Where is the infrared sensor on Xiaomi devices: detailed instructions with photos

The infrared sensor in Xiaomi devices is a small but extremely useful module that allows you to control household appliances through a smartphone or smart gadgets. However, many users face the problem: where exactly is this sensor on the body of a phone, smart watch or other device? This is especially true for those who want to use the infrared port to control an air conditioner, TV or music center, but can not find its physical location.

In this article, we will not only show you where to look for an infrared transmitter on popular Xiaomi models, but also explain how to identify it visually, which devices support this feature, and what to do if the sensor does not work.

Not all Xiaomi gadgets are equipped with an infrared sensor, for example, the flagship models of recent years often lose this module for the sake of other functions (for example, LiDAR or additional cameras).

What Xiaomi devices are equipped with an infrared sensor

Before you look for an infrared port on a case, it’s important to know if your model supports this feature. Xiaomi doesn’t provide an infrared transmitter for all devices. Here are the key categories of gadgets where it is most common:

• 📱 Smartphones: mostly budget and mid-budget models (Redmi Note series, POCO, Flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3) are usually devoid of an IR port.
• ⌚ Smart watches and bracelets: some Mi Band models (starting with version 5) and Xiaomi Watch have built-in IR transmitter for control of equipment.
• 💡 Smart lamps and sockets: individual devices of the Mi Home line can work as IR panels (for example, Xiaomi Mi) IR Blaster).
• 📺 Television and TV set-top boxes: Mi TV Stick and some Mi Box models have an IR port for compatibility with older remotes.

To find out exactly if there is an IR sensor in your device, check its specs on the official Xiaomi website or in the Mi Remote app (if installed). If the application starts and suggests adding devices to control - then the IR port is present.

Important! Don't confuse an infrared sensor with an approach sensor or a light sensor, the first one being used to control the equipment, and the other two to automate the screen (e.g., turning off the backlight during a call).

Redmi Note 7/8/9/10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 9/9T/10/10T, Redmi K30/K40/K50, Mi 11 Lite, Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4/M5. Flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13) They usually don't have an IR port.

Where is the IR sensor on Xiaomi smartphones: photos and diagrams

If your smartphone supports IR control, the sensor will be located on the top of the case, which is standard for most Xiaomi models, but there are exceptions. Below are detailed diagrams for popular devices.

Visually, the IR port looks like a small black or transparent window (with a diameter of 2-3 mm), sometimes closed with a protective glass. It is easy to confuse with a front camera or light sensor, but there are key differences:

• 🔍 Located closer to the edge of the upper frame (not in the center, like the front camera).
• 📏 The size is smaller than that of the camera and often has a matte coating.
• 💡 When working (for example, when sending a signal to the TV) may light slightly red or purple.

Below are photos of the location of the IR port on popular models:

On models with a camera cutout ("monobrow" or "hole"), the IR sensor is always on the side of it, but never integrated into the cutout itself.

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To identify the IR port accurately, open the Mi Remote app, add any device (like a TV) and press the test button. The sensor that flashes red is the infrared transmitter.

How to check the work of infrared sensor on Xiaomi

If you find the intended location of the IR port but are not sure if it will work, there are several ways to check it: First, make sure that your device has the Mi Remote app installed on it (it is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones), if it is not, download it from Google Play or AppGallery.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open Mi Remote and allow access to the camera (needed for remote scanning).
2. Click Add Device and select a category (e.g., "TV").
3. Choose your brand (such as Samsung, LG).
4. Point the top of the smartphone to the receiver of infrared signals (usually it is in the front) and press any button in the application (for example, Power).

If the machine reacted (on/off), then the IR sensor is working. If not, check the following points:

• 🔋 Make sure that the smartphone has enough charge (at a low battery level, the IR port may turn off).
• 📱 Check if the sensor is covered with a cover or film (even a thin glass can block the signal).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the IR module “hangs” after updates.

If the sensor is not responding:

⚠️ Attention! Some firmware (especially custom ones) may have the IR port disabled at the software level. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times) and make sure IR debugging option is enabled.

Make sure your model supports the IR|Check the physical condition of the sensor (no damages)|Update the Mi Remote app|Testing with other techniques|Reset the application settings-->

Infrared sensor on smart watches and bracelets Xiaomi

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi is equipping some wearable devices with IR ports, such as the Xiaomi Mi Band. 5/6/7 Xiaomi Watch S1 They can control the technology through a built-in transmitter:

First of all, the location of the sensor on the watch is different from that of smartphones.

