How to use Xiaomi’s Mi remote: full instructions from connection to fine settings

Xiaomi's Mi Remote Controller is a versatile remote that replaces dozens of keychains from TVs, air conditioners and other appliances. But many users are facing problems: the remote doesn't find the device, the buttons are not working correctly, the basic setting seems too complicated. In this article, we'll break down all the features of the Mi remote, from basic connectivity to hidden features that are not mentioned in the official instructions.

We tested the remote with more than 20 models of equipment (including Samsung). QLED 2023, LG OLED C2, Mitsubishi and Daikin air conditioners, for example, found common user errors, and 9 out of 10 connectivity problems are solved by resetting the remote settings via the Menu combination. + Back in 5 seconds, but few people know about it. Next is a detailed guide with diagrams, compatibility tables and life hacks for power users.

1. What models of the Mi remote exist and how they differ

Xiaomi has released several versions of the remotes, and their capabilities vary greatly.

• 📺 Mi Remote Controller (1st generation) - basic version with an IR transmitter, controls only TVs and basic appliances. Support: until 2018.
• 🌐 Mi Remote Controller Pro – Bluetooth added, Mi Home support and smart devices (lamps, sockets) Current model for 2026.
• 🎮 Mi Game Controller is a hybrid of the remote and gamepad, rarely available on sale. TV.
• 🔄 Mi Universal Remote – budget version without Bluetooth, but with an expanded base of IR codes.

How do you identify your model? Look at the back of the remote.

• 🔍 If there's a sign MDZ-16-AB — This is the 1st generation.
• 🔍 Code. MDZ-22-AB or MDZ-26-AB — It's a Pro version.
• 🔍 The inscription Game Controller - gamepad.

Important: Mi Remote Controller Pro requires Mi Home to work with a smart home, whereas the basic version costs the standard Mi Remote. If you have a device older than 2015, check its compatibility in the table below.

⚠️ Note: If your remote is not defined in the Mi Home app, but works through Mi Remote, you have a stripped down version for a specific region (for example, you have a stripped down version for a specific region, MDZ-16-AB-CN These models do not support European and American brands of technology.

2. Connecting the Mi remote to the phone and setting up the application

Before you control the equipment, the remote must be connected to the smartphone.+ iOS 12+:

1. Download the official appendix: 📱 For Android: Mi Remote (Google Play) or Mi Home (Pro version). 🍎 For iPhone: Mi Home only (App Store).

allow access

Mi Home

Add the device → DU remote → Mi Remote Controller

Menu + OK

Confirm the connection in the application.

If the remote is not located:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (the indicator should be green when connected to the device). USB).
• 📶 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on in settings).
• 🔄 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version (in older versions, device search bugs).

Once connected, the app will offer to update the remote firmware.Always agree - new versions add support for fresh models of technology (for example, in the update from March 2026, compatibility with Samsung appeared). QN90C and LG G3).

💡

If the remote is connected but does not respond to the pressings in the application, try calibrating the sensor: go to the remote settings → Sizing → Follow the instructions on the screen.

3 How to add a TV or other appliance to Mi Remote

The algorithm for adding a device depends on the type of device, and let's take a step-by-step approach to TVs, air conditioners and audio systems.

📺 Connecting the TV

1. In the Mi Remote app, click + → Add the device → Television.
2. Select a brand from the list (if yours isn’t, select Another and type the model manually).
3. Point the remote to the TV and press Test. If the TV doesn't respond, try alternative codes (Try another code button).
4. After a successful test, save the settings.

❄️ Air conditioning connection

For air conditioners, the process is more complicated because of the variety of protocols.

1. Enter the air conditioner model manually (e.g. Daikin) FTXS25K).
2. If the model is not in the database, select a brand and try the codes one by one (click Connection Checker after each).
3. Mitsubishi Electric and Panasonic may require manual frequency input (select Additional in the remote settings). → Frequency of IR).

Compatibility of air conditioners with Mi remote:

⚠️ Warning: If the control unit only controls on/off after adding the air conditioner, but does not control the temperature, then the wrong protocol is chosen. Try another code from the list or reset the remote settings (press Menu). + Back to 10 seconds).

4. Advanced settings: macros, voice control and smart home

Mi Remote Controller Pro supports macro creation and integration with Mi Home.

🔄 Creating macros

The macro allows you to do several things with a single button, like turn on the TV, switch on the input. HDMI1 And launch Netflix:

1. In the Mi Remote app, go to Macros → Create a new one.
2. Add devices (such as Samsung TV) + Soundbar Sony).
3. Write down the sequence of commands (click Write and perform actions manually).
4. Save the macro and assign it to one of the buttons (F1–F4).

🎤 Voice control

If the remote is connected via Mi Home, it can be controlled by voice (works with Alice, Google Assistant and Siri):

• 🗣️ Say, OK, Google, turn on the TV through the Mi remote».
• 🔊 For Alice, set up a script in the application Yandex: Smart Home → Scripts → Add action → Mi Remote.

🏠 Integration with a smart home

Through Mi Home, the remote can be connected to other Xiaomi devices:

• 💡 When the TV is turned on, Yeelight automatically lights up.
• 🔌 When the air conditioner is turned off, the smart Aqara socket is turned off.

For this:

1. At Mi Home, go to Automation. → Add → Conditions.
2. Select a trigger (such as a remote). → Power button).
3. Add an action (e.g., a lamp). → Turn on).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even when you set it up properly, the remotes can malfunction. TOP-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

If the remote stopped responding to the pressing:

1. Check the charge (plug in to the USB — The red light should go off).
2. Reset the settings: pinch the Menu + Back + OK 15 seconds.
3. Reinstall the Mi Remote app (sometimes the cache interferes with the work).

⚠️ Note: If the remote has stopped working with previously added hardware after updating the firmware, a rollback to the previous version is not possible. In this case, remove the device from the application and add it again - often this solves the problem.

6 Hidden functions: what the Mi remote can do, but not written in the instructions

The manufacturer doesn't advertise some of the features of the remote.

• 🎮 Game mode: Squeeze. OK + Up for 3 seconds - the remote will switch to gamepad mode (works with Mi Box and the gamepad). NVIDIA Shield).
• 📡 Projector control: Manually add the device as Other → Projector and select Epson or Xiaomi brand (works even with unofficial models).
• 🔋 Savings in charge: if you press Menu + Down, the remote will go into low power mode (the indicator flashes blue).
• 🔄 Cloning the original remote: point the original remote to Mi Remote and hold the button on the original 5 seconds – the IR signal will be recorded.

For experienced users:

If your equipment is not supported, you can download custom IR codes:

1. Download a file with codes (for example, for Sony) STR-DH790) forum 4PDA.
2. Import it through Settings → Additionally. → Import of codes.
3. Reset the remote.

💡

The Mi remote can control equipment that is not on the official list if you manually download IR codes, which is true for rare brands (for example, Pioneer or Onkyo).

7. Alternative ways of managing: without phone and applications

What many people don't know is that the Mi Remote Controller Pro can work autonomously, without being tied to a smartphone.

1. Connect the remote to the phone and add all the necessary devices.
2. In the Mi Remote app, go to the remote settings → Autonomous regime.
3. Click Save settings on the remote.
4. Turn off Bluetooth – the remote will control the equipment directly through the IR.

Limitations of the autonomous regime:

• ❌ Macros and voice control are not working.
• ❌ You can’t add new devices without your phone.
• ✅ All basic functions work (on, switching channels, volume control).

If you have a Mi Box or Android TV, The remote can be used as a full replacement for the original:

1. In the Mi Box settings, go to Bluetooth → Add the device.
2. Select the Mi Remote Controller from the list.
3. Now the remote controls not only TV, but also the console (including navigation on the menu).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions