When a remote control suddenly stops working or is lost, it can take anyone who owns a smart TV by surprise. Instead of panicking or rushing to the store for a new accessory, consider the alternatives available. Today's Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV are built on the Android TV operating system, which opens up many possibilities for remote control.
In this article, we will discuss all the working methods that allow you to fully enjoy the multimedia capabilities of a device without the original remote control. You will learn how to turn your smartphone into a universal control tool, how to connect a regular computer keyboard and where to find hidden buttons on the TV body itself.
Most users don't even realize that their gadgets already have everything they need to solve this problem, just install the right app or find the right cable. Alternative input methods are often even more convenient than standard ones, especially when typing for movie searches or surfing the web.
Using a Smartphone as a Remote via Wi-Fi
The most affordable and functional way to regain control is to use your smartphone. Since Xiaomi TVs run Android TVs, they support many remote applications available in the Google Play Market. First, make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Without this condition, synchronization is impossible.
The official Google Home app or specialized utilities like Google's Android TV Remote Control allow you to completely duplicate the functions of the original remote. Once you install the application on your smartphone, run a network scan. The program will find your Mi TV and prompt you to enter a confirmation code that will appear on the screen.
⚠️ Note: If your router is giving away two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with different names, make sure that both devices are connected to one of them, otherwise they won’t “see” each other.
Once paired successfully, the phone's screen will become a touchpad, so you can swipe across the screen to simulate cursor movements and press virtual buttons, which is ideal if the original remote is dead or lost in the bowels of the sofa, and these applications are often more functional than standard IR remotes, allowing you to type text quickly from the phone's keyboard, for example.
Connection USB-keyboards and mice
If you don’t have a smartphone with the right app at hand or the Wi-Fi network temporarily doesn’t work, the usual computer peripherals will come to the rescue. USB, supportive HID-Human Interface Device, which means you can connect a standard device. USB-keyboard or mouse directly into the connector on the back or side panel of the TV.
The mouse allows you to navigate freely through the MIUI for TV interface, open apps and select content. The keyboard is indispensable for entering search queries on YouTube or the browser. The system automatically recognizes the device, and the cursor will appear on the screen. No drivers need to be installed, the principle of "plug and play" works.
☑️ What you need to connect the periphery
It is important to note that wireless kits "keyboard" + single-mouse USB-It also works very well, and it saves you one of the limited ports on the TV, but if you use a Bluetooth keyboard, you'll have to pair it up through the settings first, which is harder to do without the remote, so you can wire it or you can do with the wired version. USB-Donor is preferred in an emergency.
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Use it. USB-hub, if you want to connect both the keyboard and the mouse at the same time, freeing up other ports for flash drives or external hard drives.
Infrared port on a smartphone
Many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones feature a built-in infrared emitter (IR port) on the upper end of the case, which allows the phone to function as a universal remote for any appliance, including TVs. Unlike Wi-Fi methods, it does not require a network connection, making it indispensable for router problems.
To activate this feature, open the standard Mi Remote app (or download it from the app store if it has been removed). Click on the add device button and select the TV category. From the list of brands, find Xiaomi or Mi. The app will offer several code options, checking their work. Click on the on button on the phone screen and monitor the reaction of the TV.
Once you've successfully selected the code, you can save the configuration. The application interface replicates the layout of the physical remote, including volume buttons, channel switching and menu calls, and it's one of the most reliable ways, because it emulates the operation of the original IR remote at the hardware level.
What to do if there is no IR port on the phone?
Management through HDMI-CEC
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology allows you to control connected devices with a single remote. If you have other technology, such as a gaming console, a TV set-top box or a Blu-ray player, that supports this feature, you can use their remotes to control a Xiaomi TV.
To do this, the function must be activated in the settings of the TV (usually it is turned on by default). Find the section in the menu responsible for external devices and make sure that the HDMI Control or CEC is active.
This method is particularly useful for gamers or users of Apple TV and Android TV Box media players, and it reduces the number of remotes on the coffee table to a minimum. However, it is worth remembering that functionality can be limited to basic commands, and navigation through the complex Smart TV menu may not be available.
Physical buttons on the TV body
Even if all the high-tech options are not available, you always have a "plan B" button on the TV itself. Xiaomi manufacturers often hide them in inconspicuous places to avoid disrupting the ministic design. They can be located at the bottom of the center, side or back, near the connection ports.
It's usually a single multifunctional joystick button or a set of multiple keys. You can turn on the TV, change the volume, or switch the signal source. The settings menu is also often available through prolonged pressing or a combination of buttons. The exact combination for your model is better specified in the instructions, but trial and error also works.
| Location of buttons | Type of management | Available functions |
|---|---|---|
| Lower frame (center) | One joystick button | On/Off, Volume, Menu, Choice |
| Side (right end) | Separate buttons | Volume +/-, Source, Nutrition |
| Back (bottom) | Hidden panel. | Full control (rarely) |
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Physical buttons are an emergency option, but they guarantee access to basic functions even if the remote and network electronics fail completely.
Buying and setting up a universal remote
If none of the software methods suited you, you have to buy a replacement. Universal remotes with support for Android TV and voice search can be found in any electronics store. When choosing, pay attention to the presence of a button with the Google logo or Netflix, as well as Bluetooth support, as some new Mi TV models may not have an IR receiver.
Chinese universal remotes often require customization of code, a process similar to setting up an app on a smartphone: you press the setup button, wait for the indicator to flash and check the work. Modern models with voice control Google Assistant make it much easier to find content, allowing you to simply pronounce the titles of movies.
⚠️ WARNING: When buying a cheap universal remote, make sure it supports Android. TV, It's not just a set of IR codes, but Bluetooth and voice search only work with specialized models.
Some users prefer to buy original remotes through service centers or online platforms, which ensures full compatibility with all the features of your Mi TV, including special buttons for streaming services.