Have you ever lost your TV remote at the most inopportune moment? or tried to control the air conditioner while lying on the couch but were lazy to get up at the remote? Xiaomi's Mi Remote app solves these problems by turning your smartphone into a universal remote control. But many users do not even realize that this feature is hidden in their devices - especially if it is a budget Redmi or Poco models, where the application is not installed by default.
At first glance, the Mi Remote seems like a simple tool for switching channels on a TV. But under the hood, you can control dozens of types of equipment, from multimedia systems to smart lamps. In this article, we will discuss what an application can do, how to set it up correctly (including hidden features), what devices it is compatible with, and why alternatives are sometimes better, and also answer the main question: why the Mi Remote may not work with your technology - and how to fix it.
What is a Mi remote and why you need it
Mi Remote is the official application from Xiaomi, which turns the smartphone into an infrared (IR) It uses a remote control. It uses a built-in remote control. IR-The blaster (infrared transmitter), which is in most models Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco. the main advantage is that you do not need to buy separate remotes for each equipment or look for universal solutions from third-party manufacturers.
The app supports more than 500,000 models from 6,000 brands, including rare and outdated devices, which means that even if you have a 2010 Sony TV or Daikin air conditioner with a custom protocol, the chances of compatibility remain high, and Mi Remote does not require an Internet connection to work – all encoding databases are stored locally on the device.
- 📺 Televisions (including Smart) TV Android TV, Tizen, webOS)
- ❄️ Air conditioners (with support for heating/cooling modes)
- 🎵 Musical systems and soundbars
- 💡 Smart lamps with IR control (for example, Yeelight)
- 🎮 Projectors and media players (including Xiaomi Mi Box)
- 🔄 DVD/Blu-ray player and receiver
It's important to understand that the Mi Remote only works with technology that is controlled by infrared protocol, if your device uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Radio Frequency (RF) (For example, some garage doors or curtains, the app will be useless, and it will not replace remotes for smart homes based on Zigbee or Z-Wave.
⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is not equipped IR-A blaster (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), The Mi app won't be able to send commands. IR-transmitter in the characteristics of the model on the official website.
What Xiaomi smartphones support Mi remote
Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with an infrared port, such as the flagship models of recent years (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi). K70 Pro) often deprived IR-The blaster for the sake of a thinner body or additional cameras. Below is a table with popular models and their support Mi Remote:
| Smartphone model | Presence IR-blaster | Support for Mi remotes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro/Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Complete. | IR-port is located at the top of the hull |
| Poco X5 Pro | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Complete. | Requires firmware update to MIUI 14+ |
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | ❌ No. | ❌ Not supported | Alternative: Bluetooth remotes |
| Redmi 10C | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Complete. | Budget model with basic functions |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | ❌ No. | ❌ Not supported | Flagship without IR-transmitter |
To check if there is any IR-Blaster on your smartphone, follow the following steps:
Open the Camera app and switch to the front camera
Point the camera at the top of the body (where it is usually located) IR-port)
Turn on any remote control and press the button – if you can see flickering on the screen, IR-blaster
Check the model specifications at gsmarena.com or mi.com-->
If your smartphone does not support Mi Remote, consider alternatives:
- 🔌 External IR-Adapters (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Pro)
- 📱 Applications from manufacturers of equipment (e.g, LG ThinQ for TVs LG)
- 🌐 Smart speakers with IR support (for example, Xiaomi Mi) AI Speaker)
How to install and configure Mi remote
If your smartphone supports Mi Remote, the app is either preinstalled (in the Tools folder) or available for download on Google Play or AppGallery.
- For smartphones with MIUI: The app is usually hidden. To find it, open Settings. → Annexes → Application management → All applications and enter in the search "Remote".
- For smartphones with pure Android (Poco, some Redmi): Download Mi Remote from Google Play (developer – Xiaomi Inc.).
- For devices without Google services (e.g. in China): Install APK From the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi App Store.
After installation, perform the initial setting:
- Open the app and allow access to the camera (need to scan) QR-codes from remote controls) and microphone (for some voice control functions).
- Select the type of device you want to control (such as a TV).
- Enter the brand of the appliance (e.g. Samsung) and the model (if known). If the model is not listed, select Autodetermination.
- Point your smartphone at the device and press the Test – the application will send signals and check the reaction.
If the automatic definition doesn’t work, try:
- 🔍 Manually select the protocol from the list (for example, NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC).
- 📱 Use the Learning function: bring the original remote to your smartphone and record commands.
- 🔄 Reboot the smartphone and repeat the setting.
⚠️ Note: Some TVs (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) TV) require additional authorization through Mi Account for full access to functions, without which voice control or switching may not be available. HDMI-port.
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If the Mi Remote doesn't find your TV model, try picking another brand with the same processor. TV Sometimes the protocol is suitable for Sony Bravia.
Hidden functions Mi Remote: what does the application besides the basic commands
Most users use the Mi Remote only to turn on/off equipment and switch channels, but the app has hidden features that make it a real Swiss knife for controlling a smart home:
- 🎛️ Making macros: Record the sequences of commands. For example, one tap can turn on the TV, switch it to the TV. HDMI1, Start Netflix and set the volume to 50%.
- 🔄 Multi-device management: Add a TV, soundbar and air conditioner to one profile – and switch between them without leaving the app.
- 📱 Home screen widget: Add buttons for frequently used commands (e.g., “Switch off everything” before bedtime).
- 🔊 Voice control: Integration with Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex allows you to control voice technique (for example, "OK Google, turn on the TV in the kitchen").
- 🌐 Remote control: If your smartphone and appliances are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can send commands even from another room.
To activate macros:
- Open the Mi Remote and go to the Macros section (or Automation in newer versions).
- Click Create a macro and add a sequence of commands (e.g., Enable). TV → Turn over. HDMI2 → Set the volume 30%).
- Save the macro and assign it a name (for example, "Movie Night").
- Add the macro shortcut to the home screen or notification panel.
For voice control:
- Make sure your smartphone is enabled with Google Assistant or Alice.
- In the Mi Remote settings, activate the Voice Control option.
- Say a command, such as “turn on the TV on Channel 20.”
How to set up air conditioning control on a schedule?
Problems with Mi Remote and their solutions
Even with the official Xiaomi app, users are experiencing bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The app does not find the device | Incorrectly selected brand/model | Try Autodetermination or manual protocol entry |
| Teams are leaving, but the technique is not responding | Weak signal. IR-blaster | Bring the smartphone closer to the receiver (no further than 5 meters) |
| Mi Remote takes off at launch | An outdated version of the app | Update via Google Play or clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → Mi remote → Warehouse → Clear the cache) |
| Macros don't work. | Conflict with battery optimization | Add the app to exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Mi remote → No restrictions) |
| You can't add new techniques. | The database is outdated. | Update the database manually (Settings in Mi Remote) → Update the device base) |
If nothing helps, try resetting the app settings:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Mi remote → Warehouse.
- Click Clear Data (this will delete all saved devices!).
- Reboot your smartphone and set up the app again.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (such as custom LineageOS or Pixel Experience) IR-The blaster may not work due to the lack of drivers, in which case only returning to the official system will help. MIUI.
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If the Remote stopped working after the update MIUI, Try to roll back the application version through APK or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. Often bugs fix within 1-2 weeks.
Mi Remote Alternatives: When to Use Other Apps
Although the Mi Remote covers most scenarios, in some cases it is better to turn to alternatives:
- 📱 For smartphones without IR-Blaster: Apps like BroadLink or Tuya Smart work through Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-adapter.
- 🏠 For smart homes: Google Home or Yandex Alice drives appliances through the cloud, not infrared signals.
- 🎮 For game consoles: PS4 Remote Play or Xbox App offer more features than basic on/off commands.
- 🔧 Specialized applications from manufacturers (for example, Daikin Online Controller for air conditioners).
Comparison of Mi Remotes with popular alternatives:
| Annex | Type of management | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi remote | IR | Free, no advertising, a large database of devices | Demands. IR-blaster, no cloud management |
| BroadLink | IR/RF/Wi-Fi | It works without. IR-port, supports RF-device | You need to buy an external hub, a paid subscription for some features |
| Yandex Smart Home | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Voice control via Alice, integration with smart lamps | Does not work with IR equipment, requires a constant Internet connection |
| Sure Universal Remote | IR/Wi-Fi | Supports Smart. TV, there are widgets | Advertising in the free version, a complex interface |
If you choose between Mi Remote and alternatives, focus on:
- 📶 Type of equipment: Mi Remote is sufficient for IR devices; Wi-Fi/Bluetooth I need another software.
- 💰 Budget: Mi remote is free and BroadLink requires the purchase of a hub (~2 000 ₽).
- 🏡 System Size: Google Home or Home Assistant is better for a smart home.
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
When using Mi Remotes, many users are concerned about security, and here are the key points:
✅ Pluses:
- 🔒 The app does not transfer data about your devices to the cloud (all settings are stored locally).
- 🚫 No access to personal data (contacts, messages, photos).
- 🔄 Updates to the device database are downloaded only from official Xiaomi servers.
⚠️ Potential risks:
- 📡 If you use remote Wi-Fi control, in theory, an attacker on your network could intercept commands (but it requires special knowledge).
- 🔓 On rooted devices, other applications can access IR-to send commands on your behalf.
To minimize the risks:
- Do not connect your smartphone to public Wi-Fi networks when using remote control.
- Regularly update the Mi Remote and MIUI (New versions are closing vulnerabilities).
- Disable unnecessary permissions for the application (Settings) → Annexes → Mi remote → Permits).
⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, reset your Mi Remote settings so that the new owner cannot control your app.