How to Connect to a Xiaomi TV via a remote-free phone: The Complete Guide 2026

Losing or breaking a Xiaomi TV remote is a familiar situation, but don’t rush to buy a new one: modern Android or iOS smartphones can completely replace the physical remote, and in some cases even expand its capabilities. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to connect to Mi TVs 4/5, Redmi Smart TVs and Mi Box without remote control, including hidden features and bypass typical errors.

It is important to understand that the connection method depends on the TV model, firmware version and available interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI-CEC). For example, the old Mi TV 3 models do not support Bluetooth control, but they have a hidden menu to activate Wi-Fi Direct. But the Redmi Smart TV X55 can be enabled even through Google Home, if it is associated with a Mi Account. We will consider options for all scenarios – from the complete lack of TV response to situations when the screen is running, but the remote is not.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

• 🔋 The TV is connected to the socket and the power indicator is on / flashing (even if the screen is black).
• 📶 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth activated on the TV (if previously connected to the network).
• 📱 Your smartphone and TV are on the same network (for Wi-Fi methods).

1. Manage via Mi Remote (official method)

The most reliable method is to use the Mi Remote app (formerly Mi TV Remote), which works with all Xiaomi TVs since 2016 and supports not only basic functions (on, switching channels), but also voice search, application launch, and Mi Box management. The application is available for Android and iOS, but there are nuances.

To connect:

1. Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
2. Launch the app and allow access to Bluetooth and Locations (required for Android 12+).
3. Click Add Device → Select Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: the app will automatically find the TV via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth (if activated on TV).

If the TV is not available:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (pull the plug out of the socket for 30 seconds).
• 📡 Make sure your TV is on Wi-Fi Direct (path: Settings) → Network → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔗 Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network (if Wi-Fi Direct is not working).

Install the Mi Remote app|Turn on Bluetooth and location on your phone|Restart the TV (turn off power for 30 seconds)|Check the Wi-Fi Direct on TV-->

Important! Mi TV 4A (2018 model) TVs sometimes require manual pairing activation.

1. Press the physical Menu button on the TV body (usually under the logo or side).
2. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select Add Device and confirm pairing on the phone.

2. Manage via Google Home or Apple HomeKit (for smart TVs)

If your Xiaomi TV supports Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit (relevant to Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X65 and later), you can control it through voice assistants or smart home apps.This method works even if the TV is turned off, but requires pre-tuning.

Instructions for Google Home:

1. Install the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Make sure that your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open Google Home → Press + → Set up your device → New device.
4. Select your TV from the list (it should show up as Xiaomi Mi TV).
5. Follow the instructions for linking your Mi Account (login and password required).

Once you've tied it, you can:

• 🎤 Turn the TV on/off with a voice: OK Google, turn on Mi TV".
• 🔊 Adjust volume, switch channels and run apps (Netflix, YouTube).
• 📱 Manage through the Google Home widget on the home screen of the phone.

💡

If the TV is not displayed in Google Home, check if Google Assistant is enabled in the TV settings: Settings → Accounts and Security → Google Assistant. Some models need to manually activate it.

For Apple HomeKit (only for AirPlay 2-enabled TVs):

1. Open the Home app on your iPhone.
2. Click + → Add the accessory.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the back of the TV or enter PIN-code (specified in the Settings menu) → Apple HomeKit).

⚠️ Note: If the TV was not previously linked to Mi Account, Google Home may not work. HDMI-CEC (section 4) or physical buttons (section 5).

3. HDMI-CEC connection (if the phone supports video output)

HDMI-CEC allows you to control your TV via a smartphone connected via a USB-C → HDMI cable (or an adapter), which works on all Xiaomi HDMI TVs, but requires:

• 📱 Smartphone with support HDMI Alt Mode (most flagships Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus).
• 🔌 Cable USB-C to HDMI (adapter + standard HDMI-cable).
• ⚙️ Function on CEC TV settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your TV with a USB-C → HDMI cable.
2. On your TV, go to Settings → HDMI-CEC and turn on the option (may be called Anyview Cast or Simplink).
3. On your smartphone, activate Screen Transfer mode (on Xiaomi: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Transfer).
4. Select your TV from the list of devices.

