IR-Xiaomi port: why it is needed and how to use it in 2026

In the era of wireless technology – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC — infrared (IR) However, Xiaomi has persisted in keeping the module in most of its devices, from budget Redmis to flagship Mis and other devices. POCO. Why? It's not about nostalgia, it's about practical utility: IR-The port turns your smartphone into a universal remote control (DU) for home appliances, air conditioners, TVs and even some smart devices.

If you’ve ever lost a TV remote or struggled with setting up your air conditioner through an app with glitchy Bluetooth, you’ll appreciate the benefits. IR. In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔹 What devices can be controlled through IR-Xiaomi port (spoiler: more than you think).
• 🔹 How to set up and use the built-in Mi Remote app – with step-by-step instructions.
• 🔹 Hidden Features: From Projector Management to Google Assistant Integration.
• 🔹 Why? IR It is still relevant despite the spread of Wi-Fi and IoT.

And also answer the main question: is it worth choosing a smartphone with IR, If you don't plan to use it, the details are below.

What is it? IR-Port and how it works in Xiaomi smartphones

Infrared port (IR, Infrared is a module that transmits data through infrared (invisible to humans light with a wavelength of 700-1000 nm) and is used exclusively for emulation of remote control signals in Xiaomi smartphones.

Example of work:

1. You open the Mi Remote app and select a device (like a Samsung TV).
2. Smartphone sends coded IR-signal through the upper end (where the port is located).
3. The TV receives the signal and executes the command (turning on, switching the channel, etc.).

Key features IR Xiaomi:

• 📱 Location: usually at the top of the body (near the speaker or front camera).Redmi Note 12 Pro models+ and POCO F5 The port is hidden under a protective glass.
• 🔋 Energy consumption: Minimum (does not affect autonomy).
• 🛡️ Security: the signal only works in line of sight (does not pass through walls), which excludes accidental control of other devices.

It's important: IR-The port in Xiaomi does not support data exchange between smartphones (as it was in the old Nokia with IrDA.

What devices can be controlled through IR Xiaomi

The list of compatible devices is much broader than it seems. The Mi Remote app has databases for:

🔍 How do you check compatibility? Mi Remote has a feature called Add Device Manual, so if you have a model in the database, your smartphone will find it, TCL or Hisense may require remote learning (we will talk about it below).

⚠️ Note: Some smart TVs (such as Samsung) QLED 2023+) lockdown IR, If Anynet mode is enabled+ (HDMI-CEC). In this case, use SmartThings or Wi-Fi.

Step-by-step instructions: how to set up IR-port

To control devices through IR You only need a smartphone and the Mi Remote app (pre-installed on all models with the IR-If you don't have one, download it from Google Play.

Open the Mi Remote app|Click "Add device»|Select a category (TV, air conditioning, etc.)|Choose a brand and model|Test commands (on/off, volume)

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Step 1: Adding a device

1. Open Mi Remote and tap it. + Add the device.
2. Select a category (such as a TV).
3. Specify the brand (if yours is not, choose Remote Training).
4. Point your smartphone to the device and press the Test – if the TV is turned on, the setting is complete.

Step 2: Remote training (for rare models)

If your device is not recognized:

1. In Mi Remote, select Remote Training.
2. Direct the original remote and smartphone to the device (such as air conditioning).
3. Press the button on the original remote (such as On/Off), then on the smartphone.
4. Repeat for all the buttons you need.

Step 3: Set up the widget

To quickly control the device from the main screen:

1. Long press on the free space of the screen → Widgets.
2. Find Mi Remote and drag the widget to the screen.
3. Select the saved device (for example, LG TV).

💡

If IR-The port is not working, make sure it's covered with a cover or a protective film, even a thin glass can block the signal.

Hidden opportunities IR-port

Most users are limited to basic Mi Remote features, but IR-The port can be used much more widely:

• 🤖 Google Assistant integration: Voice commands like “OK, Google, turn on the TV” will be transmitted via the Internet. IR. To do this, in Mi Remote, enable the option Voice control.
• 📱 Managing multiple devices at the same time: For example, one button to turn on TV, switch the receiver to HDMI1 and launch Netflix on Xiaomi TV Stick.
• 🔄 Automation via Tasker: Create a scenario that will include air conditioning when you return home (by geolocation).
• 🎮 Game consoles: Some models PS4/PS5 Xbox supports management through IR (for example, switching on/off).

Example of automation with Tasker:

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
2. Create a task with the condition of geolocation = Home.
3. Add the action Send IR-The team (via Mi Remote).
4. Select the command Enable air conditioning on 24°C.

IR vs Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Why is the infrared port still needed?

Skeptics ask, Why? IR, If you have Google Home, SmartThings and Wi-Fi? The answer is reliability and versatility:

When IR useless:

• ❌ The device has no IR-receiver (for example, Apple) TV or Nvidia Shield).
• ❌ You need to control the equipment from another room (the signal does not pass through the walls).
• ❌ Feedback is required (e.g. checking the air conditioner temperature).

When IR irreplaceable:

• ✅ Older appliances without Wi-Fi (for example, DVD-2010 Sony player).
• ✅ Hotels, hotels, offices – where there is no access to the local network of the device.
• ✅ Emergency situations (for example, if the Wi-Fi router broke down, and you need to turn off the heater urgently).

💡

IR-The port is not an alternative, but an addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and covers the 20 percent of cases where wireless technology is not working or available.

Xiaomi models with IR-Port of 2026: The full list

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with IR-Here's the current list of models, Released in 2022-2026, where it is:

• 📱 Flagships: Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 13T Pro, Xiaomi 12S Ultra.
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro.
• 📱 Budget: Redmi 12, POCO M6 Pro (China/India versions only).
• 📱 Tablets: Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro, Redmi Pad SE.

How to check for availability IR:

1. See the technical specifications on the official website of Xiaomi (Sensors section).
2. Or download the app. AIDA64 And check the sensor list.

⚠️ Note: In European versions of some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G) IR-The port can be software-disabled because of certification, and Global's firmware can help. ROM or EU ROM.

Frequent problems with IR-Port to Xiaomi and their solutions

If IR-The port stopped working or the devices didn’t respond to commands, try these steps:

If nothing helps:

1. Check the work. IR-Port via Engineering Mode:
2. If the test does not pass, it is possible that there is a hardware malfunction (repair is required).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about IR-port