How to turn on and connect Bluetooth remote to Xiaomi TV: full guide 2026

Any Xiaomi owner TV Sooner or later, you'll have to reconnect or activate your Bluetooth remote, which you might need after you reset your settings, replace your batteries, buy a new remote, or even after you've installed your TV. Unlike infrared remotes, which work out of the box, Bluetooth devices require pre-sync – and here many users get lost.

Connection seems easy only at first glance. In practice, users face typical problems: the TV "can't see" the remote, buttons do not respond after synchronization, or the indicator on the remote flashes, but the connection does not set. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios from basic settings to solving non-standard errors. And you will learn how to distinguish the original Xiaomi remote from a fake and why some models require double pressing the on button on the first synchronization.

1. How to tell if your remote is Bluetooth, not IR

Before you try to connect the remote, make sure that it really works over Bluetooth, not infrared (IR). This is crucial: the IR remotes do not require synchronization and work immediately after replacing the batteries, while Bluetooth devices need to be paired with the TV.

Here are the key features of Xiaomi’s Bluetooth remote:

• 🔋 There is a Pairing (or Sync) button on the back – it is usually recessed into the case and pressed with a paper clip.
• 📶 There is no transparent “eye” for the IR signal on the front panel (in the IR remotes it is there).
• 🔄 On the case or in the instructions indicates Bluetooth protocol 4.0/5.0 (IR will have the Infrared mark).
• 📦 It comes complete. USB-receiver (for older Mi models) TV 3/4) — Its absence means that the remote is exactly Bluetooth.

If your remote corresponds to at least two of these points, it uses Bluetooth communication and requires manual synchronization. TV A2/A Pro 2023, Mi TV Q2/Q1E And newer remotes come exclusively from Bluetooth - IR is not used there at all.

⚠️ Note: Some universal remotes (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote) support both protocols. IR/BT, Before connecting, set it in position. BT.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on Bluetooth remote on Xiaomi TV

The connection process takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow the algorithm. Important: before you start, make sure that the TV has working batteries (even if the indicator flashes, this is not a guarantee of their health), to synchronize, we do not need the Internet or smartphone, everything is done through the menu of the TV.

Follow this course of action:

1. Turn on the TV with a button on the case (if the remote is not working). TV 4A/4S power button is located on the right side panel.
2. Go to Settings. → Devices → Remote DU (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Add the remote).
3. Select Add Bluetooth remote (or Synchronize remote).
4. On the remote, press the Pairing button (usually hidden under the battery compartment cover) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly.
5. The TV screen will display a message Search for devices... Wait until your remote is displayed on the list (usually called Mi Remote or Xiaomi RCxxx).
6. Select it and confirm the connection. Once you've successfully synchronized, the indicator on the remote will stop flashing and light up with a steady light.

If it's a success, check the buttons. Press Menu, the main menu should open. If there's no response, repeat the procedure or go to the problem-solving section.

Make sure the remote is charged (the indicator flashes when you press the buttons)|

Check that the TV is on and not in sleep mode|

Remove old “forgotten” remotes in Bluetooth settings|

Press the Pairing button on the remote before a quick blink appears-->

3. Features of connection for different models Xiaomi TV

Not all Xiaomi TVs handle the process of synchronizing the remote equally. Depending on the model and year of release, the algorithm may differ slightly.

For models from 2023 to 2026 (the A Pro, Q, S Pro series), Xiaomi has implemented the “Fast Connection” function: if the remote is new and has never been used, just turn on the TV and press any button on the remote, synchronization will be automatic.

Mi TV 4A/4S|

Mi TV 4X/4 Pro|

Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro|

Mi TV Q1E/Q2|

Another model |

4. Why TV can't see Bluetooth remote: top-5 causes and solutions

If you've failed after a few attempts, don't be quick to blame the remote or the TV, 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by simple action, and let's look at some of the most common scenarios and how to fix them.

🔴 Problem 1: Remote does not respond to pressing

Symptoms: The indicator does not flash when you press the buttons, the TV does not find the device.

• 🔋 Replace batteries (even if they are new – check the voltage with a tester).
• 🧲 Remove the batteries for 30 seconds, then insert back in - it will reset the remote.
• 🔍 Check the contacts of the battery compartment for oxidation (clean with alcohol).

🔴 Problem 2: The TV can't find the remote when searching

Symptoms: The remote does not appear in the list of devices, although the indicator flashes.

• 📱 Make sure your TV is Bluetooth enabled (Settings) → Wireless networks).
• 🔄 Restart the TV (unplug the network for 1 minute).
• 🚫 Remove all previously associated remotes from the Bluetooth menu.
• 📡 Check if there are any sources of interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).

🔴 Problem 3: The remote is connected, but the buttons are not working

Symptoms: The synchronization was successful, but the pressings are not recorded.

• 🔄 Reconnect the remote (remove it in the settings and add again).
• 📋 Check if the "Children Mode" is activated (Settings) → Security).
• 🖥️ Update the TV firmware (Settings) → On TV. → Update of the PO).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4A with firmware older than 2021 may require resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Recovery and reset if the remote stopped working after the upgrade, due to an error in older versions of the software.

🔴 Problem 4: The remote only works near the TV

Symptoms: buttons only react at a distance of 1-2 meters.

This indicates a weak Bluetooth signal.

• 🔋 Discharged batteries (replace with alkaline batteries, not salt batteries).
• 📡 Interference from other devices (turn off Bluetooth headphones or speakers nearby).
• 🛠️ The antenna module in the remote is damaged (requires repair).

