How to set up an IR remote on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the full guide

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners, especially the Redmi Note 8, often don’t realize that they have a universal remote control for all household appliances in their pocket. This is possible thanks to the built-in infrared transmitter (IR Blaster), which is located on the top end of the device. This feature turns your gadget into a powerful control center for home, allowing you to control TVs, air conditioners, consoles and even projectors without having to look for original remotes.

Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, an infrared port does not require complex pairing or Internet access, working on the principle of a conventional remote control. However, in order for the system to work correctly, you need to properly conduct the initial configuration in the Mi Remote application. Users often face difficulties in choosing the right code or mode of operation, which leads to the inoperability of the buttons.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activation and calibration of the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8. We will consider all the nuances of the application, how to manually add devices and solve typical problems that users face when trying to “friend” a smartphone with consumer electronics of different brands.

Checking the presence of an IR port and preparing the device

Before you start setting up the software, you need to make sure that your device is physically capable of transmitting infrared signals. The Redmi Note 8 has an integrated IR module that visually looks like a small dark window on the upper end of the case, next to the hole of the noise reduction microphone, and it is important not to confuse it with an approach sensor or microphone, although this model is the standard location for the Redmi line.

For the IR remote to work properly, it is critical to have the Mi Remote app itself (or Mi Remote in Russian). In global firmware, it is usually pre-installed in the Tools folder, but in some regions or custom builds it may not be present. If you do not find an icon with the remote image, you need to download the official application from the Google Play store or GetApps.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure there is no protective film or thick cover on the top of the smartphone that can cover the IR emitter. Even a slight shift in the accessory can reduce the range of the signal or make it impossible to transmit it.

Also worth checking is the app permissions. Android can restrict the IR transmitter if the app doesn't have the right to do so. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Mi Remote and make sure all the necessary permissions are issued, especially network access (to download code databases) and IR port management.

Launching the Mi Remote app and choosing a device type

After successfully launching the Mi Remote app, you’ll see a home screen with devices already added (if any) and a large add button. The app interface is intuitive, but requires careful consideration when selecting a hardware category. Click on the Add Device button (usually a plus icon) to trigger the customization wizard.

The system will prompt you to choose the type of equipment you want to set up. Xiaomi's database contains profiles for thousands of devices, including:

• 📺 Televisions (Smart) TV common)
• ❄️ Air conditioning and split systems
• 📀 TV set-top boxes and media players
• 📽️ Projectors
• 📻 Receivers and audio systems
• 📷 Cameras (some models)

Select the appropriate category. For example, if you are setting up a remote for a Samsung TV, select TV. You will then need to select a manufacturer from the list you have suggested. If your brand is not listed, you can search by name or select the option "Not found in the list", which will trigger manual code selection mode.

It's important to understand that the mode of operation depends on the type of device you choose. The most common way for TVs is to use power and volume codes, whereas for air conditioners, it's critical to get the right code to control the temperature and the mode of operation of the fan, and an error at this point will lead to the remote control reacting incorrectly or not working at all.

Automatic and manual code setting

The easiest way to set up is to use automatic testing. After selecting a brand, for example, LG or Sony, the app will offer to conduct a test, and a button (usually "On/Off" or "Loud") will appear on the screen, which you press by pointing the top of the smartphone to the device.

If the device reacts (the TV turns off or changes volume), press Yes. If there is no response, No, and the system will suggest trying a different set of codes, a process that can take several minutes, since a codebase for one brand can contain dozens of options.

⚠️ Attention: During testing, keep your smartphone at a distance 10-15 see the signal receiver on the home appliances too close or, conversely, the distance is 5-7 The meter could lead to false test results.

If automatic matching is not successful or takes too long, you can use manual mode, in which case you will need to find the exact code for your model on the Internet (often they are in the manuals or on the manufacturers' websites) and enter it in the appropriate field.

Fine tuning and calibration of buttons

After successful pairing, take your time off the menu.Mi Remote allows you to fine-tune the remote interface. You can rename the device (for example, "Living Room Television" or "Bedroom Air Conditioning") to avoid confusion if you have multiple gadgets.

Some profiles have button calibration. If you find that when you click on Volume +, the TV turns down the sound and Menu opens the settings, don't rush to remove the remote. Go to the settings of the created remote (usually three dots in the corner or gear) and select "Tune buttons" or "Edit".

Here you can reassign functions:

• 🔄 Change button functions
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary buttons so as not to accidentally press them
• 🔊 Add quick commands for specific apps (like launching Netflix or YouTube)

Special attention should be paid to the power button. In the settings, you can set the behavior of the smartphone when unlocking the screen: whether it should automatically open the remote or simply be available in the notification curtain. For ease of use as the main remote, it is recommended to add the Mi Remote widget to the desktop.

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Add the Mi Remote widget to the home screen or notification curtain for quick access, which saves time as you don’t have to search for the app on the menu every time, especially if the phone is used as the main remote.

Comparison of connection modes: IR vs. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

It's important to understand the difference between an IR remote and a network control. The Redmi Note 8 supports both options, but they work differently. The infrared port is versatile and works with any appliance that has an IR receiver, regardless of the year of release and the "smartness" of the device. The Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network requires support for smart functions from household appliances.

Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the two management methods:

For older but reliable TVs or air conditioners that are not connected to the Internet, IR port remains the only way to control from a smartphone.This makes the Redmi Note 8 an excellent all-round tool for hotels, offices or homes with old appliances.

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The infrared port is indispensable for managing “stupid” equipment, while Wi-Fi provides advanced features for modern smart devices, the ideal scenario is to use both methods depending on the situation.

Solving Typical Problems and Troubleshooting

Despite the simplicity, users can face a number of problems, one of the most common is that the remote stops working after a system update or reboot, in which case it is recommended to re-add the procedure, sometimes cleaning the cache of the Mi Remote application through the phone's settings menu helps.

If the remote is unstable, check if the smartphone is power-saving mode. Aggressive energy saving can turn off the IR module to save battery power. Add the app to exceptions or select No Limits mode for background work.

Another problem is conflict with other apps: If you have a third-party remote app installed (like Peel or ZaZa), they may conflict over access to the hardware IR port. Leave only one active application.

⚠️ Note: If the IR port has stopped working completely (the LED does not light up during the test in the engineering menu or application), and the software methods do not help, the module itself or the plume may be damaged.

And it's also worth remembering that the IR signal doesn't get through obstacles, and if there's a vase, a book, or a person in between the phone and the hardware, the command won't be executed, and that's a physical feature of the infrared spectrum that can't be fixed by software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)