Xiaomi Teletype: What is this feature and how to use it in 2026

If you’ve 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in the English version of firmware), which sounds archaic at first glance, because teletypes are associated with outdated mid-range printing machines.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 β€œTeletype” 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:

  • πŸ“‘ Debugging Console – a text interface for entering commands on Xiaomi TVs and routers (similar to Command Prompt in Windows).
  • πŸ”§ Service menu – a hidden settings section accessible only through a network connection.
  • πŸ–₯️ Remote terminal – 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.

  • πŸ› οΈ Developers testing firmware.
  • πŸ” Service centers that diagnose malfunctions.
  • πŸ’» 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.

πŸ“Š Have you ever used text commands to control your equipment?
Yeah, often.
I tried it once out of interest.
No, but I want to learn.
No, I don't plan on.

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 deviceTeletype modelsFirmware versionProtocol
TelevisionsMi TV 4S/4X/4A, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TVMIUI TV 3.0+Telnet (port 23)
RoutersXiaomi Router 4A/4C, AX3600/AX6000MiWiFi ROMSSH (port 22)
Smart speakersXiaomi Smart Speaker (Series 2021)+)MIUI Audio 1.2+Telnet (limited)
ProjectorsMi Smart Projector 2, Xiaomi Laser ProjectorMIUI Projector OSTelnet (port 23)

On smartphones and tablets Xiaomi teletype is not used – instead there is ADB (Android Debug Bridge for debugging, but on TVs and routers, the function is activated via:

  • πŸ”Œ Local area network (connection by IP-address).
  • πŸ”‘ Special applications such as PuTTY (Windows) or Termux (Android).

⚠️ 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-->

  1. 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 β€œYou became a developerΒ»).
  2. 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).
  3. 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 applications

⚠️ Attention: Some teams (e.g, factory_reset) They can erase all the data on the TV!

πŸ’‘

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:

TechnologyProtocolType of dataAppointmentDoes the network require
Teletype.Telnet/SSHText commandsRemote controlYes (LAN)
MiracastWi-Fi DirectVideo/audioScreen duplicationNo.
Google CastDLNA/HTTPMedia filesStreaming contentYeah (Wi-Fi)
AirPlayApple WirelessMedia + screenBroadcasting from iOSYeah (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:

  • πŸ”§ Hidden settings (e.g. changing region or screen refresh rate).
  • πŸ“Š Diagnostics (checking chip temperature, memory status).
  • πŸ”„ Automation (scripts for rebooting on schedule).

However, the teletype has disadvantages:

  • ❌ Difficulty – requires knowledge of teams.
  • ⚠️ Risk – the wrong command can β€œbrick” the device.
  • πŸ”’ Security: Open Telnet port vulnerable to hacking.

πŸ’‘

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:

  • πŸ”„ Restart the TV/router.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Turn off Firewall on the router or add IP-device address.
  • πŸ”§ 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:

  • πŸ”‘ Try connecting through SSH instead of Telnet (port 22).
  • πŸ“ Enter the su command to obtain superuser rights (requires unlocking bootloader).

3. Teletype spontaneously shuts down

Reason: Energy saving settings or firmware updates.

Decision:

  • ⚑ Turn off the energy saving mode in the network settings.
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI TV Re-activate the teletype in Developer Mode.
What to do if the teletype "hangs"?
If the terminal has stopped responding to commands after the connection, do not force the program to close! Try: 1. Press Enter 2-3 times (sometimes helps to β€œwake up” the session). 2. Enter the exit command to complete correctly. 3. If it does not help, reboot the Xiaomi device with a physical button.

Practical examples of the use of teletype

Now that you know how to connect to a teletype, let’s 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 information

2. 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 rotation

3. Automation of tasks

With scripts (for example, in Python) you can program:

  • πŸ•’ Automatic turn on / off of the TV on schedule.
  • πŸ“Ί Switching signal sources (HDMI, TV, USB).
  • πŸ”Š 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




done

⚠️ 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 SSH

3. 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)

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Teletype

❓ Can you turn on the teletype on the smartphone Xiaomi?
No, Xiaomi's smartphones and tablets don't use teletype. Instead, they use it to debug. ADB (Android Debug Bridge to activate ADB, Turn on the debugging. USB developer-setting.
❓ What teams support teletype on Mi TV?
The list of commands depends on the model and version of the firmware. Basic: reboot β€” reboot; getprop β€” reading system properties; pm list packages β€” list of applications; input keyevent β€” emulation of button presses; dumpsys β€” diagnostic information. The full list can be obtained by the help command or?.
❓ Why Teletype only works on a local network?
The teletype feature is for internal use on the home network, the Internet connection is blocked for security reasons. VPN on the router or use SSH-tunnel.
❓ Can you install third-party applications via teletype?
Theoretically, yes, but it requires root rights and can disrupt the system. /sdcard/app.apk install APK-The file is from the flash drive, but the warranty will be lost and the TV may stop updating.
❓ How to roll back changes made via teletype?
If you have changed the system settings and the TV began to work incorrectly, try: Reset the settings to factory (Settings) β†’ Restore and reset the device via USB (In extreme cases, contact the service center - but warn that you used a teletype (this may affect the warranty).