How to turn on and configure the IR port on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: full instruction with a photo

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a popular smartphone with a wide range of features, but many users do not even suspect that their device can control household appliances through an infrared port (IR). Unlike flagship models, where the infrared port is activated by default, in the Redmi Note 10 it often has to be turned on manually. This article will help you understand how to check the presence of the module, turn it on through settings and configure it to work with TVs, air conditioners and other equipment.

It’s important to understand that not all Redmi Note 10 versions have an IR transmitter. For example, the basic version of Redmi Note 10 4G (m2101k6g) does not have one, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10S are equipped with a module. We will explain in detail how to determine the presence of an IR port on your device and what to do if it is not. You will also learn about the hidden capabilities of controlling equipment through the Mi Remote application and alternative methods if the standard method does not work.

How to check if there is an IR port in your Redmi Note 10

Before you try to turn on an IR port, make sure it's physically present in your model. The manufacturer doesn't always specify this information in the specifications, so you'll have to check it yourself.

The most reliable way is to look at the top of your smartphone, and the IR transmitter looks like a little dark glass (usually next to a headphone jack or speaker), and if it's not there, your model doesn't support the function, and you can also use diagnostic applications like CPU-Z or AIDA64 to show you that you have an IR module in the Sensor section.

• 🔍 External inspection: The IR port looks like a small black window on the top edge (sometimes confused with a light sensor).
• 📱 Check through AIDA64: Open the app. → Sensors. → Find the IrDA or Infrared string.
• 🛠️ Testing through the engineering menu: Enter ##36446337## → Check for the Infrared Test item.

If none of the methods confirmed the presence of an infrared port, then your Redmi Note 10 model does not support control of equipment through infrared signal, in this case, you can consider alternatives – Bluetooth remotes or Wi-Fi control through a smart home (we will discuss this below).

Step-by-step: how to turn on the IR port on the Redmi Note 10

If you have an IR module in your smartphone, but the control function doesn't work, chances are the port is simply disabled in the settings, and you can turn it on in two ways: through the standard Mi Remote app or manually through system settings.

The easiest method is to use the proprietary Mi Remote app (it is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones). If it is not available, download it from Google Play.

Open the Mi Remote app

Click Add the device at the bottom of the screen

Select the type of equipment (for example, TV)

Follow the instructions on the screen – the smartphone will automatically turn on the IR port

Check the work by directing the smartphone to the technique and pressing the Test button

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If the app doesn’t automatically turn on the port, try doing it manually:

1. Go to Settings → Connected devices → IR port.
2. Activate the switch Enable the IR port.
3. Return to Mi Remote and try adding the device again.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 and later), the IR port may not be on the menu, in which case resetting the Mi Remote application will help:

⚠️ Note: If after turning on the IR port, the smartphone began to warm up strongly when using the remote, this may indicate a malfunction of the module.

Set up Mi Remote for Technique Management

Once the IR port is activated, you need to configure the Mi Remote app to work with specific devices, and the program supports more than 1,000 brands of equipment, but sometimes you need manual configuration.

To add a new device:

1. Open Mi Remote and tap on + Add the device.
2. Select a category (e.g. Air Conditioning, Television, Music Center).
3. Specify the brand from the list (if your manufacturer is not, choose Another and try universal codes).
4. Point your smartphone to the equipment and press the Test – if the device reacts, the setting is complete.

If the automatic search doesn’t work, try the following:

• 🔄 Update the codebase: In the Mi Remote settings, find Update the database.
• 📡 Use manual input: Some brands (e.g, LG Samsung or Samsung require the designation of the model of the equipment.
• 🔧 Check the distance: Maximum distance for the IR signal is 5-7 meters, the angle should not exceed 30 meters.°.

If Mi Remote doesn’t recognize your technique, try alternative apps like AnyMote or ZaZa Remote, which support more devices but may require manual adjustment.

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If your smartphone doesn’t respond to the buttons in Mi Remote, try restarting the device. Sometimes the IR module freezes after prolonged use.

Common problems and their solution

Even after successful activation of the IR port, users face difficulties, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, it may be the hardware that's the problem, for example, the IR transmitter could have been damaged when a smartphone crashes, and you just have to go to Xiaomi's service center for a diagnosis.

⚠️ Note: Some users try to enable the IR port via the engineering menu (#36446337##), but this can cause a system failure if you do not know the exact parameters!

Alternative ways to control equipment without an IR port

If your Redmi Note 10 model doesn’t have an IR transmitter, don’t despair – there are several alternative ways to control appliances via a smartphone.

The most universal method is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and many of today's TVs, air conditioners and music systems support connectivity using these protocols.

• 📺 Televisions: Annexes LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings or Sony Video & TV SideView lets you manage TV over Wi-Fi.
• ❄️ Air conditioners: Midea, Gree and Haier brands have their own Bluetooth-enabled apps.
• 🔊 Smart speakers: Google Home or Amazon Alexa can act as intermediaries for the management of other equipment.

Another option is to buy an external IR blaster (like the BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2), which connects to a smartphone via Wi-Fi and transmits infrared signals instead of the built-in module, costing between 1,500 and 3,000 rubles, but they support many more devices than a standard IR port.

Update firmware and hidden functions of the IR port

Sometimes the IR port does not work due to an outdated version of MIUI. The manufacturer regularly updates the database of supported devices in Mi Remote, so it is recommended to monitor the release of new versions of the firmware.

To update MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it.

Once updated, check the IR port again, and some firmware also hides additional features, such as:

• 🎵 Music Systems Management: Mi Remote has a separate section for audio equipment (Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer).
• 💡 Lighting control: Some smart lamps (e.g. Xiaomi Yeelight) support IR control.
• 🚪 Smart curtains and gates: Rare, but there are models compatible with Mi Remote.

In the firmware MIUI 13 and later, the Smart Remote feature has appeared, which automatically selects codes for geolocation-based equipment. For example, if you are in Russia, the application will offer popular brands in the country (Rubin, Horizont, Dexp).

Security and Restrictions in the Use of an IR Port

While convenient, controlling equipment through an infrared port has a number of limitations and potential risks. First, the infrared signal only works within line of sight - if there is an obstacle between the smartphone and the equipment (for example, a wall), the command will not reach.

Second, IR signals can be intercepted with special equipment. Although this is unlikely in a household setting, it is not recommended to use a smartphone to control security-related equipment (for example, smart locks).

It is also worth remembering the following nuances:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Continuous use of an IR port can reduce battery life by 5-10%.
• 📶 Interference with other devices: Do not point your smartphone at multiple devices at the same time – this can cause crashes.
• 🛠️ Limited compatibility: Older appliances (released before 2010) may not support universal codes.

If you use an IR port to control your air conditioner or heater, make sure your smartphone is not in high humidity.

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The IR port is convenient for managing appliances, but is not suitable for tasks requiring reliable encryption (such as smart locks or alarms), in such cases it is better to use Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on the Redmi Note 10