How to turn Xiaomi smartphone into a remote control: a complete guide with settings and life hacks

Your Xiaomi smartphone can replace several remote controls from TV to air conditioning, but few people know that you do not need to buy additional accessories for this: you just need to set up the built-in functions or install specialized software. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to use Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) as a universal remote, talk about the hidden features of the Mi Remote application, and also share solutions for cases where standard methods do not work.

Xiaomi’s approach to implementing the remote feature is to use an IR transmitter (infrared port), which is not available in all models. We have compiled a list of compatible devices, explained how to check for an IR port on your smartphone, and prepared alternative options for phones without it – through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or third-party hubs.

What Xiaomi smartphones support the function of the remote control

Not all Xiaomi devices can work as a remote control, but it requires an integrated infrared Blaster, which is found mainly in flagship and mid-budget models, whereas budget series (for example, Redmi A or the Redmi A). POCO C) often deprived of this option. Below is the current list of smartphones with an IR port for 2026:

• 📱 Xiaomi 14/14 Pro/14 Ultra – flagships with support for all IR control protocols
• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra – Proven compatibility with technology 200+ brand
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+/Note 13 Pro+ — Best choice in the middle segment
• 📱 POCO F5 Pro/POCO X6 Pro – IR port saved despite orientation to gamers
• 📱 Black Shark 5/5 Pro – a rare case among gaming smartphones

To check for an IR transmitter on your device:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Remote DU.
2. If the partition is missing, your smartphone does not support the function.
3. Alternatively: Download the app CPU-Z Check the Sensors section for availability. IR Blaster.

Important: Even if an IR port is available, it depends on the firmware version. 12T Pro MIUI 14 were complaints about unstable operation of the remote – the problem was solved by updating to HyperOS.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Remote application

The main tool for managing the equipment is the Mi Remote app (formerly called Mi Remote Controller), which is pre-installed on all supported smartphones, but if it is not available, download from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services).

Step-by-step instructions for setting up:

1. Run Mi Remote and allow access to Camera (required for scanning equipment) and Files (to download user profiles).
2. Select the type of device: TV, air conditioning, projector, etc. For example, take a TV.
3. Specify the brand from the list (e.g. Samsung, LG, Xiaomi TV). If your brand is not, choose Other and follow the instructions below (the section on adding custom profiles).
4. Point the smartphone on the technique and press the Test - the application will send a signal and check the reaction.
5. Save the profile if the test was successful, and now you can control the device via the virtual remote in the app.

Check the presence of an IR transmitter in a smartphone

Update Mi Remote to the latest version

Allow all requested permissions

Make sure the equipment is on and in range (up to 5 meters)

Connect the smartphone to charging (prolonged use of the IR transmitter drains the battery)

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If the app does not find your technique:

• 🔄 Try to choose another brand from the list (sometimes the protocols match). TCL profile.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and equipment.
• 🔧 Update Mi Remote and smartphone firmware.

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If your TV is supported HDMI-CEC (For example, Samsung Anynet+ or LG Simplink, connect your smartphone to it HDMI adapter USB-C → HDMI. This will allow you to control TV without an IR transmitter using standard commands over the cable.

Adding user profiles for rare brands

Mi Remote has profiles for most popular brands, but what if your tech isn't there, like old Philips models or niche manufacturers like Vestel, the solution is to upload custom profiles from the community.

Instructions for adding a user profile:

1. Download your profile file (.irc extension) from trusted sources, such as: XDA Developers (Segment of Xiaomi Themes & Apps) 4PDA (theme)

Download/IR

Mi Remote

+ → Add it manually. → Import profile

Select the downloaded file and follow the instructions on the screen.

Critical information: Some profiles may contain malicious code. Before installing, check the file through VirusTotal and make sure the source is reliable.

If you do not find a suitable profile, you can create it yourself using the application. IR Universal Remote (available on Google Play) allows you to "train" your smartphone to commands from the original remote, recording infrared signals.

Managing equipment without an IR transmitter: alternative methods

If your Xiaomi smartphone is not equipped with an IR port, do not despair: there are at least 4 ways to turn it into a remote control:

• 📶 Wi-Fi: For smart TVs (Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, Android TV) Other equipment with support for local area network (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box).
• 🔵 Bluetooth: Suitable for some air conditioning (Gree, Midea) and audio systems (JBL, Sony SRS).
• 🌐 Cloud services: Apps like Yandex Smart Home or Google Home can control technology over the Internet.
• 🔌 USB-OTG + IR adapter: Connecting an external IR transmitter (e.g., BroadLink) RM4 Pro) to the smartphone.

Let’s look at each method in more detail.

1. Wi-Fi management (for Smart) TV and media consoles)

Most of today's TVs are LAN controlled.

1. Connect your smartphone and TV to a single Wi-Fi network.
2. Install the official brand app: Samsung: SmartThings LG: LG ThinQ Android TV: Google TV Xiaomi TV: Mi Home

Follow the instructions in the app for pairing devices.

Advantages: There are no range restrictions (works within the network), voice commands are supported.

Disadvantages: Depending on the stability of Wi-Fi, there may be a delay of 1-2 seconds.

2. Bluetooth control (for audio and air conditioning)

Some devices (e.g., columns) JBL Charge or Gree U-Crown air conditioners support Bluetooth control:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and technology.
2. Connect the devices in Bluetooth settings.
3. Use a branded app (such as Gree)+ for air conditioning or universal (Universal) TV Remote).

To set up:

1. Connect the adapter to the smartphone through OTG-cable.
2. Install the manufacturer’s application (e.g. BroadLink e-Control).
3. Add the technique manually or select from the database.

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External IR adapters not only replace the remote, but also allow you to automate the control of equipment through scripts (for example, turn on TV and air conditioning with one tap in Google Home).

The solution to the problems: why the remote on Xiaomi does not work

Even after setting up correctly, Mi Remote can run unstable.

The case of the case: user Redmi Note 11 Pro+ He complained that the remote only works in horizontal orientation, and it turned out that the problem was in the position sensor after calibration. → System system → Sensors. → Calibration's working.

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After the update MIUI The IR port has stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware version or install Mi Remote from the APK (For example, with APKMirror).

Advanced Features: Automation and Voice Control

Xiaomi smartphone as a remote can not only replace physical buttons, but also automate routine actions.

• 🎤 Voice control: With Google Assistant or Alice, you can turn on the TV command "OK Google, turn on Samsung on the phone". HDMI 1".
• ⏱️ Timers and scripts: In Mi Home or Google Home, you can set the air conditioner to automatically turn off after 2 hours.
• 🔄 Macros: One button in Mi Remote can send a sequence of commands (e.g., turn on TV, switch to Netflix, set volume to 50%).

To set up voice control:

1. Open Google Assistant (or Yandex with Alice).
2. Say, "Sync the devices."
3. Choose the technique you want to control your voice (e.g. Xiaomi Mi). TV).
4. Assign comfortable commands, such as: “Turn on the TV sport" → switching.

Example of macros in Mi Remote:

1. Open Mi Remote and select your TV profile.
2. Press … → Edit → Add macros.
3. Write down the sequence: Enable → HDMI 1 → Loudness 30% → Play.
4. Save the macro as "Cinema." Now one button will launch the cinema!

Xiaomi’s comparison with other brands: who better copes with the role of the remote

Not only is Xiaomi a remote control feature, but let's look at how it's implemented by competitors:

Xiaomi wins over competitors thanks to:

• 🔧 Flexibility (support for custom profiles).
• 📱 Wide coverage of models with IR port.
• 🏠 Integration with the Mi Home ecosystem (smart home).

However, if your equipment supports Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth LE, Samsung or Google solutions may be more convenient – they don’t require direct visibility between devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about using Xiaomi as a remote