Search for remote from Xiaomi TV via phone: a complete guide with hidden chips

You just sat down on the popcorn couch to watch a new episode of your favorite show, but... the remote from the Xiaomi TV is nowhere. Remote search around the house failed, and rumming through all the drawers is wasting an hour of precious time. Fortunately, your Xiaomi smartphone (or any other one with an IR transmitter) can be a temporary replacement for the remote – and with advanced features. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to control the TV through the phone, including hidden firmware features. MIUI and bypass solutions for models without IR-blaster.

For example, Mi Remote works perfectly with Mi TV 4S/5X and Redmi Smart TVs, but it may not recognize the old Xiaomi Mi Box models. But Wi-Fi control (if the TV is connected to the same network) will work even on devices without an infrared port, the main thing is not to panic and follow the instructions in order, starting with the simplest solutions.

Verification of availability IR-The blaster in your Xiaomi phone

Before you download apps, make sure your smartphone is physically capable of sending infrared signals.Most Xiaomi and Redmi models are equipped with the same. IR-There are exceptions to this, but here's how to test it:

• 🔍 Models with IR-blaster 8 Pro/9 Pro/10 Pro, POCO X3/X3 Pro, Mi 10/11 Series, Mi Mix 2S/3. Usually the port is located at the top of the case (near the headphone jack or speaker).
• ❌ Models without IR: Redmi Note 7/8 (Not Pro), POCO F1/F3, Mi A1/A2/A3, All smartphones line Xiaomi Civi. here you will have to use alternative methods (see section) 4).
• 📱 How to visually find: Turn on the phone's flashlight and shine on the top edge - the IR transmitter looks like tiny black glass (sometimes under a plastic grille).

If IR-There is no blaster, do not despair: control over Wi-Fi or HDMI-CEC They're often more convenient than the traditional remote control.

2. Set up the Mi Remote application (official method)

Mi Remote app is the easiest solution for Xiaomi phones IR-It's pre-installed on all devices with a blaster. MIUI It supports over 500,000 models of technology, including televisions, air conditioners and audio systems:

1. Open Mi Remote, if you don't have an app, download it from Google Play.
2. Click + Add Device → Select Television Category.
3. In the list of brands, look for Xiaomi (or Redmi if you have a Redmi Smart TV).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: the app will send test signals, and you must confirm whether the TV has worked.

If the TV doesn't respond:

• 🔄 Try another model from the list (for example, instead of Mi). TV 4S 55" select Mi. TV 4A).
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and TV (maximum distance 8 meters).
• 🔋 Check the phone's charge: at a level below 15% IR-The blaster may work unstablely.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs 2019-2020 release (for example, Mi) TV 4S 65" sometimes triggers "unknown remotes lock. To unlock, press the original Menu button on the remote control. + OK 5 seconds.

3. Alternative TV management applications

If Mi Remote isn’t suitable (like you have a different brand phone or an old Xiaomi model with no updates), try these apps. They’re all free and support Xiaomi TVs:

For applications without an IR (such as Yatse), it is mandatory to:

1. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. In the TV settings, enable Network Management (Settings → Network & Internet → Remote Control).
3. In the app, select Add Device → Android TV and follow the instructions.

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If the TV is not visible on the local network, try manually entering it. IP-Find out the address. IP You can see the TV menu: Settings → On TV. → Network status

4. Control of TV over HDMI-CEC (without IR and Wi-Fi)

If you don't. IR-Blaster and Wi-Fi is off, technology HDMI-CEC It can be a lifesaver. It allows you to control devices that are connected through HDMI, It's a remote from another gadget (like a Mi Box or a game console:

Step 1.CEC Support Verification

• 📺 On TV: Go to Settings → HDMI-CEC (It could be called Anynet.+, Bravia Sync or Simplink).
• 📱 On the phone: connect it to the TV through HDMI-adapter (e.g, USB-C to HDMI Xiaomi 11T Pro).

Step 2. Set-up

1. Turn on the HDMI Control option on your TV.
2. Connect your phone to your TV via cable (or use the Mi Box as an intermediary).
3. Use the remote from Mi Box or Google TV app to control.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Works only for basic functions: on/off, volume control, channel switching.
• ⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models support all of them. CEC (Like Mi. TV Stick is not compatible).

5. Voice control via Google Assistant or XiaoAI

If you have a Xiaomi Mi TV with Android TV or Google TV, you can control it with your voice via Google Assistant or XiaoAI (the built-in Xiaomi assistant).

Method 1: Google Assistant (for Android TV)

1. Download the Google Home app.
2. Add the TV to the app: + → Set up the device → Set up the TV.
3. Say the voice command, “OK Google, turn on Netflix on your TV” or “Revolve volume by 20%.”

Method 2: XiaoAI (for Mi TV with PatchWall)

• 🎤 Press the microphone button on the remote (or say 'if offline recognition is supported).
• 📺 Examples of commands: "Open YouTube" "Switch to HDMI 1" Set brightness to 70%"

⚠️ Attention: Voice control via XiaoAI requires an internet connection. If Wi-Fi is disabled, use Google Assistant offline (pre-download the language pack in the assistant settings).

6. Hidden Mi TV features: USB or Bluetooth control

Few people know, but Xiaomi TVs (starting with Mi) TV (4) support alternative management methods through USB-It's a port or Bluetooth, and it's a method that's useful if you lose the remote and the phone doesn't have a battery. IR-blaster.

Method 1: USB-keyboard

• 🖱️ Put anyone on TV. USB-Keyboard or mouse (even from PC).
• 🔑 Use the keys: Esc - back; Space - choice (analogue) OK); F1–F12 — quick access to channels.

Method 2: Bluetooth remote (e.g. from a gaming console)

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Connect a compatible gamepad (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony DualShock 4).
3. Use the D-pad buttons for navigation, X for confirmation.

These are especially useful if you're updating your firmware and you're afraid of interrupting the process because of a dead console, and if you have a keyboard, you can confirm the actions without risk.

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USB-Input devices (keyboard/mouse) work on all Mi TV portable USB 2.0/3.0, It may not be supported on the Mi Box S due to Android limitations. TV.

7.Extreme measures: resetting the TV to factory settings

If you can't find the remote at all, and the phone doesn't work for any of the methods described above, you'll have to reset the hardware, which will bring the TV back to factory settings, but it will delete all the apps and accounts you've installed.

How to reset Mi TV without remote control:

1. Find the reset button on the back of the TV (usually next to HDMI ports, marked as Reset).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds with a toothpick or paperclip.
3. After the reboot, the TV will turn on in the initial setting mode.

For models without a physical button (e.g. Redmi Smart TV X Series):

1. Turn off the TV.


2. Press the Power button on the case (not on the remote!).




3. Connect the power without releasing Power for 20 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, the TV will require a reconnection to Wi-Fi and login to your account Xiaomi/Google. If you forget your password, restore it in advance through another gadget.

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding a remote and managing a Mi TV