Peel Mi Remote on Xiaomi: a complete guide to the universal remote in a smartphone

Have you ever noticed on your Xiaomi smartphone a pre-installed Peel Mi Remote app with a remote icon? It’s not just a useless program that takes up space in memory – it’s a powerful tool for controlling household appliances through an infrared port (IR port), which is found in many Redmi models and the like. POCO. But how does it work, what devices it supports, and why it sometimes refuses to control your TV? In this article, we will take a look at everything from basic setup to solving typical problems.

It’s worth clarifying right away: Peel Smart Remote (the full name of the app) is not an exclusive development of Xiaomi.Peel Technologies has created a universal platform for managing equipment that is licensed by many smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei and, of course, Xiaomi. But in the ecosystem. MIUI The app has its own shell and integration with branded services, which means that even if you’ve seen similar remotes on other phones, the functionality on Xiaomi may be different.

What is Peel Mi Remote and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?

Peel Mi Remote is a software remote control (DU) that turns your smartphone into a universal controller for home appliances. POCO It has to be equipped with an infrared port (IR blaster), without which the application is useless, because it controls the equipment through infrared signals, like a normal physical remote control.

Main functions of the annex:

• 📺 Control of TVs (on/off, channel switching, volume control)
• ❄️ Control of air conditioners (temperature setting, operating modes, timers)
• 💡 Lighting control (for some models of smart lamps with IR control)
• 🎶 Home cinema devices (receivers, soundbars, projectors)
• 🔌 Other household appliances (fans, heaters, air humidifiers)

The Peel Mi Remote has the advantage of being able to store unlimited virtual remotes for different devices in one app, such as a Samsung TV in the living room, a Daikin air conditioner in the bedroom, and a Yamaha music center in the kitchen, without getting confused by a bunch of plastic remotes, and it supports voice input (via Google Assistant) and widgets for quick access to frequently used commands.

What Xiaomi smartphones support Peel Mi Remote

Not all Xiaomi devices have an IR port, so check to see if your model has one before installing the app. Typically, an infrared blaster is found in mid-range and premium devices, as well as some budget models. Here are the key series where the IR port is most common:

To find out exactly if there is an IR port in your smartphone, do one of the following:

• 🔍 See the specifications of the model on the official Xiaomi website (section "Sensors" or "More").
• 📱 Check the top face of the case – the IR port looks like a small dark glass (usually next to a headphone jack or speaker).
• 🛠️ Install any sensor testing app (like Sensor Test) and check for availability IR Blaster's on the list.

⚠️ Note: Starting in 2022, Xiaomi began to gradually abandon infrared ports in new models (for example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ This is due to the popularization of smart devices controlled over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (for example, via Mi Home.

How to set up Peel Mi Remote for control equipment

If your smartphone supports an infrared port, setting up the Peel Mi Remote is easy. MIUI, But if you don't, download it from Google Play (officially called Peel Smart Remote:

1. Launch the app and allow access to the location (you need to identify the region and available brands of equipment).
2. Select the type of device (TV, air conditioning, etc.) from the list.
3. Specify your brand. If your brand is not on the list, select Another and try universal codes.
4. Direct the smartphone’s IR port to the device (distance is no more than 5 meters) and follow the instructions on the screen to test the signal.
5. Save the settings if the test was successful. You can now control the equipment through a virtual remote in the application.

If the automatic setting didn’t work, try manually entering the code:

1. In the device add menu, select Enter the code manually.
2. Find the code for your model on the Internet (for example, by requesting "Peel code for Samsung TV". UE43TU7000").
3. Enter the code and check the remote.

Make sure the IR port is not covered with a cover|Charge your smartphone (battery level) > 30%)|Direct the smartphone to the device at an angle of 30-45 degrees|Disable energy saving mode (can block the IR port)-->

Tip: If the app doesn't find your hardware, try to choose a similar model of the same brand. For example, for a rare Thomson TV, you can try codes from the same brand. TCL Or Philips, sometimes it works.

Peel Mi Remote Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the convenience, users often face difficulties with Peel Mi Remote, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.The application does not find the device

Reasons:

• 🔌 The IR port is blocked by a cover or protective film.
• 📶 The device is too far away (maximum distance - 5-7 meters).
• 🔄 Brand or model of technology is not supported (try universal codes).
• 🔋 Energy saving mode turns off the IR port (check the battery settings).

2. the remote is unstable (commands are executed in a series of times)

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and equipment.
• 📱 Update the Peel Smart Remote app to the latest version.
• 🔧 Recreate the device profile in the app (remove and add again).
• 🛠️ Check the IR port for physical damage (dust, scratches).

3. the application constantly displays advertisements

Peel Smart Remote is known for aggressive advertising that can't be turned off in the free version.

• 💰 Buy a premium version (removes ads and adds advanced features).
• 🔧 Disable the Internet for the application in the settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Application management → Peel Smart Remote → Data data → Disable mobile data and Wi-Fi. minus: no codebase updates.

⚠️ Note: Some users are trying to remove Peel Mi Remote as a system application via ADB, This can cause other functions to fail. MIUI, If you are not using the remote, it is better to simply turn it off in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Peel Smart Remote → Shut down).

Peel Mi Remote Alternatives for Xiaomi

If you are not satisfied with Peel Mi Remote (for example, due to advertising or a limited base of devices), consider alternative applications for controlling equipment through an infrared port:

If your Xiaomi smartphone is not equipped with an IR port, but you want to control equipment from your phone, consider smart remotes with a smart phone. Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, such as:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote (Bluetooth connection, works with Mi Home).
• 🌐 BroadLink RM4 Pro (universal remote with support) IR, RF and Wi-Fi).
• 🎮 Logitech Harmony Hub (premium solution for managing all appliances in the house).

💡

If you lose physical remotes often, back up your codes in Peel Mi Remote. To do this, export the settings to the file via the app menu (Settings) → Backup).

Hidden features of Peel Mi Remote, which few people know

Many users use the Peel Mi Remote only for basic functions, unaware of the hidden features. Here are some features that will make it easier to control the appliances:

1. Creation of macros (sequences of commands)

You can program a chain of actions that will be executed at a single click, for example:

• 🎬 "Movie: Turn on the TV, switch to HDMI1, turn off the light (if supported).
• 😴 "Sleeping: Turn off the TV, set on the air conditioner 22°C and sleep mode.

How to set up:

1. Open the device menu in Peel.
2. Select Macros (or Automations in English).
3. Add the commands in the desired sequence and save.

2. Voice control via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant set up on your smartphone, you can control the voice technique.

• 🎤 "OK Google, turn on the TV on Channel 5".
• 🎤 "Okay, Google, set the temperature on the air conditioner to 24 degrees".

For this:

1. Open the Google Assistant settings.
2. Go to the Services → Home and devices.
3. Add the Peel Smart Remote as a supported device.

3. Widgets for quick access

To avoid opening the app every time, add the Peel widget to the home screen:

1. Press and hold the free space on the main screen.
2. Pick the Widgets.
3. Find the Peel Smart Remote and drag the widget you want (like for a TV or air conditioner).

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

Like any app, Peel Mi Remote asks for permissions that may raise questions from users, and here's what it collects and why:

• 📍 Location: to determine the region and the available brands of equipment (for example, in China and Europe different models of TV sets).
• 📱 Access to files: to back up remote settings.
• 📊 Usage statistics: Anonymized data about which devices you control (used to improve your codebase).

According to the developers, Peel Technologies does not share personal data with third parties, but the privacy policy mentions the collection of information for targeted advertising.

• 🔧 Turn off permissions for the application in the settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Peel Smart Remote → Permits).
• 🛡️ Use alternative applications (such as Mi Remote Controller) that do not collect data.

⚠️ In 2020, Peel Technologies was caught in a scandal over the leak of user data. The company claimed the incident was fixed, but if you store data on expensive appliances (such as a home theater) in the app, it is recommended not to use real addresses or personal information when registering.

💡

Peel Mi Remote is a handy tool for managing equipment, but don’t forget about security. Check the app’s permissions regularly and update it to the latest version to avoid vulnerabilities.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Peel Mi Remote on Xiaomi