Connecting the remote to the lamp Xiaomi Yeelight: full instructions with nuances

Why Yeelight remote doesn’t work out of the box and what to do about it

Did you just unpack Xiaomi's new Yeelight smart bulb and find that the remote doesn't respond to taps?It's OK - the manufacturer doesn't sync the devices in the factory to avoid accidental triggers during transportation. Connecting the remote to the lamp takes less than a minute, but requires precise steps. In this article, we will discuss all the pairing methods (including hidden functions), typical errors and give tips for troubleshooting for Yeelight models. LED, Yeelight Color and Yeelight Pro.

It is important to understand that the remotes for Yeelight come in two types: infrared (IR) radiofrequency (RF 2.4G). The first ones only work in the line of sight of the lamp (up to 8 meters), the second ones go through walls and have a range of up to 20 meters. The connection method depends on the type of remote control. If you're not sure what model you have, look at the back of the remote control: IR-The panels have a transparent window for the IR emitter, and RF-remotes, no.

How to determine the type of remote: IR or RF 2.4G

Before you start setting up, check which remote comes with your lamp, which is critical because the synchronization procedure for infrared and RF remotes is different.

• 🔍 IR-remote: there is a small transparent or dark window on the front panel, which only works when the lamp is in direct sight (YLRC01).
• 📡 RF-remote (radio frequency, 2.4G): There's no visible emitter, the body is completely closed, supports control through walls (YLKG07YL).
• 💡 Universal remote: Some newer models (e.g. Yeelight Cube) combine both types of communication. RF.

If you have lost a box or documentation, pay attention to the inscriptions on the back cover of the remote control. IR-The panels usually have markings. IR Or Infrared. RF-remote — 2.4G, RF Or Wireless. You can also be priced: radio frequency remotes are more expensive than the price. 20-30% because of complex electronics.

Connection IR-Remote to the lamp Yeelight: step-by-step instructions

Infrared remotes are the easiest to synchronize, but require a line of sight between the remote and the lamp.

1. Turn the Yeelight lamp into the socket. Wait until it lights up with white light (by default).
2. Hold the remote over the distance. 10-15 Make sure there are no obstacles between them (glass, plastics are not disturbed).
3. Press the buttons at the same time. ON/OFF (on/off) and BRIGHTNESS + (brightness +) Hold them on the remote. 5-7 seconds until the lamp flashes three times in a row.
4. Release the buttons. The lamp should flash again, which is a signal of successful synchronization.
5. Check the work: press ON/OFF — The lamp should turn off, then turn on again.

If the lamp does not flash after holding the buttons, try:

• 🔋 Replace the battery in the remote (even if it is new – sometimes the contacts oxidize).
• 💡 Reset the lamp: Turn it off for 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
• 📱 Make sure the lamp is not connected to the Mi Home app at this point (turn off) Bluetooth/Wi-Fi phone-on).

The lamp is plugged into the socket and burns with white light.

The remote is in 10-15 see without obstruction lamp

Battery in the remote is charged (checked by multimeter or replacement)

The lamp is not connected to the Mi Home/Yeelight App at the moment-->

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously connected this remote to another Yeelight lamp, you'll need to reset it first. ON/OFF and BRIGHTNESS – during 10 seconds until the lamp flashes twice.

Synchronization RF-remote (2.4G) lamp-light

Radio frequency remotes are connected differently -- they don't require line of sight, but it's a little bit more complicated.

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home or Yeelight (last version).
• 🔌 Yeelight lamp connected to Wi-Fi (if not already connected, do it first).
• 🔋 Battery CR2032 remote (companyed).

Instructions for RF-remote:

1. Open the Mi Home app, find your lamp in the list of devices and go to its settings.
2. Choose Add Add Accessory → Remote (or Add Accessory) → Remote Control in English version).
3. Press and hold the button. ON/OFF remotely 3 seconds until the indicator on the remote starts to flash quickly.
4. The app will ask you to confirm your connection — (agree.) The lamp will flash once.
5. Check the work: Brightness and color buttons should control the lamp even through the wall.