• ⌚ On the Mi Band: on the back of the tracker (near the heart rate sensor).
• ⌚ On Xiaomi Watch: on the right end of the case (closer to the top button).

Secondly, to control equipment you need to use not Mi Remote, but a special application Mi Home or Wear. OS (depending on the watch model. Algorithm of setting:

1. Install the Mi Home app and connect the watch to your Xiaomi account.
2. In the device menu, find the Smart Home or Technology Management section.
3. Add a new device and select its type (such as air conditioning).
4. Follow the instructions on the watch screen to synchronize with the equipment.

⚠️ Attention! Xiaomi smartwatches have a limited base of supported devices compared to smartphones. For example, they may not recognize rare models of air conditioners or music centers.

Hidden capabilities of the IR port on Xiaomi: what does the sensor besides the remote control

Many users use the infrared sensor only as a replacement for the remote control, but in fact, its capabilities are wider.

• 🎮 Game Controller: Some applications (e.g, IR Controller allows you to turn your smartphone into a gamepad for older consoles (for example, Nintendo Wii or Nintendo Wii) PS2), if they have an IR receiver.
• 🔒 Smart locks: individual models of electronic locks (for example, Mi Smart Door Lock) support opening via an IR signal from a smartphone.
• 📡 Data transmission: using specialized applications (e.g, IR Data Transfer can be exchanged small files between devices with infrared ports (although the transfer rate is extremely low – up to 4 Kb / s).
• 🔍 Testing of equipment: infrared sensor can be used to check the performance of infrared receivers in household appliances (for example, if the remote control stopped working).

To activate these features, you will need third-party apps from Google Play or APKMirror, since the standard Mi Remote does not support advanced scenarios. For example, you will need Mi Home with a tied Xiaomi account to manage locks.

Example of setting up a game controller:

1. Download the app IR Controller from the store.
2. Select a profile for your console (such as Wii Remote).
3. Point your smartphone to the console’s IR receiver and follow the synchronization instructions.
4. Use the touch screen or physical buttons of your smartphone to control the game.

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Xiaomi’s infrared port can work not only as a remote, but also as a tool for diagnosing equipment, transmitting data, or even managing smart locks.

What to do if the infrared sensor is not working

If the IR port on your Xiaomi device has stopped responding to commands, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

Programmatic failures:

• 📲 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and check the relevance of the version MIUI.
• 🔄 Reset the application settings: in Mi Remote go to Settings → Reset.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache: in the phone settings, find the Applications → Mi Remote → Memory. → Clear the cache.

Hardware problems:

• 🔍 Check the sensor for physical damage (scratches, chips, moisture intrusion).
• 📱 Make sure that the sensor is not pressed by a cover or protective glass.
• 🔋 If the smartphone fell or got wet, the IR module could move away from the board. In this case, you will need disassembly and soldering (better contact the service).

Compatibility issues:

• 📺 Not all models are supported by Mi Remote. Try adding the device manually by selecting the nearest one.
• 🔄 If the technology is old, its IR protocol may not be recognized, and a third-party application (such as AnyMote) will help).

⚠️ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 13+ The IR port may stop working due to changes in drivers, in which case a rollback to the previous firmware version or customization (for example, Pixel Experience) will help).

Alternatives to the infrared sensor on Xiaomi

If your device is not equipped with an IR port or it broke down, there are several alternative ways to control the equipment:

• 📡 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Remote: Many modern TVs and air conditioners support wireless control via Mi Home or Google Home.
• 🔌 Smart sockets: devices like Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug allow you to turn on / off equipment through a smartphone, even if it does not have an IR receiver.
• 🤖 Voice assistants: Alice (from Yandex), Google Assistant or Siri can control compatible technology on command (for example, "Switch on TV").
• 📱 External IR blasters: gadgets like BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster connects over Wi-Fi and emulates an IR remote for any equipment.

For example, to operate air conditioning without an IR port:

1. Buy Xiaomi Mi Air Conditioner Companion (connects to the air conditioner over a wire).
2. Connect it to the Mi Home app.
3. You can now adjust the temperature from your smartphone even if the air conditioner doesn’t have Wi-Fi.

Comparison of alternatives:

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR sensor on Xiaomi