How to turn on and configure an IR port on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide 2026

Why do I need an IR port in a smartphone and how it works on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

The infrared port (IR port) in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a versatile tool for managing household appliances that many users underestimate. Despite the proliferation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the IR remote remains relevant due to its simplicity and compatibility with millions of devices, from Samsung and LG TVs to Daikin air conditioners and Sony music centers. Unlike wireless protocols, IR communication does not require a connection to the network and works instantly – just point the smartphone to the receiver.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the IR port is located at the top of the case (near the headphone jack) and is controlled through the company’s Mi Remote app. However, many people face the problem: the port does not activate automatically after a MIUI update or reset. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to turn on the IR port, from standard to hidden, and also tell you how to check its performance and fix typical errors.

It is important to understand that an IR port is not only a convenience, but also a savings: one smartphone replaces a dozen remotes, and the Smart Home feature in MIUI allows you to create automation scenarios (for example, turn on the air conditioner when you return home), but it requires the right setup to work correctly - and this is where many have difficulties.

Check for an IR port on your Redmi Note 8 Pro

Before you try to turn on an infrared port, make sure it's physically present in your model. Although the Redmi Note 8 Pro was equipped with it by default, there are regional modifications (for example, for some Asian markets) where the port may have been excluded.

• 🔍 External inspection: On the top of the smartphone (near the 3.5 mm audio jack), there should be a small black or gray round sensor — this is the IR transmitter. If it is not, your model does not support the function.
• 📱 Check through MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Full specifications. The sensors section should have the item "Infrared port".
• 🛠️ Diagnostics via the Engineering menu: Enter in the dialer ##4636##, select "Equipment Testing" and find the section IR Blaster.

If the port is not in the specification, but the sensor is physically there, it may be disabled at the software level, in which case unlocking the bootloader or the firmware of the global version of MIUI (we will discuss this below) will help.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the IR port with the proximity sensor (located next to the front camera), the latter is used to turn off the screen during a call and has nothing to do with the control of equipment.

Standard way to enable an IR port via Mi Remote

The main activation method is installing and configuring the official Mi Remote app (formerly called Mi Remote Controller), which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, but if it is not available, download from Google Play or AppGallery.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Remote app (DU remote icon).
2. Click "Add device" at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select a category of equipment (for example, "TV" or "Air conditioning").
4. Specify the brand from the list (if yours is not, select Universal).
5. Point your smartphone to the receiver and press Test – if the IR port works, the device will react (for example, the TV will turn on).

If nothing happens during the test:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 📶 Make sure there are no physical barriers between your smartphone and appliances (maximum distance is 5-7 meters).
• 🔋 Check battery power: at levels below 15%, the IR transmitter can be turned off to save energy.

Hidden MIUI settings for forced IR port turn on

If the standard method didn't work, maybe the IR port is disabled in the system settings. MIUI 12/13/14 For the Redmi Note 8 Pro has hidden parameters that can be activated through an engineering menu or ADB-team.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337##.
2. Go to the Hardware Testing section → IR Blaster.
3. Click Test – If the port is running, the IR Test Pass message will appear.
4. If the test fails, try turning on the Enable IR switch (if you have one).

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

This requires an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging enabled. Connect your smartphone to your PC, open the command line, and type:

adb shell settings put global ir_blaster_enabled 1

After completing the command, restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Change the hidden settings through ADB This can cause system instability. Before executing commands, back up your data in Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Update MIUI and firmware to restore the IR port

A common cause of an IR port that is not working is an outdated or “cut” version of MIUI. For example, in some regional firmware (for example, for India or China), the function may be disabled, the solution is to upgrade to a global stable version or flash EU-rum (unofficial firmware from Xiaomi.eu).

Instructions for updating:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Select Service Pack".
3. Download the latest global firmware from the official Xiaomi website (choose the version for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, begonia encoding).
4. Upload the file to the root of the phone’s memory and confirm the installation.

If the update didn’t work, try resetting to factory settings:

• 🔄 Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.
• ⚠️ Before resetting, save data as all applications and files will be deleted.

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If the IR port is up and running after the upgrade, but Mi Remote doesn't see your hardware, try manually adding the device by code. To do this, select "Add Manually" in the app and enter the code from the codebase for your brand.

Alternative applications for control of equipment through IR port

If Mi Remote doesn't work or support your hardware, try third-party apps. They often have wider codebases and additional features (like creating macros).

• 📺 AnyMote Universal Remote – supports more than 900,000 devices, has a remote learning feature.
• ❄️ Clima - specializes in air conditioning, can save your favorite modes.
• 🎵 SURE Universal Remote – works with multimedia systems and smart lamps.
• 🔧 IR Plus – allows you to create your own teams for rare equipment.

Example of anymote configuration:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Select a category of device (e.g., "TV").
3. If your brand is not listed, click Add by Learning and follow the instructions (you will need the original remote).
4. Test the commands – if the technique reacts, save the settings.

Third-party applications may require additional permissions, such as access to the camera (to scan the original remote) or location (for geolocation functions).

💡

Third-party apps often do better with rare techniques, but they may contain ads. For stable work, prefer paid versions (such as AnyMote Pro) or high-rated apps (4.5+).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful IR port activation, users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Critical information: If the IR port has not worked after all the manipulations, check it on another device (for example, a TV or air conditioner). If there is no reaction on any device, most likely, the port is physically damaged, you will need repairs at the service center.

⚠️ Note: Some cases with metallized inserts or magnets may shield the IR signal. If you use a case with a smart opening function (for example, Xiaomi Smart Cover), try removing it before using the remote control.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions