Modern multimedia centers require easy management, and voice assistants have become the de facto standard for interaction with technology. Connecting Xiaomi TVs to the Yandex ecosystem allows you to manage content, volume and signal sources without a remote, which is especially convenient when searching for movies or switching channels. The integration process does not require deep technical knowledge, but requires attention to the software versions of both devices.
Owners often face the need to connect disparate gadgets into a single network to create smart home scenarios. For example, the team at Alice, the Movie can simultaneously darken the curtains, turn off the lights and run the desired service on the big screen. To implement such functionality, you need to properly configure the link between the TV manufacturer’s cloud services and the Yandex platform.
Not all TV models support native integration, so some will require external devices such as the Android TV Box or the Yandex Module. Below we’ll take a look at all the possible ways to connect, from official integration for Android TVs to workarounds for proprietary shell models.
Compatibility check and equipment preparation
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements for stable voice control. Most modern Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV or PatchWall operating system, which ensures high compatibility with Yandex services. However, older models or versions with stripped down functionality may not support direct account synchronization.
A stable Wi-Fi connection is critical. Both devices — a TV and a smart speaker (or a smartphone with a Yandex app) — must be on the same local network. Different subnets or guest modes of the router can block the detection of devices from each other, which will lead to an error when trying to add a skill.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the TV has the latest firmware installed. Old software may not contain the necessary security certificates to authenticate through third-party services.
To check the current version of the software, go to Settings → About TV → System information. If updates are available, the system will prompt them to install them. Also check if your Mi Account is activated, as some features require authorization in the manufacturer's ecosystem.
☑️ Preparation for integration
Official way: integration through Yandex skill
The most reliable method of connecting is to use the official skill in the Yandex app, which allows you to broadcast commands directly to your TV without having to adjust the complex port-slip settings. To start, open the Yandex app on your smartphone, which is tied to the same account as your smart speaker.
Go to Devices and click the Add a New Gadget button. Search for skills, type in "Xiaomi Mi Home" or "Mi TV." If there is no direct integration with your model, try finding the skill "Yandex Station" or "TVs," where Xiaomi often appears on the list of supported brands. The authorization process will require entering the username and password from your Mi Account.
Once you have successfully logged in, the system will suggest you select a particular device from the list of available devices. Select your Xiaomi TV from the list and confirm the addendum. Now Alice must see the TV as an available device to control. You can rename it to make the activation command more natural, such as "Living Room TV."
| Parameter | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Cloud-to-Cloud | Active. |
| Delay. | 1-3 seconds | Norma. |
| Voice control | Full support | Available. |
| Local control | Not required | Cloud. |
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If the TV does not appear in the list after authorization, try to log out of the Mi TV account on the TV and log in again, then repeat the search for devices in the Yandex application.
Alternative method: using Android TV and Chromecast
If direct integration through Mi Home doesn’t work or your TV runs on a “pure” Android TV without a PatchWall shell, you can use the built-in Chromecast built-in feature. Alice is great at managing devices with Google Cast support, which allows you to stream content and control voice playback.
To implement this method, make sure that the settings of the TV include Chromecast or Google Cast. It is usually in the Settings → Applications → Google Chromecast built-in. Once activated, the TV will be visible to all devices on the network that support the Cast protocol, including Yandex services.
In the Yandex app, when you add a device, select either “TV” or “Android TV” type. The system will automatically detect the device on the local network. This method is especially useful for models released for the global market, where Xiaomi services may be limited or unstable in your region.
Control via Chromecast is often faster than through the Mi Home cloud, as commands are transmitted locally. However, the functionality can be slightly reduced: you can start videos, control volume and pause, but deep system settings such as Change Signal Source (HDMI) may not be available through voice.
⚠️ Note: When using the Chromecast method, make sure that your smartphone and TV use the same versions of YouTube and Netflix apps to avoid conflicting video formats.
Control via IR port: for old models and Mi Box
For TVs that don’t have Smart features, or for Xiaomi Mi Box consoles that aren’t defined in the cloud, there’s a universal method of controlling through an infrared port. Yandex Station smart speakers (models with an IR remote) and some Alice devices come equipped with an IR transmitter that can emulate a TV remote.
In Yandex, go to your device settings and select “Infrared Remote Control.” In the manufacturer list, find Xiaomi or MI. You will be asked to test: the speaker will send a signal to turn off or change the volume. If the TV responds, save the settings.
This method turns Alice into a universal remote, so you can say, "Alice, turn on the TV," "Alice, turn on the volume," "Alice, switch to HDMI 2." The main advantage is that you don't depend on the Internet to execute control commands, because the signal is transmitted directly.
But IR control has a major drawback: no feedback, and Alice won't know if the TV is on or off unless you manually set it up through scripts, and can't show the menu on the screen, and it's just emulation of the buttons of the physical remote.
Why is the IR remote not always accurate?
Set up scripts and voice commands
Once you've successfully connected, you've got a fine-tuning phase. The scripts in Yandex allow you to automate routine activities. You can create a "Cinema" script that turns off the lights in one sentence (if you have smart lamps), closes the curtains, and launches Kinopoisk or YouTube on your TV.
To create a script, go to Scripts → Add Script → Voice Phrase. Think of a title like “Watch a Movie.” Then add actions: select the TV device and select the “Run an App” or “Enable” action. If you have a smart light, add it to the action chain.
Voice commands for TV control are quite extensive. You can ask, "Alice, what's going on channel one?", "Alice, pause," "Alice, find Jackie Chan movies." For models with IR control, teams are limited to the basic functions of the remote: on, volume, channel switching.
It's important to articulate app names correctly. If you say, "Run Netflix," Alice may not understand if the app is called "Netflix" on the system. Use the exact names as they appear in the TV interface.
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Scenarios allow you to combine the actions of different manufacturers into one team, creating a truly smart habitat.
Problem Solving and Diagnostics
Users often face problems in the setup process when the TV is displayed as “Offline” or commands are executed with a long delay. DNS Or a router problem. Try setting up your TV setup to keep static. DNS-addresses, for example, from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
If the skill is no longer responding, try disabling it in the Yandex application and reconnecting. Sometimes Mi Home servers do technical work and the connection is temporarily interrupted. Also check if the authorization session has expired - re-entry into the account often solves the problem of "hung" status.
If the TV is not online at all, check your router settings. AP Isolation prevents devices on the same Wi-Fi network from seeing each other, a feature often enabled on guest networks or corporate routers by default, but must be turned off to run a smart home.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use complex characters or emojis in your Wi-Fi password if your TV is old.Some versions of Android TV Incorrectly handled special symbols in security keys WPA2.