Xiaomi TVs are not just content viewers, but full-fledged elements of the smart home ecosystem, supporting voice control, script automation and synchronization with other gadgets of the brand. However, many users have difficulty trying to integrate. TV-console TV In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from standard connection via Mi Home to alternative solutions for Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
The main problem is that not all Xiaomi models are available. TV They work equally well with different platforms, like Android TVs. TV (like Mi TV A2 or Redmi Smart TV X) have more integration capabilities than PatchWall devices (e.g. Mi) TV 4S). We'll look at each option in detail, point out pitfalls, and give you tips on how to optimize your system, and if you're just starting out with a smart home or you want to add a TV to it, this guide will help you avoid the typical mistakes.
1. Compatibility of Xiaomi TVs with smart home platforms
Before you start setting up, itโs important to understand which model youโre using, which is what determines the connection protocol and the features available. Xiaomi TVs can be divided into three categories by the level of smart home support:
- ๐น Full integration: models on Android TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A Pro, Redmi Smart TV X2022) โ Supports Google Assistant, Mi Home and partially HomeKit via third-party bridges.
- ๐น Limited support: PatchWall devices (e.g. Mi) TV 4A, Mi TV 4S) โ They only work with Mi Home and have a reduced functionality.
- ๐น Requires additional equipment: Older models (until 2019) or TVs without built-in Wi-Fi โ need Mi Box or other media set-top boxes to connect.
To find out the firmware version and OS type of your TV, go to Settings โ On the TV. Notice the line "Android Version" or "PatchWall Version." If it says Android 9.0 or higher, you can use Google Home. Unless PatchWall mentions Android, you only have integration through Mi Home.
โ ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall do not support direct integration with Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa without additional devices (such as Home Assistant or Mi Home Bridge). TV mediate.
2. Connect via Mi Home (official method)
The most reliable and simple method is to use the Mi Home app (renamed Xiaomi Home in some regions), which works for all models, but the functionality will vary depending on the firmware version.
- Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone (Android/IOS).
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (be sure to use the same account as you do on your TV!).
- On the TV, go to Settings. โ Account and security โ Smart Home (Mi Home) and activate the option.
- In the Mi Home app, click "Add Device" โ "Television" โ "Mi TV" And follow the instructions on the screen.
Once you've successfully connected, the TV will be on the device list.
- ๐บ Turn the TV on/off remotely.
- ๐ Adjust volume.
- ๐ Switch signal sources (HDMI, TV, USB).
- ๐ค Use voice commands via Alice (if you have a Xiaomi Smart speaker connected).
TV and smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi network
Developer mode is enabled on the TV (optional, for advanced functions)
The latest version of the Mi Home app is installed
Xiaomi account synced across all devices-->
If the TV doesnโt appear in the list of devices, try:
- Reboot the TV and router.
- Update the TV firmware through Settings โ On TV. โ Updating the system.
- Reset your smart home settings on your TV (Settings) โ Smart home. โ Drop it).
What if Mi Home doesnโt see TV?
3. Integration with Google Assistant and Google Home
If your TV is running on Android TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 2023 or Redmi Smart TV X2022), It can be connected to Google Home for management via Google Assistant or smart displays (such as Nest Hub), which provides more automation than Mi Home.
Instructions for connection:
- Make sure the latest version of Android is installed on your TV. TV (less than 9.0).
- Open on the TV settings โ Account and security โ Google โ Assistant and enable the option.
- In the Google Home app on your smartphone, click "+" โ "Set up the device" โ "Set up new devices".
- Select your TV from the list of detected devices and follow the instructions.
After you connect, you can:
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Control your TV with your voice through Google Assistant (e.g., โOK, Google, turn on Miโ); TV on HDMI 1").
- ๐ Automation (for example, turning off the TV when you leave the house).
- ๐ฑ Manage from the smartphone lock screen through the Google Home widget.
| Function | Mi Home | Google Home |
|---|---|---|
| Switching on/off | โ | โ |
| Volume control | โ | โ |
| Switching HDMI | โ (new models only) | โ |
| Voice search for content | โ | โ (via Google Assistant) |
| Integration with other devices | โ (Xiaomi) | โ (Any devices from Google Home) |
โ ๏ธ Note: If your TV stops responding to commands from Mi Home after you connect to Google Home, check the priority of connections in your TV settings (Settings) โ Smart home. โ Management priority: Sometimes manually specifying which application is prioritized.
4. Connect to Apple HomeKit (for iPhone users)
Xiaomi TVs don't officially support HomeKit, but there are workarounds, and the most reliable option is to use the Home Assistant as a bridge, a technique that requires some technical skills, but gives you complete control of the device.
What you'll need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Home Assistant Device (you can use a Raspberry Pi or an old PC).
- ๐ Integration of Mi Home or Android TV Home Assistant.
- ๐ฑ Apple Home app on the iPhone/iPad.
Step-by-step:
- Install Home Assistant on your device (instruction: official website).
- Add Xiaomi Miio integration (for PatchWall) or Android TV (Android-based).
- In the configuration file configuration.yaml add:
androidtv:
- host: IP_ ADRES TELEVISOR
name: Xiaomi TV
device_class: androidtv- Install the HomeKit Bridge expansion via HACS (Home Assistant Community Store).
- In HomeKit settings, select the devices you want to export to Apple Home.
- Scan it. QR-Home Assistant code in the Apple Home app.
Now the TV will be available in HomeKit and can be controlled through Siri or automation, for example, you can create a script "Cinema" that will turn off the lights, close the curtains and turn on the TV on the desired HDMI-entrance.
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If you donโt have a Raspberry Pi, you can use the Home Assistant Cloud service (for a fee) or install the Home Assistant Container on your home. NAS-server (e.g., Synology).
5. Alternative ways of connecting
If standard methods donโt work (for example, you have an old TV model or donโt want to mess around with Home Assistant), consider alternatives:
- ๐ฆ Mi Box S / Mi TV Stick: If the TV doesn't support a smart home, plug in the Xiaomi Mi Box. It runs on Android TV It is easy to integrate with Google Home.
- ๐ IFTTT: It allows you to create chains of action between devices, for example, you can set a rule: "If the motion sensor is working, turn on the TV." IFTTT.
- ๐ Smart sockets: if you only need to remotely turn on/off, connect the TV through a smart socket (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug.
- ๐ฎ IR remote in a smart home: devices like BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Remote can emulate remote commands and control the TV over Wi-Fi.
For example, to connect through IFTTT:
- Create an account on IFTTT.com.
- Connect Mi Home and Google Assistant (or other service you need).
- Create an applet with a trigger (such as a voice command) and action (turn on the TV).
The main disadvantage of alternative methods is limited functionality, for example, through a smart socket you can not change channels, and the IR remote requires the line of sight of the TV.
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If you only need basic automation (on/off schedule), a smart socket is enough. For full management, choose Mi Home or Google Home (depending on the TV model).
6. Solving common problems
When integrating a Xiaomi TV into a smart home, users often encounter common mistakes, including the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The TV is not in Mi Home | Different Wi-Fi networks on TV and smartphone | Connect both devices to the same network |
| Commands are executed with a delay | Weak Wi-Fi signal or overloaded router | Reconnect the TV to 5GHz or reboot the router |
| Google Assistant does not recognize the TV | There is no support for Android TV | Update your TV firmware or use Mi Home |
| Voice commands are not working. | The microphone on the remote or TV is turned off | Check the microphone settings in Settings โ Voice control |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your smart home settings on your TV:
- Go to Settings. โ Smart home. โ Reset the settings.
- Confirm the reset and restart the TV.
- Repeat the connection procedure again.
Important: Once reset, all previously created automation and communication with other devices will be removed.
7. Creating automations and scenarios
The main advantage of a smart home is that it can set up automatic scripts, for example, a TV can turn on when you come home, turn off on a timer, or respond to commands from other devices. Let's take a few useful examples.
Example 1: Theatre of the house
- ๐ฌ The TV is on the HDMI 1 (where the projector or console is connected).
- ๐ก Smart lamps Yeelight switch to "Cinema" (warm light at 30%).
- ๐ Xiaomiโs smart curtains are closing.
To set up in Mi Home:
- Open the tab "Automation" โ "Create a script".
- Select a trigger (for example, the voice command "Cinema").
- Add action for the TV, lamps and curtains.
- Save the script and test it out.
Example 2: Saving electricity
Set up a rule: if there is no activity within 2 hours (no movement according to the Xiaomi Motion Sensor sensor), the TV turns off, and the smart socket turns off the sound system.
Example 3: Morning briefing
Scenario for weekdays:
- โฐ At 7:00 the TV is on the news channel.
- โ Xiaomi Coffee Maker Starts Making Coffee.
- ๐ก๏ธ Air conditioning switches to Comfort mode".
To implement such scenarios in Google Home, use the tab "Automation" โ "Add" and select the desired devices. In Home Assistant, similar functionality is available through Automations.
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The more Xiaomi devices in your smart home, the easier it is to customize complex scenarios. For cross-brand automations (like those with Philips Hue or Samsung devices), itโs better to use Home Assistant or Google Home.
8. Security and confidentiality
Connecting a TV to a smart home opens up new possibilities, but it also poses potential security risks.
- ๐ Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA Xiaomi and Google account to protect access to devices.
- ๐ Local area network: use local management (no cloud) whenever possible to prevent data from being transferred to external servers.
- ๐ Firmware Updates: Check for updates for your TV and router regularly to close vulnerabilities.
- ๐๏ธ Privacy settings: in Settings โ Privacy disable browsing data collection unless required for smart home operation.
Pay special attention to the microphone and camera settings (if you have them on the TV). โ You can turn off constant listening if you don't use voice commands:
- Create a separate Wi-Fi network for smart home devices (guest network with limited access to local resources).
- Use complex passwords for Xiaomi and Google accounts (password generator: passwordsgenerator.net).
- Periodically check the list of connected devices in Mi Home and Google Home for unknown gadgets.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use an open-access Home Assistant from the Internet (for example, via Nabu Casa), be sure to set up your Home Assistant. fail2ban To protect against brute force attacks, Instructions: Home Assistant documentation.