How to turn on and configure the remote on the Xiaomi phone: full instructions

Introduction: why you need a remote on a Xiaomi smartphone

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just a means of communication, but have become universal smart home control devices. One of the most useful uses is using the phone as a remote control for TVs, air conditioners and other equipment. But how do you activate this feature if you've never used it before?

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn on a virtual remote on Xiaomi, from the standard Mi Remote app to alternative solutions for models without an infrared port, how to connect the remote in 3 minutes, what devices are supported, and what to do if the phone can’t see your equipment, and also hidden Mi Remote features that are not written in the official instructions.

What Xiaomi phones support remote control function

Not all Xiaomi smartphones can work as a remote, either requiring an infrared port (IR) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support for modern devices.

• 📱 Models with IR port: Redmi Note 8/9/10 Pro, POCO X3, Mi 10/11, Redmi K40 and most of the flagships before 2022 The IR port is usually located at the top of the case.
• 📶 Models without IR but with Bluetooth: Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Lite. Supports only smart appliances through Mi Home or Google Home.
• ⚠️ Budget models: Redmi A1, POCO C50 Often devoid of both modules – they will require an external IR adapter.

To check for an IR port on your phone, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s website or use the AIDA64 app (Sensors section). If there is no IR port but Bluetooth 5.0+, you can only control smart devices (such as Mi TVs or Wi-Fi air conditioners).

⚠️ Warning: If your phone is released after 2023, the chances of having an IR port are near zero.Maders are abandoning it in favor of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi control.

Preparing the phone before setting up the remote

Before you turn on the remote, follow a few mandatory steps, which will save you from errors like "device not found" or "no connection":

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure the IR port is not covered with a cover

Turn on Bluetooth (for smart devices)

Download the Mi Remote app from the official store-->

Pay special attention to the permits:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Remote.
2. Activate Camera Permits (for scanning) QR-Location (for geolocation functions) and Warehouse (for saving settings).
3. Turn on auto-start the application so that the remote works in the background.

If you use POCO or Redmi with custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), the IR port may not work due to the lack of drivers, in which case you will have to return to the official MIUI or look for alternative applications like AnyMote.

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If the IR port stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the Mi Remote app settings: Settings → Applications → Mi Remote → Storage → Clear the data.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the remote on Xiaomi through Mi Remote

The official Mi Remote (formerly Mi Remote Controller) app is the most reliable way to control your appliances.

1. Installation of the annex: 📥 Download Mi Remote from Google Play or AppGallery. 🚫 Do not use pirated versions – they may contain viruses or may not support new devices.

First launch:

When you first open the app, it will request access to the IR port and Bluetooth, allow both, and if you don't have access to the IR port in your settings, your phone doesn't support it.

Addition of the device:

1. Click + Add the device at the bottom of the screen.
2. Select a category (e.g. TV, Air Conditioning).
3. Specify the brand from the list (if yours is not, select Universal).
4. Direct the phone’s IR port to the device and press Test – the app will send signals to check compatibility.

If the test is successful, the remote is saved in the main menu, so you can now control the hardware by clicking virtual buttons, and for smart devices like Mi TV, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi will be used instead of IR.

Customization of the remote for Mi TVs and other smart devices

For Xiaomi appliances (such as Mi TVs or Roborock robot vacuum cleaners), setting up is made easier thanks to the Mi Home ecosystem.

1. Install Mi Home: Download the app from Google Play and sign up (or sign in via your Xiaomi account).
2. Add the device: 🔍 Press. + in the upper right corner and select a category (e.g. TV). 📡 Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 🔄 Follow the instructions on the screen – the app will automatically find the device.

Management:

Once connected to the Mi Home, a control panel will appear with on, volume control and other functions. A voice assistant is also available for the Mi TV (activated by the OK Google command).

The advantage of this method is that it does not depend on the IR port. Even if your phone does not support it, you can control the equipment via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In addition, the Mi Home offers schedules (for example, automatic turn on the TV at 20:00) and scenes (simultaneous control of multiple devices).

⚠️ Attention: If your TV is Mi TV Does not connect to Mi Home, check if Mi Home Connection is activated in your TV settings (Settings) → Account and security → Mi Home).

Alternative ways to control equipment without an IR port

If your Xiaomi isn’t equipped with an infrared port, but you want to manage conventional (not smart) hardware, there are a few workarounds:

• 📱 External IR adapter: Devices like BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster connect over Wi-Fi and emulate IR signals. The cost is from 1500 rubles.
• 🔌 USB-IR adapter: Connects to the phone via OTG (It works with most remote applications.
• 🌐 Smart sockets: For devices with mechanical buttons (such as fans), you can use Xiaomi Smart Plug sockets that will physically turn on / off power.

To connect an external IR adapter:

1. Connect the adapter to the Wi-Fi network through its official application.
2. In Mi Home or Google Home, add the adapter as a new device.
3. Configure the control of the equipment through the adapter interface (usually there is a database of supported brands).

The disadvantage of this solution is the signal delay (up to 1-2 seconds) and dependence on stable Wi-Fi, but you get the opportunity to control the equipment even from another room or remotely via the Internet.

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An external IR adapter is the best option for phones without a built-in IR port, but requires additional costs and network setup.

Extended features Mi Remote: what can the remote on Xiaomi

Many users use Mi Remote only for basic functions, unaware of the hidden features.

• 🎮 Game mode: For Mi TVs TV A special mode with buttons A, B, X, Y for game management is available.
• 📝 Making macros: Record command sequences (e.g., “turn on the TV”) → switch over HDMI1 → volume out 50%").
• 🔍 Finding a lost remote: If you have an original remote, you can make it “squeak” through Mi Remote (Find Remote feature).
• 🌙 Night mode: Lighting of the remote buttons in the dark (available on some models of phones).

To activate macros:

1. Open Mi Remote and select the saved device.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Pick the Macros. → Create a new one.
4. Record the sequence of commands by pressing virtual buttons.

Mi TV also has control gestures available, such as setting up a double tap on the phone screen to switch channels, which is enabled in the settings of the TV (Settings → Smart Features → Gestures).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the consoles correctly, Xiaomi can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔴 The remote doesn't respond to commands: Check if the IR port is covered with a cover or film. Reboot the phone and appliances. Remove the device from Mi Remote and add it again.
• 🔄 Not all buttons work: You may have chosen the wrong brand when setting up. try Universal Profile or manually train the missing buttons (if there is an original remote).
• 📶 Smart Device Not Connecting: Make sure appliances and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network. Update the device's firmware (e.g. Mi). TV). Check if the connection is blocking the firewall or VPN.
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly: Mi Remote in the background can consume up to 5% charge per hour. disable the auto-run app or add it to the battery optimization list (Settings) → Battery → Optimization).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The IR port stopped working, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch. MIUI.

To diagnose an IR port problem, you can use the IR Tester app (available on Google Play), which shows if the phone is sending IR signals, and helps determine if the port itself is faulty.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions