How to control a Xiaomi TV from your phone via Bluetooth: full instruction 2026

Introduction: Why control a Xiaomi TV from a smartphone?

Modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/5, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV, etc.) support remote control not only through the classic remote control, but also from a smartphone. Bluetooth connection opens up new possibilities: from finding a lost remote control to voice control via Google Assistant or Mi Remote. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup – the TV does not find the phone, connection is cut off or functions are limited.

In this article, we will explore all the ways of connecting (including hidden settings), model compatibility, and solve typical problems from the lack of sound in the headphones to the error "Device is not supported", paying special attention to the unique feature "Mi Share" for transferring files directly from the phone to TV without the Internet, which only works on Bluetooth in the new firmware 2023-2026.

If you use an iPhone, consider that functionality will be limited due to Apple’s policies — more on this in the section on compatibility. Android smartphone owners (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) have access to advanced options, such as gesture management or creating macros to turn on TV on schedule.

Which Xiaomi models support Bluetooth control?

Not all Xiaomi TVs work equally well with Bluetooth control, and here are the key compatibility criteria:

• ✅ Full support: Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2020–2026), Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X (2021–2023), Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro. These models have a built-in Bluetooth module 5.0 and support protocols HID (for the remote control, and A2DP (sound-wise).
• ⚠️ Limited support: Mi TV 4S/4X (Requires firmware updates to MIUI TV 3.0+), Mi TV 4A (Basic functions without file transfer).
• ❌ Not supported: old models up to 2018 year TV 3/3S) — They don't have a Bluetooth module.

To know exactly the version of your TV, go to Settings → About TV → Model. For example, L55M7-7ARG stands for Mi TV Q1 55 inches model for the Russian market (R – Russia).

Important: Even if your model is on the compatible list, check the firmware version. Bluetooth requires MIUI TV 2.5 or later to work properly. You can update the software at Settings → System → Software Update.

Step-by-step: how to connect your phone to a Xiaomi TV over Bluetooth

The connection process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires precise steps. Let's consider two scenarios: Android smartphones and iPhone.

Method 1: Connect to Android (Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO/Samsung, etc.)

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your TV: go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and activate the slider. The TV will become visible to other devices.
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth (or Settings → Bluetooth on MIUI). Click on Device Search.
3. In the list, find the name of your TV (e.g., "MiTV-Q1-1234"). Click on it and confirm pairing on both devices.
4. Once connected, install the Mi Remote app, which automatically determines the TV model and downloads the management profile.

Method 2: Connecting to iPhone (limited functionality)

On iOS, full Bluetooth control is not possible due to Apple's limitations.

• 🎵 Connect TV as Bluetooth speaker to listen to sound from phone (but not vice versa!).
• 📱 Use Mi Home for basic commands (on/off, volume control), but without a full remote control.

To connect:

1. On TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Detection mode.
2. On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth, select the TV from the list.
3. Confirm the pairing code (usually 0000 or 1234).

⚠️ Note: You can’t control your TV like a Bluetooth remote on your iPhone. You need an Android smartphone or the original Xiaomi remote.

Set up the Mi Remote app for advanced management

Mi Remote (formerly Mi TV Remote) allows you to not only replace the remote, but also customize gestures, macros and voice control.

1. Once connected to Bluetooth, open Mi Remote and select your TV model from the list. If it is not available, select "Other Device" and enter the model code manually (e.g., L55M7-7ARG).
2. In the "Remote" section, you'll see a virtual keyboard: 🔄 Reassign buttons (for example, double-click on the button) OK Netflix opener). 🎤 Activate voice search (works through Google Assistant or Alice on TV). ⚙️ Create macros (for example, one button turns on TV, switches to a new one) HDMI1 and launches YouTube).

In the application settings (⚙️ → Additionally, activate the “Use Bluetooth for Control” option, which will reduce command delay.

Hidden feature: If you have a Mi TV Q2 2023 or later, the "Game Mode" tab will appear in Mi Remote, which allows you to use your smartphone as a game controller for emulators (for example, RetroArch on TV).

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If the buttons in Mi Remote don't work, try resetting the app settings: Settings → Reset → Clear the data. Then re-select the TV model.

Transfer files from phone to Xiaomi TV over Bluetooth (Mi Share)

Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) allows you to transfer photos, videos and documents directly from your phone to your TV without the Internet, which only works on models with MIUI TV 3.0+ and requires:

• 📱 On the phone: Mi Share app (pre-installed on) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO or downloaded from Google Play).
• 📺 On TV: Settings → Devices → Mi Share → Turn on.

Instructions for transmission:

1. Activate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices (they must be on the same network or connected directly).
2. On the phone, open Mi Share, select files and click "Send".
3. In the list of devices, select your TV (the name will contain a model, for example, "MiTV-Q1-1234").
4. Confirm reception on the TV - files are saved to the Gallery → Mi Share.

⚠️ Warning: If file transfer is interrupted, check if the power saving mode on the phone is blocking the transmission. → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Solution: Xiaomi TV does not connect to phone via Bluetooth

If the pairing fails, use this troubleshooting instruction:

Problem 1: The TV can't see the phone

• 🔄 On the TV, hold the power button for 10 seconds.
• 📱 Update your firmware on your TV and phone (especially if you have Mi). TV 4S Redmi Note older than 2021).
• 🚫 Remove old pairings in Bluetooth Settings → Stored devices.

Problem 2: Connection is cut off in seconds

• 🔋 Check the phone’s power – at levels below 15%, Android can turn off Bluetooth to save power.
• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on the TV: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting the network.

Problem 3: The buttons in Mi Remote are not working

• 🔄 Reconnect your phone to your TV via Bluetooth (forget the device and pair it back together).
• 📥 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.
• 🎯 Manually select the TV model in the application settings (sometimes the automatic definition is mistaken).

Alternative ways to control Xiaomi TV from a smartphone

If Bluetooth doesn’t work or isn’t in your model, consider these options:

• 🌐 Wi-Fi (Mi Home / Google Home): Connect your TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network. Install Mi Home or Google Home. Add the TV as a device and control voice or through the app interface.
• 🔌 Through HDMI-CEC (If your phone supports DeX or DisplayPort: Connect your phone to your TV via cable USB-C → HDMI. Activate DeX (on Samsung) or Phone Screen (on Xiaomi). Control TV through the phone's touch screen.
• 🎮 Gaming controllers: Connect a Bluetooth gamepad (such as the Xiaomi Game Controller) to a TV. Use it to navigate the menu (works like a remote control).

Comparison of methods:

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Bluetooth is the best option for daily use, but if you want minimal latency (for example, for gaming), it’s best to use an HDMI-CEC or game controller.

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing a Xiaomi TV from a phone