Modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming universal tools for managing the digital ecosystem. Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 Pro was one of the first mid-range devices to have an integrated infrared port (IR port) on the upper end of the case. This hardware feature allows you to use the phone as a full-fledged universal remote control for TVs, air conditioners, audio systems and other household appliances, eliminating the need to search for original remote controls or buy additional adapters.
The activation and initial configuration of the Mi Remote application (Mi Remote) takes only a few minutes, but requires careful consideration when choosing a hardware model. Infrared transmitter works on the principle of line of sight, which provides a stable connection without the delays typical of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi solutions. The user gets the opportunity to combine the management of all devices in one interface, creating convenient use cases.
In this tutorial, we will go through all the steps, from detecting an infrared port in your device to finely calibrating buttons for a specific TV model. You will learn how to avoid common pairing errors and what hidden features are available in the standard application. A unique feature of the Redmi Note 8 Pro is the support for a wide range of code tables in a standard application without the need to install third-party plugins.
Verification of the presence of an IR port and preparation of the system
The first step before you start setting up is to physically check if you have the right module in your smartphone. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the infrared emitter is located on the top end of the device, next to the main microphone hole and the headphone jack, and visually it is a small black glass that, when operating, can light slightly in the spectrum invisible to the human eye, but visible to the camera of another smartphone.
Make sure that the MIUI operating system installed on your device is working correctly and does not have software restrictions that block access to the hardware module. In rare cases, after updating the firmware or resetting the settings, access to the IR port may be temporarily blocked by system errors.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to seal the top end of the smartphone with tight covers or protective films that overlap the IR emitter. This will make it impossible to transmit a signal to the receiving device.
A stable Internet connection at the time of initial setup is also critical to the remote's efficiency. Mi Remote uses an online code database to identify thousands of different manufacturers' models. Without network access, equipment selection will be limited to a basic set that may not be suitable for your particular TV or air conditioner model.
💡
Before setting up, wipe the top end of the smartphone from dust and dirt, as even a thin layer of fat can dissipate the infrared signal and reduce the range of the remote.
Installation and initial launch of the Mi Remote application
In most global and Chinese versions of the firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the Mi Remote app (or Remote Mi) is already preinstalled in the Tools folder on the desktop. The app icon usually looks like a red circle with a white image of the remote or target designator. If you don't find it in the standard set, you should go to the GetApps or Google Play app store and download the official version from developer Beijing Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd.
When it first starts up, it will request permission to use geolocation, a requirement that is driven by Android’s security policies, as the scanning of Wi-Fi networks (which can be used to find smart devices) is location-based, and permission to access storage will also be required to save remote profiles and photos of devices.
The interface is divided into several tabs, the top of which is responsible for adding new devices. By clicking on the add button (usually the plus or + icon in the corner of the screen), you run the setup wizard. The system will suggest you choose the type of device you want to control: TV, console, air conditioner, projector or fan.
- 📺 TVs: The main mode of operation, supporting hundreds of brands.
- ❄️ Air conditioners: allows you to control the temperature and blowing mode.
- 📼 Prefixes: management IPTV cable.
- 🔊 Audio systems: management of receivers and soundbars.
It is important to note that the app automatically determines the region, which affects the list of available manufacturers. If your brand of equipment is not on the default list, try changing the region in the application settings or selecting the "Search for all brands" option.
Step-by-step instructions for adding the device
The process of pairing a smartphone with appliances is based on the method of brute-force code tables. After choosing the type of device (for example, "TV") and the brand (for example, Samsung or LG), the application will suggest pointing the phone to the device and pressing the test button. The screen of the smartphone will turn into a virtual remote with the main control buttons.
Press the power button on your phone and watch your equipment react closely. If the TV is turned off or the volume is changed, you must confirm this with a "Yes" action. If there is no reaction, select "No", and the system automatically switches to the next code table, which can take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the rarity of the model.
☑️ The algorithm of successful pairing
Once you've successfully coded, the system will ask you to name a remote, like "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom Air Conditioning," which allows you to create groups of devices and quickly switch between them in the main menu, and you can add a photo of the device from the gallery for visual identification.
There is a manual setting if the automatic search fails, in which the user can assign functions to the buttons by selecting actions from the list, but the manual mode requires an original remote for reading codes or deep knowledge of IR protocols.
⚠️ Note: During the code selection process, keep your phone at a distance. 10-15 It's a little bit like this, but if you're too close, you can get a signal that's not read correctly, and if you're too far away, you can lose it.
Calibration and fine-tuning of functions
After the basic setup, it is recommended to calibrate the buttons for maximum usability. The standard layout may not match your habits or have unused buttons. From the menu of the created remote, click three dots in the corner and select "Tune buttons" or "Edit".
Here you can change the assignment of buttons, add new ones (like fast launch of Netflix or YouTube) and remove unnecessary ones. Redmi Note 8 Pro is characterized by high speed of response of the IR port, so there are almost no delays when pressing virtual buttons. However, if you notice that some commands are executed with a delay, try reassigning them to other positions in the code.
Special attention should be paid to the function "Power button" in the settings you can set the behavior of the smartphone when the screen is turned off. By default, the phone may not send an IR signal in sleep mode to save energy, but this option can be activated forcibly.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Vibrant response | Tactile recoil when pressed | Insert for confirmation |
| Buttons sound | Audio recording of pressing | Turn it off in silence. |
| Remote position | Location on the list | Frequently, up. |
| Cloud backup | Saving settings in the account | Include it. |
💡
Proper calibration of buttons and disabling unnecessary functions (sound, vibration) significantly increase the response speed and ease of use of the smartphone as a remote.
Use of additional opportunities and scenarios
Xiaomi’s ecosystem allows you to go beyond simple IR control by integrating the remote into more complex smart home scenarios. While the IR port works autonomously, the Mi Remote app can communicate with other devices via Wi-Fi. For example, you can create a scenario where turning off the TV through the IR port automatically triggers a smart lamp or closes the curtains if they are connected to the Xiaomi Gateway.
For advanced users, the macro creation function is available. Macros is a sequence of commands executed at a single click. For example, the Kino button can simultaneously: turn on the TV, switch the signal source to HDMI 1, turn down the light in the room (if there are smart lamps) and start the movie theater application.
- 🎬 Screenplay "View": the inclusion of TV and sound system.
- 🌙 Scenario "Sleep": turn off all devices and set the timer.
- 🎮 Game scenario: switching TV to Game mode and activating the sound profile.
It is worth noting that complex scenarios require a stable Internet connection and authorization in the Mi Account. Local management through the IR port works without the Internet, but the logic of the smart home is tied to cloud services.
The Secret Debugging Function
Solving common problems and problems
Despite the reliability of the technology, users may encounter problems when using the Mi Remote on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. The most common problem is the lack of response of the device to commands. In this case, first of all, check whether the infrared port is blocked with a cover or a finger. Also make sure that there are no direct sources of bright light (sun, powerful lamps) between the phone and the appliances that can “clog” the infrared signal.
If the app is freezing or not running, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Mi Remote → Memory and click Clear Cache. Don't delete data unless you want to lose saved remotes, although they can be restored via the cloud.
In some cases, the problem lies in the receiving device itself. Older TVs may have a contaminated IR receiver or require a more powerful signal. Try bringing the phone closer or changing the angle of inclination. If nothing helps, maybe your particular brand of technology uses a non-standard protocode that is not supported by the standard application.
⚠️ Warning: If the remotes are gone after resetting your phone, don't panic. When you re-sign in to your Mi Account in the Mi Remote app, all stored device profiles should automatically sync from the cloud.