Controlling a TV from a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is more convenient than it seems: you don’t need to search for a remote control all over the apartment, just take the phone out of your pocket. But how does it work in practice? Depending on the model of your Redmi (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ with an IR transmitter or Redmi 10 without it and a TV type (Samsung, LG, Xiaomi TV There are different methods available, from the built-in Mi Remote app to universal solutions like Google. TV or SmartThings.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to control TV from Xiaomi phone, including setting up through an infrared port (IR-Blaster, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and solve typical problems: why does not find the device, how to add a custom TV model and what to do if the buttons on the phone screen do not respond. We will also focus on hidden Mi Remote features that are not mentioned in the official instructions, such as how to control multiple TVs at the same time or create custom commands for rare brands.
1. Compatibility Check: Which Redmi is Right for TV Management
Not all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones can work as a remote for a TV, the main criterion is the presence of an infrared port (IR-Without it, there are only options over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which do not support all TVs.
Here is a list of Redmi models with an IR transmitter (currently for 2026):
- 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — The IR port is available, supports all functions of Mi Remote
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — IR port is present, but firmware update may be required
- 📱 Redmi K50 Pro – Full compatibility with most TV brands
- 📱 Redmi 10 (Model with suffix "C" - IR port is absent, only Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- 📱 Redmi 9T and older, without IR, but support Google TV or SmartThings.
To check for an IR port on your Redmi, do one of the following:
- Look at the top of the phone – look for a small black window (usually next to the headphone jack).
- Run the Mi Remote app (if installed), and if your phone suggests turning on the IR port, it's there.
- Check the characteristics of the model on the official Xiaomi website in the section "Sensors".
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is not equipped with an IR port, but your TV supports Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast, you can still control it through apps like LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings, however, will be limited (for example, you will not be able to adjust the volume on some models).
2. Mi Remote setup: step-by-step instruction for IR control
Mi Remote is the main tool for controlling the TV with Xiaomi Redmi, if the smartphone has an IR port. It is pre-installed on most devices, but if necessary it can be downloaded from Google Play or AppGallery (for models without Google services).
How to set up Mi Remote:
- Open the Mi Remote app (remote icon with red background).
- Click Add Device → Select Television Category.
- In the list of brands, find the manufacturer of your TV (for example, Samsung, LG, Xiaomi TV). If your brand is not, choose Universal.
- Direct the phone’s IR port to the TV and follow the instructions on the screen (the app will send test signals).
- After a successful connection, save the device under a convenient name (such as Samsung Bedroom).
If the TV doesn’t respond to commands:
- 🔄 Try another brand from the list (for example, for the TCL Sometimes Roku profile fits).
- 📱 Restart your phone and TV.
- 🔧 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.
- 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and TV (the IC signal does not pass through walls or furniture).
The IR port on the phone is on (no physical damage)
The TV is on and on standby.
The distance between TV and telephone is no more than 5 meters.
Mi Remote app has access to camera and sensors-->
Mi Remote has hidden features that are rarely mentioned:
- 🎮 Game mode: in the remote settings, you can activate a special profile for controlling consoles (Xbox, PlayStation) or Android TV.
- 🔄 Macros: Record command sequences (e.g., "turn on TV") → switch over HDMI1 → launch Netflix").
- 📱 Widget to the home screen: add a shortcut for quick access to the remote (hold the Mi Remote icon) → "Widgets").
3. TV control over Wi-Fi: an alternative for Redmi without IR
If your Xiaomi Redmi doesn't have an IR port, there are ways to control the network, and the main condition is that the TV must support Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast, or be connected to the same network as the phone. Let's consider three working methods.
Method 1: Applications of the TV manufacturer
Most brands offer their own management applications:
- 📺 Samsung: SmartThings (supports all models since 2016).
- 📺 LG: LG ThinQ (Works with WebOS 3.0 and later).
- 📺 Xiaomi TV: Mi Home (requires a link to a Xiaomi account).
- 📺 Sony: Video & TV SideView (for Android models) TV).
How to connect (as an example of SmartThings):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Sign up or sign in to your Samsung account.
- Click Add Device → Select Television.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (the TV must be turned on and connected to Wi-Fi).
Way 2: Google TV / Android TV Remote
If your TV is running on Android TV (Sony Bravia, Philips or Xiaomi Mi TV), Use the official Google app TV:
- Install Google. TV Play Market.
- Open the app and select your profile.
- Click on the remote icon in the upper right corner.
- Choose your TV from the list (it should be on the same Wi-Fi network).
Google's functions TV Remote:
- 🎛️ Full-fledged virtual remote with touch panel.
- 🔍 Voice search (works through the phone microphone).
- 📱 Quick access to installed applications on TV.
Method 3: Universal applications (e.g. Unified Remote)
For rare brands or old TV models, universal remotes are suitable:
- 📱 Unified Remote – Supports IR, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- 📱 AnyMote – works with most smart devices TV.
- 📱 Yatse – Optimized for Kodi and Plex.
⚠️ Note: When managing over Wi-Fi, there may be a delay before 1-2 This is normal for network protocols, but critical for games or fast channel switching, and for those cases, it's better to use an IR remote or an original TV remote.
