Simple Tricks To Fix Xiaomi MI Box Remote Not Pairing, Connecting or Working

Are you currently having issues with your Xiaomi MI Box remote not pairing, connecting or working? I understand how annoying that can be. As a matter of fact, I’ve been in that position before and I was able to fix it.

Since I was able to get it fixed, I will be sharing with you here, a few steps you can follow in getting this fixed.

The Xiaomi MI Box remote uses Bluetooth function. This is different from a few TV boxes I’ve used which tend to use IR function.

The likes of X96 mini Android TV box for example, uses the IR traditional function. This isn’t different from the regular TV remotes, DVD remotes and the likes. However, in the case of the MI remote, its Bluetooth.

fix xiaomi mi box remote not working

I personally prefer the Bluetooth function though. Reason for this is, when connected, it’s a lot easier to work with. You don’t necessarily need to have the remote pointed to the TV Box for it to work. This however, comes with a price; sometimes the MI Box remote can decide not to work.

If you happen to be in that situation, we will be getting that fixed in no time.

How To Fix Xiaomi MI Box Remote Not Working, Pairing or Connecting

In a bid to fix this issue, we will be looking at a few ways to fix the situation.

The reason for this is, while one method may work, the other may not. In this guide, we will be looking at a few working steps to fix Xiaomi mi box not working.

1. Confirm MI Remote Batteries

Just got the Xiaomi MI Box and you are trying to pair already? You really should check if there are batteries in it first.

The MI box doesn’t come with inbuilt batteries which is kind of bummer for me.

As we probably know, factory batteries last a lot longer than batteries bought from market shelves. For example, the batteries that came with my 4-year-old TV and home theater are still very active. It’s been 4 years now, and they are still active. You would agree with me that regular batteries bought from shelves often wouldn’t last that long.

Hence, the first step to fix Xiaomi MI Box remote not working, pairing or connecting is to confirm that there are actual batteries in the remote and they are functional.

2. Remove and Replace Batteries

Unlike some remote controls with comes with an indicator indicating the battery being effective or not, the Xiaomi MI box remotes doesn’t come with an indicator. Since it doesn’t come with an indicator, how do you know if the batteries are still good?

Hence, as the first point of action to fixing Xiaomi MI Box remote not pairing, connecting or working, is to check the batteries, you should probably consider removing and replacing the batteries.

Remove the batteries placed at the battery compartment. Fix the batteries into another remote to confirm if they are working. If yes, put them back into the MI box remote and continuously press any button a few times to confirm if it now works or not.

Please make sure that the remote is placed about 20CM away from the MI box before performing this step. Do also make sure that the remote is pointed towards the TV box while performing the step.

If that fixes it, great! If it doesn’t, let’s move on to the next step.

3. Restart The Xiaomi MI Box

Restarting most devices is a quick fix to whatever issues the device is experiencing. Thankfully, this isn’t any different in the case of the Xiaomi MI Box.

If the MI remote isn’t connecting, pairing or working, restart the Xiaomi MI box itself. This can be a quick fix and has worked for me for the most part.

When it is fully turned on, continuously press any of the buttons on the remote a few times. Please make sure the remote is positioned about 20CM away from the box while pressing the remote. If that fixes it, great! If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next trick.

4. Make Use Of The Android TV Control App

You didn’t know there is an Android app for TV Boxes? Well, now, you do.

android tv remote control app

The app allows you control your TV box from the comfort of your phone. With this, you don’t necessarily have to resort to using the actual remote.

Hence, If you use an Android phone, be sure to download the android TV control App.

An added benefit with using the app instead, is that it connects to your TV box via Wi-Fi. What that means is, for you to be able to use your phone in controlling your TV box, both devices needs to be connected to the same Wi-Fi Network. Wi-Fi connections gives room for more distance and connects faster.

If however, both the phone and the TV box isn’t connected to the same Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth feature on your phone can be used.

Hence, if having to use your phone as a remote control for your Xiaomi MI TV box isn’t stressful, then ditch the remote and stick to using your Android phone.

5. Unpair Remote, and Repair

Having to unpair the MI remote and repair is a sure way to fix Xiaomi MI remote not working. This method entails having to disconnect the MI TV box remote and then, reconnect.

This should perhaps, be the last resort if removing and fixing batteries didn’t work, restarting the device didn’t work or perhaps, you just don’t want to go through all of that route.

Considering this as a quick fix to MI remote not connecting. To do this, you’d need the TV box control app on your phone.

To unpair and repair the MI remote with your Xiaomi MI TV box, follow these steps:

  • Using the Android TV on your phone as the remote control, go to Settings on the Xiaomi MI Box.
  • Under settings, Scroll down to Remote & Accessories
  • Under that, Select Xiaomi Remote.
  • Next, select Unpair.

At this point, instructions will be displayed on your TV asking to pair your remote.

Pair Xiaomi Mi Remote to xiaomi mi tv box

Press and hold the Back + home button together as indicated on The TV until you hear a beep . Please make sure that your remote is placed about 8 inches which is about 20CM away from the TV box.

If the battery in the remote are still functional, the pairing should be successful. You should get a notification stating Connected alongside a beep.

At this point, your MI remote should be successfully paired with the TV box and should be working at this point.

If that works, great! If it doesn’t, and the batteries have been replaced, then the MI remote may be faulty.

6. Get A New MI Remote

If having followed all the steps above, you still have issues with using your MI remote on your TV box, there is a huge chance the MI remote itself, is faulty.

At this point, it’s as good as saying there is no solution to fixing that. Your best bet would be getting a new MI remote.

If you just got the device and it’s still in its warranty state, you can send it back for a replacement. Otherwise, there are a few stores online selling the Mi Remote.

Having done some research, you can buy a new MI remote from this online store. That’s the only place I was able to find one for now.

Bonus Point: Use Your IR Enabled Xiaomi Phone

If using any latest Xiaomi phone, you are in luck or could be in luck. Some latest Xiaomi phones comes with an IR functionality. What that means is, you can control most electronic devices with the IR functionality.

Xiaomi mi remote app

Electronics like TVs, Sound Systems, Projectors, ACs and other devices can be controlled using some Xiaomi Phones. Hence, if you happen to own any of those phones, you can use that in connecting your TV box without having to undergo any rigorous process. It’s pretty simple and quick.

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There you have it, guys. That’s how to fix Xiaomi MI remote not working, connecting or pairing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask using the comment session.

Samuel is a Tech Enthusiast who loves to explore everything that concerns Tech. Most of his explorations and guides, he shares via this platform. He studied Computer Science and prefers being simply called Sammy! 😉