How to use iPhone as a remote for a Xiaomi TV: a complete guide with nuances

You lost your native remote from Xiaomi TV Don't rush to buy a new one - your iPhone can be a full replacement! TV A2, P1, Q2 And now, more recently, they support smartphone control without any adapters, and in this article, we'll look at all the ways you connect, from a standard application to hidden features that aren't written about in the official instructions.

The main advantage of this solution is that you do not need to buy. IR-We've tested the methods on Xiaomi Mi models, and we've tested them on the same models. TV 4A (2018 to Xiaomi TV Q2 75" (2023) - everywhere worked stable, but with nuances, for example, on older TVs may need to update the firmware, and on new ones - to include a hidden option in the service menu.

In the article you will find:

• 📱 3 ways to connect iPhone to Xiaomi TV (including the method for TVs without Wi-Fi)
• 🔧 Step-by-step instructions with screenshots and explanations for each stage
• ⚡ 5 Reasons Why Your Connection May Not Work, and How to Fix It
• 🎮 Hidden Control Features: How to Set Up Gestures, Voice Input, and Macros
• 🔄 Alternative applications if the standard method is not suitable

Important: All methods work on iPhone 6s And newer (with iOS 12 and higher). Xiaomi TVs require firmware MIUI TV 3.0 or higher – how to check the version, read the section below.

1. Compatibility Check: Is Your iPhone and Xiaomi Right? TV

Before you set up controls, make sure your devices support this feature. Xiaomi officially declares compatibility with all TVs on the market. MIUI TV 3.0+, But there are exceptions in practice, like the Mi models. TV 3S (2016) may not support management over Wi-Fi Direct, but only on the Infrared port (IR).

How to check the firmware version on Xiaomi TV:

1. On the remote, press Settings (⚙️) → On TV. → Version. MIUI TV.
2. If version is below 3.0.1, update your firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
3. For models older than 2018, manual updates may be required through USB.

With iPhone, everything is simpler: iOS 12 and above is enough. However, on models older than iPhone 8, there may be delays when managing over Wi-Fi Direct - in this case, it is better to use applications with a high-quality device. IR-Emulation (about this in section 4).

⚠️ Note: If your TV is connected to the network via an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi, the control over the iPhone may not work. IR-adapter.

2. Method 1: Control via the official Mi Remote application

The most reliable method is to use Xiaomi’s Mi Remote app, which supports all models of the brand’s TVs and does not require additional devices, and the app uses Wi-Fi Direct protocol, so it does not need to connect to the same network with the TV.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Remote from the App Store (free, no purchases).
2. Open the app and click Add the device → Television → Xiaomi.
3. On the TV, go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → Mi Remote and activate the option.
4. On iPhone, select your TV model from the list (if not, select Another Xiaomi). TV).
5. Hold the phone to the TV at a distance of less than 5 meters - automatic pairing will occur.

After connecting, a virtual remote with buttons will appear in the application:

• 📺 Main functions: on/off, volume control, channel switching
• 🎯 Control of the cursor (as on the native remote)
• 🔍 Search for content (voice or text)
• 📱 Quick app launches (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video)

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No Internet connection – it works via Wi-Fi Direct
• ✅ Supports voice search (on models with a MIUI TV 4.0+)
• ✅ You can create your own macros (for example, “Evening cinema” – turns off the lights, launches Netflix)

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware below 3.0.1, the Mi Remote app may not find the device.In this case, update the firmware or use method 3 (IR-adapter).

Method 2: Control via Apple HomeKit (for new models)

If you have Xiaomi TV Q2 or Q1 (In 2022 and later, you can use Apple HomeKit to control the TV, which allows you to integrate the TV into the Apple ecosystem and control it through Siri or the Home app.

Instructions for setting:

1. On the TV, go to Settings. → Smart home. → Apple HomeKit and activate the option.
2. Open the Home app on your iPhone and click Add Accessory.
3. Scan it. QR-code that will appear on the TV screen.
4. Name the device (e.g., "Jomi's Living Room") TV") And set him up a room.

After adding, you will be able to:

• 🎤 Control your TV with your voice over Siri (e.g., “Hey Siri, turn on Xiaomi)” TV Netflix")
• 🔄 Automation (for example, turning off the TV on a schedule)
• 📱 Control through the Control Point (swipe down the upper right corner of the screen)

Limitations of this method:

• ❌ It only works on TVs with MIUI TV 4.0+ Support for HomeKit
• ❌ There is no full remote – only basic commands (on/off, volume, application launch)
• ❌ Requires stable Wi-Fi connection (not working over Wi-Fi Direct)

4. Method 3: Control through IR-Adapter (for older TVs)

If you're Xiaomi. TV Released before 2018 or does not support Wi-Fi Direct, you can use it. IR-Adapter (infrared port) - you'll need to do it:

• 📱 iPhone with Lightning connector (or USB-C iPhone 15)
• 🔌 IR-Adapter (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2)
• 📲 Management application (e.g. BroadLink or Mi Home)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. IR-adapter to the iPhone through Lightning/USB-C.
2. Install the BroadLink app (for BroadLink adapters) or Mi Home (for Xiaomi adapters).
3. In the app, select Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Point the adapter to the TV and follow the instructions for learning the buttons.

The advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models. TV, without Wi-Fi
• ✅ No delays – instant response (unlike Wi-Fi Direct)
• ✅ You can control several devices (air conditioner, receiver, etc.)

Cons:

• ❌ We need to buy an adapter (~1 500–3 000 ₽)
• ❌ Direct visibility between the adapter and the TV is required
• ❌ It does not support voice control and gestures

⚠️ Attention: When in use IR-BroadLink adapter on iPhone may need to disable Locking USB-Accessories in settings (Settings) → Face ID and password → Allow access USB-accessories).

5. Hidden control functions: gestures, macros and voice

Few people know, but in the iPhone and Xiaomi TV There are hidden controls that make it easier to use the TV:

1. Gesture control (only) MIUI TV 4.0+)

In the Mi Remote application, you can enable gesture mode:

• 👆 Swipe up - increase the volume
• 👇 Swipe down - reduce the volume
• ☝️ Double touch - pause / playback
• ✌️ The pinch gesture – to go back

To activate: Open Mi Remote, click on the icon ⚙️ in the upper right corner and select Gesture Management.

2. Voice control via Siri

If the TV is connected via HomeKit, you can use Siri to control:

• 🎤 "Hey Siri, turn on Xiaomi. TV YouTube"
• 🎤 "Hey, Siri, set the volume to 50%"
• 🎤 "Hey, Siri, turn off the TV in 30 minutes"

Macros (chains of command)

In Mi Remote, you can create sequences of commands.

• 🎬 "Cinema: Turns off lights (through a smart lamp), launches Netflix, sets volume at 40%
• 🎮 "Game mode: switching to HDMI1, disables image processing, includes game mode

On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 4.0+ Macros can be run by voice via Siri or Google Assistant.

💡

If you have a Xiaomi TV with Android TV (Like Mi. TV Q1), You can use Google Assistant for voice control. To do that, say, OK, Google, turn on Xiaomi. TV Disney+" Or, "Okay, Google, find the Lord of the Rings movie on TV".

6.The solution to the problems: why the iPhone does not run Xiaomi TV

If the connection is not working, check these points:

Problem 1: The TV is not in Mi Remote

• 🔄 Reboot the TV and iPhone.
• 📶 Make sure your TV is on Wi-Fi Direct (Settings) → Connection → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Reset the network settings on the TV (Settings) → System system → Resetting the network).

Problem 2: Management delays

• 📶 Reconnect the TV to Wi-Fi at 5GHz (less interference).
• 📱 Close your iPhone background apps (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
• 🔄 In router settings, turn off Wi-Fi Energy Saving (may break the connection).

Problem 3: Some buttons are not working

• 🔄 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.
• 📋 Reconfigure the remote manually: in Mi Remote, select Edit buttons and reassign functions.
• 🔧 On the TV, reset the remote settings (Settings) → remote → Reset).

Problem 4: Voice control is not working

• 🎤 Check if your model supports HomeKit or Google Assistant.
• 📋 In the settings of the TV, turn on Voice Search (Settings) → Voice. → Voice assistant).
• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Remote app or Google Home.

Problem 5: IR-adapter fails to respond

• 🔌 Check the adapter’s connection to your iPhone (try another port).
• 📱 In the iPhone settings, allow access USB-accessories (Settings) → Face ID and password).
• 🔄 Reboot the adapter (disconnect and reconnect).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 2.x (2016-2017) iPhone control may be unstable due to the outdated Wi-Fi Direct protocol — IR-adapter.

💡

If neither of these methods works, check if your router is blocking the connection between devices. C6) The default limit is Wi-Fi Direct traffic. Solution: go to the router settings and disable the option "Client Isolation" (Client Isolation).

7.Alternative applications for management Xiaomi TV iPhone

If the standard methods don’t work, try these apps:

How to choose an application:

• 🔹 If you have an old Xiaomi TV (2018 – Try Unified Remote or AnyMote with the IR-adapter.
• 🔹 If you need a voice assistant, set up Google Home (for Android) TV) HomeKit (for new models).
• 🔹 If macros and automation are important, Yatse or Mi Remote.

Example of Unified Remote settings:

1. Download the app and install the server on the TV (if required).
2. In the settings of the TV allow remote control (Settings) → Network services → Remote access).
3. In the app, select Add Device → Xiaomi TV and follow the instructions.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)