How to turn on and configure the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 9T is one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for infrared port (IR port), which allows you to control household appliances as a universal remote. However, many users face the problem: the port is physically present, but in the settings it is not visible or it does not work. In this article, we will discuss how to properly activate the infrared port, check its operability and avoid typical errors.

Controlling TVs, air conditioners and other devices from a smartphone is a convenient feature, but setting it up is often questionable. For example, in some regions, the Redmi 9T firmware hides the IR port option by default, and in others requires additional activation through the engineering menu, we tested all methods and collected working solutions for different versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese).

Where is the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 9T?

The physical infrared port on the Redmi 9T is located at the top of the body, next to the speaker and LED light, and it looks like a small black glass window (~2 mm in diameter) and is often disguised as a decorative element to find it:

• 🔍 Take a flashlight and shine it on the top of your smartphone — the port will reflect light slightly.
• 📏 Location: approximately 1 cm to the right of the center of the upper edge (when viewed on the screen).
• 🚫 Not to be confused with a microphone or light sensor, they are to the left of the front camera.

If you are not sure that your model does have a port, check the specifications: Redmi 9T (codename lime) is equipped with an IR transmitter in all versions, including versions for India (Redmi 9 Power) and global builds. Except for some OEM- versions for carriers (for example, for Jio in India), where the port can be software disabled.

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If you have a Redmi 9T NFC, the location of the IR port is identical – the only difference is the availability of a wireless payment module.

How to check if the IR port is working on Redmi 9T

Before you set up the port, make sure it's working.

1. Download any IR port testing application from Google Play, such as IR Tester or CheckIR.
2. Launch the app and point the smartphone to another phone’s camera (or laptop’s webcam).
3. Press the Test IR button in the app. If the port is running, you will see a purple glow on the screen of the second device (infrared signal is visible through the camera).

If there is no glow:

• ⚠️ The port may be contaminated — wipe it with a soft napkin.
• ⚠️ It may be software disabled (see next section).
• ⚠️ In rare cases, a hardware malfunction (diagnosis is required at a service center).

Step-by-step: how to turn on the IR port on Redmi 9T

In most cases, the port is activated through the standard Mi Remote app (or Mi Home in newer versions of MIUI), but if it is not on the menu, you will have to manually enable the function.

Method 1: Through the Mi Remote app

This is the easiest method for most users:

1. Open the Mi Remote app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Add Device.
3. Choose the type of equipment (for example, TV or Air Conditioning).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the smartphone will automatically turn on the IR port and start searching for signals.

Make sure the port is not polluted

Download the Mi Remote (or Mi Home) app

Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi (to download the device base)

Direct the IR port to the equipment (distance not more than 5 meters)

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Method 2: Through the Engineering Menu (if the port is disabled)

If Mi Remote doesn’t see the port or gives you an error, try enabling it through hidden settings:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633###
2. Go to the Hardware Testing → IR (or Infrared) section.
3. Press the IR Test and check if the IR Test Pass message appears.
4. If the test fails, go back to the main menu of engineering settings and select IR Switch → turn on the option.

⚠️ Warning: Don't change the other options in the engineering menu, because it can cause your smartphone to malfunction. If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method.

Method 3: Update the firmware

In some regional firmware (e.g. India or Europe), the IR port can be disabled at the software level.

• 📱 Check the current version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest stable version via Settings → Updating the system.
• 🌍 If no updates are available, install the global firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum).

Important: After changing the firmware, you may need to reset your settings (Hard Reset), as regional restrictions are stored in user data.

Setting up the remote control for control of equipment

Once the IR port is activated, you have to configure the control of the specific devices.

1. Open Mi Remote and press + (Add device).
2. Select a category (like TV) and a brand (like Samsung or LG).
3. Point your smartphone to the equipment and follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to click the switch on the original remote).
4. After successful pairing, keep the device on the list.

If your brand is not on the list:

• 🔍 Try to select the Universal Remote and manually select the code.
• 📥 Update the device base in the Mi Remote settings (Basic Update section).
• 🛠️ Rare models (e.g. older Sony or Panasonic) may require manual code entry from the original remote.

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For stable operation of the IR port, keep your smartphone at a distance of no more than 5-8 meters from the equipment and avoid direct sunlight - they interfere with signal transmission.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successful activation, users face difficulties.

1. The IR port does not detect the equipment

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharged -- IR port requires more power than Bluetooth. Charge your smartphone to 30 percent and try again.
• 📶 Interference – Turn off bright lights or sunlight directed at the port.
• 📱 Application Conflict – Close all background programs (especially those using the camera or sensors).

2. the remote is unstable (buttons are pressed with a delay)

This is typical of cheap models with a weak IR receiver.

• 📌 Move the smartphone closer to the device (optimally, 1-3 meters).
• 🔄 Reboot Mi Remote and select a different profile for your appliance.
• 🛠️ In the application settings, turn on the Amplified Signal mode (if any).

3.After MIUI update, the IR port is gone

This is a common problem when you upgrade to new firmware.

• 🔙 Reverse to the previous version MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📥 Install a modified firmware with IR port support (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi via Settings → Review describing the problem.

⚠️ Warning: If not only the IR port settings but other features (such as NFC or fast charging) are missing after the update, this may indicate that system files are corrupted, in which case only a full Fastboot flashing will help.

Alternative applications for technical management

If the standard Mi Remote doesn’t work, try third-party apps, which often support more brands and have flexible settings:

• 📺 ZaZa Remote is a universal remote with support for rare models of equipment.
• 🎮 SURE Universal Remote – allows you to create macros (for example, turn on the TV + console + sound bar with a single button).
• 🔧 IR Universal Remote – Suitable for older devices (e.g., DVD- players or fans).

When choosing an alternative application, pay attention to:

• 🌐 Support for Russian (not all programs are localized)
• 📥 Size of the device base (the more brands, the better).
• 💰 Presence of paid features (e.g., in SURE Remote macros are available only in the premium version).

Security and Restrictions in the Use of an IR Port

Despite the convenience, infrared control has limitations:

• 🚫 No feedback – the smartphone can’t get data from the equipment (for example, the current temperature of the air conditioner).
• 🔒 Limited range is a maximum distance of ~8 meters (unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to interception – IR signals can be recorded and reproduced using special equipment (although this is unlikely in a household setting).

To minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Do not store passwords or data from smart devices in Mi Remote (for example, for Xiaomi Smart Home, use a separate application).
• 📵 Do not direct the IR port to the equipment in public places (for example, in a cafe or airport).
• 🔄 Update Mi Remote regularly, and new versions will close vulnerabilities.

To control smart appliances (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaner or Yeelight lamps), it is better to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, as they support two-way communication and encryption.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on Redmi 9T