MI Remote on Xiaomi: what it is, what you need and how to use it

Introduction: why MI The remote has become an integral part of the Xiaomi ecosystem

If you own a TV, smart lamp or other Xiaomi device with support MI Remote, then probably encountered the term «MI It's not just another accessory, it's the central control of the entire Mi Home ecosystem, which connects dozens of devices into a single system, but what exactly is behind this name and why it's so important?

MI The remote is a software solution from Xiaomi that allows you to control equipment through a smartphone, tablet or physical remote control (DU). It works like a Mi TV. TV, And with smart lamps, air conditioners, robot vacuum cleaners, and even appliances from other brands, the main advantage is versatility: one remote controls replace dozens of original remote control units, saving space and simplifying life.

In this article, we will understand how it works. MI The remote, what devices it supports, how to set it up and what problems you might have when using it, and also answer the question: should you buy a physical remote Xiaomi Mi Remote or a mobile application is enough?

What is it? MI remote: physical device vs. software solution

When they talk about «MI The remote is often meant to have two different things in mind: a physical remote control from Xiaomi (e.g., Mi Remote Controller or Mi Remote Controller). TV Remote) and the software remote in the Mi Home app or MI Let's see what's the difference and what's the best choice.

Physically MI The remote is a compact device with infrared (IR) or Bluetooth transmitter, which comes with Mi TVs TV It's either sold separately, it runs on batteries (usually). AAA), It has a minimalist design and supports management not only of Xiaomi equipment, but also devices of other brands (for example, Samsung, LG, Sony).

Software MI The remote is a virtual remote in a mobile application MI Remote (available for Android and iOS) It uses the smartphone's IR port (if any) or connects to devices via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. The main plus is that you do not need to carry an additional remote, but the disadvantage is that not all smartphones support IR transmission.

• 📱 Mobile app MI Remote: free, always at hand, but requires a smartphone with an IR port.

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone does not have an IR port (such as an iPhone or many Samsung models), then the mobile app is a good choice. MI Remote will be able to control only devices over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but not traditional technology (air conditioners, old TVs).

What devices can be controlled through MI remote

One of the key features MI The remote is its versatility. It supports not only Xiaomi's hardware, but also other brands' devices:

To manage devices of other brands MI The remote uses an IR code database, and if your model isn't listed, you can manually add codes or update the database through the app.

It's particularly convenient that MI The remote supports macros, which are sequences of commands, for example, you can program one button to turn on the TV, switch to the next one. HDMI-Netflix entry and launch.

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If your device doesn't automatically recognize you, try to manually select a similar model of the same brand, often the IR codes match up for different series.

How to set up MI remote: step-by-step instruction

Setting up MI The remote is dependent on whether you're using a physical device or a mobile app.

The Mi Remote Controller is a physical control

If you have a physical remote (for example, from the Mi kit) TV), It's already paired with a TV, so you can add control to other devices:

1. Press and hold the Menu (or Settings) button on the remote for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
2. Select the type of device (for example, TV, AC, DVD) button-on ↑/↓.
3. Press. OK Follow the instructions on the screen (if you connect to the TV) or wait for the sync confirmation.
4. Check the work by pressing the Power or Volume buttons.

Setting up a mobile application MI Remote

For the use of the virtual remote:

1. Download the app MI Remote from Google Play or App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account.
3. Press. + («Add device) and select category (e.g., “TV»).
4. Choose a brand and model from the list. If your model is not, select "Other" and try generic codes.
5. Point your smartphone to the device and press Test to check the connection.

⚠️ Warning: If the physical remote is set up and the indicator flashes red and doesn't sync, try resetting it to factory settings. + Back for 10 seconds. Repeat the pairing procedure after the reset.

Extended functions MI remote: macros, voice control and automation

MI The remote is not just a replacement for the standard DU, it supports a number of advanced features that make it a real smart home control center.

1. Macroses (command sequences)

Macros allow you to program a chain of actions with a single button.

• 🎬 Movie mode: turn on the TV, switch to HDMI 1, turn off the lights, start Kodi.
• 🌙 Good night: turn off the TV, turn off smart lamps, activate the “Do not disturb” mode on your smartphone.
• 🎵 Party: turn on the soundbar, launch a playlist on Spotify, set color backlight.

To create a macro in a mobile application:

1. Open up. MI Remote and go to the "Macros" section».
2. Click on “Create macros” and add devices.
3. Write down a sequence of commands (e.g., Power) ON → HDMI1 → Play).
4. Save and assign a macro to a button or widget.

2. Voice control via Alice or Google Assistant

If you have a Xiaomi Mi column AI Speaker or smartphone with Google Assistant, you can control voice technology:

• “OK, Google, turn on the TV in the kitchen.”
• “Alice, set the air conditioner temperature at 22 degrees.”
• "Put the movie on the big TV."

This requires:

1. Connect devices to your Xiaomi account.
2. Activate the voice assistant in the Mi Home settings.
3. Check that the microphone of the speaker or smartphone is working.

3 Automation through Mi Home

You can create automatic scripts in the Mi Home app, for example:

• 🔄 If the temperature is above 25°C → air-condition.
• 🌅 If it gets dark outside → switch on.
• 🚪 If the door sensor is activated → turn on the camera and send a notification.

To set up the automation:

1. Open Mi Home → «Automation» → «Create».
2. Select the trigger (condition) and the action.
3. Save the script and test it out.

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Macros and automation save time, but require fine-tuning. Before creating complex scenarios, check each device individually.

Typical problems with MI remote control and how to solve them

Even a reliable solution like MI The remote, sometimes it malfunctions. Let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

1.The remote does not respond to pressing

If the physical or virtual remote does not work:

• 🔋 Check the batteries (for a physical remote) or the charge of your smartphone.
• 📶 Make sure the device is in the IR range/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Restart the remote (remove the batteries for 10 seconds) or restart the application.
• 📱 Update the TV firmware or app MI Remote.

2.The device is not found in the database

If your technique is not recognized:

• 🔍 Try to manually select a close model of the same brand.
• 📥 Update the database of IR codes in the application settings.
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi with the model – maybe they will add it in the next update.

Delays in execution of commands

If the commands are executed with lag:

• 📶 Check the speed of the Internet (for Wi-Fi devices).
• 📵 Make sure there is no interference from other wireless devices.
• 🔄 Reconnect the device to the remote.

⚠️ Note: If you have updated the TV firmware Mi TV The remote stopped working, try resetting it. + Home for 5 seconds. If it doesn't help, roll back the TV firmware to the previous version via Settings → On TV. → Update of the PO → Recoil.

MI Remote vs. original remotes: which is better?

Many users are wondering if it is worth moving to MI Is it better to use the original remote control system from the technology.

Critical point: if you have a lot of different brands, MI The remote will save space and time, but if you only use a Xiaomi TV and don't need automation, the original remote can be more reliable.

It is also important to note that the physical MI The remote is often lost due to its compact size, and the mobile application requires constant access to the smartphone. The choice depends on your priorities: versatility vs. simplicity.

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If you lose remotes often, consider buying Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Remote – it connects via Bluetooth and has a search function via smartphone (sound signal when you press a button in the app).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about MI remote