Where Xiaomi Phone Is Remote: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

You bought a new Xiaomi smartphone and found that it can control a TV, air conditioner or other appliances - but you don't know where to find this feature? Or maybe your IR port suddenly stopped working after the upgrade? In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate the virtual remote in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, including hidden settings and solutions to typical problems.

Smartphone control is one of the key benefits of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, but not all users know that you don’t have to install third-party apps: most models already have a full-fledged infrared remote (IR) with a codebase for thousands of devices, where to look for it, how to set it up, and what to do if the feature disappeared after the MIUI upgrade — read on.

What Xiaomi models support the remote control function

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with an infrared port (IR), which is available mainly in mid-range and premium models, as well as in some low-end devices in the Redmi Note series.

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 10/11, Mix 4/Fold — All equipped with an IR port.
• 💰 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro, POCO F3/F4/F5, Xiaomi Civi.
• 🚫 No IR: Most Redmi A models, POCO M, Xiaomi Lite and all devices without 3.5 mm connector (e.g. Xiaomi) 12X).

To find out exactly if your phone has an IR port, check the specifications on the official website or look at the top of the case - there should be a small black rectangle (usually next to the front camera). CPU-Z (sensors).

If your model does not support IR, the alternative is Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-remotes via the Mi Home app (for Xiaomi smart appliances) or universal applications like AnyMote, but they require devices to connect to the same network.

Where in the Xiaomi phone is the built-in remote

Depending on the version of MIUI, the path to the virtual remote may differ. In recent versions (MIUI 13-14), developers have made it easier to access, but in some firmware, the function is hidden deep in the settings. Here are all the possible ways:

Method 1: Through the Quick Settings Panel

The fastest method is to swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar and then:

1. Click on the Remote icon (a TV with waves is depicted).
2. If there is no icon, tap on the pencil (Edit) and add it manually.

Method 2: Through the Remote Application

On the home screen or in the app menu, find the Mi Remote icon.

• 🔍 Check the Tools or Utilities folder.
• 📥 Install the app from Google Play (it is free and official).

Method 3: Through System Settings

If previous methods have not worked, try:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Choose Infrared Port or Remote DU.
3. Activate the slider and follow the instructions on the screen.

Important: In some regional firmware (e.g. Europe), the remote can be disabled by default, in which case changing the region to India or China in the phone settings (Section Additional → Region) will help.

How to set up the remote on the Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions

After activating the IR port, you need to add the devices you plan to control, and let's take a look at the process with a Samsung TV:

1. Open the Remote app and click Add Device.
2. Choose a category: TV, air conditioning, DVD-player.
3. Specify the brand from the list (if yours is not, choose Universal).
4. Point the phone’s IR port to the device and hold the testing button until the tech responds.
5. Save the setting and assign a name (e.g., “Living Room Television”).

Air conditioners and multimedia systems may require additional temperature, modes and timers adjustments. The Mi Remote app has separate tabs for these settings.

Critical nuance: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the IR port may not work due to the lack of drivers, in which case you will need manual firmware kernel with support for IR.

Why Xiaomi’s remote doesn’t work: Typical problems and solutions

Even if you have an IR port on your phone, users often experience errors, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🔴 IR port not responding: Check if the port is covered with a cover or film. Rub the port glass with a dry wipe (dust blocks the signal). Reset the phone.
• 🔄 Device not added: Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.Try to add the device manually through Other brands.Make sure the appliances are on and within range (up to 5 meters).
• 📱 The feature disappeared after the update: Reset the Mi Remote app settings in Settings → Install applications. APK old version of the app (for example, with APKMirror). roll back the firmware through Fastboot (for power users).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The Infrared Port section in the settings has been lost, this may be due to Xiaomi's policy for a specific region, the solution being to change the region to India or install global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

You can use test applications like IR Tester from Google Play to diagnose an IR port, which will show you if the transmitter is working and what signal it sends.

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If the remote is unstable, try calibrating it: open Mi Remote, select the device → Settings → Calibration. This will help synchronize the signals with your technique.

Hidden functions of the virtual remote in Xiaomi

Many users don’t know that the built-in remote in Xiaomi has much more than just switching channels.

• 🎮 Game mode: In some TV settings, you can activate Game mode to reduce input delay (useful for gamers).
• 🔄 Macros: Create a chain of commands (e.g., “Enable the TV”); + launch Netflix in the Macros section.
• 📡 Wi-Fi management: For Xiaomi appliances (e.g. Mi) TV) Available control without IR through a local network.
• 🔒 Child Protection: You can block certain buttons (such as volume) with a password.

Mi Remote also has a Smart Home mode that allows you to manage Xiaomi devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) through one app.

For owners of Xiaomi Mi TV is available function “Quick Wake” – the TV turns on in 1-2 seconds when sending a signal from the phone, even if it was completely turned off.

Alternative applications for technical management

If the built-in Xiaomi remote does not suit you, you can use third-party solutions.-3 tested applications:

These applications may require permission to access the IR port, and MIUI 12+ does this by:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions Management.
2. Select an app (such as AnyMote).
3. Activate the Infrared Port permission.

⚠️ Note: Some alternative applications request access to Special Features (to intercept signals). This may not be secure - install software only from official sources (Google Play, APKMirror).

How to use the remote on Xiaomi without an IR port

If your smartphone is not equipped with an infrared transmitter, there are several ways around:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Control: For Xiaomi equipment (televisions, lamps) use Mi Home. for Samsung - SmartThings, for LG — LG ThinQ.
• 🔌 Adapters: Buy USB-IR key fob (e.g. BroadLink) RM4) and connect it to the phone through OTG. Use Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster (external IR transmitter for smartphones without a port).
• 🌐 Cloud management: Some brands (such as Sony) allow you to manage your equipment over the Internet.

To connect via Mi Home:

1. Install the application and log in.
2. Click Add Device and select a category.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to connect the equipment to the same Wi-Fi network).

Important: Remote Wi-Fi control only works if the appliances are connected to the Internet. For IR adapters (for example, BroadLink), you need to install additional software, such as e-Control.

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If your Xiaomi does not have an IR port, the best option is an external adapter or Wi-Fi control through proprietary applications of equipment manufacturers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the remote in Xiaomi phones