How to use infrared port in a Xiaomi smartphone: a complete guide

The infrared port in Xiaomi smartphones is a subtle but extremely useful module that turns your phone into a universal remote control. Despite the proliferation of smart devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the infrared port remains relevant for managing TVs, air conditioners, audio systems and other equipment older than 5-7 years. In this article, we will discuss how to check for an infrared port in your model, configure it through the standard Mi Remote application, add non-standard devices manually and even automate control through Google Assistant or Alice.

Xiaomi is still in the process of providing an IR port to budget models (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro), while many other brands have dropped the feature. However, not everyone knows how to unlock the potential of this module. We will talk not only about the basic settings, but also about the hidden possibilities: from creating macros to manage multiple devices at the same time to integrating with the smart home through the Mi Home.

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

Before you set up the control, make sure that your Xiaomi model has an infrared port, which looks like a small black window (usually located at the top of the case), but some models have a sensor hidden under the glass panel and visually invisible.

Methods of verification:

• 🔍 Visual inspection: look at the top of the smartphone – the IR port is usually next to the front camera or speaker. In Xiaomi 13 and later models, it can be integrated into the display panel.
• 📱 Through Settings: Open Settings → Connections and sharing → Infrared port. If there's no partition, there's no sensor.
• 🛠️ Model specifications: check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in services like GSMArena.+ 5G It has an IR port, but Xiaomi 12 Lite does not.

Important: Some models (like the POCO F4 GT) have an IR port, but it is disabled in the firmware, which will require unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware to activate.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Remote application

The standard Mi Remote app (or Xiaomi Remote in Russian) is pre-installed on all smartphones with an IR port. If it is not available, download it from Google Play or Mi App Store. When it is first launched, the program will offer permissions to access the camera (for scanning). QR-Device codes) and location (to determine regional settings of the technique).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Mi Remote and click Add Device.
2. Select the category of equipment (for example, TV, Air Conditioning).
3. Specify the brand from the list (if yours isn’t, select Another and set it up manually).
4. Point your smartphone to the device and click Test – the app will send signals to check compatibility.
5. If the test is successful, keep the device in the remote list.

Tip: If your appliances don't respond to commands, try alternative codes for the same brand. Mi Remote for popular brands (such as Samsung or LG) has several coding options available.

Adding non-standard devices and manual settings

If your device is not found in Mi Remote, you can add it manually.

1. In the main menu of the application, click + → Add manually.
2. Select the type of device (such as a fan or a projector).
3. Specify the number of buttons on the original remote (from 5 to 50).
4. Click Learning and follow the instructions: point the original remote to your smartphone and alternately press the buttons so that Xiaomi records their signals.

Complex devices (e.g. multi-zone air conditioners) may require retraining if the signal is not recorded:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge in the original remote.
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the remotes.
• 🔄 Try to change the distance (optimally - 5-10 cm).

⚠️ Note: Manual learning may not work with devices that use proprietary protocols (such as some Daikin or Mitsubishi Electric models), and this will require specialized software such as BroadLink or Logitech Harmony.

Creating macros to manage multiple devices

One of the most useful features of Mi Remote is macros, which allow you to send a sequence of commands to multiple devices with a single button, for example, you can create a Cinema macro that:

• 📺 Turn on the Samsung TV.
• 🔊 Switching Yamaha audio system to mode HDMI 1.
• 💡 Turns off lights through Yeelight smart bulb (if integrated into Mi Home).

How to create a macro:

1. In Mi Remote, go to Macros (or New Versions of Scripts).
2. Click Create and give the title (e.g., Evening Cinema).
3. Add devices from the list of saved remotes.
4. For each device, select commands and set the delays between them (for example, 2 seconds between turning on the TV and switching the audio system).
5. Save the macro and assign it a button on the app’s home screen.

Macros support up to 10 devices and 50 commands in a single sequence, but note that if one device fails (e.g., if the TV doesn't turn on), the macro will be interrupted.

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If the macro is unstable, increase the delays between the commands to 3-5 seconds, especially for older techniques with slow reactions to infrared signals.

Integration with smart home and voice assistants

Xiaomi’s IR port can be integrated with the smart home ecosystem through the Mi Home app.

1. Open Mi Home and add a new device through + → Infrared remote control.
2. Select a room (such as the Living Room) and confirm synchronization with Mi Remote.
3. Now IR devices will be displayed in the Mi Home as separate gadgets (for example, Samsung TV – Living room).

After integration, you will be able to:

• 🎤 Control voice technique through Alice (e.g., Alice, turn on the TV in the living room»).
• 📱 Create automation by time or triggers (e.g., turning off air conditioning when no one is home).
• 🌐 Manage devices remotely over the Internet (if the smartphone is connected to the same network as the Mi Home).

Limitation: Voice control requires a connection to Xiaomi servers, so some commands can be executed with a delay of up to 2-3 seconds.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi’s IR port can be unstable, and let’s look at the common bugs and how to fix them:

Problem 1: The device does not respond to commands.

• 🔦 Check if the IR port is covered with a cover or film.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the module “hangs” after prolonged use.
• 🔄 Remove the device from Mi Remote and add again.

Problem 2: Commands are executed with a delay.

• 📶 Make sure your smartphone is not overloaded with background processes (close unnecessary apps).
• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15%, the IR module may be slower.
• 🛠️ Update Mi Remote to the latest version.

Problem 3: Some buttons don’t work (e.g., adjusting the air conditioner temperature).

• 🔧 Try alternative code for your device in Mi Remote settings.
• 📝 If the button is critical, manually train it (see section above).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi with the model of the equipment – they can add it to the database.

⚠️ Note: If the IR port stopped working after the firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the service pack. In some cases, resetting Mi Remote (in the application settings) helps).

Alternative applications for IR management

If the standard Mi Remote doesn’t work, consider third-party apps with advanced features:

For the use of third-party applications:

1. Download the program from Google Play.
2. Provide access to the IR port (permission is requested at the first start).
3. Add devices through database search or manual training.

Important: Some applications (such as AnyMote) require root rights to fully access the IR module, and without them, some functions may be limited.

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The standard Mi Remote app covers 90% of tasks, but for rare devices or advanced scenarios, it’s best to use AnyMote or SURE Universal.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port in Xiaomi