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| The Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro features built-in NFC screen casting feature. Pictured: a promo picture showing the design of the remote. |
Let’s be honest: TV remotes haven’t changed much in the last decade. You still fumble with tiny buttons in the dark, press the wrong one, and end up opening a streaming app you never use. But Xiaomi just dropped something in China that might actually make you rethink what a simple remote can do. Meet the Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro – and yes, the “Pro” here isn’t just marketing fluff.
Priced at just CNY 99 (roughly $14.38), this little wand of a remote packs a feature you won’t find on most competing devices: NFC screen casting. That’s right – tap your phone on the remote, and your phone’s display instantly appears on your TV. No digging through menus, no “cast” icons that sometimes work and sometimes don’t. Just tap and go.
But is that enough to make you ditch your current remote? Let’s break down everything this thing offers, who it’s for, and why Xiaomi might be onto something clever.
NFC Casting: Solving a Problem You Didn’t Know You Had
Most smart TVs and streaming boxes already support screen mirroring – Chromecast, Miracast, AirPlay, you name it. So why would anyone need a remote to do it? The answer is friction. Traditional casting usually involves:
- Unlocking your phone
- Opening the right app or control center
- Finding your TV in a list of devices
- Hoping the connection goes through on the first try
With the Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro, you simply tap your NFC-enabled phone against the remote. That’s it. The remote acts as a bridge, triggering the screen-mirroring protocol instantly. For anyone who regularly presents photos, documents, or mobile games on a big screen, this cuts a multi-step process down to a single gesture.
Of course, there’s a catch: your phone needs NFC, and your Xiaomi TV or box needs to be compatible. But if you’re already in the Mi ecosystem, this is one of those “why didn’t anyone think of this sooner” features.
Minimalist Design That Actually Makes Sense
Xiaomi’s design language has always leaned toward “less is more,” and the Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro follows that philosophy to a T. The button layout is sparse – only the essentials: power, volume, navigation pad, OK, back, home, and a dedicated AI voice assistant button. There’s no number pad, no channel up/down from 1995, no clutter.
The company says it’s “slim and lightweight,” which sounds like marketing speak until you hold a typical cable-company remote and feel the hollow, creaky plastic. Xiaomi’s version is apparently built for comfort during long binge-watching sessions. And let’s be real – if you’ve ever lost a remote between couch cushions, a thinner profile might actually help you find it faster.
The Customizable Button: Your Shortcut, Your Rules
Here’s where the “Pro” name earns its keep. The remote includes one customizable button that you can bind to any function you want. Need to switch between HDMI inputs because you’ve got a PS5, a Nintendo Switch, and a soundbar all fighting for attention? Assign input switching to that button. Want to launch Netflix directly without pressing “Home” and scrolling? Done. You can even set it to open a specific app, adjust picture modes, or trigger a smart home scene.
This is the kind of feature that power users obsess over, and it’s rare to see on a sub-$20 remote. Most universal remotes with customizable buttons start at $50 or more. Xiaomi is basically giving you a taste of high-end functionality without the high-end price.
Under the Hood: Bluetooth 5.4 and a 300mAh Battery
Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.4, the latest standard for low-energy, stable connections. In plain English: you won’t have to point the remote directly at your TV like it’s 2005. Bluetooth means you can be in another room, under a blanket, or hiding from your kids – the signal should still get through. Xiaomi promises “stable connectivity,” which is code for “no more pairing drops in the middle of an episode.”
Power comes from a 300 mAh rechargeable battery via USB Type-C. That’s a refreshing change from the AA-battery graveyards most remotes create. A full charge should last weeks or even months depending on usage, and when it does die, you can plug it into the same charger your phone uses. No more hunting for a random AAA at 11 PM.
The remote is compatible with Redmi and Xiaomi TVs and TV boxes – a wide range, considering how many Mi Box and Mi TV devices are out there. But if you own a non-Xiaomi TV? The official compatibility list doesn’t mention it, so assume this is an ecosystem play. Xiaomi wants you to buy their displays, and this remote is another reason to stay inside the walled garden.
Is It Available Outside China? (And What Are Your Alternatives?)
As of now, the Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro is only confirmed for the Chinese market. Xiaomi hasn’t announced a global launch, which is frustrating because this thing would sell like crazy on Amazon. But the company has a history of testing products domestically first, then rolling them out internationally if demand is high. Fingers crossed.
If you can’t wait – or if you don’t own a Xiaomi TV – there’s another option for feature-packed universal remotes. The SofaBaton X1S has been making waves in the home theater community. It’s a completely different beast: programmable with a hub, supports IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and can control up to 15 devices. But it also costs $179.99 on Amazon – more than ten times the price of Xiaomi’s offering.
For that money, you get a small color screen, physical buttons that feel premium, and compatibility with virtually any brand. The SofaBaton X1S is for serious home theater enthusiasts with complex setups. The Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro is for everyone else who just wants a faster way to cast their phone and a button that actually does what they want.
Final Verdict: A No-Brainer for Xiaomi Users, a Curio for Everyone Else
At $14, the Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro is almost an impulse buy – if you can get your hands on one. The NFC casting feature alone is genuinely innovative, solving a real pain point without adding complexity. The customizable button, rechargeable battery, and minimalist design are just icing on the cake.
For anyone already using a Xiaomi TV or Mi Box, this is a no-brainer upgrade. For everyone else? It’s a sign that even the humble remote control is due for a rethink. And if Xiaomi brings this to global markets, expect other brands to copy the NFC tap-to-cast idea within a year.
Until then, you can check out the official product page on Xiaomi Youpin (machine-translated from Chinese) to see the full specs. And if you absolutely need a pro-grade universal remote today, the SofaBaton X1S on Amazon is waiting – just bring a bigger wallet.
What do you think – is NFC screen casting a gimmick or genuinely useful? Drop your thoughts below. And if Xiaomi ever releases this remote globally, I’m calling it now: it’ll sell out in a week.
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| Design highlights of the Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro |
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| Core highlights of the remote (machine translated) |