Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for infrared port (IR), which allows you to control household appliances as a universal remote. However, many users face the problem: the sensor is there, but how to activate it and where to look for settings? In this article, we will discuss all the ways to turn on the infrared port, check its operability and solve typical errors.
Control of TVs, air conditioners and other equipment from a smartphone is a convenient feature, but not always obvious. The manufacturer does not always bring it to a prominent place on the menu, and in some firmware, the option is hidden deep in the system settings, we will show how to find the infrared port on Redmi 9, which applications to use to control equipment and what to do if the sensor does not work.
Where is the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 9
Before you turn on the feature, you need to make sure that your model is indeed equipped with an infrared sensor. On Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot), the IR port is located at the top of the case, next to the speaker and the front camera, visually it looks like a small black window (sometimes with a reddish hue when used actively).
To accurately identify the sensor:
- 🔍 Look at the top of the smartphone – the IR port is usually to the left of the speaker.
- 📱 Compare this with the official documentation: on Redmi 9, the sensor is symmetrically located with a light sensor.
- 🛠️ If in doubt, use a flashlight: bring the phone to the source of the infrared signal (for example, a remote control from a TV) and look through the camera of another smartphone – the working sensor will flash.
Important: Don't confuse the IR port with a proximity or illumination sensor! The latter are located to the right of the speaker and have no external "window." Some Redmi 9 modifications (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C) have no infrared port at all - check the specifications of your model.
How to check if the IR port is working on Redmi 9
Before you set up the control equipment, make sure that the sensor is correct. There are several ways to diagnose:
- Visual check: turn on the smartphone app for control equipment (for example, Mi Remote), direct the IR port to the camera of another phone and press any button in the application. On the screen of the second device should appear flashing white flashes (IR signal is invisible to the eye, but is fixed by the camera).
- Testing through the engineering menu: enter the code ##6484## in the Phone app. The MIUI Testing Tool will open, where you select the IR Test, and if the sensor works, PASS will appear.
- Checking through third-party apps: install IR Universal Remote from Google Play and try adding any device.If the app doesn't find an IR port, the problem could be drivers or a hardware malfunction.
Critical information: on some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the IR port can be disabled at the kernel level. /system/etc/ir_remote.conf or reflashing the original software.
⚠️ Note: If an error appears during the test through the engineering menu FAIL, Don't rush your phone to the service. Try resetting the network settings first (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings – sometimes this solves the sensor driver problem.
Step-by-step: how to turn on the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 9
Unlike some flagship Xiaomi models, the Redmi 9 does not require a separate IR port activation – it turns on automatically when the app is first launched.
Make sure the latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI|Download the official Mi Remote app from Google Play|Check that the IR port is not covered with a cover or film|Connect to the Internet to download the device database-->
Step 1: Installation of the application
By default, Redmi 9 may not have a pre-installed IR application. Download Mi Remote from Google Play (developed by Xiaomi Inc.). Alternative apps like ZaZa Remote or AnyMote will also work, but may require additional permissions.
Step 2: Granting Permits
When you first start up, Mi Remote will request access to:
- 📡 Infrared port (required!
- 📱 Storage (to save remote settings).
- 🌐 Internet (to download the supported device database).
Allow all requests, otherwise the application will not work.
Step 3: Adding a device
In the Mi Remote main menu, click "+" and select a category of equipment (for example, "TV" or "Air conditioning").
- Select the brand of the device from the list (e.g. Samsung, LG, Xiaomi).
- Direct the IR port of the smartphone to the equipment and hold the test button in the application.
- If the device reacted (for example, the TV switched the channel), save the settings.
Step 4: Testing and setting up
After adding, check all the buttons in the app.If some features don't work (like volume control), go back to the device settings menu in Mi Remote and select an alternative profile for your brand.
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If the IR port is not responding to commands, try restarting the phone. Sometimes the sensor driver will "hang" after a long downtime.
Compatibility of Xiaomi Redmi 9 with home appliances
Not all equipment supports control through the Redmi 9 IR port. Below is a table of compatibility with popular brands:
| Category of technology | Supported brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Televisions | Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, Philips, TCL | Samsung may need to choose a model manually. |
| Air conditioners | Gree, Midea, Daikin, Panasonic, Electrolux | Some Daikin models require special profiles. |
| Audio systems | Yamaha, Pioneer, Sony, JBL | Control is limited to basic functions (on/off, volume). |
| Projectors | Epson, BenQ, Xiaomi | For Epson, focus adjustment may not work. |
| Fans | Xiaomi, Polaris, Scarlett | Support is limited to models with IR control. |
If your brand isn’t on the list, try selecting a Universal profile in Mi Remote and manually picking up working teams.
What to do if the IR port does not work on Redmi 9
If after all the manipulations the sensor does not respond, check the following points:
- Physical injuries: inspect the IR port for scratches, dust or moisture. wipe it with a soft napkin soaked in alcohol.
- Software Update: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI. Old firmware may have bugs with IR port drivers.
- Application Conflict: If you have multiple IR management programs installed, remove them and leave only Mi Remote.
- Reset: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Resetting), but remember to back up the data.
⚠️ Warning: If the IR port stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, don't try to disassemble the device yourself. In Redmi 9, the sensor is soldered to the motherboard, and its replacement requires professional equipment.
Hardware Diagnostics: If none of these methods worked, check the sensor with the Sensor Test app (available on Google Play).The IR Sensor section should show the value of Available: Yes. If you see Not detected instead, the problem is precisely in the hardware.
How to check the IR port through ADB
Alternative ways to control equipment without an IR port
If your Redmi 9 is not equipped with an IR port or the sensor is broken, there are other options:
- 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-management: many modern TVs and air conditioners support local area network connectivity. Use official brand applications (e.g, LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings).
- 🔌 Smart sockets: Xiaomi devices (such as Mi Smart Plug) allow you to turn on / off equipment through the Mi Home app.
- 🎮 Universal remotes: buy a separate IR remote with support for your equipment (for example, BroadLink) RM4 Pro, which is controlled from a smartphone).
- 💡 Voice assistants: if the technique is compatible with Google Assistant or Alice, set up voice control.
Comparison of methods:
| Method | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| IR port | It does not require the Internet, it works with any technology. | Limited range (up to 5 m), direct visibility is required |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Management from anywhere in the house, advanced functions | Requires compatible technology, depends on the network |
| Smart sockets | Simple installation, works with any technique | You need to buy additional equipment, only on/off |
If you often control equipment from a smartphone, the best option is to combine an infrared port for old equipment and Wi-Fi for modern devices.
How to update the device base in Mi Remote
Mi Remote regularly updates the list of supported devices, but sometimes new models of equipment are not displayed in the list.
- Open Mi Remote and go to the Devices section.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Update database”.
- Wait until the app downloads new profiles (internet connection required).
- If the update didn’t help, uninstall and reinstall the app.
Additional way: If your model of technology is not in the database, try adding it manually through the Learning function in Mi Remote.
- Select the category of the device (for example, "Air Conditioning").
- Click on “Add manually” → “Training.”
- Follow the instructions on the screen, directing the IR port of the smartphone to the original remote from the equipment.
⚠️ Note: Learning does not work with all devices. If you have a Failed to Learn error in the process, try repeating the procedure in another room (may be interfered with by interference from other IR sources).
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Updating the device base in Mi Remote is automatic once a month, but when you add new technology, it is better to start checking manually.