Many first-time Xiaomi smartphone users often wonder where exactly their new device has a remote control for appliances. It's not just a whim, but a real feature that sets Redmi's budget and mid-range models apart from many of its competitors. Unlike regular Android gadgets, it has an infrared port built in to turn the phone into a universal controller.
But you don't find a physical remote switch on the body, and it's in the MIUI software shell or the new HyperOS, where it's a special system application that's hidden in the back of the menu, but it's easy to activate if you know the right algorithm, and it's software emulation that allows you to replace a dozen plastic buttons with a single touch screen.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to find this tool, why it may not be on your screen, and how to properly adjust the control of the TV, air conditioner or music center, you will understand that the infrared emitter is not magic, but a standard feature that requires minimal calibration for stable operation.
Search for an IR port on the device body
Before you look for software, you need to make sure you have hardware. Not all Redmi models have an infrared module, although the vast majority of them. Physically, the IR port is a small black window, usually located on the top end of the smartphone.
In older models, such as the Redmi Note 4 or Redmi 4X, the emitter is often combined with an approach sensor or signal receiver, located next to the speaker on the front panel. In modern devices, such as the Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 13, it has been taken to the top edge, where the noise reduction microphone and speaker are also located.
Visually, it looks like a tiny black dot. To test the hardware without running apps, you can use another smartphone's camera. You can point the top of the Redmi over the camera lens and press any button in the remote app. If you see a purple or white flicker on the second phone's screen, the infrared diode is in good shape.
It is important not to confuse the IR port with the microphone hole. The microphone usually has a metal mesh or a deep round hole, whereas the remote emitter is a flat black surface under glass or plastic. Damage to this area (scratches, moisture) can significantly reduce the range of the signal.
Mi Remote app: where to find and how to launch
The main tool for managing the appliance is the Mi Remote app (in some regions it may be called the Mi Remote). In the standard firmware build, the app icon is usually located on the home screen in the Tools folder. If you don't see it there, try searching the system.
To do this, swipe down the desktop to open a global search, and type the word "Remote" or "Remote." The system will automatically find the desired application, even if its icon was accidentally deleted from the desktop. Run the program requires minimal permissions, mainly associated with accessing the network to download code databases.
The interface is as simple as possible. Once you start, you'll see a list of devices that have already been added or a suggestion to create a new one. When you click on the plus in the corner of the screen, you run a customizator, which will suggest you to choose the type of equipment: TV, console, air conditioner, projector or camera.
It is worth noting that in global versions of firmware, the app name may differ from the Chinese versions. If the standard Mi Remote does not work or is missing, you can always download an alternative from the Google Play store, although the system application usually works more stable due to deep integration with the hardware IR module.
The process of setting up and adding devices
The remote is a step-by-step process, requiring no technical expertise. After choosing a device type (like a TV), the app will ask you to identify your brand. Xiaomi’s database contains thousands of profiles for popular brands like Samsung, LG, Sony and lesser-known Chinese manufacturers.
Then the testing process will begin. The phone will have a button on its screen, like "Enable." You will have to point the phone to the device and press the screen to confirm or deny the response of the technology. If the TV is turned off, you select "Yes" if not "No", and the system will try the next code.
☑️ Checklist before setting up remote
Once the code is successfully selected, the system will suggest saving the configuration and giving it a name, such as "Living room TV." This is especially useful if you have multiple identical devices in different rooms, you can create an unlimited number of profiles by switching between them with a single touch.
In some cases, automatic search may not work the first time, so you should try manual mode or select "Another Brand" to expand your search, and often codes from one manufacturer are suitable for models from another, if they are assembled on the same platform.
Compatibility table and supported brands
The effectiveness of the remote is directly dependent on the code base that is sewn into the application. Below is a table showing the degree of support for various categories of equipment. Note that support may vary depending on the version of the application and region.
| Category of technology | Popular brands | Level of support | Nuances of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Televisions | Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips | Tall. | All the main functions, including Smart TVs, work. |
| Air conditioners | Haier, Electrolux, Ballu | Medium | Complex timers may not work |
| The set-top box (TV Box) | Xiaomi Mi Box, Nvidia | Tall. | Full emulation of the original remote |
| Projectors | BenQ, Epson | Low. | Manual code selection is often required. |
As you can see from the table, video is the best way to interact with Xiaomi, and complex climate control systems or specific audio equipment may require fine-tuning, and in such cases, manual code selection becomes an indispensable tool.
If your brand isn't on the list, it doesn't mean that the remote won't work. Often, universal codes allow you to implement basic functionality: volume, channel switching and on. Advanced features may require a third-party app from the store.
What to do if the brand is not on the list?
Solving the Problem: Why the Remote Is Not Working
Despite the simplicity of the system, users can face situations when the phone stops controlling the equipment, the most common reason is a malfunction in the Mi Remote application itself, in which case cleaning the cache through the Android settings menu helps.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All Apps → Mi Remote and select Clear Data. Don’t worry, your saved remotes won’t go anywhere, they’re stored in the cloud or local profile, but resetting the app settings often solves the interface freeze problems.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure there are no obstacles between the top end of the phone and the receiver of the signal on the machine. Infrared radiation does not pass through walls, furniture or even a dense case that covers the sensor.
Another reason could be a discharged battery: low charge, the system can limit the current supplied to the IR diode, which reduces the range of the signal to a few centimeters, and it is worth checking whether the power saving mode is turned on, which can turn off the background processes necessary for stable operation of the remote.
If the problem is only with one particular device, Xiaomi may have the wrong code for your TV model. Try removing the remote and re-create it, carefully checking each step of testing. Sometimes choosing the device model not by name, but by series code helps.
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Use the desktop widget to quickly access frequently used buttons. Add the Remote widget to the home screen so you don't open the app every time you need to turn up the volume.
Alternative applications and Wi-Fi management
If you don't like the built-in solution, the Android ecosystem offers many alternatives: apps like ZaZa Remote or Anymote have their own, sometimes more extensive, codebases, and can recognize techniques that Xiaomi's native remote ignores.
But remember, the technology is different: an infrared port requires direct visibility, but it works without even having the Internet or setting up the network, while many modern TVs support Wi-Fi control, in which case the phone and TV must be on the same network, but you can control it from another room, without having to point the phone at the screen.
Wi-Fi management often uses DLNA protocols or proprietary systems like Google Cast. Mi Remote also has a tab to add devices over the network, which is convenient for Smart TVs, as it allows you to use the phone screen as a touchpad or display an image.
Using third-party apps may require additional permissions, such as accessing the local network, to find devices in the home segment. Always check the app ratings in the store to avoid advertising and malicious code.
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Infrared port is a versatile solution for old and new technology, not requiring Internet, while Wi-Fi management is more convenient for smart functions, but depends on the quality of the network.