Using a smartphone as a remote control for the Xiaomi Mi Box S is not just a convenient alternative to a physical controller, but also a necessity in certain situations. When a standard remote is lost, discharged or simply out of reach, the smartphone becomes a full-fledged replacement, providing even advanced functionality that is not available to a conventional button. The virtual keyboard significantly speeds up the entry of passwords for Wi-Fi and accounts, and the touchpad allows you to position the cursor more accurately.
There are several proven ways to connect your mobile device to your media player. The primary and most stable method is to use Google’s official ecosystem apps, as the Mi Box S runs the Android TV operating system. However, if standard methods don’t work for some reason or specific features are required, third-party solutions from independent developers come to the rescue.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the connectivity options available, from standard tools to advanced tools for enthusiasts. You will learn how to quickly synchronize devices, what network requirements are imposed on and how to solve typical connection problems. The key to any of these methods is to find a smartphone and consoles on the same local Wi-Fi network. Without this basic requirement, device detection is impossible.
The official Google Home app for initial setup
The most reliable way to manage, especially during the initial configuration phase, is the Google Home app, which is pre-installed on most Android smartphones and available on the App Store for iPhone owners, which serves as the central hub for all smart appliances in the home, including Android TV-based media consoles, and allows you to not only switch channels, but also fully control the power of the device.
The process of connecting through Google Home is as automated as possible. Once you install the app and log in to your Google account, the system automatically scans the network for new devices. If your Xiaomi Mi Box S is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the phone, you will see a pop-up notification about the device found, you will only need to confirm the matching codes on the TV screen and smartphone.
Google Home's management features are basic, but they're good enough for everyday use, so you can adjust volume, start and stop content playback, and use voice input through your phone's microphone, and this is especially true for finding YouTube videos or movies in online cinemas when it's not convenient to type from the remote.
It’s worth noting that the app needs permissions to be enabled to fully operate remote control functions, such as Google Home, which requires geolocation access (for Android Wi-Fi scanners to work) and access to the local network, and without these permissions, the app simply won’t see your console, even if they’re in the same room.
⚠️ Note: If the Google Home app doesn’t find the console, make sure that the TV or monitor connected to the Mi Box S doesn’t activate Power Saving or Audio Only mode, as this can block the Cast protocol from working.
Android TV Remote Control: Maximum functionality
For those who need a full-fledged replacement for a physical touchpad emulated remote and a full-fledged keyboard, Google has released a dedicated Android TV Remote Control app. Unlike Google Home, this tool is focused solely on interface management. It turns the smartphone screen into a sensitive control panel that supports multi-touch gestures.
The main advantage of this solution is the virtual touchpad, which allows you to swipe across your phone screen while moving your cursor on your TV screen, which is much more convenient than navigating up-and-down buttons in complex menus or browsers, and allows you to instantly type text into the YouTube or Netflix search box, which saves you a lot of time.
The connection process is also simple: once you run the app on your phone and turn on the console, the devices will find each other automatically. PIN-The code you want to enter in the app, and then the smartphone gets administrator rights to manage the Android interface. TV.
☑️ Checking before connection
An important feature of the app is that it can transmit voice directly to the console. By clicking on the microphone icon, you can say a search query and it will appear in the search bar on the TV. It works faster and more accurately than the built-in microphone in the Xiaomi remote, especially in noisy rooms.
Using the Mi Remote app for Xiaomi devices
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have a built-in advantage, the Mi Remote app (Mi Remote), which is often pre-installed on the system. It can control equipment through an infrared port (if it is in the phone) or through Wi-Fi. For Xiaomi Mi Box S, it is Wi-Fi method, since the infrared port is not involved here.
To add a console to Mi Remote, you need to launch the app and press the + button to add the device. In the list of brands, you should choose Xiaomi or Android TV, and then select the type of Wi-Fi connection. The application will scan the network and suggest the console found. Once you confirm the pairing on the TV screen, the phone will turn into a universal remote.
The Mi Remote interface copies the layout of the physical remote, but adds its convenience. It has a dedicated button for screenshots, a lock button (so that children do not switch the cartoon), and quick access to the list of installed applications. It also implements the Magic Remote feature, which allows you to control several Xiaomi devices at the same time.
| Function | Google Home | Android TV Remote | Mi Remote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume control | There is. | There is. | There is. |
| Virtual keyboard | Basic | Complete. | Complete. |
| Touchpad (cursor) | No. | There is. | There are (in some versions) |
| Voice input | There is. | There is. | There is. |
| Emulation of remote buttons | Minimum | Complete. | Complete. |
Why can't Mi Remote see the console?
Third-party solutions and universal remotes
If official Google or Xiaomi apps don’t work for some reason, there are plenty of alternatives in app stores. Popular programs like TV Remote Control or Universal TV Remote often offer more flexible interface settings and support for themes.
One powerful tool for advanced users is the CetusPlay app, which is positioned as a remote for Android TV and iOS, but also can stream photos and videos from phone to TV (DLNA), which is convenient if you want to show friends photos from your vacation on the big screen without unnecessary wires.
When choosing a third-party app, pay attention to the availability of ads and permissions requested. Some free versions may be overloaded with banner ads that override control buttons. Paid versions usually lack this drawback and offer additional features such as macros or managing multiple TVs at once.
For users who need access to system files or run hidden commands, there are client applications for ADB (Android Debug Bridge) that can be used to manage the console at the deep system level, installing applications with apk files directly from the phone or removing system debris.
⚠️ WARNING: When using third-party open source apps or unknown developers, avoid entering passwords from Google accounts. use only media management and navigation features.
Technical requirements and network setting
The stability of the virtual remote is directly dependent on the quality of the wireless network. Since all commands are transmitted over the TCP/UDP protocol within the local network, any packet loss will lead to reaction delays or complete disconnection. The ideal condition is to use the 5 GHz band, which is less busy and provides a higher data rate.
It is important that both the smartphone and Xiaomi Mi Box S are on the same subnet. If your router distributes two networks (guest and main), devices must be connected to the main one. Guest networks often have client isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other.
You can use Android built-in tools to check the connection quality. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and see the connection speed. If the signal is weak (one or two strips), delays in control will be inevitable, in which case it is recommended to move the router closer to the TV or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
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If you have a dual-band router but it combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under the same name (Smart Connect), try temporarily splitting them up. Connect the console to 5 GHz and the phone to the same frequency for better synchronization.
Some antivirus solutions or strict security settings can block ports used by the Chromecast and Android TV detection protocols. Standard ports for these services are usually in the range of 8008, 8009 and 8443.
Solution and troubleshooting
Despite the ease of setting up, users can face typical problems, the most common being "Device not found." 90% of the time, this is solved by restarting the router and reconnecting both devices to the network, sometimes by simply restarting the app on the phone.
If the remote is connected but the commands are executed with a long delay, check the background processes on the smartphone. File downloads, app updates or streaming videos on the phone itself can “clog” the Wi-Fi channel, which causes control commands to reach the console late.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings on the console itself helps. To do this, go to Settings → Device → Reset from the Xiaomi Mi Box S menu. This will return the network settings to factory values, after which you will need to re-enter the password from Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your network settings will not delete your installed apps and accounts, but will disable the console from Wi-Fi. Make sure to remember your wireless network password before performing this operation.
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In most cases, the connection problem is solved by simply restarting the router and checking that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (the same SSID).