How to control a DEXP TV from a Xiaomi phone

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have a powerful arsenal of features that make it a universal remote control for home appliances. DEXP TV owners often face a situation where the regular remote control is lost, sits down or just sits on the other side of the room. Fortunately, the integration of the Android ecosystem and the presence of an infrared port in many Xiaomi phones allow you to solve this problem in minutes without buying additional equipment.

There are two main ways to connect the gadget and the screen: through the built-in Mi Remote app, which uses infrared radiation, and through a Wi-Fi network connection, if the TV supports Smart TV. The first option is universal and works even on older DEXP models that are not connected to the Internet. The second option provides advanced functionality, including entering text from the smartphone keyboard and voice control.

In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of customization, possible code compatibility issues, and alternative solutions if standard methods don’t work, learn how to calibrate the remote so that the buttons are pressed the first time, and which Google Play apps can be a worthy replacement for the standard software.

Use of the built-in Mi Remote application

The easiest and most reliable way to turn your phone into a remote is to use the Mi Remote (Mi Remote) app, which is already installed on most Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running MIUI or HyperOS shells, and the main requirement for this method is that your smartphone has an integrated infrared port (IR Blaster), which is usually located on the upper end of the case.

To get started, launch the app and click Add. From the device list, select "TV." DEXP It is a brand that often uses OEM-platform (OEM-production, there may not be a direct logo in the database DEXP. In this case, you need to go through the codes from major panel manufacturers such as Haier, Changhong or Hisense.

⚠️ Attention: When testing codes, press the check button slowly. Infrared signal may have a delay, and if you press too quickly, you can skip the working code or choose the wrong one.

The setup process takes no more than a couple of minutes. You'll need to point your phone to the TV and press the buttons displayed on the screen sequentially. As soon as the DEXP TV responds to a command (for example, the volume changes or the menu appears), click "Yes." Once you save the configuration, you'll get a full virtual remote with power, channel switching and navigation buttons.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before setting up

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And it's important to note that IR port requires line of sight, and unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, infrared light doesn't go around obstacles, and if you put your phone in your pocket or you put your finger on the sensor, it won't reach the DEXP TV receiver.

Control settings via Wi-Fi and Smart TV

If your DEXP TV is Android TV or has built-in Wi-Fi, you can control it over a local area network, which is much more convenient because you don't have to point your phone directly at the screen, and to do this, both devices need to be connected to the same wireless network.

On the TV menu DEXP You need to find the network settings section and make sure that IP-On the Xiaomi smartphone, you can use both the Mi Remote application (by switching to Wi-Fi mode) and third-party utilities. When the first connection on the TV screen may appear request for access permission, which must be confirmed by a standard remote or control buttons on the case.

The advantage of network connectivity is the speed of response and the extra features. You can use the phone's gyroscope like a mouse, display notifications, or even broadcast the smartphone screen to the TV. IP-address, connection may be severed and require re-authorization.

Why can't my phone see TV on Wi-Fi?
Often the problem lies in router settings. Make sure the router has disabled the AP Isolation feature, which prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other, and also make sure that both devices are on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x) rather than on the guest network.

It is worth considering that Wi-Fi power management (on from scratch) may not work if the TV is completely off or in deep sleep, in such cases, the IR port remains the only way to activate standby mode.

πŸ“Š Which way of management is more convenient?
IR port (Mi Remote)
Wi-Fi (Network)
Voice control
Physical remote control

Alternative management applications

In case the standard Xiaomi app doesn’t find the right code for your DEXP model, it’s worth turning to the time-tested third-party solutions from Google Play.The leader in this niche is the Sure Universal Remote app, which has a huge code base and supports remote learning.

Another powerful tool is Anymote, which allows you to not only control your TV, but also create complex scenarios, for example, you can set up a macro that turns on a DEXP TV with a single button, switches the signal source to HDMI and launches a specific application.

Android TVs are great for the official Google Home or Android TV Remote Control app, which provides native integration by allowing the phone's microphone to be used for voice search inside the TV interface, and this is especially true for DEXP models with Android, where remote text entry can be uncomfortable.

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Use a widget on your desktop. Many remote applications allow you to put the TV button right on the Android home screen so you don't open the app every time.

