How to turn a smartphone into a remote for a Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions and life hacks

Modern Xiaomi TVs support control from a smartphone, but not all users know how to properly configure this feature. Android/iOS-In this article, we'll look at all the available ways, from official applications to universal solutions for older TV models.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, Mi Remote only works with Android TVs, and PatchWall models (such as Mi TV 4A/4S) will require other approaches. We tested 5 methods and identified their pros/cons so you can choose the best option for your equipment.

1. Official Mi Remote app: pros and cons

Xiaomi’s Mi Remote app is the most obvious solution, but it’s not suitable for all of the brand’s TVs, only works with Android TV models (e.g. Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X) and requires binding to one Mi Account.

To set up management:

• 📱 Download Mi Remote from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔗 Sign in to the same Mi Account as you do on your TV (check Settings). → Account and security).
• 📺 Select the “Television” section in the application and follow the pairing instructions.
• 🔄 If the TV is not on, restart both devices and search again.

The main drawback of this method is that the application does not support TVs on PatchWall (for example, Mi TV 4A 32" or Mi TV 4S 55").

⚠️ Warning: If after updating the TV firmware Mi Remote stopped working, reset the remote settings in the application (Settings) → Reset the remote) and re-pair.

2. Universal applications-remotes: what to choose instead of Mi Remote

If the official app doesn’t work, you can use universal solutions like Google TV, Yatse or Unified Remote, which work on the IR Blaster protocol (for older TVs) or over Wi-Fi/LAN (for modern models).

The best options for Xiaomi TV:

For PatchWall TVs (such as Mi TV 4A), Unified Remote is best suited, as it supports direct control over a local area network without the need for an IR Blaster.

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If your phone doesn’t have an IR transmitter, but your TV supports HDMI-CEC, connect both devices to the same router, allowing you to control your TV through apps like Yatse without additional hardware.

3.Setting up via Google Home: for Android TVs

If your Xiaomi TV runs on Android TV (like the Mi TV Q1E or Redmi Smart TV X2022), it can be added to the Google Home ecosystem and voice control or through an app.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
2. Click "+" → "Configure device" → "Configure new devices."
3. Select your TV from the list (it must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network).
4. Follow the instructions for linking your Google account (if required).

After setting up, you will be able to:

• 🎤 Control your TV with your voice through Google Assistant (e.g., “OK Google, turn on Mi”); TV kitchen»).
• 🔄 Use your phone as a remote with a touchpad and volume buttons.
• 📱 Switching inputs HDMI and run apps (such as Netflix or YouTube).

⚠️ Note: For Google Home to work correctly on your TV, the Chromecast protocol must be enabled (Settings) → Connected devices → If you don't have an option, update your TV firmware.

Connect TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network|Turn on Chromecast in your TV settings|Update the firmware to the latest version|Sign in to a Google account on both devices-->

4. Control over HDMI-CEC: if there is no Wi-Fi or IR

HDMI-CEC allows you to control your TV via an HDMI cable connected to another device (such as a Mi Box or a game console) and if your phone supports HDMI (via a USB-C/HDMI adapter), you can use it as an intermediary.

How it works:

1. Connect your phone to your TV via a USB-C → HDMI adapter.
2. Enable HDMI-CEC in the TV settings (Settings → HDMI-CEC → Incl.).
3. Use apps like TV SideView (from Sony, but compatible with Xiaomi) to manage.

This method is suitable for:

• 📺 TVs without Wi-Fi or with a non-functioning module.
• 🎮 Gamers who connect consoles (PS5/Xbox) They want to manage everything from one device.
• 🔌 Situations where delays need to be minimized (e.g., to watch movies in the UK) 4K HDR).

Limitation: Not all phones support HDMI output in CEC mode. Before buying an adapter, check the compatibility of your model (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are suitable, but budget models are not).

5. Alternative methods: from IR transmitters to homemade solutions

If none of the above methods work, the less standard, but working options remain:

1. External IR transmitter

For phones without built-in IR Blaster (for example, iPhone or Google Pixel), you can buy an external adapter like BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2. It connects over Wi-Fi and emulates remote signals.

2. Manage via TeamViewer or AnyDesk

If you have Android TV installed on your TV, you can remotely connect to it from your phone through remote access apps, minus the high latency and the need for a stable Internet connection.

3. Voice control via Alice or Siri

Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall support control through Alice (if connected to the Yandex ecosystem).

1. Install the Yandex application on your phone.
2. Connect the TV to your Yandex account (Settings → Smart Home → Yandex).
3. Say to your voice, “Alice, turn on Mi TV in the kitchen.”

4. Homemade remote on the Arduino

For enthusiasts: you can collect IR-Arduino Nano-based transmitter + IR LED and control it via Bluetooth from your phone. Instructions are available on GitHub (search for "Arduino Xiaomi" TV remote»).

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An external IR transmitter (such as the BroadLink RM4 Pro) is the only solution for Xiaomi TVs without Android TV and Wi-Fi, unless the phone supports IR Blaster.

6.The solution to the problems: why the phone doesn't control the TV

If the pairing fails, check the following points:

If the problem persists:

• 🔄 Reset the network settings on the TV (Settings) → Network → Reset).
• 📱 Reinstall the remote app on your phone.
• 🔧 Check if the router firewall blocks connection between devices (open ports 8080 and 1900 for the first time). DLNA).

To diagnose a Wi-Fi connection, you can use the command in the TV terminal (ADB unlock is required):

adb shell ping 192.168.x.x

(substitute 192.168.x.x on IP-address of your phone on the local network).

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing a Xiaomi TV from a phone