How to set up the remote on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: full instructions from A to Z

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has an integrated infrared port (IR transmitter) that allows you to control household appliances from TVs to air conditioners directly from the phone screen. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the remote does not find the device, commands are sent late or not working. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of the setup, from checking the compatibility of equipment to finely calibrating buttons, and also reveal the hidden functions of the infrared transmitter, which are not written in the official documentation.

It’s important to understand that the IR port in the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t work with all devices. For example, modern Samsung or LG premium TVs often use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for control, rather than the classic infrared signal. Before you spend time setting up, make sure that your tech supports IR control – usually this is indicated in the manual or on the case (look for the IR logo or the inscription “Infrared port”).

If you've tried to set up the remote, but you haven't succeeded, don't be quick to blame the smartphone. 60 percent of the time, the problem is that the phone is not positioned correctly relative to the receiver on the device. The optimal distance is 3-5 meters, and the angle between the IR transmitter of the smartphone and the receiver of equipment should be no more than 30 meters.°. Try to bring the phone closer and try again – often enough to successfully sync.

1. Check for IR transmitter on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone is actually equipped with an IR port. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is located at the top of the case, next to the headphone jack, visually a small black window (about 2 mm in diameter) covered with transparent plastic.

Check the port’s performance in two ways:

• 🔍 Physical inspection: Turn on the flashlight on another phone and shine a light on the top edge of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. If you see a small dark hole, the port is in place.
• 📱 Software diagnostics: Open the Mi Remote app, if it suggests adding the device on the first run, the port is intact, and if the "IC port not detected" error comes out, it may be damaged or disabled in the settings.

⚠️ Attention: In rare cases, the IR port may be disabled at the firmware level, and this is true for smartphones purchased from informal stores or with custom firmware. To check this, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI And tap 7 times on the "Core" line, unless there's an item in the engineering menu. IR Test, port is program-locked.

If the port is not physically present or is not defined by software, but you are sure that your model should have one (for example, according to the characteristics on the official website), this may indicate a defect or a fake.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Remote application

By default, the Redmi Note 8 Pro preinstalled the Mi Remote app (in some regions it may be called Mi Remote Controller). If it is not, download from Google Play or Mi App Store. Note: for correct operation requires a version of the application at least 5.12.0 (check in Settings → About the program).

After installation, follow the following steps:

1. Launch the application and allow access to the Camera (needed for scanning) QR-Device codes) and Memory (to save settings).
2. Select a category of equipment (for example, “TV” or “Air conditioning”). If your device is not listed, select “Other” and manually specify the brand.
3. Click Add Device and follow the instructions on the screen, and the system will prompt you to direct the IR port of your smartphone to the receiver and press the test button.
4. Confirm the operability: if after pressing the button "On / Off" on the application screen, the device responded - the setting was successful.

If the app doesn’t find your technique, try:

• 🔄 Update the database: In the Mi Remote settings, find the item “Update the list of devices.” This will download the current profiles for new models.
• 📋 Add Manually: Choose a brand from a list (like Sony or Panasonic) and test all the profiles available – sometimes the same manufacturer’s devices require different settings.
• 🌍 Change region: In the app settings, change the country to the one where your appliances are sold (for example, for Samsung, select Korea»).

Check the IR port on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Download/Update Mi Remote to the latest version

Allow all requested permits

Bring the phone to the device at a distance of 1-3 meters

Check the battery charge (at least 30%)

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Addition and calibration of devices

Once you've successfully connected your device, you can customize it to your needs, rename the buttons, change their location, or add macros (command sequences), for example, you can create a "Cinema" button that will simultaneously turn on the TV, switch it to HDMI1 and launch the sound bar.

For this:

1. Open Mi Remote and select the device you have added.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Edit remote".
3. Drag the buttons to change their location or press + to add a new command from the list of available ones.
4. To create a macro, select Add macro, specify a sequence of commands (e.g., On → HDMI1 → Volume 50%) and save.

If some buttons are not working properly (for example, volume control is jumping or not responding), calibrate:

1. In the remote editing menu, select the problem button.
2. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen, and the system will prompt you to press the button several times on the real remote to remember the signal.
3. Repeat for all broken buttons.

⚠️ Warning: If the buttons are still not working after calibration, check if the cover or protective glass is blocking the signal. the IR beam should leave the port without obstruction. Also make sure the device you are managing doesn’t activate Child Lock or Energy Saving mode – they can ignore external commands.

