Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs offer users a wide range of multimedia capabilities, but a standard remote is often not functional enough or simply lost at the wrong time. Using a smartphone as a universal controller opens up access to more accurate text input, mouse cursor control, and integration with other smart devices in the home, especially for owners of models based on the Android TV operating system or the proprietary PatchWall shell.
Introducing a mobile device into the smart home ecosystem allows not only duplicating button functions, but also turning the screen into an interactive panel to run complex scenarios. Wireless connection provides instant response, and the presence of voice input on the smartphone keyboard significantly accelerates the search for content in streaming services. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of synchronization, from official utilities to advanced methods for advanced users.
Before you start configuring, you need to make sure that both devices are on the same LAN, as this is a fundamental condition for most data protocols to work. Ignoring this requirement is the most common cause of pairing errors. Next, we will look at step-by-step algorithms for different use cases.
Xiaomi Mi Remote App and Its Features
The most logical first step for Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners is to use the built-in Mi Remote system application, which is pre-installed on most of the brand’s devices and optimized to work with the Mijia ecosystem’s appliances. To get started, you need to launch the app and select the TV category, after which the system will suggest finding the device automatically or selecting a model from the list.
The pairing process takes only a few seconds if the TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi router. In the application interface, you will see a virtual remote with basic navigation buttons, volume control and media control keys. Particularly noteworthy is the voice search feature, which broadcasts audio streaming directly to the TV, bypassing the limitations of the microphone remote.
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If the automatic search does not find the TV, try manually entering it. IP-the device address, which can be found in the settings of the network of the TV in the section "About TV".
It is worth noting that the functionality of the application may vary depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system installed on your smartphone. In some regions, the application may not be available or work with restrictions, which requires the use of alternative methods of configuration.
⚠️ Note: When you first run the app, you will request permission to access the LAN, and without this right, it will be technically impossible to detect the TV even if Wi-Fi is turned on.
Universal apps for Android TV and Google Home
For users whose smartphones run on other versions of Android or iOS, the best solution is to use official utilities from Google. Since most Xiaomi TVs are based on the Android TV platform, they natively support management protocols from the search giant. The Google Home app allows you not only to manage the media player, but also to control other smart devices associated with your account.
Another powerful tool is the Google TV app (formerly known as Android TV Remote Control), which provides a full-fledged keyboard for typing, which is critical when logging in to streaming services or a browser, and connects through code displayed on the TV screen, ensuring a secure connection.
- 📱 Google Home: Perfect for Basic Management and Smart Home Integration.
- ⌨️ Google TV: The best choice for comfortable text input and navigation on the menu.
- 🎮 Android TV Remote Control: Supports gamepad emulation for simple games.
The advantage of using the Google ecosystem is cross-platform: you can control a Xiaomi TV from any smartphone, regardless of its brand, whether it is Samsung, Pixel or OnePlus. The main requirement is the availability of Google Play services on both devices and a stable Internet connection.
Third-party solutions and IR ports: when Wi-Fi is not working
In situations where the home network is overloaded or the router is temporarily unavailable, infrared technology comes to the rescue. Many Xiaomi mid-to-high-end smartphones feature an integrated infrared port located on the top end of the case, which allows you to turn the phone into a universal remote control, working on the principle of classic remote controllers.
This method does not require an Internet connection or a single Wi-Fi network, but simply install an emulator application like ZaZa Remote or Peel Smart Remote and select a model of your TV from a vast database, and transmits the signal directly through an LED, allowing control even of the TV turned off (Wake-on-IR function).
The way to check the presence of an IR port:
Settings → About phone → All specs → Search “Infrared”However, this method has its limitations: the range of the infrared signal is limited to direct visibility, and the smartphone must be directed directly to the receiver of the TV, and Smart TV functions, such as displaying notifications or broadcasting photos, through the infrared port will not work.
⚠️ Note: If your smartphone does not have an integrated IR port, there are external adapters connected via the connector USB Type-C or 3.5mm jack, but their compatibility with specific phone models requires separate checks.
Setting up screen broadcast and multimedia content
Controlling a TV often involves not only navigating the menu, but also broadcasting the contents of the smartphone screen. Cast (or Miracast in Windows) technology allows you to duplicate the image from the phone’s display to the large screen. In Xiaomi TVs, this feature is built-in by default and does not require the installation of additional software.
To start the broadcast, you just need to open the notification curtain on your smartphone and select Broadcast or Cast. The phone will start searching for available devices on the network. After selecting your Xiaomi TV, the image synchronizes. This is convenient for viewing photo albums, showing presentations or running videos from applications that do not support the standard Chromecast protocol.
| Method of transmission | Image quality | Delay (Latency) | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Cast | High (up to 4K) | Low. | Medium. |
| Miracast (Translation) | Depends on the network. | Medium | High-pitched |
| DLNA (Local File) | Maximum. | Absent. | Low. |
It is important to distinguish between streaming (when the phone is just a remote control and the video is loaded by the TV itself) and mirroring (when the phone encodes an image and sends a video stream), the former method is preferable for watching video, since it less loads the smartphone processor and provides better picture quality.
Why is there no sound in the broadcast?
Advanced management through ADB and network debugging
For tech-savvy users who want to gain full control of the Android TV system, the Android Debugging Bridge (ADB) method is available, which allows you to send commands directly to the TV operating system, install applications, clear cache, and even emulate the presses of any remote buttons.
To activate this feature, you need to go to your TV settings, find the About Device section, and quickly click on the Build Number seven times. Once you turn on the developer mode, the Debugging over the Network will appear in the menu. Turn it on and remember. IP-address and port (usually 5555).
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555
adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_HOMEUsing ADB commands, you can automate routine tasks, such as creating a script that turns off the TV at a certain time or running a specific app on a schedule, opening up opportunities for deep integration of the TV into the smart home system through platforms like Home Assistant.
☑️ Preparation for ADB connection
Caution should be exercised when using ADB commands, as incorrect actions can lead to unstable operation of the system.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications through ADB, If you're not sure what they're doing, it can lead to a cyclical bootloop and require a flashing.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Despite the ease of setting up, users may face a number of problems, most commonly the phone does not see the TV in the list of available devices, first of all, you need to check whether the router is activated the function of isolation of clients (AP Isolation), which prevents devices within the local network to communicate with each other.
Another common problem is the desynchronization of control, where the taps on the phone screen do not reflect on the TV. IP-The solution is to set up a static setting. IP-addresses for the TV in router parameters or reconnecting the application.
- 🔄 Reboot: Banal shutdown and turn on router solves 80% of problems with visibility of devices.
- 📶 Wi-Fi Range: Make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency (2.4GHz or 5GHz), although this is less critical in modern routers with Mesh systems.
- 🛡️ Antivirus: Firewall on a smartphone or PC can block incoming connections from the TV.
If neither method works, it makes sense to reset the network settings on the TV, which will return the connection settings to factory values and often eliminate software conflicts accumulated during operation.
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The stability of control over Wi-Fi depends on the quality of the router's signal. If the TV is far from the router, use an IR remote or a remote control. USB-Adapters will be a more reliable solution.