Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs are equipped with advanced remote controls that significantly expand the functionality of the TV. Many users, when they first encounter a Mi Remote device, do not realize all the hidden features, such as voice search or smart home management. Understanding the logic of the gadget allows you to turn ordinary TV viewing into a comfortable multimedia experience.
Unlike standard IR remotes, the new models work via Bluetooth, eliminating the need to point the device directly to the screen. Synchronization occurs automatically when you first turn on, but sometimes requires manual intervention. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to use the remote control, adjust its functions and fix common problems.
Main elements of management and their purpose
The ergonomics of Xiaomi's remote are designed with minimalism in mind, so you won't find any extra buttons on the surface. The central place is a navigation ring that serves not only to navigate through the menu, but also to confirm actions. Clicking on the center is equivalent to OK or Enter on a computer. There are return buttons, call the main menu and fast access to applications around.
A special note is the microphone button, which activates a voice assistant that can search for movies, open apps, or even control the weather. A long press on this key often triggers a deep search on the Android TV system, while a short one can activate local TV commands, and it is important not to confuse it with the on button, which is usually located separately.
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Keep your finger on the microphone button while you speak a command, which improves the accuracy of speech recognition in a noisy room.
The bottom of the remote is usually reserved for multimedia keys: volume control, rewind and pause. Some models come with two additional programmable buttons marked with an asterisk or color. Their functionality depends on the installed firmware and can be reassigned to the user through system settings. By default, they often lead to popular streaming services.
First Connection and Pairing via Bluetooth
The Mi Remote remote is usually set up automatically immediately after the batteries are removed. The TV detects the device itself and suggests that the pairing on the screen is completed. If the automatic installation does not occur, you need to go to the system settings menu.
You need to find the peripheral section on the menu, and the path often looks like this: Settings → Devices and accessories → Add accessories. Once you select this item, the TV will go into search mode, at which point you need to press the Back and Home buttons at a time less than 20 cm from the Xiaomi logo on the TV.
☑️ Checking the remote connection
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the remote control stops responding after replacing the batteries, in which case re-tethering is required. Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote and the receiver, since the Bluetooth signal, although omnidirectional, can be shielded by metal objects. Once successfully connected, the system will save the profile of the device.
Voice control and smart search
One of the most useful features of the modern Xiaomi remote is the built-in microphone, which allows you to control the TV without having to type text with a virtual keyboard. To activate, just press the appropriate button and pronounce the command clearly. The system supports both interface management and content search in specific applications, such as YouTube or Netflix.
Voice search is particularly effective at typing complex queries. Instead of flipping letters on a screen, you can say, "Find space movies in 2023." Speech recognition algorithms will process the query and produce relevant results from all the established sources, saving time and making navigation more intuitive for all family members.
Secrets of voice commands
It is worth noting that voice search requires an active Internet connection to the TV. Without a network, the microphone can only work for local volume control or channel switching commands, if the model provides such a function, and the quality of recognition also depends on diction and the absence of outside noise in the room.
Using the remote as a universal device
Many Xiaomi TVs have an integrated IR port, which allows you to use the original remote to control other equipment. You can adjust the control of the sound system, air conditioner or even a projector. This makes your Mi Remote a versatile device, eliminating the need to keep several different remotes on the table.
To set up this function, you need to go to the IR device management section. The system will tell you to choose the type of equipment and manufacturer. Follow the instructions on the screen, pressing buttons and confirming the equipment's response. If your TV does not have an IR port, this function can be implemented through the connection of an external IR nozzle or using a smart speaker in conjunction with the TV.
| Type of device | The port required | Difficulty setting up | Brand support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio system | IR port (usually) | Low. | Tall. |
| Air conditioner | IR port | Medium | Medium |
| Projector | IR/HDMI-CEC | Tall. | Low. |
| sundbar | HDMI-ARC/Optics | Automatically. | Tall. |
Configuring programmable buttons
Some Xiaomi remotes have additional buttons that you can customize as you like, such as colored keys or asterisks, which by default can lead to specific services, but the user has the right to change their destination, which is especially convenient for quickly launching frequently used applications.
To reassign a button, go to the remote settings menu. Select the "Tune buttons" option or similar. In the list that opens, select the physical button you want and specify the action it should perform, which can be running an application, opening a specific folder, or executing a system command.
⚠️ Note: Not all remote models support button reassignment. If the settings menu does not have the appropriate item, then the key function is rigidly specified by the manufacturer and cannot be changed by software.
Programmable buttons can create a personalized TV experience, such as one button for quick access to an online cinema and another button for switching to digital TV, which speeds up navigation and makes the device more comfortable to use.
Solution: Remote is not responding
If your remote control is no longer responding to commands, don't rush to carry it for repair. Most of the time, the problem is with dead batteries or malfunctioning pairing. First, replace the batteries with new ones, making sure they are properly installed according to the circuit in the bay. Even if the old batteries work in other devices, the Bluetooth remote needs a fresh charge.
The second step is to reboot the TV itself. Sometimes the system process that receives Bluetooth signals can freeze. Turn the TV off the socket for 1-2 minutes, then turn it on again. Once the system is loaded, try re-doing the pairing procedure described in the section on the first connection.
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90% of remote problems are solved by replacing batteries with high-quality alkaline batteries and re-pairing through the settings menu.
It's also worth checking if the IR receiver is closed (if the IR remote is closed) or if there are powerful sources of radio interference nearby. If the remote is only working near the TV, the contact inside the battery compartment may have weakened, in which case you can bend the spring contacts carefully or wipe them with alcohol to remove oxides.