Some apps require a paid subscription for full functionality, but basic management features are usually free. When choosing software, pay attention to the presence of advertising that can block the interface and prevent you from pressing the right buttons in the dark.

Comparison of management methods: IR port vs. Wi-Fi

The choice between an infrared port and a network connection depends on your priorities and your TV model, and to help you decide, we have prepared a comparative table highlighting the key differences between these technologies in the context of DEXP management.

CharacteristicsInfrared port (IR)Wi-Fi/Network
The need for direct visibilityRequired.Not required
Work without TVPossible (inclusion)Only if the TV is on standby
Additional functionsBasic (buttons)Voice, text, broadcast
Network dependencyNo.Tall.
Phone battery consumptionMinimumMedium/High

As you can see from the table, IR port benefits in reliability and autonomy, it works even when there is no Internet or router, but functionally it is limited to simply repeating the signals of the physical remote, Wi-Fi opens the door to a world of multimedia capabilities, but adds to the dependence on the quality of the home network.

Power users often use a hybrid approach. The main scenario is to control over Wi-Fi for comfortable viewing and finding content. The backup scenario is an IR port that is always at hand if the router is β€œhanging” or needs to urgently turn off the TV before it connects to the network.

Solving Code Compatibility Problems

DEXP TVs are often rebranded models that can have arrays and boards from different manufacturers inside them. If an automatic search in the Mi Remote app didn't work, try the manual selection method. On the manufacturer list, look not only for DEXP, but also for brands like Erisson, Harper or Kivi that use similar hardware platforms.

Sometimes it helps to reset the settings of the remote app itself. Go to your smartphone settings, find the Apps section, select Mi Remote and clear the data. This will return the codebase to its original state and can eliminate caching errors that interfere with proper operation.

⚠️ Note: Do not use root-right applications unless you are confident in your actions. Obtaining superuser rights can disrupt the IR driver and cause the module to fail.

In rare cases, the problem can be physical: Make sure the IR port on the phone is not covered with a tight case or protective film. Some transparent silicone pads can block infrared radiation, making the remote non-functional, even if the port is visually open.

Enhanced Opportunities and Macros

For advanced users who want to automate the viewing experience, there are possibilities for creating macros, for example, you can create a scene β€œCinema”, which turns off the lights one tapu (if there is a smart home), reduces the brightness of the phone screen and turns on a DEXP TV with the desired HDMI input.

Such scenarios can be implemented through integration with smart home platforms such as Yandex.House or Google Home, if the DEXP TV supports the appropriate protocols, in which case the phone acts not just as a remote control, but as a central control hub.

Also worth mentioning is the ability to use the phone as a touchpad, which in some applications turns the smartphone screen into a touchpad, allowing you to control the cursor on the TV screen with your finger movements, which is especially convenient when using a browser on a Smart TV or for navigating in complex menus.

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The versatility of the smartphone allows you to replace not only the remote, but also the keyboard and mouse, providing full control over the multimedia system.

Remember to update the remote app regularly through the Mi GetApps store or Google Play. Developers are constantly adding new codes and improving compatibility with new models of equipment coming to market.

Can I control a DEXP TV if IR port is not on my phone?
If your Xiaomi model does not have an infrared port (for example, some flagships or budget phones), the only option is to control over Wi-Fi. To do this, the TV must support Smart TV and be connected to the same network. There are also special external IR transmitters that are connected via a USB or Mini-Jack connector, but they are rare and require support from the OS.
Why does Mi Remote app not see my DEXP TV?
There may be several reasons: the TV is not connected to Wi-Fi (for the network method), the devices are in different subnets, the isolation of customers on the router is turned on, or the TV model is too new / rare for the database application, in the latter case, manual code selection or the use of universal codes from Hisense or Haier will help.
Does the cover affect the IR panel?
Yes, it does. Dense, opaque or metal cases, and high-sided cases can completely block the infrared signal. If the remote is only working close to or at a certain angle, try removing the case for inspection.
Will the remote work if the phone is drained?
The infrared port consumes very little power, but if the phone is completely off, the remote will not work.However, even at a charge of 1-2%, the Mi Remote app tends to continue to function, allowing the TV to turn off before the phone shuts down.