4. Bluetooth Control: When Wi-Fi is Unavailable
Some TVs (such as Samsung) QLED 2020+ or LG OLED C-series) support Bluetooth connectivity, which is convenient if Wi-Fi is off or is unstable, and Xiaomi Redmi is good if you want to use it:
- 📱 The phone has Bluetooth 5.0 (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+).
- 📺 Television supports protocol BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
- 🔗 Both devices are no more than 10 meters away.
How to connect via Bluetooth:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Connected devices → Bluetooth).
- On the TV, activate the search mode (usually in the Settings menu). → Network → Bluetooth).
- In the list of available devices on your phone, select the name of your TV.
- Confirm pairing on both devices (entry may be required) PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
After you connect, you can:
- 🎵 Manage volume and channels through the media panel in the notification curtain.
- 📱 Use your phone as a keyboard to enter text on TV.
- 🔄 Transmit files (photos, videos) directly to the TV.
Limitations of Bluetooth control:
- ❌ Not all TV models support a full Bluetooth remote (most often only basic functions are available).
- ❌ Possible problems with multitasking (for example, if the phone is connected to headphones, the connection to the TV may break).
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If the TV can't find the phone over Bluetooth, try resetting the list of conjugated devices on the TV and reconnecting, and on some Samsung models, you need to press the Source button on the remote for 10 seconds.
5. Problem Solving: Why the Phone Doesn't Control the TV
Even with the right setup, there can be failures, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't find the TV in Mi Remote | The IR port is blocked or damaged | Check if there is a physical IR window on your phone. Try another app (e.g., a physical IR window, IR Universal Remote). |
| The buttons on the screen do not respond | Incorrectly selected brand profile | Remove the device in Mi Remote and add it again by selecting a different brand (for example, Vizio is sometimes suitable for Toshiba). |
| Delay in managing over Wi-Fi | Weak router signal | Connect your phone and TV to a 5GHz network (if supported). Or use Wi-Fi Direct for a direct connection. |
| Bluetooth remote shuts down | Conflict with other devices | Turn off other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets) and update your TV firmware. |
| The TV manufacturer’s app is not connected | Outdated version of the software | Update the TV firmware and the phone app. Reboot both devices. |
If none of these methods helped, check:
- 🔌 Power TV: some functions are turned off in energy-saving mode.
- 📶 Network settings: on TV, the mode "Guest Network" can be activated, blocking control.
- 🔒 Access Rights: Give Mi Remote or SmartThings app permission to use the camera, microphone, and location.
What if the TV doesn’t respond to IR commands?
Additional Features: Voice Control and Automation
You can control your TV with Xiaomi Redmi not only through a virtual remote, but also through voice or automated scripting.
Voice control via Google Assistant or Alice
If your TV supports Google Assistant or Yandex Alice, you can use voice commands:
- 🎤 For Android. TV: Say, OK Google, turn on Netflix on your TV".
- 🎤 For Xiaomi. TV: activate Yandex Alice and say "Alice, switch to Channel One".
- 🎤 For Samsung with Bixby: Hi Bixby, turn up the volume on the TV".
How to set up voice control:
- Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same account (Google or Yandex).
- In the TV settings, activate the option "Voice Assistant" (Settings) → Voice control).
- On the phone, turn on voice recognition (Settings) → Google → Voice settings).
Automation with Mi Home or Home Assistant
Using the Mi Home app (for the Xiaomi ecosystem) or Home Assistant (for advanced users), you can create scenarios:
- 🌓 Evening mode: "If it's 21:00, turn off the brightness of the TV and turn on the night lights".
- 🚪 No-one's Home Mode: If everyone leaves the house, turn off the TV and the socket with the console".
- 🎮 Game scenario: If a game is running on TV, switch the sound to the soundbar and turn off notifications on the phone".
To set up automation in Mi Home:
- Add TV to the app (if it’s Xiaomi) TV or).
- Go to the Automation section → Add a script.
- Select a condition (time, location, action of another device).
- Add the action for the TV (turn on, off, switch the channel).
- Save the script and test it out.
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Voice control and automation work more stable if the phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and are tied to the same account (Google, Yandex or Xiaomi).
7.Security: How to Protect TV Control from Hacking
Controlling your TV through your smartphone is convenient, but it opens up potential vulnerabilities, and attackers can intercept a signal or connect to your network to control your devices.
Basic safety measures:
- 🔒 Update the firmware of the TV and phone (in vulnerable versions of the software there may be gaps).
- 📶 Use it. WPA3 for Wi-Fi (in the router settings, select the most modern encryption protocol).
- 🔑 Disable guest access to the network if you don’t need it.
- 📱 Install. PIN-code for Mi Remote or SmartThings applications (in security settings).
Additional settings for advanced users:
- 🌐 Isolate devices on the network: on the router create a separate network for smart devices (VLAN).
- 🔍 Disable UPnP on your router (this will reduce the risk of external attacks).
- 📵 Block IR signals: if you are afraid of interception, tape the IR port on the phone with opaque tape (but then the remote will not work).
Signs that your TV is being controlled by someone else:
- ❌ The volume or channels change on their own.
- ❌ In the history of viewing appear unknown applications.
- ❌ The TV is turned on at night or in your absence.
⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi Redmi, be sure to remove all saved devices in Mi Remote and untie your accounts. Google/Xiaomi Otherwise, the new owner of the phone will be able to control your equipment!