Infrared port on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to setup and use

Why you need an infrared port in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones and how it works

The Infrared (IR) port in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a versatile tool for managing appliances without additional remotes. It allows you to turn the phone into a universal remote control for TVs, air conditioners, music centers and even some smart lamps. Despite the proliferation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control, the infrared port remains relevant due to its wide compatibility with outdated and budget-friendly equipment.

The technology works by transmitting infrared signals that are recognized by the receiver on the controlled device, and Redmi is responsible for this by a special transmitter located at the top of the housing (usually next to the front camera or speaker). It is important to understand that the IR port does not replace full-fledged smart systems - it simply duplicates the functions of the standard remote, but with advanced configuration options through the Mi Remote application.

Among the key advantages:

• 📺 Managing equipment of any brand (the application base has more than 10,000 models)
• 🔄 Ability to create macros (for example, one click to turn on TV, switch the input to the HDMI launch Netflix)
• 📱 Integration with Google Assistant or Alice for voice control
• 💰 Savings on the purchase of additional remotes (especially important for rented housing or offices)

What Xiaomi Redmi models support the IR port

Not all Redmi smartphones have infrared ports, and Xiaomi has been gradually abandoning this feature in budget models in recent years, but many mid-range and premium devices retain it. Here is the current list of models with an infrared transmitter (as of 2026):

To check if an IR port is on your device:

1. Look at the top of the case and look for a small black glass (usually to the left of the front camera).
2. Open the Mi Remote app (if it’s pre-installed) – if there’s a port, the app will prompt you to configure it.
3. Check the model specifications on the official Xiaomi website in the Sensors section.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) The IR port may be listed in the specifications, but not in the specific regional version.

Step-by-step setting up the IR port through the Mi Remote app

The main tool for working with the infrared port is the Mi Remote app, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices, but can be downloaded from Google Play or AppGallery if necessary.

1. Startup and initial setup

• 📱 Open the Mi Remote app (red beam remote icon).
• 🔍 Click "Add device" and select category (for example, "TV").
• 🔎 Type the name of your brand in the search box (e.g. Samsung, LG, Hisense).
• 📋 If the model is not found, select "Universal Remote" and follow the instructions for selecting the code.

2. Checking of performance

After choosing a model, the application will offer to test the main functions:

• 🔘 Direct the phone’s IR port to the receiver (usually located front or bottom).
• 📺 Press the On/Off button in the application – the device must respond.
• 🔊 If there is no reaction, try other codes from the list (button "Not working? Try another one").

Make sure the IR port is not covered with a cover or film|

The battery charge of the phone is more than 20%|

The equipment is in the line of sight zone (up to 5 meters)|

On the controlled device there are no obstacles to the IR signal (for example, decorative panels)-->

3. Additional settings

After successful connection:

• ⭐ Add the device to your favorites for quick access.
• 🔄 Set up Macros (for example, "Cinema": turn on TV, switch to "Cinema"); HDMI, launch YouTube).
• 📲 Activate the Mi Remote widget on the home screen to control without opening the app.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Remote app doesn’t see the IR port, upgrade to the latest version or check the permissions (access to the sensors must be enabled in the Android settings).

Advanced features: macros, voice control and automation

Basic control is just the tip of the iceberg, and Mi Remote allows you to automate routine activities and integrate the IR port with other smartphone functions.

1. Macros (chains of command)

A macro is a sequence of actions that are done at a single click, such as:

• 🎬 "Movie night: turn on TV → switch over HDMI1 → Launch the Netflix app on your phone → Turn off the lights (if there are smart lights).
• 🌡️ "Comfort: turn on air conditioning at 24°C → Close the curtains (if connected via Mi Home).

To create a macro:

1. Open Mi Remote. → Macros → Create a new one.
2. Add devices and commands in the desired sequence.
3. Save and assign a shortcut to the main screen.

2. Voice control via Google Assistant or Alice

If your Redmi supports voice assistants, you can control the voice technique by:

• 🎤 Say, OK Google, turn on the TV with Mi Remote".
• 🤖 Or: “Alice, set the air conditioner temperature at 22 degrees".

For this:

1. In the Mi Remote settings, enable the option "Voice control".
2. In Google Assistant settings, add Mi Remote to the list of supported services.

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If voice commands don’t work, check if Mi Remote’s microphone and sensors are enabled in your Android settings.

3. Automation with Mi Home and IFTTT

For advanced users, integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem is available:

• 🏠 In Mi Home, you can create a scenario: If the temperature is above 25°C → air conditioning through the IR port".
• 🔗 Through IFTTT (automation service) can be linked to other devices (e.g., turn on the TV when notified of the start of the match).

Problems with the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users sometimes experience problems, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

Diagnostics of hardware faults

If none of these things work, the hardware of the IR transmitter may break down.

1. Using the engineering menu: type ##6484## in the phone dialer (on some Redmi models this triggers a sensor test, including an IR port).
2. Through the Sensor Test app from Google Play, it will show if the IR signal is recognized.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (Indian version) after updating to MIUI 14 Some users reported a complete inoperability of the IR port. MIUI 13 or use of alternative applications (e.g. AnyMote).

Alternative applications for IR port management

If the standard Mi Remote doesn’t work or work, you can use third-party solutions, which often offer advanced features, such as creating your own teams or supporting rare brands.

Top.-3 Replacement of Mi Remote applications:

• 📌 AnyMote Universal Remote — supports more than 900,000 devices, it is possible to create custom commands and macros. Plus: works with IR ports of most Android devices.
• 📌 SURE Universal Remote — integrates with Google Home and Alexa, supports Wi-Fi and IR management. Plus: there is a cloud backup settings. Minus: advertising in the free version.

How to Move Settings from Mi Remote to Another Application

Unfortunately, there is no direct export of settings, but you can:

1. Take a picture of the device code screen in Mi Remote (Device Management section) → Edit").
2. Manually enter these codes into a new application (usually in the menu "Add device manually").

Hidden opportunities of IR port: unobvious life hacks

In addition to standard control, the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi can be used in unexpected ways.

1. Managing equipment in the office or hotel

If you are often in places with unfamiliar remotes (such as conference rooms or hotel rooms), the IR port will help:

• 🏨 Take a picture of the air conditioner or projector model (usually listed on the case).
• 🔍 Find it in Mi Remote or AnyMote database.
• 📱 Now you can control the equipment without looking for a remote.

2. Remote computer switching on

If your PC or laptop supports Wake-on-LAN and has an IR receiver (or connected via a Wake-on-LAN) USB-IR adapter, you can configure:

• 🖥️ Turning your computer on from your phone (useful for media servers or remote desktops).
• 🔌 Managing multimedia keys (play/pause, volume).

3. Testing of IR devices

Using the application IR BLASTER Test (available on Google Play:

• 🔦 Check the performance of the IR transmitter (test for sending a signal).
• 📊 Analyze the frequency of signals from other remotes (useful for creating custom commands).

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The IR port can be used as a universal “key” for equipment in rented housing or business trips – it is enough to configure control once, and you do not have to look for remotes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi