Peel Mi Remote on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: a complete guide to the IR remote in the smartphone

If you own Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, you’ve probably noticed the mysterious Peel Mi Remote on the list of pre-installed apps, which many users mistakenly mistake for unnecessary “junk” and remove without even knowing that it’s a powerful tool for managing household appliances through an infrared port (IR). In this article, we’ll explore why Xiaomi has integrated this app, how it works against competitors like Mi Remote, and why its functionality may be more useful than it seems at first glance.

The Redmi 8 Pro is one of the brand’s latest smartphones to feature a physical IR transmitter, and the Peel Mi Remote is designed to fit its capabilities. Unlike software solutions (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), IR control doesn’t require networking and even works with outdated devices. But there are nuances: the app is often confused with a virus because of intrusive advertising, and its interface is not always intuitive. Next, a detailed analysis of all the functions, hidden capabilities and life hacks for owners of the Redmi 8 Pro.

What is Peel Mi Remote and why is it necessary for Redmi 8 Pro?

Peel Mi Remote is an infrared app developed by Peel Technologies (now part of Samsung Electronics) and pre-installed on many Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 8 Pro, because the brand has partnered with Peel to integrate IR features, the main difference from the standard Mi Remote is a wider catalog of supported devices and advanced remote learning algorithms.

On the Redmi 8 Pro, the app runs through a physical IR transmitter located at the top of the case (near the headphone jack), which means you can control:

• 📺 TVs (including outdated models without Smart) TV)
• 🎵 Music centers and soundbars
• ❄️ Air conditioners (with support for heating/cooling modes)
• 💡 Lighting devices (if they support IR control)
• 🔌 Projectors and DVD-player

It's important to understand that the Peel Mi Remote is not just a duplicate of the standard Mi Remote, but it has unique features:

• 🔍 Expanded codebase: Supports more brands, including rare ones (e.g. Daewoo or Akai).
• 📱 Cloud synchronization: remote settings are saved in the Peel account, they can be transferred to another smartphone.
• 🎯 Training mode: if your device is not found in the database, you can “teach” the application commands from the original remote control.

⚠️ Note: Peel Mi Remote collects anonymous usage data (which buttons are clicked more often, which devices are added) as stated in the privacy policy, but some users consider this a privacy violation.

How to set up Peel Mi Remote on Redmi 8 Pro: Step-by-step instructions

The first launch of the app can be confusing: the interface is overloaded with advertising, and the process of adding devices is not always obvious.

Step 1. IR port check

Before setting up, make sure the infrared transmitter is working.

1. Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Infrared port.
2. Enable the IR transmitter option (if disabled).
3. Point the camera of another smartphone to the top of the Redmi 8 Pro and press any button in the Peel Mi Remote – if there is an IR signal, the camera will show a purple flicker.

Step 2: Adding a device

In the main menu of the application, tap on Add device and select a category (for example, "TV").

Select a brand from the list (if not, click “Other”)

Specify the model (or skip if not known)

Check the operation of the basic buttons (on/off, volume)

If necessary, update the firmware of the remote in the settings-->

Step 3: Set up popular teams

After adding the device, it is recommended to configure:

• 🔄 Macros: Sequences of commands (e.g., “Enable TV” + switch over HDMI 1 + launch Netflix»).
• 📋 Favorites: frequently used buttons (e.g. Movie Mode for TV).
• 🔧 Custom buttons: if the template does not have the desired function (for example, «3D-mode"), it can be added manually.

⚠️ Note: If after adding the device, some buttons do not work (for example, adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner), try: Update the code base in the application settings. Choose another model of the same brand (sometimes the codes match). Use the training mode (requires the original remote control).

Peel Mi Remote vs Mi Remote: What’s Best for Redmi 8 Pro

Many Redmi 8 Pro users are faced with the dilemma of leaving the Peel Mi Remote or switching to Xiaomi’s standard Mi Remote. To make an informed choice, compare their key features:

The Peel Mi Remote is a win-winner, but it loses out on convenience: its interface is overloaded with advertising, and the settings are hidden deep in the menu. Mi Remote is simpler and concise, but not suitable for all devices. If you need to manage rare equipment (for example, the old Sony Trinitron) – choose Peel. For standard tasks (Xiaomi TV) + Gree air conditioning will be enough and Mi Remote.

