Xiaomi smartphone as a remote: full instructions for controlling TV and appliances

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication — they have become universal devices for managing a smart home. One of the most popular features is the ability to use the phone as a remote control for TVs, air conditioners, audio systems and even household appliances. If your Redmi, POCO or flagship Xiaomi is equipped with an infrared transmitter (infrared port), you can forget about a handful of remotes on the table, all control will be concentrated in one gadget.

In this article, we will discuss which Xiaomi models support the remote, how to set up the Mi Remote app for different devices, what alternative programs are worth trying if the standard solution does not work, and how to solve typical connection problems. We will focus on hidden features, such as controlling equipment over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if the infrared port is missing, and you will learn how to create your own commands for unique devices and synchronize settings between several smartphones.

Important: not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with an infrared port. If your model does not have one, do not despair - in the article there is a section on alternative ways to control equipment without an infrared emitter.

Which Xiaomi smartphones can work as a remote?

The remote control function via the IR port is not available in all Xiaomi models. the manufacturer equips it mainly with mid-range and premium devices, as well as some budget models of the Redmi and POCO lines. Below is the current list of smartphones with support for infrared port (as of 2026):

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 14/13/12/11, Mi 10/10T/10 Pro, Mi 9/9T/9 Pro
• 📱 Redmi Note: Redmi Note Series 12/11/10 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro/9S/8 Pro
• 📱 Linea POCO: POCO F5/F4/F3, POCO X5/X4/X3 Pro
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi 10A/9A/8A Pro, Redmi 9C/9T

To find out exactly if there is an infrared port in your smartphone, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or look at the top of the device - there should be a small black rectangle (usually next to the headphone jack or speaker). You can also use the application CPU-Z (Sensors section where the presence of IR Transmitter.

Attention! Even if your smartphone is not equipped with an IR port, you can still control some devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV, Samsung with SmartThings support or air conditioners with Wi-Fi module), more about this in the section on alternative methods.

Setup of the Mi Remote application: step-by-step instructions

The main application for controlling equipment through the IR port is Mi Remote (formerly called Mi Remote Controller), which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones, but can be downloaded from Google Play or AppGallery if necessary.

1. Open the Mi Remote app and allow access to the camera (scanning required) QR-codes of some devices).
2. Click Add Device** (+ in the upper right corner) and select a category (e.g., TV).

Once you've successfully connected, you can control your TV through a virtual remote in the app. Mi Remote interface adapts to the type of device: for TVs, there are buttons for channel switching, volume control, for air conditioners, temperature and operating modes.

An important caveat: if your TV or air conditioner is released after 2022, the standard codes in Mi Remote may not work. In this case, try updating the application database through Settings → Update the device database.

Managing equipment without an IR port: alternative methods

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn't have an infrared transmitter, don't get upset. There are several alternative ways to control the hardware:

• 📺 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Many Modern TVs (Xiaomi Mi) TV, Samsung QLED, LG OLED) They support management over the local area network, and this requires official applications from manufacturers (e.g. Mi). TV Remote for Xiaomi TVs).
• ❄️ Smart air conditioners: Wi-Fi models (such as Xiaomi Mi Air Conditioner or Gree) are controlled via Mi Home or Smart Life apps.

To manage via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth:

1. Make sure that the appliances and the smartphone are connected to the same network.
2. Download the official manufacturer’s app (e.g. Samsung SmartThings for Samsung TVs).
3. Follow the device pairing instructions (usually required to enter) PIN-code QR).

💡 Useful tip: if your TV doesn’t support direct control over Wi-Fi, but it has a port HDMI-CEC, You can use your smartphone to control it through Google. TV Android TV (when connected to a single network).

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If your smartphone doesn’t have an IR port, but you often use the remote feature, consider buying an external IR adapter (such as the Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2) that connects via USB-C.

Creating user commands and macros

One of the hidden features of Mi Remote is the creation of custom commands and macros (sequences of actions).

• 🔧 Your device is not automatically recognized.
• 🎛️ You need unique button combinations (like turning on your TV). + switchover HDMI-entrance).
• 🔄 You want to automate routine activities (e.g., turning off all equipment at night).

To create a user team:

1. In Mi Remote, select Add Device → Customized.
2. Specify the type of device (TV, air conditioning, etc.).
3. Point the original remote to your smartphone and press the button you want to write. Repeat for all the buttons you need.
4. Save the configuration under a unique name.

To create a macro:

1. Go to Macros (or Automation in newer versions).
2. Add a new sequence and select devices/commands.
3. Set up the order of execution and delay between commands (e.g., turn on the TV → switch input → set volume).

⚠️ Warning: When recording user commands, keep the original remote at a distance of 2-5 cm from the IR port of the smartphone. The signal must be clear, otherwise the command will record with errors.

Solving Connection and Work Problems

Even with the right setup, you can have failures, and here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:

If the problem is not solved, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Remote app.
• 📱 Check the operation of the IR port through test applications (for example, IR Tester).
• 📋 Contact Xiaomi with the indication of the smartphone model and device.

Alternative applications for technical management

If Mi Remote does not suit you (for example, due to a limited base of devices or an inconvenient interface), you can use third-party applications.-5 alternatives:

• 📌 ZaZa Remote: supports more than 800,000 devices, has a learning function for teams and macros.
• 📌 AnyMote Universal Remote: works with IR, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, integrates with Google Assistant.
• 📌 SURE Universal Remote: Supports smart devices (including Nest, Philips Hue), cloud sync.
• 📌 Peel Smart Remote: a simple interface, automatically identifies popular brands, there is a TV-guide.
• 📌 BroadLink: Requires BroadLink Hub to be Purchased RM4, It supports management via the Internet.

When choosing an alternative, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Support for your equipment: check the list of compatible devices on the app page.
• 💰 Features: Some apps limit the number of devices in the free version.
• 🛡️ Security: Avoid applications with suspicious permissions (e.g. access to the app) SMS or contact).

⚠️ Note: some alternative applications may contain advertisements or collect usage data.

Synchronization of settings between devices

If you have multiple Xiaomi smartphones (for example, personal and work), you can sync your Mi Remote settings so you don’t reconfigure the remote.

1. On the main device, open Mi Remote and go to Settings → Backup.
2. Export the configuration to a file (usually offered to save to Mi Cloud or locally).
3. On the second smartphone, import the file through the same settings section.

You can also use cloud sync through your Xiaomi account:

• Sign in to Mi Remote on both devices under the same account.
• Enable the option to Sync data in the application settings.

💡 Useful tip: If you reinstall firmware frequently or reset your smartphone, back up your Mi Remote settings manually regularly (via Settings). → Exports. This will save time to reconfigure.

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Syncing through Mi Cloud only works for devices tied to the same Xiaomi account. If you use different accounts, export the settings to the file.

FAQ: Frequent questions about using Xiaomi as a remote