Modern smart home ecosystems, such as MIUI Home or Xiaomi Home, allow you to turn your smartphone into a universal remote control, which is especially important for owners of Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV. Losing a regular remote control or the need to quickly enter text when searching for movies become solvable tasks in a couple of minutes, if you know the right settings.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to control a TV using built-in Android features and specialized software. You will learn about the nuances of connecting through an IR port, a local Wi-Fi network, and even the hidden capabilities of the HDMI-CEC protocol.
Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone and TV are in the same network space or have serviceable hardware communication modules, a fundamental requirement for most software synchronization methods to work smoothly.
Using an IR port for remote emulation
Many top-to-mid-price Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones feature a built-in infrared emitter located on the top end of the case, which allows the phone to completely replace the physical remote, since the signal is transmitted directly, without the need to configure a complex network.
To work with this method, you will need the standard Mi Remote app, which is often pre-installed in the Tools folder. If the app is removed, it can be found in the GetApps store or downloaded. APK-file.
- 📱 Launch the application and press the device add button.
- 📺 Select the “TV” category and your screen brand (e.g. Philips, Samsung or Xiaomi).
- 🔘 Follow the instructions on the screen by pressing the virtual remote buttons to check the signal.
- ✅ Save the configuration and rename the remote for convenience.
The main advantage of IR control is its versatility: the phone does not have to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV, it is enough to be in line of sight, but it is worth remembering that to transmit commands, the phone must be directed towards the TV receiver, just like a conventional remote control.
⚠️ Note: If there is no black glass window with diameter on the top end of your smartphone 3-5 mm, so your model does not have an IR module, and this method of control will not suit you.
Control over Wi-Fi and Mi Remote app
A more advanced way is to use a network connection that allows you to access advanced functionality, including voice control and text input, so your Xiaomi smartphone and Mi TV (or Mi Box) must be connected to the same wireless network.
Unlike an IR emitter, it uses a digital data protocol, which allows not only to switch channels, but also to transfer images to the screen or use the phone keyboard to search on YouTube.
☑️ Setting up Wi-Fi management
The pairing process usually takes no more than a minute. Once successfully connected, a touchpad will appear on the smartphone screen that simulates the navigation, volume and menu buttons. Some TV models may require confirmation of connection through a pop-up on the TV screen itself.
Using a network protocol has a number of advantages, such as not having to aim your phone at the TV and being able to control from another room if the Wi-Fi signal is stable enough, which is especially useful when watching 4K content when you need to quickly pause the video.
Configure HDMI-CEC for unified control
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology allows you to control multiple devices connected via HDMI using a single remote. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is often implemented through the MI Remote+ feature or system settings, allowing the smartphone to control not only the TV itself, but also the console or sound bar connected to it.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the settings of the TV. The path usually looks like: Settings → General → Control of external devices → HDMI-CEC. Make sure the switch is activated.
Once enabled, commands sent from your smartphone to your TV (such as “Enable” or “Reduce Sound”) can be automatically broadcast to other compatible devices in the circuit, creating a “smart home” effect without the need to purchase additional hubs.
| Function | Description | Required condition |
|---|---|---|
| One Touch Play | Auto-turning on TV when starting the console | CEC support for both devices |
| System Standby | Turning off all devices with one button | Activated HDMI-CEC |
| Remote Control Pass Through | Transferring remote commands through the receiver | The Right HDMI Chain |
| System Audio Control | Soundbar volume control | ARC/eARC port |
Why is HDMI-CEC not working?
Third-party TV management applications
If standard MIUI tools are not suitable for some reason or require extension of functionality, you can turn to solutions from third-party developers. Google Play store offers many utilities that support DLNA and Cast protocols.
One popular solution is Google’s Android TV Remote Control app, which works perfectly with Android TV and Google TV TVs. It provides a full keyboard and voice control via a smartphone microphone.
There are also universal remotes, such as Universal TV Remote or Sure Universal Remote, which support thousands of models, and often have more flexible button layouts and the ability to create automation scenarios.
- 📲 Download the application from the official app store.
- 🔍 Run a network scan to find available devices.
- 🔗 Choose your TV from the list of found TVs.
- ⚙️ Set up touchpad sensitivity and button layout.
Using third-party software allows you to bypass some of the software constraints built into the manufacturer and access features that may be hidden in the standard interface, but be careful with the permissions that such applications request.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications often require access to the local network and microphone.Install software only from trusted, high-rated developers to avoid data leakage.
💡
To reduce signal delay (lag) when controlling over Wi-Fi, try not to use a guest Wi-Fi network, as it often has restrictions on the exchange of data packets between devices.
Voice control and integration with assistants
Modern Xiaomi TVs are actively integrated with voice assistants, which allows you to control the technology without hands at all. You can use the microphone built into the remote or the voice assistant in the Xiaomi AI smartphone (formerly Mi AI).
To set up, you need to link your Mi Account to the relevant services, which allows you to give commands like "Turn on Netflix" or "Turn down to 10 volume" from the other room, even if you have a smart speaker in the house.
The focus is on setting up Google Assistant on Android TVs, where the smartphone acts like a microphone and the TV executes commands, and this is one of the most convenient ways to navigate the PatchWall interface.
💡
Voice control is not just a convenience, but also a necessity for people with disabilities, making Xiaomi’s technology more affordable.
Solving Connection Problems
Despite the algorithms, users may experience a situation where the phone can't see the TV or commands are executed with a delay, most often the problem lies in the settings of the router or isolation of devices.
The first thing to do is check if the router has enabled AP Isolation, which prevents devices on the network from communicating with each other, and rebooting the Wi-Fi module on both devices also helps.
If you use an IR port, make sure that the phone does not have a cover covering the upper end, or a protective glass with a black frame that covers the emitter. Mechanical obstacles are a common cause of Mi Remote failure.
In case of software failures, cleaning the remote app cache will help. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Mi Remote → Memory → Clear the cache. This will not delete your saved remotes, but update the configuration files.