Why Xiaomi remote might not work with LG TV β and how to fix it
Synchronizing the remote from Xiaomi (such as Mi Remote Controller or Mi TV Stick Remote) with an LG TV is a task that at first glance seems simple, but often raises questions. The main problem lies in the differences in management protocols: LG traditionally uses its own LG ThinQ system, while Xiaomi remotes are focused on the Mi Home ecosystem or universal IR protocols. This does not mean that connection is impossible β just requires the right approach.
In 80% of cases, users are faced with two scenarios: either the Xiaomi remote does not recognize the LG TV in the list of supported devices, or the connection goes through, but some buttons are not working correctly (for example, the volume is not adjusted or the Smart Menu is not opened), the solution depends on the type of connection (IC or Bluetooth), the TV model (LG OLED C2 vs LG NanoCell 2021) and the version of the remote firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of binding, including bypasses for βstreetβ devices.
Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi remote supports the LG protocol. For example, Mi Remote Controller 2 (LYWSD02MMC model) is compatible with most LG TVs of 2018 and later, but may not work with outdated models on WebOS 3.0 and below. If your TV is released before 2017, an alternative connection method will be required (for this, see the section on Universal Remotes).
Method 1: Connect via Mi Remote (for IR remotes)
If your Xiaomi remote is equipped with an infrared port (such as Mi Remote Controller or Mi Home Remote), the most reliable way to sync is to use the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS), which works even with LG TVs that do not directly support Mi Home.
Algorithm of action:
- Install the Mi Remote app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Open the app and click Add Device β select Television category.
- In the list of brands, find LG and select your TV model (if not, choose LG (Universal)).
- Point the remote to the TV and follow the instructions on the screen to test the buttons.
If the TV doesn't respond:
- πΉ Check that there are no obstacles between the remote and the IR receiver of the TV (maximum distance is 8 meters).
- πΉ Make sure that HDMI-CEC is on the TV (in the settings LG ThinQ β General β Devices).
- πΉ Try resetting the remote settings: press the Menu + OK buttons for 5 seconds.
βοΈ Preparation for the connection of the IR panel
β οΈ Warning: Some models of LG OLED (e.g., G1 or C1) block third-party IR commands for Netflix and Prime Video buttons. In this case, use the original LG remote to run streaming services.
Method 2: Bluetooth synchronization (for Mi TV Stick and modern remotes)
Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes (such as Mi TV Stick Remote or Mi Bluetooth Remote) can be connected to an LG TV directly, without any app middlemen, a method that is suitable for LG models with WebOS 4.0 and higher (2018 and later).
Instructions:
- Turn on the LG TV and go to Settings β General β Devices β Bluetooth.
- Activate the device search mode.
- On the Xiaomi remote, press the Home + Back buttons for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes.
- From the list of devices found on your TV, select Mi Remote [XXXX] (where XXXX is a unique identifier).
- Confirm the pairing on both devices.
After successful connection, check the buttons:
| The button on the remote | Action on LG TV | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Power | On/off TV | It always works. |
| Volume Β± | Volume control | It may not work for WebOS 3.0 |
| Home | Opening of LG ThinQ | Depends on the firmware remote. |
| Back | Back a step. | Sometimes it duplicates Exit. |
| Microphone | Activation of the voice assistant | Only on models with Google Assistant |
If the buttons are not working correctly, update the remote firmware through the Mi Home app:
- Open Mi Home and find your remote in the list of devices.
- Go to the device settings β Update the firmware.
- If a new version is available, install it and reconnect the remote.
π‘
If the LG TV doesnβt find Xiaomiβs Bluetooth remote, try first connecting the remote to the smartphone via Mi Home, and then reconfiguring it to TV.
Method 3: Use of Universal Mode (for Incompatible Models)
If your LG TV is older than 2017 or doesnβt recognize in Mi Remote, you can use a universal IR code, which requires manual commands, but works with 90% of LG models, including the LH600V or UJ630V.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Mi Remote app and select Add Device β TV β Universal.
- Select the LG brand and click Manual Code Entering.
- Enter one of the following codes (depending on the TV model): 0017, 0030 for LG 2015β2017. 0178, 0225 for LG Smart TV on WebOS 2.0/3.0. 0522 for LG OLED (B6/C6) series.
Test the buttons. If some of them don't work, try another code.
If no code fits, use the learning feature in Mi Remote:
- πΉ Point the original LG remote and Xiaomi remote to each other (IR ports).
- πΉ In the app, select Learning and follow the instructions by pressing the buttons on the original remote.
- πΉ Save settings after learning each button.
Why do some buttons not work after manually entering the code?
Problem Solving: What to do if the remote is not connected
Even when you set it up properly, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote is not on Bluetooth. | The old firmware of the TV | Update WebOS to Settings β General β Software Update |
| Buttons are running with a delay | Weak Bluetooth signal | Bring the remote closer to the TV (max. 3 meters) |
| Volume/Channel is not working | Incompatible IR protocol | Try another universal code (see Method 3) |
| The remote is off in 5 minutes. | Energy-saving regime | Turn off Auto-Switching in the remote settings |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- πΉ Model compatibility: Some Xiaomi remotes (e.g., Mi TV Remote S) only work with Mi TV TVs and do not support LG.
- πΉ Hardware Restrictions: The LG NetCast TVs (until 2014) are not compatible with modern remotes.
- πΉ Interference from other devices: Disable other IR remotes (e.g., from the air conditioner) while you are setting up.
β οΈ Warning: If after connecting the Xiaomi remote starts to conflict with the original LG remote (e.g. duplicate commands), reset the HDMI-CEC settings on the TV: go to Settings β All Settings β General β Devices β HDMI-CEC and turn off the Simplink option.
Alternative solutions: If nothing works
If standard methods have failed, consider alternative options:
1.Use of BroadLink RM4 Pro or Yandex Station
Universal hubs such as BroadLink RM4 Pro or Yandex Station speakers with an IR transmitter can emulate the original LG remote.
- Connect the hub to the network and add it to the BroadLink or Yandex app.
- Direct the original LG remote to the hub and βteachβ it to the commands.
- Set up control via voice commands or an app.
2. Reflashing the Xiaomi remote to custom firmware
For advanced users: some Xiaomi remotes (such as Mi Remote 2) support alternative firmware with an extended codebase.
- πΉ Download firmware from GitHub (e.g. LG_WebOS_4.0.bin).
- πΉ Connect the remote to the PC via USB-C and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
- πΉ Warning: This voids the warranty and may result in the remote being inoperable!
3.A purchase of LG Magic Remote adapter
If all attempts failed, the most reliable solution would be to buy the original LG Magic Remote (the AN-MR650 or AN-MR20GA model), which supports all WebOS features, including voice search and Air Mouse.
π‘
Before buying a new remote, check if your LG TV supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Current models (2020 and later) work only with BLE remotes, and older Xiaomi IR remotes will not work for them.
Compatibility of Xiaomi remotes with LG TVs: table of models
To save time, check your device compatibility in the table below. The data is up to date for WebOS 2026 firmware.
| Xiaomi's remote model | Type of connection | Supported LG TVs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote Controller 2 (LYWSD02MMC) | IC + Bluetooth | WebOS 4.0β7.0 (2018β2026) | Supports voice search |
| Mi TV Stick Remote (R21CN) | Bluetooth | WebOS 5.0β7.0 (2020β2026) | Doesn't work with Netflix button |
| Mi Home Remote (WXKG06LM) | ICU | WebOS 3.0β7.0 (2017β2026) | Requires manual code entry |
| Mi Bluetooth Remote (R1CN) | Bluetooth | WebOS 6.0β7.0 (2021β2026) | No support for HDMI-CEC |
If your model is not in the table, check it on Xiaomiβs official website in the Device Compatibility section.Please note that LG TVs with NetCast (until 2014) and some 2019 LG NanoCell models may require additional settings.