IR port in Xiaomi smartphones: why it is needed and how to use it in 2026

If you’ve ever noticed a small black window or a sign on the top of your Xiaomi «IR Blaster, in specs, is an infrared port, which many users mistakenly think is a thing of the past, because in the era of smart homes and Wi-Fi, it is no longer relevant. But in fact, the infrared port remains one of the most versatile and reliable ways to control equipment, especially if we are talking about budget or outdated devices.

In this article, we will discuss why Xiaomi continues to equip its smartphones with an infrared port (while most brands have abandoned it), what tasks it solves in 2026, and how to squeeze the most out of it. POCO We're going to take you to a remote for a TV, air conditioner, or even an old audio system, without buying any extra gadgets, and we're going to reveal some of the hidden features of the IR port that are not mentioned in the official manuals.

What is an IR port and how it works in Xiaomi smartphones

Infrared Port is a module that sends and receives infrared signals. In Xiaomi smartphones, it is used exclusively for controlling household appliances using the protocol. IRDA (Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, infrared signals are used:

• 🔹 No need to pair – just point the phone to the device.
• 🔹 It works with any equipment produced in the last 30 years (even with Soviet TVs!).
• 🔹 Does not interfere with other wireless devices.
• 🔹 Consumes minimal energy – does not plant the battery.

In Xiaomi smartphones, the IR port is implemented as a separate chip that interacts with the Mi Remote application (or Xiaomi Remote in Russian firmware). The signal is transmitted through an LED located on the upper or lateral side of the case. Importantly, the IR port works only in transmission mode - unfortunately, it will not be possible to receive a signal from the TV remote.

List of Xiaomi models with an IR port (relevant for 2026):

Why Xiaomi will leave the IR port in 2026: 5 real reasons

With smart homes and voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant) ubiquitous, the IR port may seem an anachronism, but Xiaomi has good reasons to keep it on its devices:

1. Compatibility with outdated technology: Millions of TVs, air conditioners and music centers produced before 2010 only support IR control, and there is no alternative.
2. Low component cost: Adding an IR port to a smartphone is cheaper than integrating Zigbee or Thread modules for a smart home.
3. Energy efficiency: IR transmission consumes 10 times less energy than a continuous Bluetooth connection.
4. Marketing: In Asia (especially China and India), having an infrared port is seen as an advantage, making life easier in regions where smart devices are not yet common.
5. Support for the Mi Home ecosystem: Some Xiaomi devices (such as smart lamps or IR outlets) can be controlled via an IR port as a backup channel.

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The infrared port in Xiaomi smartphones is not an outdated technology, but a strategic solution for markets where smart devices have not yet become mainstream.

In addition, the IR port allows you to bypass the restrictions of manufacturers, for example, some brands (such as Apple or Sony) block the management of their devices through third-party applications. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, But they can't ban IR signals -- they're universal.

What equipment can be controlled through the IR port of Xiaomi: a full list

The list of supported devices is much broader than many people think. Besides the obvious TVs and air conditioners, the Xiaomi IR port is compatible with:

• 📺 TVs (including older models with CRT screens).
• ❄️ Air conditioners and split systems (even industrial ones).
• 🔊 Audio systems: receivers, soundbars, music centers.
• 💡 Light panels and some LED-lamps.
• 🎮 Game consoles (for example, PlayStation) 2/3, Xbox 360).
• 📼 DVD/Blu-ray player-projectors.
• 🚗 Car alarms with IR key fobs (rare, but encountered).

How to check if there is an IR port in your smartphone?

1. Look at the top of the case – there should be a small black window (sometimes hidden under the protective net).
2. Run the Mi Remote app – if it offers to add the device, then the IR port is there.
3. Check the model specifications on the Mi.com website (Specifications section).

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If your phone does not have an IR port but needs a remote, you can buy an external IR blaster (for example, BroadLink). RM4 Pro), which connects over Wi-Fi and simulates smartphone signals.

Step-by-step: how to set up an IR port on Xiaomi

To start using the IR port, the standard Mi Remote application (pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones with IR) is enough. If it is not available, download from Google Play or AppGallery.

1. Open Mi Remote and allow access to the camera (needed for remote scanning).
2. Click on “Add device” and select a category (such as “TV”).
3. Select a brand from the list (if yours isn’t, select “Other” and type manually).
4. Point the phone to the equipment and click "Test" - the application will send a signal to turn on.
5. If the device reacted, save the setting. If not, try a different protocol (the app will suggest alternatives).

📱 Make sure your phone has an IR port on (Special Opportunities in settings) → Physical buttons).

🔋 Battery charge not lower than 20% (at low charge, the IR port may not work).

📺 The device you are operating should be in line of sight (maximum 5-7 meters).

🔍 If scanning doesn’t help, try finding codes for your model on the site. IRDB.

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What if Mi Remote doesn’t find your equipment?

• 🔧 For example, Samsung TVs often use codes 0101, 0060 or 0178.
• 🔄 Update the database in Mi Remote (Settings section) → Update the base»).
• 📱 Install an alternative app like AnyMote or ZaZa Remote – they support more brands.

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Note: Some Chinese brands (such as Haier or Chigo) use custom IR protocols. If your air conditioner doesn't respond to signals, try Clima, which specializes in climate engineering.

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

Few people know, but the IR port in Xiaomi smartphones can be used not only as a remote control, but here are some undocumented features that expand its capabilities:

1. Control multiple devices simultaneously

In Mi Remote, you can create macros, which are command sequences for different devices, like, at the touch of a button, turn on the TV, switch the console to the set-top box. HDMI1 And we're going to launch the soundbar:

1. Open the Macros tab in Mi Remote.
2. Add the devices in the right order.
3. Set delays between commands (for example, 2 seconds between the TV and consoles).

2. Training of new teams

If your device is not recognized, you can “train” the phone to its remote:

1. In Mi Remote, select “Add Manually”.
2. Direct the remote control to the IR port of the phone (they should “look” at each other).
3. Press the button on the original remote control – the phone will record the signal.

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Note: This feature doesn't work on all Xiaomi models.Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It is now disabled due to firmware limitations.

3. Control via voice assistant

If you set up integration with Google Assistant or Alice, you can turn on the TV in voice.

1. In Mi Remote, add the device.
2. In the voice assistant settings, create a command like “OK Google, turn on the TV in the living room.”
3. Tie it to the macro in Mi Remote.

4.Use of the IR port for automation

With applications like Tasker or MacroDroid, you can program the air conditioner to turn on automatically on schedule or when you return home (by geolocation).

Profile: "Homes"




Condition: Connection to the Wi-Fi network "MyHome"




Action: Send an IR signal "Enable air conditioning, 24°C" via Mi Remote

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If you lose your TV remote often, save it in Mi Remote and add the app shortcut to the home screen.

Problems with the IR port on Xiaomi: causes and solutions

Sometimes the IR port stops working or becomes unstable, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

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Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for global version) IR port may be blocked due to regional restrictions. If nothing helps, try changing the region of the phone to India or China in the settings.

If the IR port stopped working after the firmware update, try:

1. Remove the update (via Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Recoil).
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where the IR port is unlocked.
3. Reset the Mi Remote settings to factory.

Alternatives to IR port: when it is not needed

Although it's versatile, IR is not always the best solution, and in some cases, it's more convenient to use other technologies:

• 🌐 Wi-Fi for Smart TVs (LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings and devices with support DLNA.
• 🔵 Bluetooth – for wireless headphones, speakers and some air conditioners (e.g. Midea U).
• 📡 Radiofrequency remotes (RF) — to control gates, curtains or alarms (an additional adapter is required).
• 🗣️ Voice assistants – if the technology supports Google Home or Apple HomeKit.

Comparison of IR port with alternatives:

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The infrared port remains indispensable for older technology, but for modern smart devices it is better to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – they offer more features (for example, control by schedule or voice).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on Xiaomi