How the IR port works on Xiaomi: a complete guide to using the device

The infrared port in Xiaomi devices is one of those features that many users either don't know about or use superficially. Meanwhile, this little black eye on the top of a smartphone or a smart home remote can replace an entire drawer with remote controls, automate household processes and even save on buying additional gadgets. But how exactly does it work? Why do some Xiaomi models lack an infrared port, and others are equipped with it despite the trends in wireless technology? And most importantly, how to get the most out of it?

In this article, we will analyze the technical foundations of the infrared port, talk about compatibility with household appliances, show hidden features (including automation through Mi Home), and give step-by-step instructions for setting up. And also – we will answer the question why the IR port in Xiaomi smartphones can work at a distance to the Internet. 10 Meters, while the original remote control often requires direct visibility. 3-5 meters.

If you've ever lost your air conditioning remote or wanted to turn on your TV without getting out of the couch, this is for you, but even if you're a seasoned user, you'll find some nuances that aren't written about in the official manuals.

What is an IR port and how is it arranged

Infrared port (IR port) is a module that transmits data using infrared radiation (wavelength) ~Unlike radio signals (like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), the IR only travels within line of sight and doesn't go through walls. It's both a plus and a minus: on the one hand, there's no interference from the neighbors, on the other, you need to precisely point the smartphone at the receiver.

In Xiaomi devices, the IR port is usually:

• 🔹 Transmitter – LED emitting modulated IR signal (located on the top or side panel of the smartphone).
• 🔹 Receiver (less commonly) – photodiode for receiving signals (for example, in the remotes Mi Remote or smart speakers).
• 🔹 Microcontroller – processes commands and encodes them into signals that are understandable to household appliances.

It's important to understand that the IR port in a smartphone is a universal transmitter that can mimic the signals of thousands of remotes, and it doesn't just copy commands, it uses a database of protocols (for example, a database of protocols, NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC), To “speak” in the language of your TV or air conditioner.

Xiaomi’s IR transmitter often exceeds that of the original remotes, such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which can operate the air conditioner from 8 to 10 meters away, while the native remote of the same air conditioner requires 3 to 5 meters.

• 📶 More powerful LED (usually 5-10 MW vs. 1-3 MW in remotes).
• 🔋 Optimized power (there are no battery restrictions in the smartphone, like in the remote control).
• 🎯 Algorithms of signal focusing (some Xiaomi models use a lens to narrow the beam).

What Xiaomi devices are equipped with an IR port

Not all Xiaomi gadgets have an infrared port, and its availability depends on the series of devices, the year of release and the target audience. POCO Often deprived of the IR port (due to the priority of wireless technologies), while budget Redmi retain it for a wide range of tasks.

Here is the current list of series and models with an IR port (for 2026):

To check if there is an IR port in your device:

1. Look at the top panel of your smartphone – look for black glass (often near the front camera).
2. Start the Mi Remote app (if it’s on the installed list).
3. Check the model specifications on the official Xiaomi website (the “Features” section).

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse the IR port with the proximity sensor or infrared camera illumination (used for night photography) The IR port looks like a separate small round or oval element, often with a metal edging.

How to set up an IR port on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

You can use the IR port on Xiaomi through the standard Mi Remote app (pre-installed on most devices) or third-party programs like ZaZa Remote.

Method 1: Configure with Mi Remote

1. Open the Mi Remote app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Press «+» → «Add the device».
3. Select the category of equipment (for example, TV, Air Conditioning, Fan).
4. Type in the brand of the device (if your brand is not, choose “Other” and try universal protocols).
5. Hover your smartphone over the receiver and follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to click the switch on the original remote).

Method 2: Use ZaZa Remote (for rare devices)

• 📱 Install ZaZa Remote from Google Play.
• 🔍 Select "Add device» → «Manual input».
• 📝 Enter the protocol code (can be found in the application database or on the manufacturer's website).
• 🎛️ Customize the buttons to your needs (for example, add control of the brightness or temperature of the air conditioner).

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

Charge your smartphone at least 30 times%|

Point the smartphone on the receiver of technology at an angle of 30-45 degrees|

Check that the original remote works (for the test)-->

If the device is not recognized:

• 🔄 Try a different protocol (Mi Remote has the option to try another code»).
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the appliances (glass, sunlight can interfere with the signal).
• 🔋 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the IR port “hangs” due to software errors.

