When the remote control suddenly stops working or is lost, it often catches owners of Xiaomi smart appliances by surprise. Unlike older kinescope models, modern Android TV-based Smart TVs require constant interaction with the interface to switch channels, launch applications or change audio settings. Fortunately, the Xiaomi ecosystem offers many alternative control methods that can completely replace a lost or broken accessory.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods to switch a Xiaomi TV without using a regular remote control. You will learn how to turn your smartphone into a universal controller, connect a regular computer peripheral and use voice commands. This will allow you not only to continue watching your favorite programs right now, but also to get advanced control options that are not available with a standard IR remote.
Before we get to the complex settings, it’s worth noting that most of today’s Xiaomi TVs, including the Mi series models, are all set to be used. TV The Stick and Mi Box are built on an open platform, which means that you can use a wide range of third-party devices to manage them, from simple devices to simple ones. USB-Keyboards to advanced smart home systems, the key is to understand what kind of connectivity interface is available on your model and how to properly configure communication between devices.
Using Android Smartphone as a Remote
The most affordable and functional way to control a TV without a physical remote is to use a smartphone. If you have an Android smartphone in your hands, you can turn it into a full remote control in minutes, and you need to be on the same local Wi-Fi network, which provides stable connection and minimal latency.
To implement this method, you will need to download the official Mi Remote app or use the built-in functionality in the MIUI and HyperOS shells. After launching the application, you need to select the option to add a new device and specify the type “TV”. The system will automatically scan the network and find your Xiaomi TV. In some cases, you may need to confirm the pairing that will appear on the TV screen.
The advantage of using a smartphone is that it has a virtual keyboard, which makes it much easier to type text when searching for videos on YouTube or Netflix. In addition, many remote applications support screen broadcast and media management, allowing you to send photos and videos from your phone to the big screen with one touch, which makes the smartphone even more convenient than a standard remote.
It is important to consider that to work this method, the TV must already be connected to the Wi-Fi network. If your TV is disconnected from the Internet or is in a Factory Reset state, this method will not work, and you will have to look for other options, for example, if you are not using the Internet, USB-It’s also worth making sure that the smartphone is geolocated, as some versions of Android require this to search for devices on the local network.
Connection USB-keyboards and mice
Xiaomi TVs are based on the Android operating system TV, It's basically a computer peripheral, and it's basically a computer peripheral. USB-If you use a mouse or keyboard to the free port of your TV, you get full control of the interface. The mouse cursor will replace the navigation on the screen, allowing you to click on the application icons, and the keyboard will allow you to quickly enter search queries.
To connect, you will only need a standard wired or wireless mouse/keyboard with USB-Plug-and-play technology Android TV It allows the system to automatically recognize devices without installing additional drivers, ideal if the remote is dead and the smartphone is discharged or not connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can freely navigate the Settings menu, select channels, and adjust volume as long as the keyboard has the appropriate multimedia buttons.
☑️ Compatibility check USB-device
It’s worth noting that not all keyboards can correctly display Russian layout on the TV screen, although character input usually works without problems. Wireless mice with the receiver work more stable than devices trying to connect over Bluetooth, since the drivers for Bluetooth peripherals on Xiaomi TVs are often limited only to audio devices and gamepads.
Using a mouse is especially convenient in a browser or when working with file managers, where cursor control is necessary. USB-You can connect your keyboard and your mouse at the same time, creating a full-fledged workplace, and that turns your TV into a computer, giving you access to all the functions of Android. TV remote-controlled.
Voice control via Google Assistant
Modern Xiaomi TVs have a built-in voice assistant Google Assistant that allows you to control the device without hands. If your remote is broken, but the microphone of the TV is good, you can give commands by voice. To activate, just say the phrase “OK, Google” or press the corresponding button on the connected keyboard if it has multimedia keys.
Voice control allows you to do basic things like switch channels, launch apps, adjust volume and search for content, like saying, "Turn on YouTube," "Turn up louder," or "Open up," which is especially useful in situations where your hands are busy or the remote is physically absent, and the accuracy of speech recognition depends on the quality of the microphone on the TV and the noise level in the room.
⚠️ Note: To work voice control TV must be connected to the Internet, and in the settings of the Google account must be allowed the rights to use the microphone and voice search.
If the TV's built-in microphone is not working or its sensitivity is low, you can use a smartphone with the Google Home app installed. By synchronizing the phone with the TV, you can give voice commands through the smartphone, which will be performed on TV. This creates a "smart home" effect, where the phone acts as a gateway to control equipment.
Secrets of voice commands
Custom Commands is available for more advanced users through the Google Home app, which allows you to create complex chains of actions that run on a single voice phrase. While basic commands like “on” or “off” work by default, customization gives you complete control over the scenarios of using the TV in everyday life.
Control over HDMI-CEC from other devices
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology allows you to control multiple devices connected via HDMI with a single remote. If you have a working console, game console or Blu-ray player from another manufacturer connected to a Xiaomi TV, you can try using their remotes to control the TV itself.
To make this feature work, you need to activate HDMI-CEC mode in the settings of the TV. On the Xiaomi menu, this option is often called Mi Remote or simply HDMI Control. The path to settings usually looks like this: Settings → Device settings → Input → HDMI Management. Once this function is enabled, the remote from the connected console will be able to turn the TV on / off and adjust the volume.
| Brand of device | Name of CEC technology | The probability of working with Xiaomi |
|---|---|---|
| Sony | Bravia Sync | Tall. |
| Samsung | Anynet+ | Medium |
| LG | SimpLink | Tall. |
| Philips | EasyLink | Medium |
However, it is worth noting that HDMI-CEC compatibility between different brands is not always 100% guaranteed. Sometimes the console can only turn on the TV, but not switch channels or control the Smart TV menu.
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If HDMI-CEC doesn’t work, try changing the order of the devices: turn on the TV first, wait for the system to boot, and only then turn on the console.
This method is especially relevant for those who use the TV primarily as a monitor for consoles or set-top boxes, in which case the loss of the native Xiaomi remote becomes less critical, since the main control is through the interface of the external device.
Buying and setting up a universal remote
If software methods and peripherals don't work, the most reliable solution is to buy a universal remote control. Modern IR remotes, such as the Remo+Peel Smart Remote (if the phone has an IR port), as well as universal remotes with a learning function, can completely replace the original accessory. They are available in electronics stores and often inexpensive.
When choosing a universal remote, look for support for Android TV protocols and the presence of the Menu and Home buttons, which are critical for navigation in the Xiaomi system. Many universal models have a code base where you need to find the manufacturer of Xiaomi or Mi to make the remote work.
The alternative is to buy the original Xiaomi Bluetooth remote. Unlike infrared models, Bluetooth remotes do not require direct vision and can lie in your pocket or behind the sofa. To connect them, you need to pinch certain buttons (usually Home and Back) next to the TV to start pairing.
⚠️ Note: When buying a Bluetooth remote, make sure it is compatible with your version of Android. TV, Because the remotes are from the old versions. MIUI TV It may not work with Google’s new shells. TV.
Wi-Fi-enabled universal remotes also allow you to control your TV over the network, eliminating the need to target your device at the screen. This is especially convenient if the TV is high or difficult to access with furniture.
Use of the IR port of the smartphone (for older models)
Some Xiaomi, Huawei and other smartphone models still have an integrated infrared (IR) port. If your smartphone has this feature, you can use the standard Mi Remote app to control your TV without a Wi-Fi connection.
To set up, open the app, select Add Remote, then the TV category and the Xiaomi brand. Follow the on-screen instructions by pressing buttons on your smartphone and confirming the TV's response. Since the IR signal does not require pairing, this method works instantly and reliably, mimicking the behavior of the original remote.
The main advantage of IR control is that it's independent of the network and operating system of the TV, so you can turn off a hung TV if it stops responding to commands by simply sending a shutdown signal, which makes having an IR port in your smartphone a valuable insurance policy in case of problems with smart technology.
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The presence of an infrared port in a smartphone is a “lifeline” that allows you to control equipment even in the complete absence of a network and charged batteries in other devices.
If your smartphone doesn’t have an integrated IR port, there are external adapters that connect via a charging connector (USB-C or Lightning) that are compact and allow you to add a remote function to any modern gadget, turning it into a universal control device for all home electronics.