If youβve ever looked into the network connection settings on your Xiaomi Mi TV TV Or some of the brand's smart devices, you might have noticed a mysterious "Teletype" item (or Teletype in the English version of firmware), which sounds archaic at first glance, because teletypes are associated with outdated mid-range printing machines. XX So why is this feature in modern technology? And most importantly, why does the user need it?
In fact, teletype in Xiaomi devices is not a thing of the past, but a hidden option for texting between gadgets over a local network, which works on the Telnet protocol and allows you to remotely control certain functions of a TV or router through text commands. In this article, we will understand how to activate a teletype, in which scenarios it is useful, and how it differs from the usual Miracast or Google Cast.
What is teletype in Xiaomi devices: a technical explanation
The term βTeletypeβ in the context of Xiaomi technology refers to a text interface remote management implemented through the Telnet protocol or its secure version. SSH. Historically, teletypes were used to transmit messages over telegraph lines, but in modern gadgets this name is fixed for the use of telegraphic devices:
- π‘ Debugging Console β a text interface for entering commands on Xiaomi TVs and routers (similar to Command Prompt in Windows).
- π§ Service menu β a hidden settings section accessible only through a network connection.
- π₯οΈ Remote terminal β a tool for administering a device without physical access to it.
It's important to understand that teletype is not intended for the average user.
- π οΈ Developers testing firmware.
- π Service centers that diagnose malfunctions.
- π» Enthusiasts who customize advanced features (e.g, ADB-team TV).
Unlike graphical interfaces like Mi Home or Google. TV, Teletype works exclusively through text commands, such as to reboot the Xiaomi Mi TV. TV Q2 via teletype, just send a reboot command - and the device will execute it without further confirmation.
Where does teletype meet: Xiaomi devices with support for the function
Teletype is not available on all Xiaomi gadgets, but only on those that provide remote access over the network.
| Type of device | Teletype models | Firmware version | Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Televisions | Mi TV 4S/4X/4A, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV | MIUI TV 3.0+ | Telnet (port 23) |
| Routers | Xiaomi Router 4A/4C, AX3600/AX6000 | MiWiFi ROM | SSH (port 22) |
| Smart speakers | Xiaomi Smart Speaker (Series 2021)+) | MIUI Audio 1.2+ | Telnet (limited) |
| Projectors | Mi Smart Projector 2, Xiaomi Laser Projector | MIUI Projector OS | Telnet (port 23) |
On smartphones and tablets Xiaomi teletype is not used β instead there is ADB (Android Debug Bridge for debugging, but on TVs and routers, the function is activated via:
- π Local area network (connection by IP-address).
- π Special applications such as PuTTY (Windows) or Termux (Android).
β οΈ Note: On Xiaomi TVs, teletype is disabled by default for security reasons. its activation requires the activation of Developer Mode and may result in a loss of warranty if you change system files.
How to turn on the teletype on the Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions
To activate the teletype on Mi TV, The precondition is that the TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer or smartphone.
Turn on the TV and connect to Wi-Fi
Find out. IP-TV address (in network settings)
Download the terminal program (PuTTY, Termux, JuiceSSH)
Activate the Developer Mode on Mi TV-->
- Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About the TV. Find the version. MIUI TV Click on it 7 times in a row (you will receive a notification βYou became a developerΒ»).
- Activate Teletype: Return to Settings β Additionally. β For developers, find the Local Terminal option and turn it on. Write down or remember the connection port (usually 23 for Telnet).
- Connect via terminal: Open a terminal program (e.g. PuTTY). Enter IP-Tv address and port 23. Press Connect, if all set up correctly, a welcome message will appear. MIUI TV Console.
Once you're connected, you can type commands.
getprop ro.product.model # Shows a TV model
reboot #Reboot device
pm list packages # List of installed applicationsβ οΈ Attention: Some teams (e.g, factory_reset) They can erase all the data on the TV!
π‘
If the teletype is not connected, check if the router's firewall is blocking access. IP-TV address except for or temporarily disable protection.
