Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming universal devices for managing the digital ecosystem around the user. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices have the unique ability to control household appliances without the use of bulky physical remotes. In the Redmi Note 9 Pro model, engineers have retained an infrared transmitter that allows you to turn the gadget into a universal remote control.
Many users find that when you first turn on your smartphone, the function does not work automatically or the remote application is absent from the desktop by default, due to the features of the MIUI firmware and regional settings of the system. To activate the control of the equipment, you need to perform a series of simple steps to set up the built-in module.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail how to activate an infrared port, configure the Mi Remote application to work with your equipment and what to do if the sensor has stopped responding to commands. You will learn how to create profiles for TVs, air conditioners and other equipment, ensuring maximum comfort.
Location and verification of the presence of an IR sensor
The first step before setting up is to physically check the device. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the infrared emitter is located on the upper end of the case, next to the noise reduction microphone and headphone jack, which is a small black window that almost merges with the frame of the case.
Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi does not require the functionality to be enabled through hidden engineering menus. The module works at the hardware level and is activated software when the corresponding application is launched. However, before using it, you should make sure that there are no plugs on the protective glass or case that block the signal.
So to quickly test your performance, you can use another smartphone's camera, and if you point the IR port at the camera lens and you press the button in the remote app, you'll see a characteristic purple glow that's invisible to the human eye, and that confirms that the hardware is functional and ready to go.
- 🔍 Location: upper end of the body, left or center.
- 📱 Check: Use another phone’s camera to capture the IR signal.
- 🛡️ Protection: Make sure the cover does not cover the emitter.
- ⚙️ Activation: occurs automatically when the software is started.
⚠️ Warning: If you use a black-framed protective glass at the edges, make sure it doesn’t close the IR emitter, otherwise the signal will be blocked.
Having this module makes the Redmi Note 9 Pro a powerful smart home control tool, even if your appliances don't support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.Infrared signal is versatile and works with most devices released in recent decades.
Installation and initial configuration of the Mi Remote application
The main tool for managing equipment is the system application Mi Remote (in some regions it may be called “Mi Remote”). On global versions of firmware, it is often preinstalled in the Tools folder, but in some cases it has to be downloaded separately from the Google Play store or GetApps.
Once the application is launched, the system will request permission to use geolocation, a requirement that is necessary to correctly select control codes depending on your region and device model, and without this permission, the remote database may not work correctly or display the desired brands.
The interface is intuitive: at the bottom of the screen, there are tabs to add different types of equipment. You can add a TV, a set-top box, air conditioner, camera, fan and even a projector. Each type of device creates a separate virtual remote.
The setup process takes just a couple of minutes, and you have to choose the type of device, find the manufacturer in the list or through a search, and then go through a test calibration, and the system will ask you to press a few buttons on the smartphone screen and confirm whether your equipment responds to commands.
⚠️ Warning: Don't choose random codes without checking. If the technique doesn't respond to test commands, go back and choose another one from the system.
Once successfully calibrated, the remote is stored in the app’s memory, and you can rename it, for example, “Living Room Television” or “Office Air Conditioning,” to quickly navigate the list of connected devices.
Step-by-step: Adding a new device
So let's look at a detailed algorithm for adding a new device, like a TV, and open the Mi Remote app and click on the + icon or the Add Remote button, and the system will tell you to select a category of device, in this case, a TV.
Next comes the brand search step, you can scroll through a list or search the manufacturer's name, and if your brand isn't on the list, you can try to select "Code Search" or use the automatic matching feature, if it's available in your firmware version.
Settings → Applications → Mi Remote → Permissions → Enable all necessary rights
After selecting a brand, a series of control buttons (on, volume, channels) will appear on the screen. You need to point the upper end of the smartphone to the receiver and press buttons to answer the application questions ("Does the volume react?").
This process can be repeated several times until the system determines the exact code set for your device. Calibration is a key step in how you will work in the future.
What to do if the brand is not on the list?
If your manufacturer is not on the list, try selecting a universal code or brand analog (OEM). Often codes from the same manufacturer are suitable for devices assembled on the same boards. You can also try the "Autopoisk" feature, which looks at all possible signal combinations. Once you're done with the setup, you'll get a full remote in your pocket. The application allows you to create shortcuts on the desktop for quick access to frequently used functions, such as turning on the TV or changing the temperature of the air conditioner. The compatibility table and types of supported devices The IR port functionality on the Redmi Note 9 Pro covers a wide range of household appliances, however, the database can vary from the year to the range of the application release. Below is a table of the main types of devices and features of their connection via the IR port. Please note that for some devices, such as air conditioners, it is important to fine-tune temperature regimes (TV) On/off, volume, channels, menu Requires precise code selection for Smart-functions Air conditioning Temperature, mode, fan speed Important calibration of display of current temperature TV set-top box Navigation, selection, return, media Often conflicts with the console itself Projector Focus, zoom, Signal Source Rare Brands May Require Manual Input DVD/Blu-ray Reproduction, stop, tray Standard codes work in 90% It is worth noting that the IR port does not support bilateral communication in full. The smartphone sends a command, but it doesn't always get confirmation of its execution, so visually on the phone screen, the device's status may not be updated in real time. Using a smartphone instead of many plastic remotes makes life much easier. One Redmi Note 9 Pro can replace the remote from the TV, music center, air conditioning and even the fan, while taking up minimal space. Problem solving: the remote is not working or does not see the device Despite the ease of setting, users can face a situation where the infrared port stops responding or the device can not find. Most often the problem lies in software conflicts or in the wrong calibers. Go to your smartphone settings, select Apps, find Mi Remote, and make sure you're allowed geolocation and storage. Without those rights, the app might not work properly. 🔄 Reboot: A simple smartphone restart often solves temporary driver failures. 🧹 Cache Clearing: Delete Temporary Application Files Through Settings. 📡 Distance: It is important for the IR signal to be at a distance to the 5-7 footprint. 🌐 Region: Changing the region in your phone settings can update the remote database. If persists is a problem, try removing the application and installing it again from the official source. MIUI. ⚠️ Note: When cleaning the application data, all saved remotes will be deleted. Be sure to take screenshots of the settings or remember models of your equipment before resetting. It is also worth checking whether the system is activated power saving mode, which may limit the operation of background processes or sensors. To ensure stable operation of the IR port, it is recommended to disable aggressive battery optimization for the remote application. Use of third-party applications and advanced settings. If the standard Mi Remote application for some reason does not fit or does not contain the desired profile, users can turn to alternative solutions. In the Google Play store there are many applications that can work with the Xiaomi IR port. One of popular options is the IR Remote application or ZaZa Remote. They often have a more extensive code and the algorithms that are often used for the algorithms, however, users can remember that the third-sident databases are often used for the permissions. 📊 Standard Mi Remote Third-party application (ZaZa, etc.) Physical remote control For advanced users, the ability to manually edit remote profiles is available if you know the exact command codes for your equipment. This requires a deep understanding of the structure of infrared signals, but allows you to revive very old or rare technology. Advanced settings also include the ability to create macros. For example, one button "Cinema" can simultaneously turn on the TV, switch it to the desired one. HDMI-The Redmi Note 9 Pro is unique in its high-power IR emitter, which provides a confident signal at a distance of up to 8 meters even in the presence of light obstacles. The use of alternative software is justified only if the staff funds do not cope with the task. In 95% of cases, the built-in Mi Remote functionality is more than enough for everyday use. FAQ: Can an IR port be used if the security glass on the case is broken? If a crack passes directly through the IR emitter, the signal can be scattered or blocked. In most cases, a slight damage to the glass does not affect the operation, but a chip in the center of the emitter will require a glass replacement. Why does the application require access to geolocation for the remote? This is necessary to sort brands and models by region. Different countries may have different standards for encoding signals for the same equipment, and in most cases, the device does not require a direct control of the Internet before the device is used. Can I control the equipment through the IR port from another room? No, infrared radiation does not pass through the walls. To control it, you need to be in the line of sight of the receiver of the equipment or use IR repeaters. Does the case affect the operation of the IR port? Dense silicone or metal cases can significantly weaken the signal or completely block it.