The situation when the remote control of the TV suddenly stops working or is lost in the bowels of the couch, familiar to every owner of smart equipment. Fortunately, the Xiaomi ecosystem provides several effective ways to control the TV through a smartphone. iPhone owners often face the myth that iOS limits their capabilities, but this is not the case. Modern models of TVs Mi TV and Redmi TV run on the operating system Android TV or proprietary PatchWall, which opens up wide opportunities for integration with Apple gadgets.
The basic principle of the work is to use a single local Wi-Fi network: your iPhone and TV must be on the same network to transmit control signals, which allows you to turn your smartphone screen into a full-fledged remote control, keyboard for typing and even a touchpad. Below we will discuss in detail the official and alternative methods of setting up that will help you manage the media center without a physical remote.
Official Mi Remote app for iOS
The first and most reliable way is to use the official application from the manufacturer. Xiaomi developed the Mi Remote utility, which is available in the App Store. However, it is worth considering the important nuance that this application was originally created to control equipment through an infrared port (infrared emitter), which is not available in all iPhone models (a special adapter is required) or TVs. In the context of modern Smart TVs, we are talking about network management.
To get started, you need to download the app from the App Store. Once installed, launch the program and allow access to the local network, a critical step without which device search is impossible. The app will automatically scan the network and try to find compatible Xiaomi devices.
⚠️ Note: If the automatic search does not give results, make sure that on the TV in the Settings section. → Network enabled with the option “Manage from mobile device” or similar detection function.
The pairing process usually takes less than a minute. Once successfully connected, a virtual interface will appear on the iPhone screen that copies the buttons of the physical remote, you can adjust the volume, switch channels and navigation buttons. The app's functionality is updated periodically, adding support for new Mi Box models and TVs with built-in Android TV.
Using the Google Home Ecosystem
Because most modern Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV, they have deep integration with Google services, opening up a second, often more stable way to manage via the iPhone.
Installing Google Home requires you to create or use an existing Google account. Once logged in, the app will automatically detect all devices on your network, including a Xiaomi TV. Unlike Mi Remote, management takes place at the level of Google Cast and Chromecast built-in protocols, which ensures high response speed.
The main management options through Google Home include:
- 📺 Launching apps (YouTube, Netflix, Movie Search) directly from your phone.
- 🔊 Volume adjustment and signal source switching.
- ⌨️ Enter text from the iPhone keyboard to search in YouTube or browser.
- 🛑 Full stop playback or turn off the TV (if the model supports the).
It is important to note that for the broadcast and control functions to work properly, the TV must be logged in to the same Google account as the phone, or devices must be linked via Guest Mode, which ensures security and prevents unauthorized access to your media center.
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For quick access to control, add the Google Home widget to the main screen of the iPhone – this will allow you to run the remote in one touch without opening the full application.
Alternative applications from the App Store
If official methods don’t work for some reason or the interface seems inconvenient, the App Store offers a variety of third-party solutions. Developers create universal remotes that support DLNA, UPnP and specific Android TV commands. These applications often have more flexible interface settings.
One popular solution is the TV Remote Control app, or equivalents like Universal TV Remote, which is similar in that they scan the network, find an open-port device, and emulate button presses, some of which support Siri voice commands when integrated with Shortcuts.
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to the following parameters:
- 📡 Support for the protocol ADB (Android Debug Bridge for advanced management.
- 💾 Availability of a history of commands and macros for frequently used actions.
- 🎨 Possibility of customization of button layout to your needs.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful of free, ad-filled apps, some of which may share your network with third parties, and choose programs that rank highly and have a lot of reviews.
Comparison of Xiaomi TV management methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have prepared a comparative table of the main ways to control a Xiaomi TV with an iPhone. Each method has its advantages depending on the specific model of the TV and the user’s tasks.
| Method | Required SOUTH | Response speed | Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote | Mi Remote (iOS) | Medium | Basic (copy of remote) |
| Google Home | Google Home | Tall. | Advanced (media + management) |
| TV Remote (3rd party) | Third-party apps | Depends on the app. | Flexible (macros, voice) |
| AirPlay | Built into iOS | Tall. | Only broadcasting content |
As you can see from the table, the Google Home bundle is best suited for full interface management. However, if you just need a copy of the buttons to switch over over-the-air TV channels, Mi Remote may be enough. AirPlay technology, which many modern Xiaomi models support out of the box, is natively supported for streaming photos and videos from the iPhone.
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The most stable operation with minimal latency is demonstrated by the official Google Home app, as it uses native Android TV protocols.
Network setting and troubleshooting
The key to any of these methods is to set up the network correctly. Devices must be on the same subnet. Problems often arise if your router distributes two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with different names and devices are connected to different frequency bands, although modern routers usually combine them into one SSID.
To diagnose problems, follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot your router and TV – it solves 90% of detection problems.
- 📶 Check if the router is enabled Guest Network, which isolates devices from each other.
- 🔒 Make sure that the network settings on the TV are “Home” or “Trusted” network type, not “Public” network type».
If the TV is no longer responsive to commands from your iPhone, try resetting the network settings on the TV itself. Go to Settings → Network → Network Reset. After reconnecting to Wi-Fi, re-start the search for devices in the iPhone app.
☑️ Diagnostics of connection
It's also worth checking the date and time settings. If the clocks on the TV and the phone are very different, security protocols can block the connection, considering it potentially dangerous. Internet time synchronization usually happens automatically, but if there are crashes, manual intervention is required.
Advanced Opportunities: Management through ADB
For advanced users who want to gain full control of their Xiaomi TV, there is a method of control over the ADB debugging bridge (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you not only to emulate buttons, but also install applications, remove system debris and change hidden system settings.
To activate this function, you need to enable the developer mode. Go to Settings → About the device → Assembly and press 7 Once you're in the "Build" section, then you'll see a "Developers" section on the menu, where you'll need to activate debugging. USB/network.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555Introduce IP-the address of your TV in the terminal on your computer or through a special client application ADB On your phone (if you have access to the file system), you'll have full access to the system. It's a powerful tool, but it requires caution.
Risks of using ADB
⚠️ Note: Change of system parameters through ADB Use this method only if you understand what commands you are executing.