Technology has turned your smartphone into a universal control center for all media in the house. If you own a Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi TV, the ability to use your phone instead of a physical remote control opens up a lot of convenience. You will no longer search for the lost remote control under the couch, and entering text to search for videos or passwords will be much faster thanks to a full keyboard.
The synchronization process takes only a few minutes and requires no special technical knowledge. To implement this feature, you will need a stable connection and special software, which is often already pre-installed on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways of connecting, possible nuances of setting up a Wi-Fi network and solving typical problems.
First of all, it is worth noting that there are two main methods of control: through an infrared port (IR) and over a local Wi-Fi network. The first option is suitable for all models of TVs, even older ones, if the phone has an IR transmitter. The second option is more modern, functional and works on most modern smartphones, providing voice input and cursor control.
Selection of the appropriate management method
Before you start setting up, you need to determine what type of connection is available in your situation, depending on the characteristics of your smartphone and the model of the TV, and if your phone has an infrared emitter, you can control the equipment even without an Internet connection, emulating the signals of a conventional remote control.
In the absence of an IR port, which is becoming rare in flagship models, the only option is to connect over a local area network, in which case both devices must be on the same subnet, which provides more stable communication and advanced functionality, including the transfer of images to the screen.
It is important to keep in mind that for Wi-Fi to work, it is critical that the router does not block interaction between devices, and some providers or security settings may isolate customers from each other.
⚠️ Note: When using an IR remote, you need to direct the top of the smartphone directly to the TV signal receiver, as is done with a conventional remote control.
If you are in doubt about whether your phone has an IR port, look at the top end of the case: a small black dot next to the microphone or camera often indicates its presence, and this information can be found in the technical specifications of the model on the official website of the manufacturer.
Preparation of equipment and network
Successful synchronization is impossible without proper pre-preparedness.Make sure your Xiaomi Mi TV is on and running correctly.If you plan to use the Wi-Fi method, make sure the Smart TV is already connected to your home network.
A common mistake users make is that one device is connected to a 2.4 GHz network and the other to a 5 GHz network, and the router has turned on customer isolation or guest mode, which prevents them from communicating.
Check the following parameters before launching the application:
- 📶 Both devices are on the same subnet (the same). IP-lock-house).
- 🔋 The battery charge of the phone is at least 20% to avoid disconnection in the process.
- 📡 The device detection function is enabled on the TV (usually active by default).
- 📱 On the smartphone, rights to access the local network for the remote application are allowed.
☑️ Checking before connection
In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the router if the devices can not find each other for a long time. DHCP and give out fresh IP-addresses that often solve visibility problems.
Configure with the Mi Remote app
Xiaomi’s main tool for device owners is the Mi Remote app, which is often built into the system on smartphones of this brand, but it can also be downloaded from the Google Play store or GetApps. There are analogues for devices of other manufacturers, but the principle of operation is similar.
When you start the app, you need to add a new device. Click on the + icon or the Add Remote button. From the category list, select TV and find the manufacturer of your TV, Xiaomi or Redmi.
Follow the instructions on the screen:
- Select the connection method: “Wi-Fi” or “IR” (Infrared).
- If Wi-Fi is selected, the application will start searching for devices on the network.
- When your TV name appears on the list, click on it.
- On the TV screen, a request for confirmation of pairing may appear – select “Allow” or “Accept”.
What to do if the TV is not found?
Once successfully paired, a virtual remote with volume, channel and navigation buttons will appear on the phone screen, and you can test the buttons by pressing them and watching the TV react.
Use of Google Home and Android TV
Xiaomi Mi TVs run on Android TV or PatchWall, allowing them to be managed through standard Google ecosystem tools, especially for users who have smartphones from other brands that do not support infrared ports.
For this method, you’ll need a Google Home app available for Android and iOS.Make sure you’re using the same Google account on your phone and TV, though for basic management, this isn’t always strictly necessary if the devices are on the same network.
The adjustment process is as follows:
- 🏠 Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- 🔍 Press "Add» → «Set up the device» → «The device is already there».
- 📺 Select “Works with Google” and find “Android” TV».
- 🔗 Sign in and select your TV from the list of available devices.
Once connected to Google Home, your TV card will appear, and by clicking on it, you will access the control panel with the navigation, volume control and application launch buttons.
💡
Use the Google Home widget on your phone’s desktop for quick access to control your TV without having to open the full app.
The advantage of this method is that it's very integrated with the voice assistant, so you can say, "OK, Google, turn on the TV," and you can do it even if you have your phone in your pocket.
Comparison of connection methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best way to control, we have prepared a comparative table that will help you understand which method is best suited for your specific tasks and operating conditions.
| Characteristics | IR remote (Mi Remote) | Wi-Fi remote (Mi Remote / Google Home) | Third-party annexes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability of an IR port | I'll be sure. | Not required | Depends on the app. |
| Working without a network | Possible. | Impossible. | Partially. |
| Input of text | No. | Yeah (full keyboard) | Yes. |
| Voice input | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Compatibility | Any TV. | Only Smart TVs. | Different. |
As you can see from the table, Wi-Fi provides a lot more opportunities for comfortable use, especially if you often search for content by title or use a browser on your TV.
⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may have a delay (lag) when transmitting commands, which makes navigation in the menu less responsive compared to official software.
For everyday use, it is recommended to configure both methods if your phone allows it. the IR remote will help if the router “falls” or there are problems with the network, and Wi-Fi will provide comfort when typing.
Solutions and Connection Errors
Users may encounter various difficulties in setting up the router, most often with network settings or software versions. If the phone can't see the TV, first check if the router has AP Customer Isolation enabled.
This security feature prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from communicating with each other. Also make sure that the TV has the latest firmware installed. You can update the software from the Settings menu → About TV → System Update.
List of frequent problems and solutions:
- 🔄 TV not found: Restart router and both devices, check that they are on the same network (does not mix the guest network).
- ⏳ High command latency: Close the background apps on your phone that free up RAM.Make sure the Wi-Fi signal is strong.
- 🚫 Individual buttons don't work: Try removing the remote from the app and re-create it.
💡
90% of connection problems are solved by simply restarting the router and checking that the phone and TV are on the same subnet.
If nothing helps, try temporarily disabling antivirus or firewall on your smartphone, as they can block outgoing ones. UDP-packets needed to find devices on the local network.
Additional management capabilities
Using your phone as a remote is not just a button replacement, it's access to advanced functionality that is not available on a standard remote, for example, you can stream your smartphone screen to your TV or transfer files.
The Mi Remote or Google Home app often has a “Translation” (Cast) feature available, and by clicking on the appropriate icon, you can display photos, videos from the gallery on the big screen, or even play a game from your phone using the TV as a monitor.
Menu → Settings → Connected devices → BroadcastAlso, many streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk) have a built-in broadcast button. Once you run a video on your phone, you can click on Translate and select your Xiaomi TV from the list, and the phone only acts as a playback control.
Secret function
Remember that using Wi-Fi to stream video can be a strain on the network, and if the quality of the image is declining, try lowering the resolution of the video you are streaming in the source app settings.