Modern Xiaomi TVs, which are based on the Android TV operating system or PatchWall, open up wide opportunities for multimedia interaction. Synchronizing a mobile device with a large screen has ceased to be a luxury and has become a standard for comfortable use. You can not only control volume and switch channels, but also broadcast content from the Internet, display photos from a gallery or even use a smartphone as a gaming console.
The connection process depends on the method chosen: it can be an infrared port for emulating the remote, Wi-Fi for transferring media files or special applications for deep integration. It is important to understand that for most wireless scenarios, the Xiaomi Mi TV and the phone must be on the same local network. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, technical nuances and possible problems.
The benefits of using a smartphone as a controller are obvious: a virtual keyboard allows you to quickly enter passwords for Wi-Fi or search queries on YouTube, which is a long and inconvenient thing to do on a standard remote. In addition, the screen broadcast feature allows you to show presentations, videos from browsers without Cast support or mobile applications that do not have a version for the TV.
Use of built-in IR port and Mi Remote application
The easiest and most reliable way to turn a smartphone into a remote control is to use a built-in infrared emitter. Many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones have a special module at the top of the case. This method does not require a connection to one Wi-Fi network, since communication is carried out on the principle of a conventional remote control.
To get started, you need to open the standard Mi Remote app (or Mi Remote) that is preinstalled on most of the brand’s devices. If the app has been removed, it can be found in the Tools system folder or downloaded from the GetApps store. Once launched, click Add Device and select TV category. From the manufacturer list, find Xiaomi or Mi.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure there are no physical barriers between the top end of the smartphone and the receiver of the signal on the TV.Infrared signal, unlike Bluetooth, requires line of sight.
The system will suggest testing the buttons. Press the turn on button on your phone screen and check the TV's response. If the TV responds, confirm the action. Then, similarly, the volume and navigation buttons are tested. Once you have successfully completed the setup, you can give the profile a name, such as "Living Room," to distinguish between devices if there are more than one.
The main advantage of the IR remote is its versatility, which allows you to control your TV even if the Android TV system is getting stuck and is not connected to the network, so you can perform a forced reboot or log into the engineering menu using only the smartphone screen.
Configuring wireless control via Wi-Fi
Wireless connectivity provides access to more advanced features such as voice for search, mouse control (trekpad), and media broadcasting. To implement this scenario, it is critical that the smartphone and Xiaomi TV are connected to the same router. The difference in frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) usually does not affect the operation if the router is broadcasting a single network.
There are several ways to connect, the first is through the official Google Home app or Google TV. Once you install the app, it automatically finds the devices available on the network. Select your TV from the list and click Connect. The TV screen may show a confirmation code that you need to enter on your phone.
The second option is to use third-party, but proven solutions, such as Google’s Android TV Remote Control, which provides the most stable connection with minimal latency. In the app menu, you can activate the “Trackpad” mode, turning the smartphone screen into a touchpad, which greatly speeds up navigation over the PatchWall interface.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi connection
If the automatic search does not give results, try manually adding the device to the IP-You can find the address of the TV in the network settings: go to Settings → Network and Internet → Network. In the remote app, select Enter IP-Address and enter the numbers displayed on the screen.
Screen and multimedia broadcasting (Cast and Miracast)
The Cast feature allows you to display the contents of a smartphone or specific app screen on a large screen, which is useful for viewing videos from browsers that do not have native TV support, or for showing photos. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this feature is often called Translation or Wireless Monitor.
To run a stream on Android smartphones, the option is usually in the notification curtain (fast settings menu). The icon can be called Translation, Smart View or Projection. Once you click, the phone will start searching for available devices. Select your Xiaomi Mi TV from the list. The image from the phone will appear on the TV with minimal latency.
⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting full screen (Miracast), the phone can heat up and the battery will discharge faster than usual.
Users of iPhone and iPad devices can use AirPlay technology, which is built into modern Xiaomi TVs. Open the Control Point on iOS, click Screen Replay and select the TV. AirPlay image quality is usually higher and the latency is less than when using Miracast.
Why is the broadcast laying down?
Specialized applications for content management
Specialized applications are best suited for managing media library and local files, with Xiaomi TV Assistant (formerly Mi Remote for Android TV) leading the field, not only allowing you to control your cursor, but also transfer APK files for installation, as well as streaming videos, photos and music from your phone’s memory.
Once connected, the application opens up access to the file system, so you can select a video file from the phone gallery and send it to the TV player for playback, which is especially useful when you want to show a video downloaded from a file sharing app that doesn't have Cast.
Another powerful tool is the Web Video Caster app, which allows you to send videos from any website to your TV, you open a website with video on your phone, the app captures the video stream and sends a link directly to the Xiaomi TV, bypassing the smartphone's processor, which saves battery life and provides high quality images.
| Annex | Type of connection | Substantive function | Support for iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote | IR port/Wi-Fi | Full management of TV | No (only IR) |
| Google Home | Wi-Fi | Management and Cast | Yes. |
| Xiaomi TV Assistant | Wi-Fi | File and media transfer | No. |
| AirScreen (on TV) | Wi-Fi | Reception of AirPlay/Miracast | Yes. |
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Install a voice-input launcher app on your phone if your home remote doesn't have a microphone, which will allow you to search for content on your TV in voice through your smartphone.
Solving Connection and Visibility Problems
Often, users are faced with a situation where the phone can't see the TV or the connection is constantly broken, and one of the most common reasons is that customers are isolated in the router settings. If AP Isolation is enabled, devices on the network are forbidden to communicate with each other, you need to go to the router settings and turn off this option.
Problems can also arise from outdated firmware versions. Check for updates on your TV through the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. On your phone, make sure that Google Play Services apps and system components are updated to the latest version.
If the TV is missing from the list of available devices, try rebooting the router. Sometimes the network stack freezes, and a simple restart of the equipment solves the problem in a minute, and it is worth checking whether the antivirus on the phone blocks local connections.
⚠️ Note: When using Guest Network, devices are often isolated from each other for security reasons.
In rare cases, resetting your network settings on your smartphone helps, which will remove your stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but return the network modules to working condition. After reset, reconnect to your home network and try to find the TV.
Using Bluetooth for peripherals and sound
While Bluetooth is rarely used to directly control the TV interface, it is essential for connecting audio devices. You can connect wireless headphones or speakers to Xiaomi TV to watch movies at night without disturbing others. To do this, go to the TV's Bluetooth menu and turn on the pairing mode on the headphones.
Some advanced users use Bluetooth adapters to connect keyboards and mice, which can then be emulated via a phone using special HID emulator applications. However, for a standard user, using a Wi-Fi remote will be more effective.
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The stability of the wireless connection depends on the quality of the router and the absence of interference in the air. If there are frequent cliffs, consider buying a router with Wi-Fi 6 support.
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s smartphone and TV integration creates a single ecosystem that drives entertainment in the home, and if set up correctly, forget about finding the remote and enjoy content in high resolution.