Why Redmi 9 is the perfect TV control
Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a budget device for calls and social networks. Thanks to the built-in infrared port (IR), support for Mi Remote and modern wireless protocols, it can replace several remotes at once. This is especially true for owners of smart TVs Samsung QLED, LG OLED or Xiaomi Mi TV, where standard remotes are often lost or fail.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can control your Redmi 9 TV, from classic IR control to voice commands via Google Assistant and Alice, how to set up a connection in 2 minutes, what apps to use for different TV brands, and what to do if your phone doesn’t see the TV, and secret chips that are not even mentioned in official instructions.
Method 1: Control via IR port (for all TVs)
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 features a built-in infrared transmitter on the top edge, allowing it to mimic the signals of almost any remote control, a method that works even with older TV models, Released until 2010, as long as they support IR control.
To get started, download the official Mi Remote Controller app from Google Play, which is pre-loaded to MIUI firmware, but may require an update.
- 📱 Open the app and allow access to the Camera (needed for scanning IR signals) and Memory.
- 🔍 Click "Add device» → Select the category "Television».
- 📺 Enter your TV brand (e.g. Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia) or select Universal Remote if your model is not listed.
- 🎛️ Follow the instructions on the screen: direct the IR port of the phone to the TV (distance - up to 8 meters) and check the performance of the buttons.
If the TV doesn't respond, try:
- Reboot the Mi Remote app.
- Choose another TV model from the list (sometimes the signals coincide for different series of the same brand).
- Update the remote database in the application settings (Settings → Update the database).
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9's IR port is in the upper left corner (when looking at the screen). Do not cover it with your fingers or a cover while using it, this blocks the signal. Also avoid direct sunlight on the IR receiver of the TV, which can interfere with the IR receiver.
Method 2: Wi-Fi control (for Smart TV)
If your TV supports Wi-Fi Direct or is connected to the same network as Redmi 9, you can control it without an infrared port, which allows you to transfer media files, voice input, access YouTube or Netflix directly from your phone.
For most modern TV, the following applications are suitable:
| Brand TV | Recommended annex | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | SmartThings | Voice control, screen transfer, access to Samsung TV Plus |
| LG | LG ThinQ | AirPlay 2 support, Ambient Mode setup |
| Sony Bravia | Video & TV SideView | Integration with Google Cast, search for content by voice |
| Xiaomi Mi TV | Mi Home | Xiaomi Smart Devices Management, Fast Teams |
Instructions for connecting via Wi-Fi:
- Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or activate Wi-Fi Direct on your TV).
- Download the app for your TV brand (see table above).
- Run the app and follow the setup wizard. You may need to type in. PIN-code that will appear on the TV screen.
- After pairing, check the basic functions: channel switching, volume adjustment, application launch.
Connect TV and phone to the same network | Update TV firmware | Download the official brand app | Allow location access (for some models)
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The advantage of this method is that you don't have to aim at the TV with your phone, but you can delay your signal by as much as 0.5 to 1 second, which is critical for games or fast channel switching.
Method 3: Voice control via Google Assistant or Alice
If you use Google Assistant or Yandex Alice, Redmi 9 can be a voice remote for your TV, which only works with Smart TVs connected to the same account as your phone.
To set up:
- 🎤 Activate Google Assistant on Redmi 9 (Settings) → Google → Settings for Assistant).
- 📺 Connect your TV to the same Google account (for Android) TV) or Yandex (for Salute TV).
- 🗣️ Say a command like, “OK Google, turn on Netflix on your TV” “Alice, put Channel 25 on your TV»
Voice control supports the following commands (examples for Google Assistant):
| Category | Example of team |
|---|---|
| Nutrition management | "Switch off the TV in the living room." |
| Channel switching | "Show Channel One" |
| Sound adjustment | “Increase the volume on the TV by 30%.” |
| Launching content | Turn on the Lord of the Rings movie on TV. |
⚠️ Note: To work voice commands, the TV must support Google Cast (for Assistant) or be connected to the Yandex Ecosystem (for Alice). LG You may need to adjust the TV menu (Settings) → Voice control → External devices).
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If the voice assistant doesn't find the TV, restart both devices and check they're connected to the same account. TV It can also help to reset your Mi Home settings (Settings). → Smart home. → Reset the connections).
Method 4: Use of universal applications (alternative to Mi Remote)
If Mi Remote is not suitable (for example, your TV model is not in the database), try universal applications:
- 📱 ZaZa Remote supports over 800,000 devices, including rare brands (Toshiba, Sharp, Hisense).
- 🎛️ AnyMote – allows you to create custom commands and macros (for example, one button to turn on TV) + Netflix launch).
- 🔧 Sure Universal Remote – works with smart homes (HomeKit, SmartThings) and supports IFTTT.
To set up in ZaZa Remote:
- Download the application and allow access to the Camera (for IR) and Wi-Fi.
- Select “Add device” → “TV” → specify the brand.
- If your model is not available, select Manual Code Entering and try universal codes (e.g., 0001, 0178 for Samsung).
- Test the buttons. If some don't work, go back to the menu and select a different profile.
Universal apps are often updated more frequently than Mi Remote and support new TV models faster, but they may contain ads or require paid subscriptions for advanced features.
How to find code for a rare TV?
Problem Solving: TV doesn't respond to commands
If none of these methods worked, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| IR signals don't pass. | IR port closed on phone or TV | Remove the cover, check for no obstacles |
| Wi-Fi control lays down | Weak router signal | Connect to 5 GHz network or use Wi-Fi Direct |
| The app doesn't find TV | The old firmware of the TV | Update TV through Settings → Support → Software Update |
| Voice commands are down. | There is no connection to the account | Reconnect the TV to Google Home or Yandex |
For IR port diagnostics on Redmi 9:
- Open the camera on another smartphone.
- Point the Redmi 9 IR port to the camera and press any button in Mi Remote.
- If the IR signal is working, you will see a purple flicker on the camera screen (the human eye can’t see it).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially customized ones. The IR port can be disabled. To activate it, go to Settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Infrared port and enable the option.
Additional features: what else can you do with your phone
In addition to basic control, Redmi 9 allows you to:
- 🎮 Use your phone as a gamepad for Android games TV (GameSir or Octopus applications).
- 📁 Transfer files to the TV without USB (via Send Files to TV or LocalCast).
- 🔊 Customize the sound equalizer remotely (in Samsung SoundAssistant applications or LG Sound Sync).
- 📱 Duplicate your phone screen to TV via Miracast or Google Cast (Settings) → Connections → Screen transmission).
To transmit the screen:
- Activate Miracast on your TV (Settings → Network → Miracast or Screen Mirroring).
- On Redmi 9, go to Settings → Connections → Screen Transfer.
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the pairing on TV (entry may be required) PIN-code).
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For minimal screen duplication delay, use a Wi-Fi 6 router or connect via Ethernet cable (if the TV supports Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge).