How to control a Xiaomi TV through Alice: from connectivity to voice commands

Voice control of science fiction has long been a reality. Xiaomi Mi Home and Alice TVs from Yandex allow you to switch channels, adjust volume and even run applications with a simple voice request. But how to set this bundle correctly, what commands are supported, and why Alice sometimes “does not hear” the TV? This guide analyzes all the nuances from basic synchronization to solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that not all models of Xiaomi Mi TV support integration with Alice directly. For example, older versions (before Mi TV 4A 2018) may require additional devices like Xiaomi Mi Box or smart speaker with Alice. But the new models (Mi TV Q2 2023, Redmi Smart TV X) work out of the box – just connect them to the Mi Account account and sync with the Yandex application.

What Xiaomi models are compatible with Alice?

Before setting up, check if your TV supports voice control via Alice.

• 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2021–2026) — Full support via Mi Home and Yandex.
• 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV P1 (All modifications - requires software updates to MIUI TV 3.0+.
• 📺 Redmi Smart TV X (2022–2026) – Compatibility varies by firmware region.
• 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/4A (2019–2020) — Only through Xiaomi Mi Box or Alice column.

If your model is not on the list, check the support in the TV menu: Settings → Smart Home → Voice assistants. The absence of Yandex Alice means that direct integration is impossible – you will need a workaround (we will talk about it in the section “Alternative Ways”).

Attention! Xiaomi TVs purchased outside Russia may not support Alice due to regional restrictions, in which case it will help to change the firmware to MIUI TV Global or use a VPN when setting up.

Step-by-step setup of communication between Xiaomi TV and Alice

The connection process takes 10-15 minutes. You will need to:

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home and Yandex apps (updated to the latest version).
• 🔌 Television and phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔑 Mi Account (same as on the TV).

Follow the instructions:

1. Step 1. Open Settings → Account and Security → Mi Account and log in (if you haven’t done so before).
2. Step 2. In the Mi Home app on your smartphone, add a TV: press + → Television → select a model from the list.
3. Step 3. Go to the Yandex app, open the Devices section → Add Device → Television → Xiaomi.
4. Step 4: Confirm synchronization in both applications (it may be necessary to enter code from the TV screen).

The TV is displayed in the list of devices in the Yandex application

Voice commands like "Alice, turn on the TV" are working.

In Mi Home, the TV status is "Connected"-->

Critical detail: if Alice can't see the TV after syncing, restart both devices and repeat step 3. 80% of the time, this is how the problem is solved.

The main voice commands for managing Xiaomi TV

Alice supports more than 50 commands for Xiaomi TVs, but some of them only work on new models (Mi TV Q2 2023+).

For convenience, you can create scenes in the Yandex app. For example, the scene “Kinovecher” will simultaneously turn on the TV, start Netflix and dim the lights (if connected smart lamps).

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If Alice doesn’t recognize the channel’s name, try saying the channel number: “Alice, switch to Channel 5.”

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you've set it up properly, you can have failures, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔴 Alice doesn't see TV: Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not over the mobile internet!). Update your TV firmware to the latest version (Settings) → On TV. → Update of the software. Reinstall the Yandex app on your smartphone.
• 🔴 Delayed commands: Reduce the distance between the TV and the router or use 5GHz Wi-Fi. Turn off the energy-saving mode on the TV (Settings) → Power supply).
• 🔴 Application commands do not work: Make sure the app (like YouTube) is installed and updated. In the TV settings, allow Alice to access the apps (Settings) → Smart home. → Permits).

⚠️ Attention, if you're using VPN Or a proxy on the router, Alice can block access to the devices for security reasons.

Alternative management (if direct integration does not work)

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Alice directly, there are workarounds:

1. With Xiaomi Mi Box: Connect the Mi Box S or Mi Box 4 to your TV via HDMI. In the Mi Box settings, activate Google Assistant and connect it to Alice via Yandex Station. Now commands will be transmitted via Mi Box.
2. Through a smart speaker with Alice: Buy Yandex Station or Yandex Mini. Connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV. In the Yandex app, add the TV as a device via the IR Blaster protocol (if the speaker supports an IR port).

Through third-party services (for advanced):

• Use Home Assistant with the Mi Home Integration plugin.
• Set up automation via IFTTT (if you have Xiaomi support in the service).

The downside of alternative methods is the possible delay of execution of commands (up to 2-3 seconds) and the need for additional devices, but they work even with older models of Xiaomi TV.

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Direct integration with Alice is the most reliable way, but if it is not, Xiaomi Mi Box or Yandex Station will be a worthy replacement.

Optimization of work: tips for experienced users

To ensure the smoothest possible management, use these tips:

• 🔧 Set traffic priority: Prioritize routers MAC-Television address (QoS) to allow commands to be executed without delay.
• 🔧 Create short aliases: in the Yandex app, rename the TV (for example, “Living room” instead of “Xiaomi Mi”) TV Q2»), to shorten the teams.
• 🔧 Use routines: Set up action chains, such as, “Alice, good morning» → Turn on the TV, show the weather and start the morning news.
• 🔧 Update. DNS: If the teams are slowing down, change. DNS at 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 in the settings of the TV network.

For automation enthusiasts, you can create time-trigger scripts in Mi Home, for example, the TV will turn on at 18:00 on the NTV channel and turn off after 2 hours.

1. Open Mi Home → “Automation” → “Add”
2. Select the “Time” trigger and specify the right time.
3. Add the action “Television Control” → “Enable” + “Switch the channel”.
4. Save the script.

How to protect your TV from unauthorized access

Voice control is convenient, but it opens up potential risks so that no one can control your TV without permission.

• 🔒 Turn off voice control on the screen lock: in Alice's settings, forbid executing commands when the phone is locked.
• 🔒 Configure voice recognition: in the Yandex application, activate the option “My voice only” (system training is required).
• 🔒 Change the password from Mi Account: Use a complex password and two-factor authentication (in the settings of the Xiaomi account).
• 🔒 Limit access to your local network: Close ports 5555 and 8080 on your router, which can be used for remote management.

⚠️ Attention! If you sell or transfer the TV to another person, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → On TV. → Reset) and untie it from Mi Account and Yandex. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to manage your other devices through Alice!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions