Modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just devices for calls, becoming universal tools for managing the digital world. One of the most useful features that Xiaomi engineers have preserved and developed is the built-in infrararaster emitter. Many users notice a black round window on the top end of the device, without realizing its purpose until they face the loss of the remote from the TV.
And this is where the IR port technology comes on the scene, which allows you to turn your phone into a full-fledged remote control, and it's not just a software emulation, it's a real hardware solution that works at the physical layer of light transmission, and unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, an infrared port doesn't require complex pairing or a router.
Just point your phone at the hardware, select a model from the database, and control will work instantly. In this article, we will discuss in detail how this module works, which models of Redmi and Poco smartphones have it, and learn how to configure the Mi Remote application to control all home electronics.
The principle of the infrared port in the smartphone
The infrared port, often abbreviated as IR Blaster, is a special LED that emits light in a spectrum invisible to the human eye. The same principle has been used in remote control since the era of cassette VCRs. A smartphone generates code sequences that a person on a TV or air conditioner perceives as commands.
The main advantage of this technology is its versatility and simplicity: you don't have to worry about the compatibility of Android versions or the presence of drivers. The signal is transmitted directly from phone to device, which provides minimal latency. However, it is worth remembering that for successful data transfer, you need direct visibility between the phone emitter and the receiver of the equipment.
Inside a MIUI or HyperOS system, a special controller is responsible for the operation of this module, which converts the digital instructions of the application into a series of light flashes. The frequency of the LED flicker encodes information about which button you pressed - volume, channel or switching of the signal source.
⚠️ Attention: Infrared radiation does not pass through obstacles. If there is a vase or hand between the phone and the TV, the signal will be interrupted and the command will not be executed.
It's important to understand that an IR port is a one-way channel, and the phone only sends commands, but it doesn't get confirmation of them, which is why you can have situations in an application where you press a button, but you're not sure if it worked until you see the result on the TV screen.
Compatible smartphone models Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco
Xiaomi has long been one of the few manufacturers to massively introduce infrared ports even in budget devices, but in recent generations of flagship models, there is a tendency to abandon this module in favor of saving interior space and increasing moisture protection, so the presence of an infrared emitter is now more common in the mid- and low-end segments.
Virtually all Redmi Note models come with this useful module, from the Redmi Note 8 to the latest Redmi Note 13, users can expect an IR port, and this feature is typical for many Poco devices, especially the X and M series.
To accurately determine the presence of the module in your device, you can use the following compatibility table of popular series:
| Series of devices | Availability of an IR port | Examples of models | Location. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note | There is (in almost all) | Note 10, 11, 12, 13 Pro | Upper end | |
| Xiaomi Mi (Flagships) | Partially (up to Mi 11) | Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11 | Upper end | |
| Poco X / M | There are in most | Poco X3, X4, X5, M4, M5 | Upper end | Upper end |
| Xiaomi 12/13/14 Series | Absent. | Xiaomi 13, 14, 13 Ultra | No. |
If you are planning to buy a new device solely for the sake of the universal remote, carefully study the specifications on the official website. IR Blaster.
Mi Remote: Installation and Initial Launch
To manage the equipment in the Xiaomi ecosystem, a regular application called Mi Remote (or “Mi Remote” in Russian localization) is used. In most cases, it is pre-installed in the Tools folder on the desktop. If you accidentally delete it or it is missing, you need to download the current version from the Google Play store or GetApps.
Once it's first launched, the app will request permission to access geolocation, which is a standard Android requirement for IR-port devices, because the remote database is region-specific, and you'll need permission to access the storage to save device profiles.
The interface is as simple as possible, and consists of several tabs. The main screen displays the already added remotes. To start working, you need to click the Add button (usually marked with a plus), the system will suggest choosing a category of device: TV, air conditioner, console, projector or fan.
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If the standard Mi Remote app doesn’t find your technique, try third-party counterparts from the Play Store that have advanced codebases for rare brands.
Once you have chosen the type of device, you will need to specify the manufacturer. The Mi Remote database contains thousands of profiles for brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Haier and many others. Once you have chosen the brand, the testing process will begin.
Step-by-step: how to add a new device
The process of pairing a phone with appliances takes only a few minutes and requires no special knowledge. The algorithm of actions is the same for all types of devices, whether it is an old kinescope TV or a modern Smart TV.
First, select a manufacturer from the list. If your brand is not on the list, you can try to select Generic or find a similar one. OEM-The manufacturer, because many TVs are assembled in the same factories, will then appear on the screen of the phone test button.
☑️ Checking the remote connection
You'll be asked to click on a virtual button, like "On" or "Loud +." At which point the phone will send an IR signal. Your task is to look closely at the equipment. If you're watching (flashing an indicator or changing the volume), press "Yes." If nothing happens, "No," and the system will switch to the next code.
⚠️ Warning: Keep your phone at a distance during setup 10-15 You can see the infrared light from the IR receiver and it's right in the center. In bright sunlight, the infrared light can get lost, it's better to shade the reception area with your hand a little bit.
After successfully testing several features (on, volume, menu), the system will offer to save the remote. it is recommended to give it an understandable name, for example, "TV in the living room" or "Bedroom Air Conditioning", especially if you plan to operate several of the same devices.
Advanced functions and management of a smart home
Mi Remote can not only emulate buttons, but also offer a user-friendly interface. For TVs, you can quickly access channels and app lists. For air conditioners, you can adjust the temperature and blowout mode with sliders, which is much more convenient than looking for a button on an old remote.
One of the most useful things is that you can create scripts, although it's more about the Mi Home ecosystem, but even in IR, you can set up macros, for example, a single button can turn on the TV and the receiver in sequence.