After connection:

• 🎮 The smartphone will become the main remote: the touch screen will be duplicated on TV, and gestures (swipes, taps) – control the interface.
• 🔊 The sound will be transmitted via the TV (if in the settings). HDMI chosen ARC).
• ⚡ You can run any app (including Netflix, YouTube) directly from your phone.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware TV function HDMI-CEC If the TV is not responding to the connection, update the firmware through Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.

4.Use of physical buttons on the TV (if the screen is running)

If the TV is on but the remote is not, you can control it through physical buttons on the body, and their location depends on the model.

• 📺 Mi TV 4/4A/4C: buttons are located under the Mi logo (right or center).
• 📺 Mi TV 5/Redmi Smart TV: buttons are hidden on the right side panel (behind the protective cover).
• 📦 Mi Box: One round button on the top panel (long press – turn on).

Standard combinations:

• 🔘 Short press of the power button: on / off.
• 🔘 Long press (3 seconds): forced reboot.
• 🔘 Menu button + Volume -: Resetting settings (for Mi only) TV 4A).

To open the menu without the remote:

1. Press the Menu button (usually medium or with an icon) 🏠).
2. Use the Volume +/- button to navigate.
3. Confirm the choice with the OK button (or by pressing Menu again).

Example of ways to turn on Wi-Fi: Menu → Settings (⚙️) → Network → Wi-Fi → Select a network → Connect.

💡

Physical buttons allow you to turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, after which you can connect via the Mi Remote app or Google Home.

5. Alternative management applications (if Mi Remote does not work)

If the proprietary Mi Remote app doesn't fit (for example, it doesn't find a TV or it doesn't work), you can use universal remotes.

Instructions for Unified Remote:

1. Download the application and server installer from the official website.
2. Install a server on a PC that is connected to the same network as the TV.
3. In the app on your phone, select Add Device → Xiaomi TV.
4. Follow the instructions for pairing (required) IP-TV address).

Important: If the TV does not respond to commands from alternative applications, check if the TV firewall blocks incoming connections (path: Settings → Network → Additional → Firewall).

6. Turn on the TV without remote control (if it is turned off)

The most difficult situation is when the TV is turned off and the remote is not, in which case the options depend on the model:

For Mi TV 4/5/Redmi Smart TV:

• 🔌 Use a physical power button on the body (see Section 4).

For the Mi Box:

• 🔘 Press and hold the round button on the top panel for 5 seconds.
• 🔌 Connect the Mi Box to the TV via another HDMI-Port (sometimes helps to reset the connection).

For older models (Mi TV 3 and earlier):

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (Indian models), the service menu opens with the Menu combination + Volume + → OK → Do not confuse with Chinese versions, which use a different sequence!

7. Reset the TV to factory settings without remote control

If the TV is jammed and not responding to commands, you may need a hard reset, which will delete all settings, including the associated accounts, but will return to work.

Method 1: Through physical buttons

1. Turn off the TV (or turn off the socket for 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Menu button on the body.
3. Without letting go of Menu, connect the TV to the outlet.
4. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
5. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset with the Volume +/- buttons and confirm OK.

Method 2: Service menu (for advanced users)

1. Turn on the TV and go to Settings → About TV.
2. Find the firmware version and click on it 5 times in a row (the hidden menu will open).
3. Select Factory Reset and confirm the action.

Method 3: Through ADB (Android TV only)

1. Connect your TV and PC to the same network.
2. Install. ADB To the computer and run the command: adb connect [IP-TV address]:5555 adb shell am start -a android.settings.SETTINGS
3. In the settings that open, find the Data Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions