IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to set up and manage household appliances

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a budget smartphone with an unexpectedly useful feature: an integrated infrared port (IR). This small module located at the top of the case allows you to turn the phone into a universal remote control for TVs, air conditioners, audio systems and other equipment. But how to use it? Many owners are not even aware of its existence or face difficulties in setting up.

In this article, we'll take you through the steps, from activating an infrared port to the intricacies of managing different devices, which apps are best used, how to add new devices to the database, and what to do if your smartphone doesn't recognize your equipment, and also hidden features that are not mentioned in the official instructions.

Where is the IR port on Redmi 9 and how to turn it on

On Redmi 9, the infrared port is located at the top of the rear, next to the main camera, and it looks like a small black window (sometimes with a reddish hue) to start using it, you don't need to turn on anything in the settings - the port activates automatically when you start the corresponding application.

However, there is an important caveat: the IR port only works with official MIUI firmware. If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the function can be disabled, in which case you need to install a separate driver or return the stock version of the software.

• 🔍 How to check your performance: download any IR control application (such as Mi Remote) and try sending a test signal. If the port is working, a radiation indicator will appear at the top of the screen.
• ⚡ What to do if the port is not working: update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → System updates. In rare cases, resetting to factory settings helps.
• 📱 Alternative: If the IR port is broken, you can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remotes (for example, through Google Home), but they support fewer devices.

What application to choose for the management of equipment

By default, Redmi 9 preinstalled the Mi Remote app (in Russian firmware can be called "Remote"), which supports most popular brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, Philips and others.

For most users, Mi Remote is enough, but if your technology is not recognized, try AnyMote, where you can manually add IR codes from other remotes.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g., Peel Smart Remote) collect data about your devices for targeted advertising. If privacy is important, use Mi Remote or ZaZa Remote with contact access disabled.

Step-by-step: how to add a new device

So let's take Mi Remote, which is the same algorithm for TVs, air conditioners and other things.

1. Open the app and click "Add device".
2. Select a category (for example, “TV” or “Air Conditioning”).
3. Specify the brand from the list. If your manufacturer is not, select "Other" - the application will offer universal codes.
4. Direct the IR port of the smartphone to the receiver (usually it is in front or below) and click “Test”.
5. If the device reacted (for example, the TV turned on), save the settings. If not, try another code from the list.

Tip: the distance between the smartphone and the appliances should be no more than 5 meters, and the angle of inclination - no more than 30 °. the IR signal does not pass through walls and furniture!

Make sure your phone has an IR port on (no physical damage)

Charge your smartphone by at least 30% (long-term settings drain the battery)

Prepare the original remote from the equipment (you will need for testing)

Check that the device does not have an IR film (sometimes it blocks the signal)-->

Advanced features: timers, macros and voice control

Mi Remote has more than just turning things on and off. Here are some hidden features:

• ⏰ Timers: You can program the automatic turn off of the TV in 30 minutes (good for children). → Timer. → Add a challenge.
• 🔄 Macros: create a chain of commands, for example, one click can turn on the TV at the same time, switch it to the TV. HDMI-Enter and run Netflix on the Mi Box.
• 🎤 Voice control: If you have Google Assistant or Alice, link them to Mi Remote via Settings → Voice assistant.
• 📱 Widget to the home screen: add buttons for commonly used devices. To do this, press your finger in the free space of the screen. → «Widgets» → «Mi Remote».

Few people know, but Mi Remote has a mode “Learning” → Settings → It allows you to copy commands from the original remote if your model of technology is not supported by default:

1. Select a category (e.g., “Air Conditioning”).
2. Click on “Training” and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Point the original remote and smartphone at each other (IK ports to meet) and press the buttons in turn.

💡

If your air conditioner supports Wi-Fi but is not recognized by IR, try connecting it directly through a manufacturer’s app (e.g. Midea Air or Gree+) that will give you more options than IR control.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right setup, you can have failures, and here are the most common situations and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The IR port stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware version, MIUI 12.5 for Redmi 9) were bugs with infrared port drivers.

If nothing works, check the port for physical damage.

1. Turn on the flashlight on another smartphone.
2. Direct it to the Redmi 9 IR port.
3. Start Mi Remote and send a test command.
4. If you see flashing lights through the camera of the second phone, the port is in good condition. If not, you need repairs.

Hidden Opportunities: Managing a Smart Home through IR

The infrared port can be integrated into the smart home system, even if your appliances don't support Wi-Fi.

• 🏠 Google Home Automation: Link Mi Remote to Google Assistant and control voice technique (OK, Google, turn on your TV»).

Example of automation settings in Google Home:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Go to Automation» → «Create».
3. Select a trigger (such as “Voice Command”).
4. Add the action "Manage the device Mi Remote".

Limitation: These scenarios only work when the phone is turned on and Mi Remote is active in the background.

💡

The infrared port is not only a remote replacement, but also a bridge between “stupid” appliances and smart home systems. Even an old air conditioner without Wi-Fi can be built into automation!

Alternatives to IR management: when to switch to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

Although the IR port is convenient, it has limitations:

• 📶 Direct visibility: signal does not pass through walls.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: active use of IR reduces the operating time by 5-10%.
• 📱 Limited functionality: no feedback can be received (e.g. current air conditioner temperature).

If these shortcomings are critical, consider alternatives:

If you decide to switch to Wi-Fi but don’t want to change the technique, buy a universal IR blaster (like the BroadLink RM4 Pro) that connects to your router and controls the hardware via IR, and you control it through the app on your phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions