The infrared port (IR port) in Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient tool for managing household appliances without additional remotes. Despite the popular belief that IR modules are a thing of the past, many Redmi models are a thing of the past, POCO Mi and Mi are still equipped with them, but not all users know how to properly activate this feature and start using it.
In this article, we will learn how to check for an IR port on your device, enable it through settings, configure the Mi Remote app for managing equipment, and solve typical problems faced by Xiaomi owners.
If you want to turn your smartphone into a universal remote, read on. We've collected up-to-date data for 2026, including support for new HyperOS firmware and features of working with equipment from different brands.
How to check if there is an IR port on your Xiaomi
Before you try to turn on an IR port, make sure your Xiaomi model is equipped with one. Not all of the company’s smartphones have this module – especially for budget and ultra-compact devices.
Here are the main ways to check:
- 🔍 Visual inspection: The IR port is usually located at the top of the body (near the front camera or speaker) and looks like a small black glass or hole. In some models, it can be confused with a light sensor, but the IR port usually has a metal edging.
- 📱 Check through settings: Open Settings → Connections and sharing → Infrared port. If there's no such point, there's probably no module.
- 🛠️ Service codes: Enter ##4636##, then go to Phone Information. Some firmware may display IR port status.
- 📋 Official specifications: Check the specifications of your model on the Xiaomi website or in documents out of the box.
If you haven't found an IR port, but you're sure it should be, it might be disabled at the software level, and the hidden settings section below will help.
List of Xiaomi models with IR port (2018-2026)
To save your time, we have compiled a current list of Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, Note that even if your model is on the list, the functionality may vary depending on the regional firmware.
| Series | Models with IR port | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi | Mi 8, Mi 9, Mi 9 SE, Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra | In the Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11i No IR port. |
| Redmi Note | Note 7, Note 7 Pro, Note 8, Note 8 Pro, Note 9, Note 9 Pro, Note 10, Note 10 Pro, Note 11, Note 11 Pro, Note 12 Pro+ | In the basic versions (for example, Note 10 Lite) may not be available |
| Redmi | Redmi K20, K20 Pro, K30, K30 Pro, K40, K50, K50 Pro | At Redmi. K60 IR port removed |
| POCO | POCO F1, POCO X2, POCO X3, POCO X3 Pro, POCO F3, POCO F4, POCO F5 | V POCO M-series (e.g., M-series, M3, M4) No IR port. |
If your model is not in the table, it does not guarantee that there is no IR port - some devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro). 4G) You can have a module depending on the market. For accurate verification, use the methods in the previous section.
⚠️ Note: Starting in 2023, Xiaomi gradually abandons infrared ports in new models in favor of Bluetooth LE And Wi-Fi Direct for smart appliances, and if you're planning to buy a smartphone specifically for the remote, check if the vendor has a module.
How to turn on the IR port on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
If your smartphone has an IR port, you can turn it on in two ways: through standard settings or through the Mi Remote app, and let's look at both.
Method 1: Through system settings
This method works on most devices with firmware MIUI 12-14 or HyperOS:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Additional Settings) → Infrared port on older versions MIUI).
- Find the Infrared Port and move the slider to the right for activation.
- The system can request permission to access the sensors, confirm.
Once you turn on the status bar (top bar), an IR port icon (stylized wave or remote) may appear. If it's not, don't worry, that's okay.
Method 2: Through the Mi Remote app
The Mi Remote app (or Xiaomi Remote) automatically activates the IR port when you first start it up.
- Download Mi Remote from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services).
- Open the app and allow access to the Camera and Sensors.
- Click Add Device and select the type of equipment (TV, air conditioning, etc.).
- Follow the instructions on the screen to set up the remote.
If you start Mi Remote error "Infrared port not detected" - go to the section about solving problems.
Check for the IR port on the body
Update the firmware to the latest version
Download Mi Remote from the official store
Allow the app to access sensors-->
What to do if the IR port is disabled or hidden
On some Xiaomi models (especially custom firmware or for certain regions), the IR port can be deactivated at the software level, in which case one of the following methods will help:
Method 1: Activation through the Engineering Menu
For power users, there is a way to enable the IR port through hidden settings:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##3644633##.
- In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing → IR Test.
- Press Enable. IR and reboot the device.
If the code doesn't work, try the alternative: ##4636## → Phone information → Select a sensor → IR Sensor.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.
Method 2: Installation of alternative firmware
If the IR port is blocked by the manufacturer (for example, on some versions of the Redmi Note 10 for the European market), it can be unlocked by installing:
- 🌍 Global firmware (if you have a regional version).
- 🛠️ Castomy Recovery (e.g, TWRP) followed by the modification of the modified.
- 🔧 Magisk module (e.g., Magisk module, IR Fix for Xiaomi).
Before you firmware, back up your data! For detailed instructions on unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software, look for in thematic forums, for example, 4PDA.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Set up Mi Remote for Technique Management
Once you turn on the IR port, you have to configure the Mi Remote app to work with your hardware, and it's a simple process, but there are nuances that many people don't know about.
Addition of a new device
Follow this instruction:
- Open Mi Remote and press. + (plus-batch in lower right corner.
- Select the category of equipment (for example, TV, Air Conditioning, Music Center).
- Specify the brand of the device (for example, Samsung, LG, If your brand is not, choose another.
- Point your smartphone to the equipment and press the Test. The application will send a signal and check compatibility.
- If the test is successful, save the settings.
If the automatic search didn’t work, try manually selecting a model from a list or using the learning feature (not available for all devices).
Creating macros and scenarios
One of the most useful features of Mi Remote is the ability to create macros (sequences of commands).
- 📺 Turn on the TV, switch it to HDMI-login and launch Netflix.
- ❄️ Turn on the air conditioner, set the temperature 22°C and activate sleep mode.
- 🎶 Turn on the music center and play the playlist from your smartphone.
To create a macro:
- In Mi Remote, go to the Macrosa tab.
- Click Create a macro and add a sequence of commands.
- Save the macro and assign it a name (e.g., "Evening Cinema").
Macros can be run from both the app screen and the widget on the home screen.
💡
If your device is not recognized in Mi Remote, try using third-party apps like ZaZaRemote or other apps. SURE Universal Remote.They support more brands and often work better with outdated tech.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after successful activation of the IR port, users face difficulties, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The IR port is not included in the settings | There is no driver in the firmware or hardware malfunction | Update the software or check the device in the service center |
| Mi Remote doesn't find any | Code incompatibility or weak signal | Try another brand in the settings or reduce the distance to the device |
| Commands are executed with a delay | Slow IR port response or conflict with other applications | Close the background programs and restart the smartphone |
| The IR port only works after restarting. | Error in the power management module | Turn off battery optimization for Mi Remote in settings |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge: At low charge level (less than 15%), the IR port can be turned off to save energy.
- 🛡️ Security settings: Some antiviruses block apps from accessing sensors.
- 📱 Integrity of the case: If the smartphone fell, the IR port could be physically damaged.
💡
If the IR port stopped working after the firmware update, try rolling back on the previous version of the software or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. Often, sensor bugs are fixed in the next updates.
Alternative ways to control equipment without an IR port
If your Xiaomi doesn't have an IR port, it doesn't mean you can't use your smartphone as a remote. There are several alternatives:
1. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi remotes
Many modern TVs, air conditioners and other equipment support control over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- 📺 Make sure your appliances are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone.
- 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
- 📱 Use the official brand apps (for example, LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings).
The advantage of this method is a longer range and no need to direct the smartphone to the equipment.
2.Smart speakers and hubs
If you have a smart speaker (such as Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker or Amazon Echo), you can control the technique through voice commands.
- Connect your appliances to your smart home via Mi Home or Google Home.
- Configure automation scenarios (e.g., “OK Google, turn on the TV”).
This solution requires an initial investment in smart devices, but provides much more features than an IR remote.
External IR blasters
If you are critically important to the IR function, you can buy an external IR blaster (for example, BroadLink). RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2: These devices connect to Wi-Fi and allow you to control equipment via a smartphone even without a built-in infrared port.
The cost of such gadgets starts from 1,500 rubles, but they support much more devices than the built-in module in the smartphone.