Why to connect the keyboard to the TV and what you need
Using a wireless keyboard with a Xiaomi TV opens up new possibilities for comfortable management, from easy text entry in the browser to managing a smart home via the Mi Home. This is especially true for owners of models with Android TV (for example, Mi TV 4S/5 Pro or Redmi Smart TV), where the keyboard simplifies working with applications, finding content and even playing games.
Not all keyboards are compatible with Xiaomi TVs out of the box, however, and problems often arise with devices that require special drivers (such as gaming keyboards with macros) or use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right keyboard, connect it through the TV menu, and solve common mistakes, from lack of response to presses to permanent connection breaks.
Before you start, make sure your TV supports Bluetooth 4.0 or later. Older models (such as the 2015-2016 Mi TV 2) may not have a Bluetooth module at all, in which case you will need an external adapter. Check the Bluetooth version from the Settings menu → About TV → System information.
What keyboards are compatible with Xiaomi TVs
Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV (PatchWall in Chinese versions supports most standard versions. HID-Human Interface Device, including keyboards and mice, but there are nuances:
- ✅ Standard Bluetooth keyboards (e.g. Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard, Logitech) K380) — work without problems.
- ✅ Multimedia keyboards with touchpad (e.g. Rii Mini) X1) — Supported, but some features (such as volume control) may not work.
- ⚠️ Gaming keyboards (such as Razer Turret) – require Android compatibility checks TV (Not all models are recognized).
- ❌ Keyboards with proprietary protocols (such as some Apple Magic Keyboard models) will not connect.
If you plan to use a keyboard to enter passwords or control Kodi, look for models with backlit and compact design — they are more convenient to use from the sofa. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Keyboard (if it is still sold) is optimized for the Mi ecosystem and supports hotkeys for controlling the TV.
Step-by-step: Connect via the TV menu
The process of connecting the keyboard to the Xiaomi TV takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm. Important: before you start, make sure that the keyboard is charged (the indicator should flash or burn green) and is in pairing mode (usually activated by holding the on button).
Next, follow the following steps:
- Open the settings of the TV: press the button Settings (cogs) on the remote or select Settings in the main menu.
- Go to Bluetooth: For Android TV: Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth device. For PatchWall (Chinese models): Settings → Bluetooth and Networks → Device Search.
Activate the search
Select the keyboard.
0000
1234
1111
☑️ Preparation for connection
Once successfully connected, the keyboard should automatically be defined as an input device, check this from the Settings menu → Devices → Connected devices. If the keyboard does not respond to pressing, try restarting the TV (hold the power button on the remote for 5-7 seconds).
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If the TV doesn't find the keyboard, try turning off and reset Bluetooth in the settings. Network resetting sometimes helps: Settings → Network and Internet → Network reset.
Solving Typical Connection Problems
Even if you do everything right, you can make mistakes, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The keyboard is not in search | The pairing mode is not activated or the battery is discharged | Charge the keyboard, hold the Bluetooth button 5-10 seconds |
| The connection is interrupted after a few seconds. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices (headphones, smartphones) | Turn off unnecessary devices, move the keyboard closer to the TV |
| The keys are not working or are not working properly. | Incompatible protocol or layout | Try changing the layout in the keyboard settings (if supported) |
| The TV asks PIN-code, but it's not in the manual | Standard PIN is not suitable | Try 0000, 1234 or look at the sticker under the keyboard |
If the keyboard is plugged in but shuts down after 1-2 minutes, the problem may be saving the TV power. In some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TV Q1), Bluetooth devices are turned off when inactivity. To fix this, go to Settings → Applications → Special Features → Waiting Time of input devices and set the value Never.
⚠️ Note: Some multimedia keyboards (such as volume control) may conflict with Xiaomi's remote, in which case turn off the hot keys in the keyboard settings (if there is one).
Setting up the keyboard for convenient work
Once you've connected the keyboard, you can adapt it to your needs, and here are some useful settings:
- 🔄 Change of layout: If the keyboard supports multiple languages, switch them with the Alt combination+Shift or Win+Space (depending on the model).
- 🎮 Use in games: For emulators (like RetroArch), set the keys in the control menu. Some games require a keyboard connection like the Game Controller, this is done in the application settings.
- 🔍 Voice search: In Android TV You can combine a keyboard with voice search. Press the microphone on the keyboard (if any) or use the button on the Xiaomi remote.
- ⚡ Power savings: Turn off the keyboard when not in use – many models automatically go to sleep after 10-15 minutes of inactivity.
If you use a keyboard frequently to enter passwords (such as on Netflix or YouTube), save it as your primary input device.
- Go to Settings → Devices → Keyboard and mouse.
- Select your keyboard and activate the default use option.
How to Reset Bluetooth Settings on Xiaomi TV
Alternative ways to connect the keyboard
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Bluetooth (such as Mi TV 2 or some Redmi Smart TV models without a module), you can use:
- 🔌 USB-Keyboard: Connect through OTG-adapter (needs an adapter) USB-A → Micro-USB or USB-C, Most standard keyboards will work without drivers.
- 📱 Smartphone as a keyboard: Install the Remote Keyboard app (such as Unified Remote) on your phone and connect to your TV via Wi-Fi. Minus – you need a constant connection to one network.
- 🖱️ Wireless. USB-Adapter: Some keyboards (like Logitech Unifying) come with a USB-dongle. connect it to the TV via OTG.
For USB-Keyboards are important to consider power: some Xiaomi TVs do not give enough current to the power supply USB-In this case, the active will help USB-feed-in.
⚠️ Attention: When in use OTG-Adapters avoid connecting other devices USB-devices simultaneously (e.g. flash drives) This can lead to power shortages and keyboard shutdowns.
Update the TV firmware for better compatibility
If the keyboard is plugged in but is unstable (input delays, missing characters), the problem may be the TV's outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that correct Bluetooth errors.
- Open Settings → About TV → Update system.
- Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
- After the update, restart the TV and reconnect the keyboard.
For some models (such as the Mi TV 4X), updates come with a delay. If the automatic check does not find new versions, you can install the firmware manually:
- Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (support section).
- Copy the.zip file onto a flash drive (formatted in FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and select Settings → About TV → Update via USB.
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Updating your firmware not only improves compatibility with Bluetooth devices, but also fixes security vulnerabilities. Check for updates regularly, especially if you use your TV for payments or personal data.