The situation when the remote control suddenly stops responding or is lost in the bowels of the sofa, familiar to many owners of smart equipment. For users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is not a critical problem, since the architecture of Android TV allows you to access basic functions through a smartphone. TV control becomes possible even if the regular IR transmitter is out of order or the battery is dead.
Owners of Mi TV devices often forget that their smartphone can act as a complete replacement for a physical controller. Modern communication technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provide a stable channel for transmitting commands. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to activate the screen and navigate the interface using only a mobile device.
First of all, you need to understand that the way you connect depends on the current state of the TV. If the device is completely powered down, the software methods will not work without mechanical activation. However, if the TV is in Standby mode or simply lost contact with the remote control, the smartphone will be your main rescue tool.
Use of the built-in IR transmitter of the smartphone
Many Xiaomi smartphones, as well as some other models, have an integrated infrared port, which allows the phone to emulate signals from any appliance, including TVs. You’ll need the standard Mi Remote app, which is often pre-installed on the system, to get started.
The setup process takes only a few minutes and doesn't require you to connect to the same Wi-Fi network. You just have to run the app, select the type of TV device and start matching the codes. The infrared signal is transmitted directly, so the phone and TV must be in line of sight from each other.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure there is black IR port glass at the top of your smartphone. If it isn't, this method won't work and you'll have to use a network connection.
The app will offer you several code options to check, you need to press the turn on button on your phone screen and confirm the response of the TV. Once you successfully select a unique code, you can not only turn on the device, but also adjust the volume and switch channels.
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If the standard codebase doesn’t include your model, try choosing a generic profile for Android TV or brands like Philips and Sony – protocols often match.
And the important thing to note is that the IR port only works one way, so you send commands, but you don't see what's happening on the screen until you look at the TV, and that's what makes this different from more advanced digital solutions.
Set up remote control via Wi-Fi
A more modern and functional way is to control over a local network, which requires that both the smartphone and the Xiaomi TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, a key condition without which devices will not be able to “see” each other.
If the TV has already been paired with a router, it will automatically appear in the list of available devices in the Mi Home or Google Home app. In case the TV resets the network settings, you will need to connect it to the router first, perhaps using a temporary router. USB-keyboard or mouse if the on-screen keyboard is not available.
The advantage of Wi-Fi is that it's two-way, you see the interface of the TV on your smartphone screen, you can type in text using your phone's handy keyboard, and you can even stream images. The digital remote in an app often has a more user-friendly interface than the physical one.
☑️ Checking the network connection
You have to remember that when you change your Wi-Fi password or move your router, you have to reconfigure your connection, and the stability of your connection depends on the quality of the wireless signal in your room.
Applications for managing Android TV
The Android TV ecosystem on which Xiaomi TVs are based allows for a wide range of third-party software.The official Google Home app (formerly Chromecast built-in) is the most versatile solution for most models.
In addition to Google products, there are specialized utilities such as Android TV Remote Control, which often offer advanced functionality, including touchpad emulation (control cursor swipe across the screen of a smartphone) and voice input through the microphone of the phone, which is especially convenient for finding content on YouTube or Netflix.
For users looking for maximum control, there are apps that support ADB (Android Debug Bridge) that allow you not only to switch channels, but also manage installed applications, clear cache, and even install new programs directly from your phone.
| Annex | Type of connection | Substantive function | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote | IR port | Full remote emulation | Low. |
| Google Home | Wi-Fi | Basic management and broadcasting | Low. |
| Android TV Remote | Wi-Fi | Touchpad and voice input | Medium |
| TV Assistant | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Advanced settings and ADB | Tall. |
The choice of a particular application depends on your needs. Standard tools will be enough for simple TV watching, and specialized solutions with a touchpad are better for active navigation on the menu.
Activation via Bluetooth and voice commands
New models of Xiaomi Mi TVs support the connection of remotes and smartphones using Bluetooth protocol, which allows you to control the device without having to aim at the receiver, as in the case of the infrared port. The range is significantly increased, and the battery of the smartphone is spent more economically.
To pair, you need to go to Bluetooth settings on your TV. If the screen is not active, try using the blind activation method through an app that scans the network for available Android TV devices. Often the TV itself offers to enter the pairing code that appears on the screen.
⚠️ Note: When you first connect via Bluetooth, you may need to confirm using a physical remote or buttons on the TV body.
A great alternative to manual input is voice assistants, so if you have Google Assistant or Yandex.Alice set up on your smartphone, you can just say, "Put on your Xiaomi TV," which works if the devices are connected through a smart home and are on the same network.
Secrets of voice control
Voice control is particularly effective for people with disabilities or in situations where hands are busy, and the accuracy of command recognition depends on the quality of the microphone in the smartphone and the noise level in the room.
Physical buttons on the TV body
The simplest and most reliable way to do this is to have mechanical buttons, which are on the bottom, back or side of most Xiaomi models, often hidden or disguised as logos to keep the design intact.
A brief press of the Power button is usually enough to turn on the TV. If the remote doesn't work, this method will allow you to activate the screen to then adjust the wireless control from your smartphone. Some models require holding the button for 2-3 seconds to turn on.
If the buttons don't respond, check if the TV is connected to the power grid. The indicator on the case (usually red in standby mode) should burn. The lack of indication can indicate problems with the power supply or outlet.
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Physical buttons are the only way to turn on a completely off TV when software methods are unavailable.
Sometimes the buttons can stick or stop working due to dust, in which case careful cleaning or using compressed air will help, and do not use excessive force so as not to damage the mechanism.
Use of the USB-keyboard
Xiaomi Android-based TVs support peripheral connectivity USB-A typical computer mouse or keyboard can be a temporary replacement for the remote, which is especially useful if you need to enter a Wi-Fi password when the on-screen keyboard is not working.
Just put it in. USB-wireless mouse receiver or connect the wired keyboard to the port USB The cursor will appear automatically on the screen, you can click on the icons with the mouse, and the keyboard allows you to type in text and use the navigation keys.
This method doesn't require any pre-setting or driver installation. Android TV recognizes devices using the Human Interface Device (HID) protocol instantly, a great emergency option for initial setup.
⚠️ Attention: Not all USB-Hubs can work with TVs. Connect the peripherals directly to the TV port for maximum compatibility.
Once you access the menu with your mouse, you can set up a remote app on your phone and then use only your smartphone, which will save you from having to keep unnecessary devices on hand.