one to another device but nothing works? 90% of the time, the problem is that you don't activate the pairing mode correctly, a special condition where the remote becomes "visible" to a TV, console or other gadget. In this article, we will discuss how to enable this mode on all types of Xiaomi remotes: from classic Mi Remote to remotes for Mi. TV Stick and Mi Box.

It's important to understand that the process differs depending on the model of the remote and the device you're connecting it to. For example, infrared remotes (for controlling TVs via IR port) don't require Bluetooth pairing, but wireless remotes for the Mi Box S or Mi. TV Stick will not work without this step, and we have compiled the current instructions for 2026, given the latest firmware updates and features of new models.

If you've tried to connect the remote and it didn't work out, don't be quick to blame the manufacturer. Most of the time, users miss key steps: don't hold the buttons long enough, try to hide the remote from the device turned off, or ignore the settings reset. In this article, you'll find not only basic instructions, but also decision errors, as well as a table of compatibility of remotes and Xiaomi devices.

1.What Xiaomi remotes require a connection mode?

Not all Xiaomi remotes need manual pairing, so let’s figure out which models require activation of the connection mode, and which work out of the box.

Mandatory interface remotes (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi):

• 📺 Mi TV Remote (for Mi TVs) TV 4/4S/4A/5/5X/Q1/Q2)
• 🎮 Mi Game Controller (Game Controller for Mi Box)
• 📱 Mi TV Stick Remote (for Mi media players) TV Stick and Mi TV Stick 4K)
• 🖥️ Mi Box S Remote (Mi Box S and Mi Box 4 consoles)

Non-conjugation remotes (IR/radio frequency):

• 🔄 Mi Universal Remote (universal IR remote for controlling TVs of other brands)
• 📟 Mi Smart Home Remote (to manage Xiaomi smart devices over radio frequency)

If your remote is in the second group, it doesn't need a connection mode, just insert the batteries and point it to the device, but for the first group you need to activate the pairing mode, otherwise the TV or console simply "will not see" the remote.

Preparation before connection: what should be checked?

Before you put the remote into pairing mode, make sure all the preconditions are met. This will save you time and nerves.

Preparation checklist:

Pay special attention to the power of the remote. If the batteries are discharged, the pairing mode indicator may not light up, and the buttons may not respond. TV Remote and Mi Box S Remote are used for the elements AAA, and Mi TV Stick Remote – built-in battery that charges through USB-C.

If the remote has already been paired with another device, it needs to be reset.

1. Hold the Home buttons. + Back (or Menu) + OK, depending on the model) within 10 seconds.
2. Wait until the indicator on the remote flashes 3 times red - this is a signal about the reset.

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If the indicator on the remote does not respond, try to hold it to a heat source (for example, a battery) for 5-10 minutes.

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to transfer the Xiaomi remote to connection mode

Now, the key thing is to activate the pairing mode, and the instructions vary depending on the remote model, so choose your own.

Remote for Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV Remote)

This remote is used with Mi TV series TV 4/4S/4A/5/5X/Q1/Q2 Connected via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Steps to activate the mode:

1. Turn on the TV and go to the Settings menu → Devices → Remote and accessories → Add the remote.
2. At the same time, press the Home buttons (home) + Back and hold them for 5-7 seconds.
3. The indicator on the remote will start flashing blue - this is a signal that the pairing mode is activated.
4. On the TV, select the Mi Remote device that appears and confirm the connection.

3.2. remote for Mi Box S/Mi Box 4

These remotes work on Bluetooth 4.0 and require a slightly different sequence of actions.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Mi Box and go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. On the remote, pinch the Menu. + OK 8-10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and blue.
3. In the list of available devices on the console, select Mi Box Remote.
4. Confirm pairing on both devices (on the remote you may need to press). OK).

Remote for Mi TV Stick / Mi TV Stick 4K

These remotes connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and have a built-in battery.

How to activate the mode:

1. Connect Mi. TV Stick to the TV and turn it on.
2. On the remote, hold Home. + Google Assistant (or Netflix if the Assistant button is missing) for 5 seconds.
3. The indicator flashes white - the remote is ready to pair.
4. On the TV screen will appear a notification about the new device – confirm the connection.

4. Compatibility table: which remote fits which device

Not all Xiaomi remotes are universal. Below is a compatibility table that will help you avoid connection errors.

If your model is not in the table, check the marking on the back of the remote (for example, B866 or B741) And check it with the official documentation of Xiaomi, and sometimes the remotes from different devices look similar, but they have different protocols.

5. Typical errors and how to fix them

Even if you do the right things, you can't pair them together, and we're going to look at some of the most common problems and their solutions.

Error 1: The remote does not blink when holding the buttons

• ❌ Reason: Batteries are discharged or battery is defective.
• ✅ Solution: Replace the power or connect the remote to charging for 15-20 minutes.

Mistake 2: The TV/Set-top box doesn't see the remote

• ❌ Reason: Bluetooth is disabled on the device or the remote is already paired with another gadget.
• ✅ Solution: Turn Bluetooth on in your device settings and reset the remote (hold Home) + Back 10 seconds.).

Error 3: Interrupted at half the time

• ❌ Reason: Interference from other Bluetooth devices or weak signal.
• ✅ Solution: Disable all other Bluetooth gadgets and try again at a distance of no more than 50 cm from the device.

Error 4: The remote is connected, but not all buttons are working

• ❌ Reason: Incompatibility of the remote firmware and the device.
• ✅ Solution: Update the TV/Setters firmware through Settings → Update of the PO.

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If the remote has previously been paired with another device, it must be reset, otherwise the new device will not be able to connect, even if you activate the pairing mode.

6. Alternative ways to connect the remote

If the standard method didn't work, you can try alternatives, which are less reliable, but sometimes help in difficult cases.

Method 1: Connect via Mi Remote app on smartphone

If you have an Android smartphone, you can use it as an intermediary:

1. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV/set-top box to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select Add Device → Xiaomi TV/Box.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair the remote.

Method 2: Manual add via Bluetooth menu

If the automatic pairing does not work:

1. On the TV/Set-top box, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Select Add the device manually.
3. Enter. MAC-Remote address (located on a sticker under batteries or on a box).
4. Confirm the connection.

Method 3: Use USB-Debugging (for advanced users)

If the remote does not respond at all, you can try to reflash it through ADB:

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.device.bluetooth.BluetoothPairingActivity

This method requires you to connect the console to your PC and enable the developer mode, and only use it if other methods have not worked.

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If you lose the remote control instructions, look for the model on Xiaomi's support site. PDF-Guidelines with detailed connection schemes.

7. How do you check that the remote is connected correctly?

After pairing, it's important to make sure the remote is working correctly. Here are some ways to check:

Test 1: Checking the main buttons

• 🔘 Press Power – the device must turn off/on.
• 📺 Press Home – The main menu should open.
• 🔊 Press Volume. +/– — the sound must change.

Test 2: Checking the connection in the settings

1. On the TV/Set-top box, go to Settings → Devices → Remote and accessories.
2. Make sure your remote is displayed in the Connected Devices list.
3. Check the battery level (if supported).

Test 3: Testing the range of action

• Step 3-5 meters away from the device and try using the remote.
• If the signal is lost, check for obstacles (walls, furniture) or interference from other wireless devices.

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If the remote is unstable (delays, missed presses), try reconnecting it or updating the device's firmware, often solving lag problems.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)