How to control a Xiaomi TV from your phone: all the ways and step-by-step instructions

It's convenient, practical and modern to control Xiaomi TV from your smartphone. You don't have to look for a remote from the sofa cushions or buy a new one if you're lost. You just need a few taps on your phone to switch channels, adjust volume, or even run your favorite apps. But how does it work in practice? What are the ways, and which one to choose for your model — Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV?

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of controlling Xiaomi TV from your phone, from the standard Mi Remote app to voice control through Google Assistant and Alice. You will learn how to connect devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or infrared, what settings you need to activate, and what to do if the connection is not established. And also compare the pros and cons of each method so you can choose the best option for your equipment.

1.Manage via Mi Remote app: step-by-step setup

Xiaomi’s official Mi Remote app is the most reliable way to remotely control your TV, and it supports all Mi TV and Redmi TV models, as well as other devices of the brand (air conditioners, projectors), and it works via Infrared Port (IR) or Wi-Fi, depending on the TV model.

To start using:

• 📱 Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store (free, no ads).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV (for Wi-Fi Direct-enabled models).
• 📺 Select the type of device: in the application tap "TV» → «Xiaomi» → Specify the exact model (e.g., Mi). TV 4A 32").
• 🔍 Sync devices: Follow the instructions on the screen (may need to enter) PIN-TV-code).

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t appear in the list of supported models, try selecting the universal remote learning protocol.

1. Click on “Add device” → “Learning”.
2. Point the phone camera at the original remote’s IR port and press any button.
3. Confirm signal retention.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs 2020 and later (e.g. Mi) TV Q2) The IR port can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Connections → Infrared port and enable the option.

The infrared port on the TV is turned on (for older models)

Telephone and TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network

The phone is allowed to access the camera (for remote learning)

Mi Remote app updated to latest version-->

2.Voice control: Google Assistant and Alice

If you have Google Assistant (on Android) or Alice (on Yandex), you can control a Xiaomi TV with a voice, which is convenient for quickly finding content, adjusting volume or turning the TV on/off. However, it requires that the TV be connected to a Mi Account account and have access to the Internet.

To set up through Google Assistant:

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
2. Click "Add" → "Configure the device" → "Are there devices already?"
3. Select Xiaomi from the list of brands and sign in to your Mi Account.
4. Confirm your TV sync with Google.

Now you can use commands like:

• 🎤 «Okay, Google, turn on Mi. TV kitchen»;
• 🎤 «Alice, pause on the TV»;
• 🎤 «Okay, Google, find the Batman movie on Xiaomi. TV».

Alice uses the same algorithm, but you'll need a Yandex app with a tethered device. Note that not all Xiaomi TV models support voice control through third-party services. A full list of compatible devices can be found on Google Home.

Google Assistant

Alice (Yandex)

Siri

Not using.-->

Wi-Fi Direct and Mi Home: Alternative methods

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t have an IR port (e.g., Mi TV P1 or Redmi Smart TV X), you can use Wi-Fi Direct or Mi Home, which allows you to control your TV without intermediaries, directly over a local network.

Wi-Fi Direct works like this:

1. On TV: Settings → Networks → Wi-Fi Direct → Enable.
2. On your phone: Open your Wi-Fi settings, select a network with your TV name (e.g. XIAOMI-TV-1234).
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Once connected, you can use your phone as a remote control via the standard Mi TV Remote app (part of the Mi Home), which has the advantage of low latency and stable operation even without access to the Internet.

Mi Home is suitable for owners of other Xiaomi devices (such as smart lamps or robot vacuum cleaners).

• 🏠 Open Mi Home and tap "Add Device».
• 🔍 Select the category “TV” and follow the instructions.
• 🔗 Confirm the binding through QR-TV-screen.

⚠️ Note: With Wi-Fi Direct, your phone will not be able to connect to the Internet at the same time over the same network. Online content (YouTube, Netflix) will require you to manually switch between networks.

4. Universal applications: replacement of Mi Remote

If the standard Mi Remote app doesn't fit (for example, because it's incompatible with your phone model), you can use universal remotes.

• 📱 ZaZa Remote – supports IR and Wi-Fi, there are databases for Xiaomi;
• 🎛️ AnyMote – a universal remote with the ability to learn;
• 🌐 Yatse – for local area network management (requires root rights on some devices).

To set up ZaZa Remote:

1. Download the application and allow access to Wi-Fi and IR port.
2. Choose the Xiaomi brand and the TV model.
3. If your model is not listed, use the Learning function (the original remote will be required).

Universal apps may not support all of the features of the original remote (such as running specific apps or adjusting color temperature).

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If the universal app doesn't find your TV, try manually pointing it. IP-The address of the TV on the local network can be found in the settings of the TV: Settings → On TV. → Network status.

5. Problem Solving: Why the Phone Doesn't Control the TV

If the connection is not established, check the following points:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi network: phone and TV must be on the same network (even for IR control, some features require a connection).
• 🔄 Software Updates: The latest firmware version should be on the TV and in the Mi Remote app.
• 🛡️ Firewall: Xiaomi traffic can be blocked on your phone or router (turn off) VPN and antivirus at the time of setting up).

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If nothing helps, reset the network on the TV:

Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network settings

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (e.g. India) may have different paths to settings. Use menu search (Settings) → Search → "Wi-Fi Direct").

Control over HDMI-CEC: one remote for all devices

If your Xiaomi TV is connected to other devices via HDMI (such as the Mi Box or gaming console), you can use the HDMI-CEC feature, which allows you to control all gadgets with a single remote control – including your phone.

To activate HDMI-CEC:

1. On TV: Settings → HDMI-CEC → Enable.
2. On a connected device (such as the Mi Box), enable this feature as well.
3. In the Mi Remote app, select control via HDMI-CEC (if available).

Now you can:

• 🎮 Turn on the console with the TV with one button;
• 🔊 Adjust volume on all devices at the same time;
• 📺 Switch signal sources with voice (e.g., “OK, Google, switch to voice signal sources)” HDMI 1»).

Note that HDMI-CEC can be unstable if you use cheap cables or extension cords. For best results, use certified HDMI 2.0 or higher cables.

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HDMI-CEC is the only way to control a Xiaomi TV and connected devices (such as a sound bar or console) from a single remote without additional applications.

7.Macros Creation: Automating Routine Activities

With apps like Mi Remote or Tasker, you can create macros, sequences of commands that run on a single tap, like turning on your TV, running Netflix, and setting volume to 50 percent.

Instructions for Mi Remote:

1. Open the application and go to the "Macros" section.
2. Click on “Create a macro” and add commands (e.g.: Turn on TV → Launch YouTube → Set volume 40%).
3. Save the macro and assign it a button on the app’s home screen.

For advanced users, Tasker (requires root rights on some devices) can automate:

• 🕒 Turning on the TV on schedule (for example, at 20:00 for watching news);
• 🎵 Simultaneous inclusion of TV and sound system;
• 📱 Send notifications to your phone when you change the status of your TV (for example, “TV is on»).

Example of macro for Tasker (requires the AutoInput plugin):

Profile: "Evening Cinema"


Condition: Time 19:00-23:00




Task:




1. Send the IR command "Enable TV" (AutoRemote plugin)




2. Run the Netflix app on your TV (via ADB)




3 Set the screen brightness to 70% (am broadcast command -a android.intent.action.SET_BRIGHTNESS --ei level 70)




4. Send a notification to the phone "The TV is ready to watch"

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing Xiaomi TV from your phone