Teletype Differences from Miracast, AirPlay and Google Cast
Many users confuse teletype with other wireless data technologies, and let's look at the key differences:
| Technology | Protocol | Type of data | Appointment | Does the network require |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teletype. | Telnet/SSH | Text commands | Remote control | Yes (LAN) |
| Miracast | Wi-Fi Direct | Video/audio | Screen duplication | No. |
| Google Cast | DLNA/HTTP | Media files | Streaming content | Yeah (Wi-Fi) |
| AirPlay | Apple Wireless | Media + screen | Broadcasting from iOS | Yeah (Wi-Fi) |
The main advantage of teletype over other technologies is complete control over the system, whereas Miracast or Google Cast allows only broadcast content, teletype gives access to:
- π§ Hidden settings (e.g. changing region or screen refresh rate).
- π Diagnostics (checking chip temperature, memory status).
- π Automation (scripts for rebooting on schedule).
However, the teletype has disadvantages:
- β Difficulty β requires knowledge of teams.
- β οΈ Risk β the wrong command can βbrickβ the device.
- π Security: Open Telnet port vulnerable to hacking.
π‘
Teletype is a tool for advanced users, not a replacement for standard features like Miracast. Use it only if you understand the risks!
Teletype Problems and Their Solutions
When working with teletype on Xiaomi devices, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
1. "Connection refused" when connected
Reason: Teletype is not activated in settings or blocked by the firewall.
Decision:
- π Restart the TV/router.
- π‘οΈ Turn off Firewall on the router or add IP-device address.
- π§ Check if Developer Mode and Local Terminal option are enabled.
2. Commands are not executed ("Permission denied")
Reason: Not enough rights (root access required)
Decision:
- π Try connecting through SSH instead of Telnet (port 22).
- π Enter the su command to obtain superuser rights (requires unlocking bootloader).
3. Teletype spontaneously shuts down
Reason: Energy saving settings or firmware updates.
Decision:
- β‘ Turn off the energy saving mode in the network settings.
- π After updating MIUI TV Re-activate the teletype in Developer Mode.
What to do if the teletype "hangs"?
Practical examples of the use of teletype
Now that you know how to connect to a teletype, letβs look at real-world scenarios where this feature might come in handy.
1. Diagnostics of TV malfunctions
If Mi TV brakes or spontaneously reboots, through teletype you can get the system logs:
logcat | grep -i "error" # Shows errors in logs
dumpsys meminfo # Memory usage information2. Configure hidden parameters
Some options (such as changing region or enabling Dolby Vision) are not available in the GUI. You can activate them with commands:
setprop persist.sys.country RU # Change of region to Russia
setprop persist.vendor.gralloc.enable_fb_rotation 1 # Screen rotation3. Automation of tasks
With scripts (for example, in Python) you can program:
- π Automatic turn on / off of the TV on schedule.
- πΊ Switching signal sources (HDMI, TV, USB).
- π Volume adjustment depending on the time of day.
Example of script to reboot the TV every day at 3:00:
#!/bin/bash
while true; do
if [ $(date +%H) -eq 3 ]; then
echo "reboot" | telnet 192.168.1.100 23
fi
sleep 3600
doneβ οΈ Note: Automatic scripts using teletype may violate Xiaomi warranty terms!
Security: How to protect your teletype from hacking
Open Telnet port (23) or SSH (22) β a potential vulnerability to hacker attacks to minimize risks:
Change the standard password (if any)
Restrict access to IP (router-setting)
Disable Teletype after use
Update the firmware to the latest version-->
1. Turn off the teletype when it is not needed:
Even if you rarely use the feature, keep it off in the developer settings. Activate only while you're running.
2.Use. SSH Telnet instead:
Protocol SSH It encrypts traffic, unlike Telnet, which transmits data (including passwords) in plain sight. SSH team-in:
ssh admin@192.168.1.1 # Connect via SSH3. Set up the filtering to MAC-address:
In the router control panel (MiWiFi), add to the whitelist only those devices that are allowed to connect to the teletype.
4. Change the standard credentials:
On some Xiaomi devices, the default password is blank or simple (like admin).
passwd
Enter a new password (minimum 8 characters)