🔴 Problem 5: The remote is “forgotten” after turning off the TV

Symptoms: Each time you turn on the TV, you need to re-sync the remote.

The culprit is a power-saving setup.

1. Go to Settings. → Energy conservation.
2. Turn off the Quick Turn on (or Eco-Mode) option.
3. Reboot the TV.

5. How to reset the remote and TV settings for re-synchronization

If the remote was previously connected, but the TV doesn't see it now, there may be conflicting data in the memory of the device, in which case a complete reset of the connection will help. Here's how to do it correctly.

🔄 Resetting the remote settings

For most Xiaomi models, the procedure is the same:

1. Remove the batteries from the remote.
2. Press the Power (or Menu) button for 15 seconds.
3. Put the batteries back in.
4. Press the Pairing button and hold it until the indicator flashes quickly (5-7 seconds).

After that, the remote will be in a “clean” state and ready for new synchronization.

🖥️ Resetting Bluetooth settings on the TV

If the problem is in the TV (for example, it "remembers" the old remote and does not accept the new one), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find your remote in the list of associated devices and select Delete (or Forget the device).
3. Restart the TV (Settings → About TV → Reboot).
4. Repeat the procedure of connecting the remote (Section 2 of this article).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0 and higher after resetting Bluetooth may require input PIN-If the code is not suitable, check it in the instructions to the remote control.

For Mi models TV 4C and 4A (2018) has an alternative way of dumping:

1. Turn off the TV with a button on the case.


2. Press on the remote Menu + Home and, holding them, turn on the TV button on the case.




3 Hold the buttons for another 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears.




4. Select Wipe Bluetooth Data (use volume buttons for navigation).

6.How to distinguish the original Xiaomi remote from a fake

The market is flooded with cheap replicas of Xiaomi remotes that look indistinguishable from the originals, but they don't work well, so here's how to spot a fake before you buy it.

🔍 Appearances

• 🏷️ Barcode and serial number: The original has a sticker with SN (serial number) and QR-code that leads to the official website of Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Plastic quality: The original has a matte coating without barbs. Counterfeiting often shines and smells of cheap plastic.
• 🔋 Battery bay: The original contacts are gilded and the lid opens with a click. The fake contacts are steel, the lid is dangling.
• 📦 Packaging: The original is sold in a tight box with the Mi logo and hologram.

🛠️ Technical differences

Even if the remote looks like the original, its “stuffing” can give a fake:

• 🔄 Sync time: Original connects in 5-10 seconds, fake connects longer than 30 seconds (or doesn’t connect at all).
• 📶 Range: The original works at a distance of up to 10 meters, a fake - a maximum of 3-5 meters.
• 🔋 Battery life: Original holds charge up to 6 months, fake dies in 1-2 months.
• 🖱️ Button responsiveness: On fakes, buttons often "stick" or trigger once in a while.

If you have already bought a remote and doubt its authenticity, check it through the official Mi Home app:

1. Install the application on your smartphone.
2. Connect the remote to the TV.
3. Open the Mi Home Devices section → Add the device → DU remote.
4. If the remote is original, it will appear in the list marked Genuine Mi device.

💡

Before buying a remote on AliExpress or Wildberries, check the reviews from the photo packaging. The original remotes are sold only in Xiaomi branded stores or at official dealers (the list is available on the mi.com website).

7. Alternative ways to control the TV without a remote

If your Bluetooth remote is broken, lost or temporarily out of order, run Xiaomi TV There are all the options available, from the simplest to the most complex.

📱 Smartphone control

The fastest way is to use your smartphone as a remote control.

1. Download the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to enter) PIN-TV-code).

The application supports all the features of the original remote, including voice search and application launch.

🖱️ Connecting a keyboard or mouse

If you have a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, you can connect them to your TV as a temporary remote replacement:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate search mode.
3. Enable the pairing mode on the keyboard/mouse (usually the Connect button or Left retention). + Right).
4. Select the device in the list on the TV.

After connecting, you can control the menu using the mouse cursor or keys. Tab/Enter.

🎮 Game controller

Yes, even DualShock 4 or Xbox Controller can be used to navigate the Xiaomi menu. TV:

• Connect the controller via Bluetooth (similar to the keyboard).
• Use the Analog Stick to navigate the menu.
• The A button (or X on PlayStation) = selection.
• B button (or Circle) = back-up.

🖥️ Management through HDMI-CEC

If your TV is connected to a console (such as the Xiaomi Mi Box), a game console, or PC, You can use their remotes to control the TV through technology. HDMI-CEC:

1. Turn on the function. HDMI-CEC in the settings of the TV (Settings) → HDMI → Office HDMI).
2. Connect the device to the TV via HDMI.
3. Use the console/console to control volume and turn on/off TV.

Restriction: only basic functions (volume, power, signal source selection) work.

🔧 Buttons on the TV body

All models of Xiaomi TV There are physical control buttons:

• Power - on/off.
• Volume +/– — volume control.
• Source/Input — switching.
• Menu is the main menu (on some models).

On the Mi models TV 4A and 4S buttons are located on the right side panel, on Xiaomi TV A Pro - at the bottom.

💡

If you lose your remote, the most reliable way to control it is the Mi Remote app on your smartphone, which supports all the features of the original remote, including voice search and streaming services.

8 Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Bluetooth Remotes TV