Setup remote on Xiaomi smartphone: from connection to fine settings

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) have long since ceased to be just a means of communication, they have become universal smart home control centers. One of the most popular features is the built-in infrared port (IR transmitter), which allows you to use the phone as a remote control for TVs, air conditioners, audio systems and other equipment. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the application does not find the device, then commands are executed with a delay, then nothing works at all.

In this article, we will look at all the steps of setting up the remote on Xiaomi, from checking the compatibility of your model to finely calibrating the buttons for a particular technique. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, why the remote does not respond to the Samsung QLED 2023 or LG OLED C2) and alternative solutions for devices without an infrared port.

1. Compatibility Check: Is there an IR port in your Xiaomi?

Before you try to set up a remote, make sure your smartphone is physically capable of sending infrared signals. Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with an IR transmitter – especially for budget lines and devices for overseas markets.

Here's how to check:

• 🔍 Visually: The IR port looks like a small black glass (usually located at the top of the case next to the speaker or front camera). On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), it is hidden under a protective glass.
• 📱 Through Settings: Open Settings → Connected devices → If there is no partition, there is no IR port.
• 🛠️ Specifications: Check the specifications of your model on the official Mi.com website or GSMArena service (look for the line "Infrared port").

If there is no infrared port, but you really need to manage equipment from a smartphone - consider alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Remotes: Some smart TVs (e.g. Xiaomi) TV A2 Sony Bravia or Sony Bravia support network management through manufacturer apps.
• 🔌 Adapters: External IR transmitters (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Pro connect to USB-C And they work with any smartphone.

Installation and configuration of the application "DU Remote"

The standard app for managing equipment on Xiaomi is called “Remote DU” (or Mi Remote in international firmware), it is pre-installed on most devices, but if it is not available, download from Google Play or AppGallery.

After installation:

1. Open the app and allow access to the Camera (need to scan) QR-Device codes) and Files (for downloading command databases).
2. Click Add Device and select a category (e.g. TV, Air Conditioning).
3. Enter your brand (if it’s not on the list, choose Another and try universal codes).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: the application will suggest pointing the smartphone to the device and testing several commands (for example, On/Off, Volume+).

If the app doesn’t find your model:

• 🔄 Update the database: In the application settings (⚙️ → Update the database) upload current codes.
• 📥 Manual download: On sites like IRDB You can find custom profiles for rare devices (files with the.ir extension). ⚙️ → Imports.

Check the presence of an IR port in a smartphone

Install/update the application "DU Remote"

Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi (to download databases)

Charge your phone at least 30% (for long calibration)

Position your smartphone at a distance 1-3 metre-->

3. Calibration and testing of teams

Even if the app has successfully added a device, some buttons may not work properly, because manufacturers often change the IR protocols even within the same model, for example, Samsung Q60B 2022 and Q60C 2023 TVs may require different sets of commands.

To calibrate the remote:

1. In the app, select your device and click ⚙️ → Button settings.
2. Test each button (e.g. Source, Menu, Numbers) if the button doesn't work, press it for a long time (2-3 seconds) to open the reassignment menu.
3. Complex devices (such as Daikin air conditioners or Mitsubishi Electric) may require manual code entry, which can be found in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

If the calibration does not help:

• 🔧 Reset remote settings: Remove the device from the application and add again.
• 📡 Interference check: Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the appliances (glass, mirrors, direct sunlight can block the IR signal).

4.Manage multiple devices and create macros

One of the key advantages of a virtual remote on Xiaomi is the ability to control multiple devices simultaneously and create chains of commands (macros). For example, with one tap you can turn on the TV, switch it to HDMI1, start the sound bar and set the volume to 50%.

How to set up a macro:

1. In the Remote DU app, go to the Macros section (or Scripts in new versions).
2. Click Create a macro and give it a name (e.g., "Cinema Theatre").
3. Add devices and commands in the right sequence. You can set a delay between commands (for example, 1 second to wait for the TV to turn on).
4. Save the macro and assign it a button on the app’s home screen or a widget on your desktop.

Examples of useful macros:

Important: macros only work when the IR port and device are in direct sight. If the TV and air conditioner are in separate rooms, you will have to use two separate macros or an external IR blaster (for example, Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2).

5. Solving common problems

Even after setting up the consoles correctly, Xiaomi can malfunction.-5 problems and solutions:

• 🚫 The remote doesn't respond to any device: Check if the IR port is covered with a cover or film. Reset your smartphone, sometimes the system processes block access to the port. Update the Remote DU app and firmware. MIUI last-minute.
• 📺 Only the On/Off button works, the rest don’t: Remove the device and add it again by selecting another model from the list (for example, instead of Samsung). QN90B Try Samsung. QN90C). Use the Learning function (if you have an original remote).
• ⏳ Delay in execution of commands (1-2 Seconds: Turn off energy saving mode in the battery settings for the Remote DU application. Reduce the number of background applications (the IC signal may conflict with other processes).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The IR port shuts down when the battery is low (less than 15%).This is done to save energy, but can give the impression that the remote has broken!

If nothing helps, try alternative apps:

• 📌 Remote Fairy: Supports more brands than the standard app and allows custom teams to be created.
• 📌 Sure Universal Remote: Works with IR and Wi-Fi devices, there is a cloud backup settings.

6.Alternatives for devices without an IR port

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have an IR transmitter (like the POCO X5 Pro or Redmi 12C), it doesn’t mean you can’t control your smartphone.

• 📡 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Remote: Smart TVs (Xiaomi) TV P1, Sony X90K) They have their own apps (Mi) TV Remote, Video & TV Air conditioners (Midea, Gree) often support control via Smart Life or Tuya Smart.
• 🔌 External IR adapters: BroadLink RM4 Pro (≈2500₽) — It connects over Wi-Fi and is managed via the e-Control app. IR Blaster 2 (≈1500₽) — compact USB-C transmitter, works with the official application "DU Remote".
• 🤖 Voice assistants: Set up Alice (Yandex) or Google Assistant to manage compatible appliances (e.g., “Alice, turn on the TV in the kitchen”). To do this, the device must support Yandex IoT or Google Home.

⚠️ Note: When using external IR adapters (e.g. BroadLink), make sure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the smartphone. 802.11r (roaming WPA3 — In this case, you will have to temporarily switch to WPA2.

7. Optimization and additional chips

When the remote is set up, you can make it even more convenient:

• 📱 Desktop widget: Added through a long tap on the home screen → Widgets → Remote DU Allows you to quickly turn on frequently used devices.
• 🔄 Automation with Mi Home: If you have Xiaomi smart devices (like Yeelight lights), you can create a script: If the TV is on → turn off the main light and turn on the light at 30%".

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ Manual IR code editing: With the Remote Fairy app, you can export codes in.pronto format and edit them in a text editor (useful for rare devices).
• 🤖 Home Assistant Integration: If you use a smart home system, IR commands can be sent via BroadLink or ESPHome with trigger-based automation.

💡

If you often lose the remote from the air conditioner, make a backup copy of its settings in the application "Remote DU" (⚙️ → Exports. Save the file to the cloud so you can quickly reset your settings on your new phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions