How to find Xiaomi remote: a search and connection guide

Losing a remote is a classic situation that can take any smart tech owner by surprise. When the screen is on, but you can't switch the channel or start Netflix, the question of how to find a Xiaomi remote becomes the most pressing one in the house. Fortunately, Xiaomi's ecosystem offers a host of alternative solutions, from built-in infrared transmitters in smartphones to third-party apps.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from finding a physical device in your apartment to software-based button emulation. You will learn how to turn your phone into a full-fledged controller and which Android TV apps work most stable.

⚠️ Warning: Before you start searching, make sure that the remotes are actually charged, and often the problem is with the dead batteries, not the loss of the device itself.

There are several ways to solve this problem: if the remote is just lost in the pillows, system search methods will help, if it is lost irrevocably, digital analogs will come to the rescue. Let's look at each option in detail.

Search for a physical remote in an apartment

Before we get to software, we need to do a thorough review: Xiaomi remotes, especially the Mi Remote and Mi Box S, often hide in the most unexpected places, and statistics show that 40 percent of the time the remote is under the couch or in the folds of clothes.

Use the "dark search" method. Turn off the lights in the room and light the phone at a low angle along the floor and furniture. The plastic case of the remote reflects light, and it will be easy to see even in the deep crevices of the sofa. This works better than visual inspection in bright light.

If you have a Xiaomi smart home, try using voice control. Say, "OK, Google, where's my remote?" or activate a search through the Mi Home app if the remote has Bluetooth search (as in the new Mi TV Stick models).

• 🔦 Check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing yesterday – the remote often “goes away” with the owner.
• 🛋️ Remove pillows from the sofa and look under the skin - a classic place of missing.
• 📦 Look in the boxes of equipment or packages that have recently been unpacked.
• 🐈 Check out pet habitats – cats often hide small items.

⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp objects to search under furniture so as not to damage the remote body or TV wiring.

Using a smartphone with an IR port

Many of the older and some modern flagships Xiaomi and Redmi have built-in infrared port.This is the most reliable way to replace a lost remote, as it does not require pairing over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

To activate this feature, you will need the standard Mi Remote app (Mi Remote), which is often pre-installed on the system. If it is not available, download from Google Play. In the app, select Add Remote, then the type of device "TV" and the brand "Xiaomi" or "Mi".

The setup process takes a couple of minutes. The app will ask you to click on a button on the screen (e.g., On/Off) and confirm if the TV is working. If the TV is responding, the code is correct. This method is ideal if the router is unstable.

Way to the menu: Mi Remote → Add → TV → Xiaomi → Test button

The phone should be pointed at the TV receiver, like a regular remote control, and the distance of confident operation is up to 7-10 meters.

Connection via Wi-Fi and Mi Remote app

If your smartphone doesn't have an IR port, don't despair. Xiaomi smart TVs and Mi Box consoles are powered by Android TV, allowing you to control them over a local Wi-Fi network. This is even more convenient than an IR remote, since you don't have to aim at the TV.

To do this, your phone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Download the official Mi Remote app or third-party counterparts, such as Google's Android TV Remote Control. When you first run, the app will scan the network and find available devices.

You may see a request on your TV to confirm pairing, and use the volume buttons on the TV itself (usually on the back or bottom of the case) to select "Allow" or "Confirm" and then the phone becomes a full touch console.

The advantage of Wi-Fi management is that you have text input, and you can print search queries on YouTube or Netflix using your phone's on-screen keyboard much faster than you can click on virtual buttons.

Third-party apps for Android and iOS

Official apps aren’t always perfect, so developers have created a lot of alternatives. iPhone owners are the only option, since iOS doesn’t have IR ports, and the official Mi Remote app on iOS has limited functionality.

Popular management applications:

• 📱 Google Home – Basic Control for Android TV, Allows you to turn on, off and run applications.
• 🎮 CetusPlay is a powerful tool with support for a gamepad, file manager and keyboard.
• 📺 TV Remote – Universal Control – a one-stop solution that supports many brands, including Xiaomi.
• 🍏 Xiaomi Mi TV

When installing third-party software, pay attention to permissions. The app needs access to a local network to see the TV. Without that right, it can't send commands.

⚠️ Note: some free apps may contain intrusive advertising.Be careful when clicking on pop-ups while using the remote.

For iOS users, it is also important to add a TV to the Apple HomeKit app if the TV model supports this technology or uses an Apple TV intermediate.

Use of the USB-keyboards and mice

Few people know, but the Android interface TV It's fully adapted to work with the usual computer peripherals, and if the remote is lost and the phone is dead, they'll come to the rescue. USB-keyboard.

Just plug them in free. USB-The port on the back of the TV or console, the mouse cursor will appear on the screen, allowing you to navigate the menu, and the keyboard will allow you to type in text and use hot keys.

The main key combinations for navigation:

This method is especially useful if you need to log into your Wi-Fi settings or start your browser, and there are no other controls, and the mouse also allows you to drag and drop windows and select interface elements more accurately.

💡

Use a wireless keyboard with touchpad (as for Smart) TV), keep out USB-Ports and have full control of the cursor.

Buying a new remote and compatibility

If none of the software methods are right or you need a physical remote for comfort, you can buy one, and the main thing is to know what kind of remote is your model needs. Xiaomi has several varieties: Bluetooth, Infrared and combined.

Bluetooth remotes (usually voice search) require pairing, pressing both the Back and Home buttons (or special pairing buttons) at the same time until the indicator blinks. The IR remotes work immediately, but require direct visibility.

When buying a universal remote, make sure it supports Xiaomi codes. The box should have a For Mi TV marking or a list of compatible models. You can also order the original accessory through official channels.

Some users have successfully used remotes from Mi Box with Xiaomi TVs and vice versa, but voice search functionality may be limited.

Frequent Questions and Challenges (FAQ)

💡

The fastest way to find a remote is to use the IR port of a smartphone, and the most functional is an application via Wi-Fi with voice input support.