Modern smart TVs from Xiaomi and Redmi are equipped with an advanced Android TV or PatchWall operating system, which turns them into full-fledged multimedia centers. However, a standard remote that comes with a package is not always convenient, especially if you need to enter text for search or control playback when the physical remote is lost. Using the smartphone as a universal controller opens access to advanced functions that are not available in normal use.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current methods of integrating your mobile device with your TV. TV can be controlled through official applications from the manufacturer, and with the help of third-party solutions that support the DLNA and Miracast protocols, which will allow you not only to switch channels, but also to stream content directly from the gallery or browser.
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that both devices are on the same LAN. It is critical that both the smartphone and the TV are connected to the same router (the same Wi-Fi network), otherwise it will not be possible to detect devices. Splitting into a guest network or using different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) on some routers can isolate devices from each other, so in case of problems, it is worth checking the settings of the router.
Official Mi Remote application for IR management
The easiest way to turn a smartphone into a remote is to use a built-in IR transmitter (if you have one in your phone model) or connect via Wi-Fi. Xiaomi provides a native solution called Mi Remote, which is pre-installed on most of their smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS. For owners of other Android devices, the application is available for download in the Google Play store.
The setup process takes only a few minutes and requires no deep technical knowledge. Once the application is launched, you need to choose the device type (in this case, "TV") and the brand (Xiaomi, Redmi or Mi TV), the system will offer several code options or will conduct an automatic test of functions such as volume control and channel switching.
- 📱 Launch the Mi Remote app and click "Add Device".
- 📺 Select a category "TV" Find the manufacturer of your TV.
- 🔘 Follow the instructions on the screen by pressing buttons to check the signal.
- 💾 Save the profile of the device by giving it a clear name, such as "Xiaomi". TV living-room".
It’s worth noting that IR control requires direct vision between your phone and your TV receiver, unlike Wi-Fi. If your smartphone doesn’t have an IR port, the app will automatically switch to finding devices over the network, but the functionality may be limited to basic navigation commands.
⚠️ Warning: When using an IR remote, make sure the top end of the smartphone is pointed towards the TV. Metal covers or thick protective glass can block the infrared signal, making control impossible.
Remote management via Android TV Remote
For TVs running on a full-fledged Android TV operating system (which is typical for the global versions of the Mi TV Stick and the new Xiaomi TV models), the best solution will be the official Android TV Remote Control application from Google, which provides the most deep integration, allowing you not only to manage the interface, but also to print text from the keyboard of your smartphone, which is extremely convenient for entering passwords to YouTube or Netflix.
The initial activation of the function requires a single confirmation on the TV screen. Once you install the app on your phone and start the scan, your TV will appear in the list. The pairing request will appear on the TV screen, which must be confirmed by a standard remote control or buttons on the case.
☑️ Checking before connection
A unique feature of this method is that it supports voice input and can use the phone's touchpad as a touchpad. You can drive your finger across the smartphone screen by moving the cursor across the TV interface, which makes navigation much faster than a button remote.
- 🔍 Open the app and select your TV from the list of available devices.
- ✅ Enter. PIN-code displayed on the TV screen, in the field on the smartphone.
- ⌨️ Use the keyboard that appears to quickly enter search queries.
- 🎙️ Activate the microphone for voice search through Google Assistant.
⚠️ Warning: If the app can't see the TV, check the date and time settings on both devices.Dissynchronizing more than 5 minutes can block Google Cast's security protocols.
Screen and multimedia broadcasting (Cast and Miracast)
Often, users don’t just need to control the interface, but display the image from the smartphone to the big screen, and for this purpose, the Xiaomi and Android ecosystem uses Cast (for broadcast content) and Miracast (for full screen cloning). Built-in "Translation" function in the notification curtain MIUI Allows you to duplicate the image without installing additional software.
To view photos, videos or documents stored in the memory of the phone, it is more convenient to use the DLNA protocol, in which case the phone acts as a controller, and the TV plays the file directly from the network without loading the smartphone processor, which is especially important for watching heavy video in 4K resolution.
The quality of your image transfer depends on the speed of your wireless network. If you plan to broadcast content in high resolution often, it is recommended to use a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (ax) and 5 GHz band.
Why does the picture appear when broadcasting?
| Method | Type of content | Delay. | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote (IR) | Interface management | No. | Minimum |
| Android TV Remote | Navigation + Text | Low. | Low. |
| Mi Drop / Cast | Photos and video files | Medium | Medium. |
| Screen broadcasting | Games and the full screen | Tall. | High-pitched |
File management through FTP and network environment
One of the most useful but little-known features is the ability to control the TV's file system. TV It runs on Android, and you can access its memory like a network drive, and it allows you to install applications (APK-files) directly from the phone or clear the cache of system programs without using a flash drive.
To implement this method, you will need a file manager on a smartphone with support LAN/FTP (For example, Mi File Manager, ES conductor or CX File Explorer. On the TV, you need to activate debugging mode or simply open access to shared folders in the media server settings.
The path to connect: \\192.168.1.XX\InternalStorageOnce connected, you'll see the TV folders in the phone's file manager interface, you can copy movies, music, or app installation files directly to your TV memory, which is especially useful when you need to update your firmware manually or install a version of the app that is not available in the Google Play regional store.
- 📂 Open the "Conductor" on your phone and go to the "Network" section or "LAN".
- 🔌 Click "Scan" or enter IP-hand-mail.
- 📁 After connecting, copy the desired APK-file in the Download folder on TV.
- 📺 On the TV, launch the file manager and install the application.
💡
Direct access to the file system through LAN — The fastest way to install heavy apps and games on your TV without using it USB-accumulator.
Solving Connection and Visibility Problems
Despite the ease of setting up, users often find themselves in a situation where the phone stops "seeing" the TV, most often due to router security settings or customer isolation on guest networks, and the older version of the firmware on the Xiaomi TV itself may also be the reason.
If standard methods do not work, try restarting the router, completely de-energizing it on the router. 30 It'll help you cache. DHCP and give out new correct ones IP-In some cases, a temporary shutdown of the mobile Internet helps (3G/4G) on a smartphone to speed up work only through Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs or firewalls on a router (e.g., Keenetic or MikroTik firmware) can block ports required for Cast or other protocols to operate. DLNA. Check your local network settings.
For advanced users, the debugging option is available ADB (Android Debug Bridge by connecting to a TV via Wi-Fi ADB From the phone, you can get the full_root_ access the system, remove system debris and change hidden settings that are not available through the regular menu.