You can control a Xiaomi TV with an iPhone in a number of ways, from the standard Mi Remote app to integration with Apple HomeKit and voice commands via Siri. However, not everyone knows that in addition to the basic features (on/off, volume control), there are hidden features: gesture management, creating automation scripts, and even remote control over the Internet.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from simple to advanced, including solutions for cases when the standard application does not work. Particular attention will be paid to the compatibility of Xiaomi TV models (Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q1/Q2) with iOS 15/16/17 and bypass typical connection errors. If you want to not just switch channels, but turn your iPhone into a full remote with advanced features, read on.
1.Preparation: What you need to control Xiaomi TV with iPhone
Before you start setting up, make sure your TV and smartphone meet the minimum requirements.
- ๐บ Model TV: All Xiaomi TV Android TV (Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A2 The newer models support control from the iPhone, and PatchWall models (e.g. India) may require additional action.
- ๐ฑ iOS version: minimum - iOS 12, but for full work with HomeKit and voice commands you need iOS 15+.
- ๐ Wi-Fi: TV and iPhone must be connected to the same local network (except for cloud management via Mi Home).
- ๐ Software Updates: the current firmware should be installed on the TV (check in Settings) โ On TV. โ Updating the system).
If your TV is released before 2019 (such as the Mi TV 3S), some features may be limited, in which case alternative software or a Bluetooth remote adapter will be required.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi TV firmware-wise (CN ROM) Mi Remote may not work without changing the region, so installing global firmware or using Apple TV Remote through HDMI-CEC.
2. Method 1: Mi Remote application - basic control
Mi Remote is the official Xiaomi app that turns the iPhone into a universal remote, which supports not only TVs, but also other Xiaomi devices (air conditioners, projectors).
- Download Mi Remote from the App Store (free, weighs ~50MB).
- Launch the application and allow access to Bluetooth and the local network.
- Click Add Device โ Television โ Xiaomi.
- Select your TV model from the list (if not, choose Mi TV).
- Follow the instructions on the screen โ the app will automatically find the TV on the network.
If the TV is not detected:
- ๐ Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi (not the guest network!).
- ๐ Reboot the TV and iPhone.
- ๐ถ In the settings of the TV, turn on Settings โ Network โ Remote control.
After connecting, the application will have control buttons: on/off, volume control, navigation through the menu, launching applications (Netflix, YouTube) and voice search (if supported).
โ๏ธ Check before connecting Mi Remote
3. Method 2: Control via Apple HomeKit (for advanced)
If you use the Apple ecosystem, you can integrate Xiaomi TV into Apple HomeKit, which allows you to control your TV through the Home, Siri and automation app, but thereโs a caveat: Xiaomi doesnโt officially support HomeKit, so youโll need a workaround through Home Assistant or HOOBS.
Here is a step-by-step guide to connect via Home Assistant:
- Install Home Assistant on Raspberry Pi or other server (instructions on the official website).
- In the configuration file configuration.yaml add integration Xiaomi Mi TV: media_player: - platform: xiaomi_miio host: 192.168.1.100 # IP your TV token: YOUR_TOKEN # Token from Mi Home
- Get a token for the TV through the Mi Home app (instructions below in spoiler).
- In Home Assistant, go to Settings โ Devices and Services โ Add Integration โ HomeKit.
- Scan it. QR-code through the app Home on iPhone.
How to get a token for Xiaomi TV?
After setting up, you will be able to:
- ๐ค Control your TV with your voice over Siri (e.g., โHey Siri, turn on Xiaomi)โ TV Netflixยป).
- ๐ Automation (for example, turning off the TV when leaving the house).
- ๐ฑ Control the TV through widgets on the iPhone screen.
โ ๏ธ Note: When using Home Assistant, the TV must be permanently connected to the network, IP-The address of the TV may change, and the integration will stop working. IP router-setting.
Method 3: Voice control via Siri and Google Assistant
You can also control Xiaomi TV with your iPhone by voice, but there are two options: Siri (with HomeKit) or Google Assistant (if the TV is connected to Google Home).
Option 1: Siri + HomeKit (limited functionality)
If you have set up HomeKit (see the previous section), you can use the following commands:
- ๐ค ยซHey Siri, turn on Xiaomi. TVยป
- ๐ค ยซHey Siri, set the volume to 50% on Xiaomi TVยป
- ๐ค ยซHey Siri, open Netflix on Xiaomi TVยป
However, Siri does not support channel switching or menu navigation โ only basic features.
Option 2: Google Assistant (full control)
For this method:
- Install the Google Home app on your iPhone.
- Add your TV to Google Home (it should be on the same network).
- Activate Google Assistant and say, for example, โOK, Google, turn on Xiaomi TV on Channel 24.โ
The advantage of this method is that it supports all the functions of the remote, including switching inputs (HDMI1, HDMI2) and running specific applications.
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If Siri doesnโt recognize your TVโs name, rename it to HomeKit to a simpler one (e.g. Living room TV).
5. Method 4: Control over HDMI-CEC (without Wi-Fi)
If you don't have Wi-Fi or your TV isn't connected, you can use HDMI-CEC technology, which allows you to control HDMI devices via a remote or smartphone.
- Connect a CEC-enabled device to your TV (such as an Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield, or gaming console).
- In the settings of the TV, enable HDMI-CEC (path: Settings โ HDMI โ Control HDMI-CEC โ On).
- On your iPhone, use the remote app for your device (e.g. Apple TV Remote for Apple TV).
Now you can:
- ๐บ Turn on/off the TV with the connected device.
- ๐ Adjust volume through Apple's remote TV iPhone.
- ๐ฎ Switch inputs on the TV (if multiple devices are connected).
HDMI-CEC does not support navigation on the TV menu, only basic features, and some Xiaomi TV models (such as Mi TV 4A) may have limited CEC support.
| Model Xiaomi TV | Support for HDMI-CEC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 | Complete. | It works with all functions, including automatic input switching. |
| Mi TV 5/5 Pro | Partial | It does not support volume control through the CEC. |
| Redmi Smart TV X | Complete. | It is required to enable in the HDMI-CEC settings. |
| Mi TV 4A/4C | Limited. | Only on/off work. |
6. Method 5: Alternative applications (if Mi Remote does not work)
If the official Mi Remote app refuses to connect, try one of the alternatives, which often work better with older TV models or on non-standard networks.
- ๐ฑ Unified Remote โ universal remote with support for Xiaomi TV. Requires installation of the server part on the PC.
- ๐ฎ Yatse: Remote for Android TV โ It works with Android TV Xiaomi, supports gestures and voice input.
- ๐ง Remote for Xiaomi TV โ Specialized application with advanced features (e.g., Ambient Mode management).
To connect via alternative applications:
- Make sure your TV is enabled with ADB Debugging (Settings โ About TV โ Android version โ click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Settings โ For Developers โ Debugging over USB/network).
- Enter. IP-TV address in the application settings.
- Confirm the connection on the TV screen.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Inclusion ADB Debugging opens up potential security vulnerabilities. Disable this mode after you configure the app!
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Alternative applications often support features that are not available in Mi Remote: Ambient Mode management, quick launch of games and applications, customization of remote buttons.
7. Solving the Problem: The TV Is Not Connecting to the iPhone
If none of these methods work, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV not found in Mi Remote | Different Wi-Fi networks | Connect both devices to the same network (not the guest!). |
| The app gives an error "I failed to connect" | Block ports by router | In the router settings, open ports 5555 and 3702. |
| Voice commands are down. | There is no microphone on the TV. | Use Google Assistant on your iPhone or connect Amazon Echo. |
| HDMI-CEC is not enabled | Outdated firmware | Update the TV through Settings โ System Update. |
If the problem persists:
- ๐ Reset the network settings on the TV (Settings) โ Network โ Resetting network settings).
- ๐ฑ Reinstall the Mi Remote app on iPhone.
- ๐ ๏ธ Check if the connection is blocked by antivirus or VPN iPhone.