Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a popular mid-range smartphone with a wide range of functionality, but many users do not even suspect that their device is equipped with an infrared port (IR port). This module allows you to control household appliances (TVs, air conditioners, music centers) directly from your smartphone, replacing several remote controls.
In this article, we will discuss how to check for an IR port on your Redmi Note 10S, activate it through standard and hidden settings, and configure it for work with different devices. Particular attention will be paid to typical problems - for example, when the Mi Remote application does not see the module or can not connect to the equipment. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).
How to check if there is an IR port on your Redmi Note 10S
Before you try to turn on an IR port, make sure it is physically present in your model. Although the Redmi Note 10S (codename rosemary) is officially equipped with this module, there are regional versions or modifications where it may not be available.
Here are 3 ways to check:
- 🔍 External inspection: The IR port is located at the top of the smartphone, next to the front camera, and it looks like a small black glass window (diameter). ~Hold the phone to a bright light - if you see a reddish glow, the module is available.
- 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Full specifications. The Sensors section should have Infrared Port (in English firmware — IR Blaster).
- 🛠️ Using the engineering menu: Enter the code ##6484## in the Phone app. If the sensor testing menu with the item appears IR Test, port present.
If none of the methods confirmed the presence of the module, it is likely that your version of the Redmi Note 10S was released without an infrared port (for example, some batches for the European market), in which case further settings are useless.
Standard way to enable an IR port via Mi Remote
The easiest method of activation is to use the proprietary Mi Remote app (in Russian firmware – “DU Remote”). It is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones with an IR port. If the application is removed, download it from Google Play or AppGallery.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Mi Remote app.
- Click Add the remote (the icon "+" in the upper right corner).
- Select the category of the device (for example, "TV", "Air conditioning").
- Select the brand of the equipment from the list (if your manufacturer is not, choose Universal).
- Follow the instructions on the screen: direct the smartphone’s IR port to the device and press the testing button.
If the application is successfully connected to the technology, the IR port is activated automatically, otherwise move to the next section.
Make sure that the IR port is physically present
Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version
Check if there is a protective film or cover on the top panel of the smartphone that blocks the signal
Connect your smartphone to charging (for long-term tests)
-->
Manual activation of the IR port through hidden MIUI settings
If Mi Remote doesn't see the module or if it says "Infrared port not detected," it may be disabled at the system level, and then it will help to enable it through hidden developer settings or engineering menus.
Method 1: Through the Developer's Settings
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Developer settings.
- Find the USB Debugging option and activate it (this will unlock additional options).
- Scroll down to Hardware Acceleration and turn on the Infrared Port (if there is one).
Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
Enter the phone app code ##36446337##. In the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing → IR Test. If the test is successful (the screen displays a green tick), the port works. If the test does not start, the module is disabled at the firmware level.
What to do if the developer does not have an Infrared Port option in the settings?
Enabling an IR port via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can try activating the module via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Download and install Platform Tools (part of the Android SDK).
- Turn on your smartphone to debug by USB (see the previous section).
- Connect the Redmi Note 10S PC-only USB-cable (use the original cable for a stable connection).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to turn on the IR port: adb shell settings put global ir_blaster_enabled 1
- Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot
After restarting, check the IR port through Mi Remote. If the module is still inactive, the problem may be a firmware or hardware malfunction.
💡
Before using ADB, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause system failures.
Customization of the universal remote and solving typical problems
Even if the IR port is successfully activated, Mi Remote can be difficult to work with.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| App doesn't see IR port | Module disabled at firmware level | Update. MIUI or use ADB-teams (see above) |
| The remote doesn't control the technology. | Incorrectly selected brand or model of device | Try a universal profile or add the device manually through "Learning" |
| Signal interrupted or weak | Interference from sunlight or blocking with a cover | Remove obstacles, point the smartphone directly to the receiver of technology |
| The app crashes out during testing | Conflict with other applications or damaged data | Clear the Mi Remote cache in the application settings |
If your equipment is not in the Mi Remote database, use the "Learning" function:
- In the app, select Add Remote → Training.
- Specify the type of device (e.g., "Air conditioning").
- Point the original remote control and smartphone at each other (the ports should “look” at each other).
- Press the button on the original remote, then on the smartphone screen.
- Repeat for all necessary buttons.
💡
The Learn feature allows you to program Mi Remote to work with any technique, even if it is not in the application database, the main thing is the presence of the original remote control for copying signals.
Checking the efficiency of the IR port using third-party applications
If Mi Remote is unstable, you can test the IR port with alternative applications, which often offer advanced features, such as creating user profiles or managing over Wi-Fi.
Top.-3 check-in:
- 📺 ZaZa Remote — supports more than 1,000 brands, there is a mode "Learning.
- 🔥 AnyMote Universal Remote — works with IR and Wi-Fi devices, there is a cloud backup settings.
- 🛠️ IR Universal Remote is a simple interface that supports the creation of widgets on the home screen.
For testing:
- Install one of the applications.
- Provide permissions to access the IR port (if requested).
- Add the device manually or through a database.
- Test sending signals (e.g., turn the TV on/off).
Important: Some third-party applications require root rights to work fully with the IR port, and may be limited on non-rooted devices.
Frequent questions and mistakes when working with the IR port
Even after successful activation, users have questions about operation.
Can IR port be used to control equipment through the wall?
Why did the IR port stop working after the MIUI update?
Can I turn on the IR port on the Redmi Note 10S without root?
How to check if the IR port is working if there is no test technique?
What is the maximum distance of the IR port?
Alternative ways to control equipment if the IR port does not work
If all attempts to activate the IR port have failed, consider alternative options:
- 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Remote: Many modern TVs and air conditioners support control through manufacturer applications (e.g, LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings).
- 🤖 Smart speakers: Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker or Google Nest can control technology through voice commands.
- 🔌 Universal Wi-Fi modules: Devices like BroadLink RM4 Pro connect to your network and simulate IR signals, controlled from a smartphone.
- 🔄 Cloud services: Some brands (such as Sony or Panasonic) allow you to manage your appliances over the Internet.
If you want to use an IR port but it doesn’t work, check:
⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 10S (The IR port can be disabled in the build.prop file. To activate it, you will need to edit system files, which requires root rights and can lead to loss of warranty.
Before buying additional devices, make sure your appliances support alternative control methods, such as older TV models often only work through IR.