Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs are equipped with advanced Bluetooth remotes, which allow you to control the device without having to point the remote directly to the receiver, which is especially convenient when you covertly install the TV. However, when you first turn on or after replacing the batteries, users often face the need to re-arrange the pairing.
The process of synchronizing the controller with the screen usually takes no more than a minute, but requires a certain sequence of actions. Depending on the model of your Mi Remote, the procedure may be slightly different, but the basic principles remain unchanged for the entire ecosystem of the brand.
There are several ways to communicate between devices: automatic pairing on the first run, manual activation through a combination of buttons, and using a smartphone as an alternative. It is important to understand that for Bluetooth functions, the remote must be charged or equipped with new power cells, since weak charge is often the main cause of failures.
Preparation for pairing: checking the elements of power
Before we get to the complex software manipulations, we need to rule out the trivial physical causes of the malfunction. Most of the problems with the remote not responding or not wanting to tether are in the dead batteries. Make sure you use quality AAA (or AA, depending on the remote model), as cheap analogues may not provide enough voltage for the stable operation of the Bluetooth module.
Notice that the poles are correctly set, there's a circuit inside the battery compartment that needs to be followed, even a minimal shift in the contact can cause the device to turn on but not be able to maintain a stable connection to the TV, and it's also recommended that you wipe the contacts with an alcohol napkin if the remote has been lying unused for a long time.
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Use only alkaline batteries for Xiaomi remotes. Salt cells can quickly discharge and oxidize the contacts, which will lead to breakage of the remote.
If you've replaced the batteries, but the display doesn't catch fire, try to move the batteries in the compartment a little bit. Sometimes the spring contacts weaken over time and require mechanical adjustment to restore the circuit. Once installed successfully, the indicator on the front panel of the remote should briefly light up when you press any button.
Automatic connection at first activation
When you buy a new Xiaomi or Redmi TV, the system usually offers to pair the remote immediately after you start the Android TV or PatchWall operating system. The screen shows a graphic image of the remote with instructions to press certain buttons, most often a combination of Home and Menu keys (three strips) or Back (Back) and OK.
At that point, the TV goes into device search mode and starts scanning the space for active Bluetooth signals. 20-30 It's about centimeters from the bottom of the screen where the receiver is located, and it recognizes the device itself, and it's going to send a message that it's successfully connected.
☑️ Checking automatic connection
If the automatic window didn't appear, it may have been accidentally missed or interrupted, in which case you need to go to the settings manually, do not panic if the TV screen is already showing the desktop and the remote is not working - this is a regular situation that requires manual activation of the mode (pairing).
Manual activation of the pairing mode
Forcing the remote to search for the TV requires a special key combination. On most models Mi Remote and Redmi Remote is the simultaneous clamping of the buttons Home (house icon) and Back (back shoot) or Menu. Hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the LED light starts to blink quickly.
A flashing indicator is a signal that the device is visible to other gadgets, at which point a notification should appear on the TV screen, and if the screen does not respond, it is possible that the TV already has a record in memory of another remote, and a new record should be added through the settings menu.
What to do if the indicator does not flash?
In some cases, especially on older IR-controlled TVs, the remote can only operate in infrared port mode without the need for pairing. However, current Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Box and Smart TV models require a mandatory Bluetooth bundle for voice control and other smart features.
Setup via the TV menu
If the automatic search didn't work, you can add the remote manually through the operating system interface. USB-You can use your mouse or keyboard to your TV, or use your mobile remote app on your smartphone. Go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
From the menu, select Remotes and Accessories (or Remote & Accessories) that displays all connected devices. Press Add Accessory or Add Remote. The TV will run the scan, and you will only have to repeat the button clamping procedure on the physical remote.
Once the device is detected, the system can request confirmation, and a code or request will appear on the screen, which you need to confirm by pressing a button on the remote, which is a security measure to prevent any unauthorized devices from connecting to your TV in apartment buildings.
You can also remove old or unwanted devices from the menu, and if you have multiple remotes on the list and only one is running, you'd better delete the rest of the recordings to avoid signal conflicts, especially if you've tried to connect a remote from another TV or used emulators before.
Using a Smartphone as a Remote
In situations where the physical remote is lost, broken or does not want to sync, a smartphone is a great solution. For Xiaomi and Redmi TVs, the official Mi Remote app (for phones with an infrared port) or Google Home and Android TV Remote Control for Wi-Fi management is the best option.
To work over Wi-Fi, you need both your phone and your TV to be on the same network. Download the Android app TV Remote Control from Google Play or the App Store. Once launched, the app will automatically find available TVs. PIN-code displayed on the TV screen to gain full access to the control.
- 📱 Convenience: The ability to type text from the phone keyboard, which is indispensable when entering passwords from Wi-Fi or searching on YouTube.
- 🔊 Functional: Support for voice input through the microphone of the smartphone and multimedia management.
- 📶 Independence: Works even if the phone’s IR port is incompatible with the TV model, the main thing is the availability of Wi-Fi.
The app also allows you to emulate a touchpad, which is convenient for navigating the interface, but it is worth remembering that you may still need a physical remote control or a physical remote control to set up the Wi-Fi on the TV itself. USB-Mouse, if they have not been configured before.
Comparison of connection methods
Different scenarios require different approaches to solving the problem, and below is a table that will help you choose the best method depending on your situation and the tools available.
| Method | Conditions required | Speed. | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic. | New TV or resetting settings | Tall. | Tall. |
| Button combination | Working batteries, proximity to TV | Medium | Tall. |
| Through the settings menu | Working mouse/keyboard | Low. | Medium |
| Smartphone (Wi-Fi) | General Wi-Fi network installed by software | Medium | Depends on the router. |
As you can see from the table, classical button pairing remains the most versatile way, but using third-party input devices (mouse, phone) is often the only way to save when standard methods fail due to software errors.
Addressing common problems
Sometimes the binding process is interrupted or ended in error. One of the common reasons is that there are a lot of Bluetooth devices in range. The TV may try to connect to the wrong remote or lose signal due to interference from Wi-Fi routers and wireless headphones.
⚠️ Note: If the remote stopped working after updating the TV firmware, try resetting the remote settings completely (remove the batteries for 1 minute) and re-pair the pairing procedure.
It's also worth checking if the batteries are running out at the most critical time. When you're actively searching for the network, the remote consumes more power. If the indicator flashes dimly or unevenly, replace the batteries with new ones, even if the old ones seem to work in other devices.
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing batteries with high-quality alkaline batteries and repeating the pairing procedure at a distance of less than 20 cm from the TV.
If nothing helps, you may have a faulty Bluetooth module in the remote or receiver in the TV, in which case you can purchase a universal Bluetooth remote with support for Android TV, which is easily customized through the accessory menu.