Many Poco and Xiaomi smartphone owners are unaware that they have a universal device in their pocket that can replace a dozen remote controls. The built-in infrared port (IR Blaster) allows you to turn the phone into a powerful controller for household appliances. However, immediately after buying a gadget, the Mi Remote application may be missing or hidden, which raises questions among users.
Activating this feature does not require complex manipulation of root rights or firmware. It is enough to correctly determine the model of the device and install the corresponding software from the official store. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of how to turn on the remote on Xiaomi Poco, and consider alternatives for models without hardware of the IR port.
Checking for an IR port on your device
The first step before looking for software is hardware testing. Not all Poco smartphones have an infrared emitter, as it depends on the particular model and price segment. For example, the flagship Poco F and X series most often have this module, whereas the budget M or C series may not have this capability.
Take a close look at the top of your smartphone. The IR port usually looks like a small black window next to the noise reduction microphone or speaker. If you can't visually detect an item, you can use software-based testing methods through system applications.
There are several ways to make sure that the module is available without disassembling the device:
- 📱 Try to find the pre-installed “Mi Remote” application in the Tools folder on your desktop.
- 🔦 Use another phone's camera flashlight: point the top edge of Poco to the lens and press the power button; if you see a flashing purple dot on the second phone's screen, the port works.
- 🌐 Check the specifications of your model on the official manufacturer's website in the specifications section.
⚠️ Warning: If you don't find an IR port visually and programmatically, don't try to install third-party applications that promise to emulate the IR signal. You can't create infrared radiation using software, you need a physical diode.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Remote application
If hardware is present but software is not, it must be installed. The official Mi Remote app is optimized to work with the MIUI and HyperOS shells, ensuring the best possible compatibility with system services, downloadable from the Google Play store or through the built-in GetApps directory.
Once installed, run the program and provide the necessary permissions. To work properly, the application will need access to geolocation (to select codes by region) and Bluetooth. On the start screen, click the Add Remote button.
The initial setup process is as follows:
- 📺 Select the type of device you plan to control (TV, set-top box, air conditioning, projector).
- 🏷️ Indicate the manufacturer of your equipment from the proposed list of brands.
- 🔘 Follow the instructions on the screen by pressing the signal testing buttons until the device responds.
☑️ Customization of the remote
It is important to correctly define the model of the TV, as the codes may differ even within the same brand. If after choosing a manufacturer, the technician does not respond, try switching to neighboring models in the list or using the auto-selection function.
What to do if the brand is not on the list?
Setup for models without an IR port (Wi-Fi management)
Smartphone owners without infrared emitters are not left without the ability to control equipment. Modern TVs and consoles support control over Wi-Fi, in which case the smartphone and TV must be on the same local network.
To implement this scheme, you can use both the standard Mi Remote application (selecting the option to add over Wi-Fi), and third-party solutions. The data transfer protocol changes from infrared to network, which allows you not only to simulate buttons, but also to transfer text from the phone keyboard to the TV screen.
The main advantages of managing via Wi-Fi:
- 🌐 No direct visibility is required between the phone and the receiver, the signal passes through the walls.
- ⌨️ The ability to use a full-fledged smartphone keyboard to enter text in a YouTube search or browser.
- 🔄 Two-way communication: the phone can display device status and current content.
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To work over Wi-Fi, it is critical that both devices are connected to the same router network, otherwise the connection will not be established.
Comparison of management methods: IR port vs. Wi-Fi
The choice between an infrared port and a network control depends on your tasks and the TV model. IR port is a versatile solution for old technology, whereas Wi-Fi is focused on modern Smart TVs.
Below is a table comparing the key characteristics of both methods so you can choose the best option for your use case:
| Characteristics | IR port (Infrared) | Wi-Fi (Network) |
|---|---|---|
| Work without line of sight | No (to aim) | Yeah (through walls) |
| Compatibility with old techniques | High (works with 99% of TV) | Low (Smart TVs only) |
| Phone battery consumption | Minimum | Medium/High |
| Input of text | Impossible. | Full keyboard |
If your TV is old or doesn’t have smart features, Poco’s IR port is the only way to control from your smartphone. In the case of today’s Android TV or Samsung Tizen, Wi-Fi provides richer functionality.
Use of third-party remote application
Xiaomi’s official app doesn’t always contain codebases for rare or specific hardware, and in such cases, third-party developers come to the rescue to create universal emulators, often with more flexible settings and updated databases.
One of the most popular solutions is the Peel Smart Remote app or ZaZa Remote, which allows you not only to control the hardware, but also to program macros, create turn-on schedules and even use the phone as a game console for emulators.
⚠️ Note: Download management apps only from trusted sources, such as Google Play. APK-Files from unverified sites may contain malicious code that steals data about your home network.
When using third-party software, it is important to give the application access to the IR port in the system settings. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the installed remote and check the permissions. Sometimes you need to manually activate access to the infrared sensor.
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If the standard codebase doesn’t fit, ZaZa Remote’s app has a “Code Search” feature that automatically rummages through thousands of combinations until the TV turns off.
Solution: The remote is not working or does not see the device
A common problem for users is when the application is running, but the technique does not respond to commands. MIUI/HyperOS Or a driver conflict. First thing you do is try to reboot your smartphone, it resets the temporary service errors.
If the reboot didn't work, check if access to the IR port is blocked in the energy saving settings. Aggressive battery optimization can "kill" the background processes necessary for the remote to work. Add the application to exceptions or select "No Limits" mode.
The sequence of actions in troubleshooting:
- 🔄 Clear the cache of the “Mi Remote” application through the application management menu.
- 📡 Make sure that Bluetooth is on the device, as some models use it for an initial handshake.
- 📏 Approach the technician at a distance of less than 1 meter to check the signal, eliminating the factor of a weak emitter.
⚠️ Warning: If the IR port stopped working after the phone fell or moisture hit, the plume or the emitter itself is probably damaged, in which case the software methods are powerless, repairs are required at the service center. In some cases, resetting network settings helps, but this will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords. Use this method only if you are sure that the problem lies in the network settings of the system that affect the communication modules. Can I use my phone as a remote if the screen is broken?Technically, if debugging is enabled USB set up TeamViewer/AnyDesk, But for IR management, this won't help, because you need physical access to the application interface to select code. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions: Can I turn on the IR port software if it's not on my phone. An infrared port is a physical hardware component that emits light in an invisible spectrum. No application can make a phone emit an IR signal unless there is a corresponding emitter inside the case. For phones without an IR port, only Wi-Fi control is available. Why doesn't the Mi Remote app find my TV? Chances are you've chosen the wrong type of connection. If your Poco doesn't have an IR port, the app will only search for devices over Wi-Fi. Make sure the TV and phone are connected to the same network. If there is an IR port, there may not be an exact code for your TV model, try to find code from a similar brand. Does Xiaomi remote work with other brands' air conditioners? Yes, the Mi Remote application database contains codes for most popular air conditioners manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Daikin, Ballu, et al.). However, functionality can be limited to basic commands (on/off, temperature) if the code is not complete. How do you add a remote widget to your desktop? Click your finger on an empty desktop space, select "Widgets", search for "Mi Remote" or "Remote" and drag the desired button (for example, "TV") to the screen, which will allow you to turn on the technique with one touch, without opening the application.