4. Solving common problems

Even after a successful setup, Redmi Note 8 Pro users may face typical problems.

If none of these methods worked, try alternative applications for controlling equipment through an infrared port.

• 📺 ZaZa Remote: Supports more brands than Mi Remote and has advanced macro settings.
• 🎵 SURE Universal Remote: allows you to control equipment via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if the IR port does not work.
• 🔧 IR Universal Remote: has an open code base and is suitable for rare models of equipment.

Remember: Third-party apps may request additional permissions (such as accessing location or contacts) and don’t provide them unnecessarily – this could be a sign of malware.

💡

If your TV or air conditioner supports Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, use them instead of an infrared port. The connection will be more stable and the range will be longer. For example, for Xiaomi Mi TVs, it is better to connect through the Mi Home app over a local network.

5. Enhanced IR port functions

Few people know, but the infrared port on the Redmi Note 8 Pro can be used not only to control household appliances.

• 🎮 Game Controller: Using the Application IR Controller can be turned into a remote for retro consoles (such as Nintendo Wii or PlayStation 2) if they support IR control.
• 🔦 Lighting control: Some smart lamps (e.g. Xiaomi Yeelight) have IR receivers that can be turned on/off via Mi Remote, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi connection.
• 📡 Data transmission: using specialized applications (e.g, IR Data Transfer: You can send small files (up to 1KB) between devices with IR ports. Speed is low, but it works without the Internet.

Activation of these functions will require:

1. Install the corresponding application from Google Play.
2. Give him access to the IR port (in the phone security settings).
3. Follow the instructions in the app – these usually include connection testing and profile settings.

Note that advanced features can drain the battery faster, as the IR port consumes additional energy. If you notice that the smartphone has become more likely to sit down, turn off unnecessary IR services in the settings.

💡

The infrared port on the Redmi Note 8 Pro supports not only standard commands, but also custom scripts, for example, you can program the sequence of turning on the TV, switching to the desired channel and setting volume with a single button.

6. Optimization of the remote to save charge

Continuous use of an IR port can increase battery consumption by 5-15% depending on the intensity, to minimize the impact on autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn off the IR port when it is not needed: go to Settings → Connected devices → IR port and deactivate it. This will save up to 3% of the charge per day.
• ⚡ Use energy saving modes: C Settings → Battery activate Power Saving or Super Energy Saving mode, which will limit background activity of Mi Remote.
• 📱 Close the app after use: Mi Remote continues to work in the background even if you rolled it. Go to the latest apps menu and swipe it up for full closure.

You can also limit the automatic start of the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Remote.
2. Select “Stop” and turn it off.
3. In the same menu, turn off Background Activity if you don’t use macros or remote notifications.

If you use a remote control often but want to save charge, consider buying an external IR fob (such as Xiaomi Mi Remote Bluetooth), which connects over Bluetooth and takes over the control of the equipment, unloading the smartphone.

7. Alternative methods of control of equipment

If the infrared port on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is out of order or your appliances don’t support infrared control, there are a few alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: many modern devices (Samsung TVs, LG, Mitsubishi air conditioners have built-in modules for wireless control. Use official applications of manufacturers (for example, SmartThings for Samsung or Samsung). LG ThinQ).
• 🌐 Smart speakers: if you have Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker or Google Home, connect the appliances to them through the appropriate ecosystems (Mi Home or Google Assistant).
• 🔌 Universal remotes: buy a physical remote with support RF (It's a radio frequency signal that works through walls and over long distances, like Logitech Harmony or BroadLink. RM Pro.

To control over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the device and smartphone must be connected to the same network. If the equipment does not have an integrated module, you can use adapters:

• 🔌 IR-Blutuse adapters: for example, BroadLink RM Mini 3 connects to the outlet and relays commands from the phone to the equipment by IR, and communication with the smartphone goes via Wi-Fi.
• 📡 Smart sockets: If your device is powered by a button (such as an amplifier or fan), you can plug it in via Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug and control power remotely.

Before you buy additional gadgets, check if your appliance supports alternative controls. For example, some Daikin or Gree air conditioners have built-in Wi-Fi modules, but require separate setup through the manufacturer's app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the remote on the Redmi Note 8 Pro