How to set up a remote on a Xiaomi phone: from turning on the IR port to managing equipment

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just a means of communication, they have become universal devices for managing smart homes. One of the most popular features among owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO equipment is the built-in infrared port (IR port), which allows you to use the phone as a remote control. But how to turn it on, configure and avoid typical errors? In this article, we will analyze everything from checking the compatibility of the model to fine-tuning the management of specific devices.

Many users are facing problems: Mi Remote app does not find the technology, the signal does not pass, the buttons are not working correctly, most often this is due to the wrong configuration of the IR port, outdated version of the firmware or banal incompatibility of devices. We collected current data for 2026, given the latest updates to MIUI and the features of new smartphone models. And if your Xiaomi is not equipped with an IR port, we will tell you how to circumvent this restriction with external accessories.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your smartphone supports IR control. Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with this module - for example, the budget Redmi A series or some versions of the POCO M may not have it. You can check this visually (look for the black glass window at the top of the case) or through the specifications on the official website. If there is a port, then proceed to setup!

1. What Xiaomi models support the remote control function

Not every Xiaomi smartphone can work as a remote, depending on the availability of an infrared transmitter. In 2026, the IR port is preserved mainly by mid-range and premium models, as well as some budget devices with advanced functionality.

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 14/13/12 (All modifications, including Pro and Ultra, Mix 4/Fold 3
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12/13 Pro+, POCO F5/F4 Pro, Xiaomi Civi 3/2
• 📱 Budget models with IR: Redmi Note 11 Pro/Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Redmi 10C (NFC-version)
• ⚠️ No IR port: Redmi A2/A1, POCO M6/M5, Most of the Redmi Go series

If your model is not listed, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation for the device. Alternative way is to install the CPU-Z application (available in Google Play) and check the Sensors section: the presence of the IR Sensor item confirms support for IR management.

Important: Starting with MIUI 14, some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) may have an IR port, but without the Mi Remote app preinstalled, in which case it must be downloaded separately from the Mi App Store or Google Play.

2.How to turn on the IR port on Xiaomi: phone preparation

Before setting up the remote, you need to make sure that the infrared transmitter itself is activated in the system, and all the necessary components are updated.

1. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest version of MIUI. This is important because older firmware may not have IR port drivers.
2. Check for Mi Remote. It's pre-installed on most models, but if it's not available, download it from the official store. Alternatively, third-party apps like ZaZa Remote or Universal TV Remote.
3. Activate permissions. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Remote and provide access to the Camera (for scanning) QR-Device codes) and Location (for geolocation functions of some remotes).
4. Clear the cache. If the app has been used before but has been unstable, clear its cache in the same app settings.

After preparation, restart the phone to avoid conflicts with drivers. If the IR port still does not work, check its physical condition: the transmitter window should be clean (wipe with a soft cloth) and not covered with a cover or film.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Install/update the Mi Remote app

Provide all necessary permits

Clear the application cache (if previously used)

Reboot the phone-->

3. Step-by-step setting up the Mi Remote app

Now, to the setup process itself, Mi Remote supports more than 500,000 devices from 6,000 brands, from TVs to air conditioners, but to work properly, you need to add your equipment to the database.

1. Open Mi Remote. When you first start, the app will request access to Camera and Location, if you will.
2. Select a category of device. Click Add device and type of equipment: TV, Air Conditioner, Projector, etc.
3. Specify the brand. Enter the name of the manufacturer of your TV (e.g. Samsung, LG, Xiaomi). If the brand is not listed, select Another and follow the manual code selection instructions.
4. Connection testing: Point the phone's IR port to the TV (no more than 5 meters away) and press Test. If the TV reacts (e.g., changes channel), the setup is successful.
5. Save the device. Name it (like a TV in the living room) and add it to the list of controlled gadgets.

If the automatic search didn't work, try manually entering the code.

1. In the device add menu, select Manual input.
2. Enter the code for your model (a list of codes can be found on the manufacturer’s website or in the instructions for it).
3. Test the buttons. If the code doesn't fit, try the next one on the list.

Some devices (such as Gree or Midea air conditioners) may require additional temperature settings or timers, which are available in an extended menu after adding the technique.

4. Technological management: basic functions and hidden opportunities

Once you have successfully set up Mi Remote, you can not only switch channels or adjust volume, but also use advanced features.

• 📺 TV control: channel switching, volume control, access to Smart TV-functions (e.g., launching Netflix or YouTube with a single button).
• ❄️ Air conditioners and fans: setting the temperature, blowing modes, on/off timers.
• 💡 Smart lamps and lighting: compatible with some Yeelight or Philips Hue models (more customization is required via Mi Home).
• 🎮 Multimedia devices: management of Android TV-boxes, projectors, audio systems.