💡

If your TV or air conditioner is over 10 years old, try Mi Remote to choose the Universal brand and manually go through the codes. Older appliances often use custom protocols.

Hidden opportunities of IR port: automation and non-obvious chips

Most users are limited to the basic functions of the IR port, such as turning on the TV or adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner, but in fact, it can:

• 🏠 Automate scenarios via Mi Home (e.g., turn off lights and air conditioner by timer).
• 🎮 Use your smartphone as a gamepad for older consoles (for example, Nintendo Wii or Nintendo Wii) PS2 infrared).
• 🔌 Manage sockets with an IR sensor (rare, but found in smart homes).
• 📱 Synchronize multiple devices (for example, one click to turn on the TV, sound bar and console).

Example of automation through Mi Home:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Automation.
2. Create a new script with a condition (e.g., “Time 23:00”).
3. Add the “IR Device Management” action and select a command (e.g., turn off the air conditioner).
4. Save the script – now the technique will turn off automatically.

Another useful thing is to create custom commands, for example, in Mi Remote you can:

1. Press the button on the screen (for example, "Volume")+»).
2. Select "Add to the Favorites."
3. Assign a convenient name (for example, “Loudness for movies”).

Now, one button will perform a sequence of actions (for example, increase the volume on the TV and sound bar at the same time).

Problems with the IR port and their solutions

Even if the IR port is functional, users often face difficulties, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.The device does not respond to commands

• 🔦 Check if the IR port is covered with a cover or protective film.
• 🔋 Make sure that the smartphone battery is not discharged (at low charge, the IR port may turn off).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the IR port driver “hangs».
• 📱 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.

2.The signal is only operating at close range

• 🎯 Point the smartphone more precisely - the IR ray should get directly into the receiver of the equipment.
• 💡 Remove bright light sources (sun, lamps) – they can drown out the IR signal.
• 🔋 Check transmitter power: some Xiaomi firmware has hidden IR port settings (available via engineering menu).

3. Not all buttons work correctly

• 🔄 Try a different protocol in Mi Remote (click on "Try another code»).
• 📝 If you don’t have a feature (e.g. Sleep Timer), create it manually through User Commands».
• 🔧 Rare devices (such as old music centers) may require third-party software such as IR Universal Remote.

⚠️ Note: If the IR port stopped working after the firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version or installing custom software (for example, LineageOS). → Annexes → Mi Remote → Warehouse → Clear the data).

Comparison of IR port with alternative technologies

An infrared port isn't the only way to control your smartphone, but let's look at its pros and cons against the backdrop of alternatives:

When the IR port is out of competition:

• 🏠 You're old tech without Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (air conditioner 2010 year-end).
• 📺 You need to control several devices at the same time (TV) + soundbar + prefix).
• 🔋 Minimum power consumption is important (the IP port consumes 10 times less battery than Wi-Fi).

When is the best time to choose an alternative:

• 🌍 You need to control the equipment remotely (for example, turn on the heater on the way home).
• 🎤 You want to use voice commands (Alice, Siri, Google Assistant).
• 🏢 The equipment is in another room or behind an obstacle.

💡

The infrared port remains relevant to older technology and situations where autonomy is important, but for the smart home of the future, it is better to combine it with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The future of IR port in Xiaomi devices

The trend of recent years shows that Xiaomi is gradually abandoning the IR port in flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi). POCO F5 It doesn't have it. It's due to several factors:

• 📱 Priority of wireless technologies (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, UWB).
• 🏭 Cost of production (the port requires additional components).
• 🌍 Transition to smart devices with cloud management.

But the IR port is not likely to disappear completely.

1. Demand in developing countries – there are many old technology in Asia and Africa that need IR remotes.
2. Niche scenarios – for example, management of professional equipment (projectors, audio systems).
3. Budget models - Redmi and POCO It will keep the port for the mass buyer.

Possible innovations in the future:

• 🔮 Hybrid modules – combination of IR + Bluetooth for enhanced compatibility.
• 🤖 AI for command recognition – the smartphone will “learn” to control new technology without manual adjustment.
• 🌐 Cloud sync – remote settings will be saved in your Mi Account and transferred to new devices.

If you are planning to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone and you are important to the IR port, pay attention to budget and medium-budget models (Redmi Note, POCO Flagships (Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold) are likely to be stripped of this feature.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on Xiaomi