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If you are annoyed by ads in Peel Mi Remote, turn off the Internet for the app in the Android settings. the IR remote functionality will remain, and the banners will disappear.

Hidden features Peel Mi Remote: what does the application besides the basic commands

Most users use the Peel Mi Remote only to turn on/off the app, but the app has a lot more to offer. Here are some hidden chips that Redmi 8 Pro owners will need:

1.Smart macros

You can create chains of commands that run on one tap, for example:

• 🎬 Movie night: turn on TV → switch over HDMI 1 → Turn off the lights (if smart lamps are connected).
• 😴 Good night: turn off the TV → timer → activate the "quiet night" mode».

Voice control

Peel supports integration with Google Assistant, and after setting up, you can say:

OK, Google, turn on the TV in the kitchen via Peel

This requires:

1. Activate the voice assistant in Peel settings.
2. Give the app permission to access the microphone.
3. Attach devices to rooms (e.g., “Living Room Television”).

3. Remote management via the Internet

If the Redmi 8 Pro has mobile internet, you can control the equipment from anywhere in the world, for example, turn on the air conditioner on the way home.

• 🔗 Link your Peel account to your email.
• 📱 Install Peel on the second smartphone (or tablet).
• 🔄 Synchronize your settings through the cloud.

Why Peel Mi Remote may not work on Redmi 8 Pro: common problems and solutions

Even on the fully serviceable Redmi 8 Pro Peel Mi Remote sometimes refuses to control the equipment.

Problem 1: The IR port is not responding

If there is no reaction to pressing the buttons in Peel:

• 🔋 Check if the IR transmitter is covered with a cover or film.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🛠️ Update the app via Google Play (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
• 📱 Check the IR port with another application (e.g, IR Universal Remote).

Problem 2: Not all buttons work.

If some of the commands are executed and some of them are not:

• 🔍 Try a different template for your model (Peel sometimes duplicates codes for one brand).
• 📝 Use the training mode: direct the original remote to the IR port of Redmi 8 Pro and record the missing commands.
• 🔄 Reset your device settings in Peel and add it again.

Problem 3: The app is constantly showing ads

Ads in the Peel Mi Remote can appear even in the midst of setting up the device, to reduce the number of ads:

• 🚫 Turn off the internet for the app in Android settings (Settings) → Annexes → Peel Mi Remote → Mobile data).
• 🛡️ Use an ad blocker (e.g. AdGuard).
• 💰 Buy a premium version (if available in your area).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Peel Mi Remote has stopped working at all, check if the service com.peel.app has disabled in the autorun settings. → Annexes → Autostart control. Find the Peel Mi Remote and enable autorun. Also add the app to the battery optimization exception list.

Peel Mi Remote for Redmi 8 Pro: what to use if the standard application is not satisfied

If the Peel Mi Remote seems uncomfortable or doesn’t work well with your appliances, you can try alternative apps, the main thing is that they support the physical IR port of the Redmi 8 Pro.

1. Mi Remote (official from Xiaomi)

Pros:

• 🏠 Full integration with MIUI (widgets, quick settings).
• 🚫 Minimum advertising.
• 🔧 Optimized for Xiaomi equipment (TVs, air conditioners, air purifiers).

Cons:

• ❌ A stripped-down codebase (may not support rare brands).
• 🔄 No cloud synchronization.

2. ZaZa Remote

Pros:

• 🌍 Supports over 800,000 devices.
• 🎨 Customizable interface (you can change the location of the buttons).
• 🔒 No advertising in the paid version.

Cons:

• 💰 The free version is very limited.
• 📱 The interface is overloaded (not everyone likes it).

3. SURE Universal Remote

Pros:

• 🤖 It supports not only the IR, but also Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-device.
• 📊 Use Analytics (which buttons are clicked more often).
• 🔄 The training mode is more stable than in Peel.

Cons:

• 📴 Registration is required for full functionality.
• 🐢 Slower response to commands (delay) ~0.5 sec).

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If you need to control equipment through an infrared port, choose Mi Remote or ZaZa. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) better fit SURE Universal.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Peel Mi Remote on Redmi 8 Pro