If the remote is not detected:

• 📵 Make sure the lamp and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz!).
• 🔄 Restart the router – sometimes interfere with interference at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
• 🛠️ Update the lamp firmware in the Mi Home app (Settings section) → Update of the PO).

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If you have multiple Yeelight lamps, one RF-You can tie the remote to all of them at once, and then you can do this by repeating the synchronization procedure for each lamp in turn, and the remote control will control all of the devices simultaneously (group control).

What to do if the remote is connected, but it is not working correctly

Sometimes, after successful synchronization, the remotes behave strangely: the buttons execute the wrong commands, the lamp flickers or reacts with a delay.

• 🔄 The buttons are confused: for example, BRIGHTNESS + It reduces the brightness. It means that the remote was previously tied to another lamp. ON/OFF 10 sec. and repeat the synchronization.
• ⏳ Delayed reaction (1-2 sec: typical of RF-Solution: Move the router closer to the lamp or use a network repeater.
• 💡 The lamp flashes when you press any button: firmware failure. Solution: update the lamp software via Mi Home or reset to factory settings (5 times to turn the lamp on / off physically).
• 🔋 The remote only works at close range: battery or interference from other IR devices (air conditioning, TV) is discharged. Solution: replace the battery and remove sources of interference.

If the problem persists, check the flashlight region, for example, Chinese versions of Yeelight sometimes conflict with European remotes.

1. Open Mi Home, go to the lamp settings.
2. Select Additional → Region.
3. Install China, then go back to Russia or Europe.
4. Reset the lamp and repeat the remote synchronization.

Resetting the Yeelight remote to factory settings

If the remote stops working or you want to reassign it to another lamp, perform a complete reset. IR and RF remote:

For IR-remote:

1. Hold the buttons. ON/OFF and BRIGHTNESS – simultaneously.
2. Hold them for 10 seconds until the lamp blinks twice.
3. Release the buttons, the remote is dropped.

For RF-remote:

1. Remove the battery from the remote for 30 seconds.
2. Put the battery back in.
3. Hold on. ON/OFF 5 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly.
4. Remote ready for new synchronization.

After resetting, all previous lamp bindings are removed. If you use a Yeelight Cube, put it on the table to reset and hold both Day and Night buttons for 8 seconds until the indicator goes out.

⚠️ Attention: Reset RF-The remote via battery extraction works only for models 2020 For older versions (up to the previous one) 2019) Use the method of retention ON/OFF 10 seconds.

Compatibility of Yeelight remotes with different lamp models

Not all Yeelight remotes are universal. LED (White lamps may not work with Yeelight Color (RGB). In the table below - compatibility of popular models:

If you bought the remote separately, make sure it supports your lamp model. e.g. Yeelight Cube won't run Yeelight LED (white-lamped RGB), It doesn't have any color-change function, so it's compatible:

1. See the model of the lamp on the box or in the Mi Home (Device About section).
2. Check the compatibility table on the official Yeelight website.
3. If you don't have data, try synchronization. If the lamp flashes 4 times in a row, it's a signal of incompatibility.

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Before buying a separate remote, check its article for compatibility with your lamp. YLKG07YL (RF) It fits all the models, and YLRC01 (IR) — white-light-only.

Alternative ways to control Yeelight without remote control

If the remote is lost or broken, the Yeelight lamp can be operated in other ways:

• 📱 Application Mi Home/Yeelight: Full control of brightness, color, timers, over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (for new models).
• 🗣️ Voice assistants: Alice (Yandex), Google Assistant, Siri (requires a binding to Mi Home). Team example: Alice, turn on the lamp at 50%».
• 🖥️ Smart speakers: Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker or Amazon Echo with Yeelight Skill.
• 🔌 Physical switch: short-term switching off/on switching the power switches the lamp to default mode (white light, 100% brightness).
• 🌐 IFTTT/Home Assistant: for automation (e.g., switching on the lamp when opening the door).

To manage Google Home or Apple HomeKit:

1. Open Mi Home, go to the lamp settings.
2. Choose a Smart Home → Add to Google Home (or Apple HomeKit).
3. Follow the instructions on the anchor screen.

Important: Yeelight lamps with firmware older than 2021 may not support HomeKit. Update before setting up.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Yeelight remotes