The management of modern multimedia technology is becoming more centralized, and Xiaomi devices are taking the lead here. Many users buy separate remotes or use built-in modules in smartphones to get rid of bulky remotes from different manufacturers. Xiaomi Mi Remote is a versatile tool that allows you to turn your phone or special gadget into a single control center for all consumer electronics in the room.
The main challenge for beginners is to choose the right way to connect, depending on your smartphone or individual device model, you can control it via an infrared port or Bluetooth channel. Understanding the difference between these technologies is critical to the stability of the system. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the settings so that you can control the TV without unnecessary movement.
Differences between IR and Bluetooth control
The first thing to determine before you start setting up is the type of communication that supports your device. Infrared port (IR) is a classic solution that does not require conjugation in the usual sense. The signal is transmitted by light pulses, so you need a direct visual connection between the transmitter and the receiver of the TV to work.
If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with an integrated IR port (usually located at the top of the case), you don’t have to perform a complex pairing procedure. Just point the device at the TV and choose the correct model in the application. However, this method has a limitation: the phone must be directed directly to the signal receiver.
Unlike infrared technology, Bluetooth provides more advanced interaction, allowing you to control your TV even if the remote (or phone) is not directly pointed at the screen, and Bluetooth remotes often have a built-in microphone for voice search, which is not available in simple IR modifications.
- 📡 Infrared signal: works on the principle of "line of sight", does not require pairing, is compatible with 99% of old and new technology.
- 🔗 Bluetooth: works at a distance of up to 10 meters without line of sight, requires initial setup (pairing), supports voice input.
- ⚡ Energy consumption: IR remotes consume less power in standby mode, whereas Bluetooth devices require more frequent charging or battery replacement.
⚠️ Note: If there is no black glass window (IR port) on the top of your smartphone, the standard “Mi Remote” app will only work with TVs with Smart TV connected to a single Wi-Fi network or via external Bluetooth adapters.
Preparation for setting up and installing the application
To get started, Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners need to make sure that the device has an up-to-date version of the system application, called Mi Remote (or "Mi Remote" in Russian localization), and often pre-installed in the Tools folder. If the application has been removed, it can be found in the GetApps store or Play Market, although for IR management it is better to use the system version.
Before starting the process, make sure your TV is on and running. Also check the battery level of your smartphone, as the screen can burn for a long time while searching for codes. For Bluetooth remotes (individual devices), make sure that they have fresh AAA batteries installed.
If you are setting up the external Bluetooth remote Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Remote, turn it on by holding the central button or the combination of buttons specified in the instructions until the indicator flashes. If you use a smartphone, just unlock the screen.
☑️ Ready to set up
Step-by-step: setting up the IR panel
Setting up infrared control is a fairly simple process, but it requires careful consideration when choosing code. Open the Mi Remote app on your smartphone and click on the plus icon (+) to add a new device. The system will suggest you choose a category of technology; in this case, it is certainly TV.
Next, you'll see a list of brands. Find the manufacturer of your TV (e.g. Samsung, LG, Sony, or Xiaomi). If the brand isn't on the list, select Search or Code Find. The app will start to go through the different code combinations, sending signals to the TV.
You need to watch your TV screen carefully. As soon as the volume menu or confirmation request appears on the screen, immediately press the "Yes" or "Stop" button on the smartphone screen. This will fix the correct code. If the first code proposed does not fit, continue testing the following options.
⚠️ Attention: During code testing, keep the top of the smartphone (where the IR port is located) directed strictly towards the bottom of the TV, where the signal receiver is usually located. 1-2 meters.
Connection of Bluetooth remote with TV
If you use a physical Bluetooth remote from Xiaomi (often bundled with the Mi Box or purchased separately) or configure your smartphone as a Bluetooth controller for Android TV, the process will be different. Here it is important to put the TV in device search mode. On most Smart TVs, this is done through the Settings menu → Remote and Accessories → Add Accessory.
On the Xiaomi remote, press the back button (arrow left) and home buttons for 5-10 seconds at the same time. The indicator at the bottom of the device should start flashing quickly, signaling the pairing mode. The device name, for example, Mi Remote or Xiaomi Remote should appear on the TV screen.
Select the device found in the list on the TV screen. PIN-The standard value is usually 0000 or 1234, but modern systems often pair automatically without entering numbers.
What if the remote is not visible?
Compatibility table and frequent problems
Even when set up correctly, there can be situations where the remote is unstable, often due to software versions or specific TV models, and below is a table that helps diagnose the underlying problems.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The remote works only close to the | Weak batteries or contaminated IR port | Replace the batteries, wipe the top of the smartphone with alcohol |
| Voice input is not working. | No Bluetooth connection. | Voice only works via Bluetooth, check the pairing |
| The TV turns off itself | Code conflict or button sticking | Try to select a different brand code in the app |
| Reaction delay (lag) | Overloading the Android TV system | Restart the TV by pressing the power button for 5 seconds. |
It is important to note that universal codes may not support all the features of the original remote, for example, specific buttons for streaming services or image customization may not work, in such cases, it is recommended to use the original remote for deep customization, and leave the Xiaomi device for basic control.
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If the standard codes don't fit, try picking "Other" or "Generic" brands and then methodically going through all the options. Often, the TVs of obscure Chinese brands are controlled by codes from TCL or Hisense.
Advanced functions and voice control
One of the main advantages of using the Xiaomi ecosystem is the integration of voice assistant. If your remote is connected over Bluetooth, you can activate the search by clicking the button with the image of the microphone. On Xiaomi smartphones, this can activate Google Assistant or Xiao AI (depending on the region and version of the firmware).
Voice control allows you to switch channels, but also to run applications, search for movies by name, and even manage a smart home. The phrase "Open YouTube" or "Find space movies" will be recognized and executed much faster than manually entering text using a virtual keyboard.
And Mi Remote also has a macro creation feature, so you can program a scenario where you just tap the TV, switch to HDMI 1, and start the app, which is especially useful for older users who have a lot of buttons to deal with.
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Voice search and macros are available exclusively with Bluetooth connectivity. In IR mode, the smartphone is only a signal transmitter and does not receive feedback from the TV.