One of the most useful features is creating macros, for example, you can program a single button to turn on the TV at the same time, switch to HDMI1 and launch the Xiaomi TV Box.

1. Open Mi Remote and go to the Macrosa section.
2. Click Create a macro and add a sequence of commands (e.g., Enable TV → HDMI1 → Enable the console).
3. Save the macro and assign it a button on the app’s home screen.

Mi Remote also has a Smart Remote mode that analyzes your actions and offers optimal settings, for example, if you often turn on the TV at 20:00, the app may suggest creating a schedule.

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If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, you can control it not only through the IR port, but also by cable. To do this, connect your phone to the TV via a USB-C → HDMI adapter and use the Mi Screen Mirroring feature in the MIUI settings.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users have difficulty with the remote running unstable, not all buttons functioning or the signal not reaching the device.

⚠️ Attention: If the IR port stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, the transmitter itself is likely to be damaged, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

• 🔴 The remote does not respond to commands: Check if the IR port is covered with a cover or protective film. Make sure the distance to the device is not more than 5-7 meters, and there are no obstacles between the phone and the equipment. Reboot the phone and the device you control.
• 🔄 Not all buttons work: Update the device base in Mi Remote (Settings section) → Update the base. Try another code for your model (in manual mode). Reset the application settings and add the device again.
• 📱 Mi Remote app won't open: Clear the cache and app data in your phone settings. Reinstall Mi Remote from the official store. Check if the application is blocked by an antivirus or an optimizer (for example, Security in the phone). MIUI).

If the problem persists, try alternative IR-management applications, such as ZaZa Remote, which often handles where Mi Remote can't find the device. Also check if the system-level IR port is disabled by entering Settings → Special Features → Devices and accessories and making sure the Infrared port switch is active.

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If the IR port is not working after all the manipulations, check it on another device (for example, a friend's TV), if there is no reaction there, the problem is in the phone, and a diagnosis is required at the service center.

6.Alternatives for Xiaomi without an IR port

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn't have an infrared port, it doesn't mean you can't use it as a remote. There are several alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-remotes: Some modern TVs and air conditioners support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control, LG ThinQ for TVs LG Daikin Online Controller for Air Conditioning).
• 🔌 External IR transmitters: Devices like BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster connects to your phone over Wi-Fi and emulates the IR port, which can be bought on AliExpress or in official Xiaomi stores.
• 🤖 Voice assistants: If you have a smart speaker (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) AI Speaker, you can control compatible voice technique via Google Assistant or Alicia.
• 🔄 Universal Smartphone Remotes: Some remotes (like Logitech Harmony) have their own Android apps that allow you to control your hardware through the cloud.

The most budget option is Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster. This compact device connects to the socket and communicates with the phone over Wi-Fi, after which you can control the equipment through Mi Home or Mi Remote. Its cost is about 1500-2000 rubles, and the setup takes no more than 5 minutes.

If you choose an external transmitter, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Compatible with your phone model (some devices only work with MIUI).
• The range of action (optimally - 8-10 meters).
• Support for your devices (check the list of compatible brands on the manufacturer’s website).

7. Security and optimization of the IR port

The IR port, like any other smartphone module, requires careful handling, and here are some recommendations to help extend its life and avoid failures:

⚠️ Warning: Do not point the phone's IR port at your eyes or skin from close range - infrared radiation, although mild, can cause discomfort with prolonged exposure.

• 🛡️ Physical damage protection: Don't drop your phone - the IR port often breaks when hitting a hard surface. Use IR port neck covers (many budget covers cover it by blocking the signal).
• 🔋 Battery optimization: The IR port consumes minimal energy, but if you don't use it, turn off Mi Remote background activity in the battery settings. Enable Energy Saving mode for the application if it's not running smoothly.
• 🔄 Regular update: Update Mi Remote and device base at least once a month. MIUI — In new versions, errors in the IR port are often corrected.

If you notice that the IR port has become worse (for example, the signal only passes from close range), try to clean it from dust with a soft brush or compressed air. Also avoid using the phone in high humidity conditions - this can lead to oxidation of the module contacts.

For advanced users, if you want to test the IR port at a low level, you can use the IR Tester app (available on Google Play), which shows if the phone is sending a signal, and allows you to manually set frequencies, which is useful for debugging non-standard devices or homemade IR devices based on Arduino.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the remote on Xiaomi