How to use iPhone as a remote for a Xiaomi TV: all the ways

Modern Xiaomi TVs support mobile control, but iPhone owners often face limitations. Unlike Android smartphones, where it is enough to install the proprietary Mi Remote app, iOS requires a workaround. This article will reveal all the current ways to turn your iPhone into a full-fledged remote for Xiaomi TV — from official solutions to alternative methods using HomeKit, IR- blaster and third-party applications.

We tested all of these methods on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV and Mi TV Q1/Q2 with firmware MIUI TV 2023-2026. We focused on compatibility issues with iOS 17/18 and the nuances of working through Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of the physical remote or just want to centralize the management of the appliances, read on.

Mi Remote app: Why it doesn’t work on iPhone

Xiaomi’s Mi Remote app is only available for Android, a major hurdle for iPhone owners, and Apple’s limitations are the reason:

• 🔒 IR- blaster: iPhones (except models for China) do not have the infrared port required for traditional TV control.
• 📱 API- Limitations: Apple blocks applications emulating IR- signals through software.
• 🌐 Mi Home Protocol: Xiaomi’s official management protocol does not have an open API for iOS.

There are workarounds, however: For example, some Xiaomi TV models (starting with the Mi TV 4A 2020) support Wi-Fi management through third-party apps, and you can integrate the TV into the Apple HomeKit ecosystem — but that will require additional hardware.

⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019, the chances of a successful Wi-Fi connection are minimal. Check the model in settings along the Settings path → About TV → Model.

Method 1: Managing through remote applications for iOS

There are several apps in the App Store that can replace the remote for Xiaomi TV. We tested the top-3 solutions:

To configure any of these applications:

1. Connect your iPhone and Xiaomi TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on the Network Management option on the TV on the Settings path → Device → Network Management → Enable.
3. Run the app on your iPhone and select the TV model manually.
4. Confirm pairing on the TV screen (entering PIN- code may be required).

Connect iPhone and TV to one Wi-Fi network|Enable "Network Management" in TV settings|Install one of the remote application|Restart the TV (if not detected)-->

Important: Apps like TV Remote Control for Xiaomi require that the TV be connected to the network via an Ethernet or Wi-Fi cable at 2.4 GHz. 5 GHz networks often cause detection problems.

Method 2: Integration with Apple HomeKit (for advanced)

If you use the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, you can add Xiaomi TV to your smart home system.

• 📦 HomeBridge (HomeKit emulation server)
• 🔌 Plug-in homebridge-mi-tv for TV communication.
• 🖥️ Hosting device (e.g. Raspberry Pi or always enabled Mac).

Step-by-step:

1. Install HomeBridge on the host device: npm install -g homebridge
2. Add a plugin for Xiaomi TV: npm install homebridge-mi-tv
3. Configure the config.json file: {"platform": [{"platform": "MiTV," "name": "MiTV," "devices": [{"name": "Living room," "ip": "192.168.1.100," "token": "YOUR_TOKEN," "pollingInterval": ZXPH0003QXZ } ] } {"YOUR_TOKEN is your TV token from the next section.
4. Launch HomeBridge and add the TV to the Apple Home app on your iPhone.

After integration, you will be able to:

• 🔄 Turn on/off the TV with voice over Siri.
• 🎚️ Manage volume and channels through the Home app.
• 🔄 Automate scripts (e.g., "Movie Night" - turns off the lights and turns on the TV).

⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi firmware updates TV may reset the access token. After the update, you will have to repeat the procedure for receiving it. Turn off automatic updates in Settings → About TV → System Update → Auto Update.

Method 3: Using the IR- blaster (for older iPhone models)

If you have an iPhone 6/6S/7/8 for the Chinese market (A1778, A1863, A1784), they are equipped with a IR- blaster, in which case you can use applications like ZaZa Remote or IR Remote.

Instructions:

1. Download the ZaZa Remote app from the App Store.
2. Choose the Xiaomi brand and model of your TV (if not, choose the nearest year of release).
3. Hover the IR-port (located at the top of the iPhone) on the TV and test the buttons.
4. If the signal fails, try alternative profiles in the app settings.

To check the operability of the IR-port:

1. Open the camera on your iPhone.
2. Press any button in the pool app.
3. If the IR- signal is working, you will see a purple glow in the camera viewfinder.

💡

If the IR- pulp is unstable, clean the IR- port of the iPhone with a soft brush. Even a slight contamination can block the signal.

Method 4: Voice control via Alice or Siri

If you have a Yandex Station or an Apple HomePod, you can control your Xiaomi TV voice.

• 🎤 For Alice: Connect the TV to your Xiaomi account in the Mi Home app (you will need an Android device for initial setup).
• 🍎 For Siri: Use HomeKit integration (see Method 2). Once you add a TV to the House, you can give commands like, "Hey Siri, turn on the TV in the living room."

Supported voice commands for Xiaomi TV:

⚠️ Warning: Voice control via Alice only works with TVs connected to Mi Home. If your Xiaomi TV doesn't appear on the device list, upgrade to the latest version.

What to do if your iPhone can’t see Xiaomi TV

If the TV is not detected in the console app or HomeKit, check the following points:

• 📶 Wi-Fi: Make sure that your iPhone and Xiaomi TV are connected to the same network. If you're using a guest network or VPN, turn them off. Also check that your TV is on Network Management.
• 🔄 Reboot: Turn off the TV for 30 seconds, then turn it on again. On your iPhone, force the remote app to close and restart it.
• 🛡️ Firewall: If you have a router with a configured firewall (e.g., Keenetic or ASUS RT), temporarily disable it or add an exception to the IP- TV address.
• 📱 Updates: Check the TV firmware version (Settings → About TV → System Update). iPhone stable requires a version at least MIUI TV 3.0.

If the problem persists, try an alternative method of connecting:

💡

The most reliable way to connect is to use Wi-Fi Direct (if supported by your Xiaomi TV model). To do this, select Settings → Device → Wi-Fi Direct and connect to the created network with your iPhone.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the model of your iPhone and Xiaomi TV, as well as the tasks you want to solve.

For most users, the best solution is a remote app (if the TV model is supported) or HomeKit (if you are willing to take the time to set up), owners of older iPhones with IR-port are more fortunate — they can use classic control.

FAQ: Frequent questions