Infrared port on Xiaomi Redmi: features, configuration and hidden features

If you’ve ever noticed a small black window on the top of a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, it’s an infrared port, which many people don’t even know exists, considering it to be just another sensor or decorative element, while the module offers amazing possibilities for controlling household appliances — from TVs to air conditioners — directly from a smartphone, without additional remotes.

In the era of smart homes and IoT, IR port may seem like an anachronism, but in practice it remains one of the most reliable ways to control remotely. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, infrared signal does not require a connection to the network, does not suffer from delays and even works with outdated technology. In this article, we will discuss in detail why Xiaomi continues to equip its smartphones with an infrared port, despite the proliferation of wireless protocols, and how to use it most effectively.

What is an infrared port and how does it work?

Infrared port is a module that transmits data using infrared radiation (light waves in the invisible range to humans). In Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, it is usually located on the top frame of the case and looks like a miniature LED. The principle of operation is simple: when you press a virtual button in the application, the smartphone sends an encrypted signal that is recognized by household appliances as a command (for example, turn on the TV or increase the temperature of the air conditioner).

Advantages of IR port over other technologies:

• 🔹 Universality: Works with any technology that supports IR remotes (even the 20 released).+ years ago).
• 🔹 Instant response: no delays like Bluetooth, or internet dependency like Wi-Fi.
• 🔹 Energy efficiency: consumes the minimum amount of battery charge.
• 🔹 Safety: the signal only travels within line of sight (cannot be remotely intercepted).

But there are limitations to the technology, such as direct visibility between the smartphone and the device, where walls or obstacles block the signal, and ranges rarely exceed 5-7 meters, and the angle of coverage is limited (usually up to 30).° downtown).

What Xiaomi Redmi models are equipped with an IR port

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have infrared, and the company has been phasing out the port in budget and ultra-budget models lately, but many mid- and premium devices still have it. Here are the key series and models where the infrared port is present:

To check for an IR port on your device, check the top of the case – look for a small black window (sometimes hidden under the protective grid), you can also look at the model specification on the official Xiaomi website or use the Mi Remote application: if there is a port, the program will offer to configure the remote.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Europe), the same models may be produced without an IR port due to differences in hardware.

Why an IR port is needed: 7 practical applications

Many users mistakenly believe that the infrared port is only for controlling a TV, but in fact, it is much more than that. Here are 7 real-world scenarios where it can be useful:

1. Control of TVs and media systems: channel switching, volume control, signal source selection (HDMI, USB) and most brands are supported: Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi TV, etc.
2. Control of climate engineering: on/off of air conditioners (Daikin, Mitsubishi), temperature adjustment, blowing modes and timers.
3. Audio system management: adjusting sound on soundbars, receivers and music centers.
4. Projector work: launch presentations, focus and brightness adjustment (relevant for Xiaomi Mi Projector, Epson models).
5. Fans and air purifiers control: changing the rotation speed, turning on the night mode.
6. Smart Home Automation: Integration with Xiaomi Home to create scenarios (e.g., turn on air conditioning when you return home).
7. Remote camera control: Some cameras (Sony Alpha, Canon) support IR remotes to lower the shutter.

The IR port is especially useful in situations where the original remote is lost or broken, for example, you can copy commands from the old remote to the Mi Remote app and control the hardware directly from your smartphone, eliminating the need to buy a new remote or use universal solutions with limited functionality.

💡

If your appliances don't automatically recognize you in Mi Remote, try manually selecting a brand and model under "Add Device," often by choosing a similar model from the same manufacturer.

How to set up an IR port on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

To start using the IR port, you just need to install the official Mi Remote app (pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices). If it is not available, download it from Google Play or AppGallery.

Give the app permission to access the camera (need to scan the remotes)|Select the category of the device (TV, air conditioning, etc.)|Specify the brand and model of the equipment (or select "Training")|Point your smartphone to the device and test the commands|Save your profile for quick access-->

If your model of technology is not in the database, use the function "Learning":

1. In Mi Remote, select Add Device → Learning.
2. Direct the original remote and smartphone to the equipment (they should be nearby).
3. Press the button on the remote you want to copy (for example, “Enable”).
4. The app will record the signal and save it. Repeat for all the buttons you need.

For convenience, you can create a widget on the main screen:

1. Hold the free space on the desktop.
2. Select the Widgets → Mi Remote.
3. Drag the widget onto the screen and select the saved device.

⚠️ Attention: When training new commands, make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the remote.Bright sunlight or other sources of IR radiation (such as incandescent lamps) may interfere with the process.

Hidden functions of the IR port: what can, but does not advertise Xiaomi

In addition to the standard features, the IR port in Xiaomi Redmi hides a few non-obvious features that are not mentioned in the official instructions.

• 🔧 Managing multiple devices at once: in Mi Remote you can create a “room” and send commands to TV, soundbar and air conditioner at once with one button (for example, “Movie Mode").
• 🔧 Emulation of missing buttons: if the original remote does not have the desired function (for example, "3D-"Steam" mode, it can be added manually through training.
• 🔧 Integration with voice assistants: through Google Assistant or Alice, you can voice commands that the smartphone converts into infrared signals.
• 🔧 Time-automated: Apps like MacroDroid or Tasker can program your air conditioner to turn on 30 minutes before you get home.

Another little-known feature is the transfer of files between smartphones over an IR channel, which, although it is outdated (speeds less than 4 Mbps), can be useful in the absence of Internet or Bluetooth, and this will require a special application, such as IR File Transfer.

Problems with the IR port and their solutions

Sometimes users find that the IR port stops working or doesn't work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting Mi Remote:

1. Open the application and go to Settings → Reset data.
2. Confirm the action and restart the application.
3. Configure the devices again.

⚠️ Note: If the IR port is physically damaged (for example, after a smartphone crash), it may be more expensive to repair it in a service center than buying an external IR blaster (for example, BroadLink). RM4 Consider the feasibility of repairs.

Alternatives to IR port: when it is not needed

While the IR port is convenient, it is not the only way to control the equipment, and in some cases it is more appropriate to use alternative technologies:

• 📶 Wi-Fi: Suitable for smart appliances (Xiaomi Mi) TV, Roborock, Yeelight: Allows you to manage devices from anywhere in the world, but requires a stable Internet connection.
• 🔵 Bluetooth: used to connect to speakers, headphones, fitness bracelets, range limited (up to 10 meters), but no need for line of sight.
• 🌐 Universal remotes with radio frequency (RF): They work through walls and over long distances, but are more expensive and require customization.
• 🤖 Voice assistants: Alice, Google Assistant, Siri can control compatible voice-based appliances, but are dependent on cloud services.

The choice of technology depends on your tasks:

• For older equipment (released before 2010), IR port is often the only option.
• For smart devices (with support for Mi Home or HomeKit) more convenient Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• For automation (for example, turning on the lights on a schedule), it is better to use combined solutions (IC + Wi-Fi).

💡

The infrared port is indispensable for managing outdated equipment, but for modern smart devices, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is preferable because of the greater flexibility and range.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi