Where to find the remote in the Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Many users, switching to smartphones of the Chinese brand, are faced with the question of where to find the remote in the Xiaomi phone. This is not surprising, because the ability to control household appliances - TV, air conditioner or projector - directly from the screen of the gadget is one of the key features of the MIUI ecosystem. However, the standard icon of the application is often hidden in folders or not at all on the desktop by default, which causes bewilderment among beginners.

Unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi has been equipping its devices with an integrated infrared transmitter (IR Blaster) for several years, a tiny sensor that is usually located on the top of the case, turns the smartphone into a universal remote control. This feature does not require an Internet connection or Bluetooth connection to work, making control of equipment available even in the field.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate this feature, where to look for an application if it is missing, and how to configure the management of your equipment. We will look at the nuances of working with the HyperOS shell and earlier versions, and also answer questions about what to do if your device does not have an IR port. The built-in IR port is present only in the main line of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, but is absent from the budget Redmi Note series and some Poco models.

Search and activate the Mi Remote app

The standard name for a system app for managing machinery is Mi Remote (or "Mi Remote" in Russified versions), which is pre-installed in the factory in most cases, but can be hidden in one of the system folders on the desktop, most often hidden in a folder called "Tools" or "Tools" so as not to clutter the main screen.

If manual search on desktops and folders did not yield results, you should use the built-in search engine, you need to swipe down the center of the screen (or click on the magnifying glass in the search widget) and enter the request “Remote” or “Remote” in the field. The system will automatically find the application, even if it is removed from the desktop, but remains in memory.

In some cases, especially after buying a device on global firmware, the application may not be installed. Then you need to download it through the GetApps store (built-in analogue of Google Play from Xiaomi) or find it. APK-The file is on the official website. After installation, the icon will appear in the general list of all programs.

⚠️ Note: If you have upgraded to a new version MIUI Or HyperOS, the app icon might have disappeared, so don't rush to reset the settings, just try to find the app through search, as system updates sometimes change the folder structure.

Setting up the management of household appliances

Once you've found and run the app, the initial setup process begins, and the interface is as simple as possible: on the home screen, you'll see big buttons with the names of the devices you can control, which could be a TV, a set-top box, air conditioner, a projector, a fan, or even a satellite dish.

To get started, you need to select the type of device and its manufacturer from the list proposed. The system will ask you to point the phone to the equipment and click on a virtual button (for example, “Enable”). If the device reacts, you confirm the action. If not, try the next version of the code. It usually takes 2-3 attempts to fine-tune it.

The addition of the device to automatically search deserves special attention. In the new versions of the shell MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the phone can scan the air by pressing a button and determine the model of the TV, offering a ready-made control profile without manual selection of codes.

It is important to position the smartphone correctly when setting up. the IR port on the end of the device should be directed directly to the receiver. The distance during the initial calibration should not exceed 1-2 meters, although in operating mode the range can reach 7-10 meters in line of sight.

List of compatible Xiaomi smartphone models

Not all of the brand’s devices are equipped with the necessary hardware.Having an infrared transmitter is the prerogative of the mostly mid-to-high-end segment, as well as some popular budget makers. Below is a table to help determine whether your phone has an IR Blaster.

To visually check for a port, look at the top of your smartphone. You should see a small black glass window, often hidden in a decorative plastic insert next to the noise reduction microphone. If only the microphone hole and the sim trays are on the end, it's likely that the remote function is not there.

There is also a software way to check: go to the Bluetooth and interface settings, sometimes it displays an InfraRed profile. However, the most reliable method is a visual inspection or attempt to run the Mi Remote application - if there is no port, the application will give an error or suggest using Wi-Fi control.

Alternative methods of technology management

If your smartphone doesn't have an IR port, it doesn't mean you can't use your phone as a remote. Modern TVs and Smart TVs support control over a Wi-Fi network. To do this, both your phone and your TV need to be connected to the same wireless network.

Mi Remote has a tab called "Mi TV" or "TV" that automatically scans the network for compatible devices, a method that is even more convenient than an IR port, as it allows you not only to switch channels, but also to type text from the phone's keyboard, which is critical when using YouTube or browsers on your TV.

In addition, many manufacturers are releasing their own remote applications, which can be found on Google Play, for example, for Samsung it is SmartThings, for LG it is LG ThinQ, and for Sony it is Video & TV SideView, which often provide deeper access to image and sound settings than a universal infrared remote.

⚠️ Attention: When managing over Wi-Fi, it is critical that the router maintains both devices on the same subnet. If you have guest connection enabled or customer isolation on the router, the phone will not see the TV.

Another option is to use smart speakers with an IR emitter, such as Xiaomi Smart Speaker or Yandex.Station with an IR remote, in which case the phone acts only as a control panel for the speaker, and it already sends signals to the equipment, which allows you to control the air conditioner voice or from anywhere in the world via the Internet.

Solving problems with the IR port

Users often experience a remote that stops working or is unstable. One of the most common reasons is a protective film or case that covers the IR sensor. Even a thin layer of plastic can significantly weaken the signal, making it impossible to control from a distance of more than 50 centimeters.

Another problem is that the software fails in the MIUI shell itself. Sometimes the system service that runs the IR port freezes, and in this case, a simple smartphone reboot helps, and if that doesn't work, you can try to clear the Mi Remote app data through the application management menu, but remember that this will reset all the saved remotes.

Also worth considering is the effect of bright sunlight: The sun's infrared radiation contains a wide spectrum that can "clog" a signal from a phone. If you're trying to turn on the air conditioner in the bright sun, come closer to the device or create a shadow with your hand above the sensor.

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For stable operation of the IR port, make sure you hold the phone vertically.The horizontal grip often covers the sensor with your fingers or changes the angle of radiation, which leads to a loss of signal.

If neither code is suitable for your device, try to choose a brand called "Other" or a similar brand. Often code matrices from different manufacturers (especially Chinese ones). OEM-For example, the code from the Haier TV may be suitable for an unknown brand assembled in the same factory.

Additional features of the Mi Remote application

The app isn't just about switching channels. It has a Scenes creation feature. You can program a macro to do a sequence at a single tap, for example, a movie scenario could turn on the TV, switch the source to HDMI 1, turn down the lights in the room (if there are smart lights) and launch a movie theater app.

In recent versions, the widget can be displayed directly on the lock screen or desktop, eliminating the need to unlock the phone and search for an icon every time, and the widget can only display the most commonly used buttons: volume, channels and on.

For advanced users, the remote copying feature is available. If you have an old but working IR remote, you can use two phones (one with an IR port, the other without, but with a recorder application) or a special IR receiver connected to your computer to read the codes and create your own control profile for rare equipment.

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The main advantage of the built-in Xiaomi remote is the absence of the need for additional devices and the Internet (for IR mode), which makes it a reliable tool in any situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)