How to check the IR port on your Xiaomi phone: 5 working ways

The infrared port (IR port) in Xiaomi smartphones is a handy tool for managing appliances, air conditioners, and even some smart devices. But what if the remote stopped working and the phone did not respond to commands? Perhaps the problem lies in the infrared transmitter itself. Checking the port's health is the first step to diagnosing a malfunction.

Many users mistakenly believe that the IR port breaks only after physical damage (falls, moisture) In fact, failures can occur due to software errors, clogged connectors or even after updating the firmware. In this article, we will analyze all available methods of verification, from simple tests using standard applications to deep diagnostics using service codes and external devices.

If you own a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro or any other model with an IR port, this will help you determine exactly if the transmitter is working, and if the port is not working, you will learn how to restore its functionality without going to the service center.

1. Pre-Preparation: What to Know Before Checking

Before you start testing, make sure the problem is really related to the IR port, not the software.

• 📱 The remote in the Mi Remote application does not respond to button presses.
• 🔦 The IR port indicator (if any) does not light up when sending a signal.
• 📵 Devices (TV, air conditioning) do not respond to commands from the phone.
• ⚠️ In the phone settings there is no option "Infrared port" (relevant for older models).

Also check:

• 🔄 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version on Google Play.
• 📲 Restart your phone – sometimes the crashes are temporary and fixed with a simple reboot.
• 🛠️ Make sure there is no physical damage to the IR port area on the phone (usually located at the top of the case).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra), the IR port can be disabled in regional firmware. Check this in the Settings menu → Additionally. → Infrared port.

If after these actions the problem persists, proceed to a detailed diagnosis.

2. Method 1: Verification through the standard Mi Remote application

The easiest method is to use a built-in app to control the equipment, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones with an infrared port.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Remote app (the remote icon on the desktop).
2. Click on the icon "+" (add the device and select the type of equipment (for example, TV or air conditioning).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen, direct the phone’s IR port to the device, and try sending a test signal.

If the signal is not passing:

• 🔍 Check if the IR port indicator is on (on some models it flashes when sending a command).
• 📱 Try to control other appliances (for example, if it doesn't work with the TV, try air conditioning).
• 🔄 Remove saved devices in Mi Remote and add them again.

Make sure the IR port is not covered with a cover or film

Check the battery balance (below 15% of the IR port may be unstable)

Turn off the energy saving mode in the settings

Reboot the Mi Remote app-->

If no device is responding, the problem is likely in the port itself or its software.

Method 2: Diagnostics using engineering menu (service codes)

You can use an engineering menu to test the hardware in depth, and it's a method that's suitable for advanced users, because it requires you to enter service codes.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
2. Select the Manual Test (Manual Test) item.
3. Scroll down to the section. IR Test (or Infrared Test).
4. Press Start Test and direct the IR port to the camera of another phone (pulsing light should be visible).

What do the results mean?

• ✅ Test passed – port is correct, the problem may be in the software.
• ❌ Error - hardware malfunction (requires repair).
• ⚠️ No response – the port may be disabled at the software level.

⚠️ Note: New Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) The engineering menu can be blocked, and in this case, use alternative methods.

Method 3: Verification with Third-Party Applications

If the standard Mi Remote app doesn't give a clear answer, alternative software can be used, and they often provide more detailed diagnostics.

Top.-3 Applications for testing IR port:

How to test:

1. Install one of the applications and open it.
2. Select the Test option IR Blaster (or similar).
3. Direct the IR port to another smartphone’s camera – the working port will appear as a purple flicker (invisible to the eye, but fixed by the camera).

If there is no flicker:

• 🔧 Check the application settings (perhaps permission to access sensors is required).
• 📵 Try another app – some programs may not support your model.

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Method 4: Physical examination by camera

One of the most reliable ways is to visually check the IR port through another phone's camera. Why does it work? Infrared radiation is invisible to the human eye, but is captured by the camera's matrix (especially on older or inexpensive models).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the camera on the second phone (preferably the front one – it is most often without an IR filter).
2. On the Xiaomi tested, open Mi Remote and press any button (e.g., turn on your TV).
3. Point the IR port to the camera on the second phone, and there should be a purple or white flicker on the screen.

What to do if there is no flicker:

• 🔦 Try another camera (some modern smartphones have IR filters).
• 📱 Make sure that the phone you are testing doesn’t have a cover or film blocking the port.
• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 10%, the IR port can be turned off to save energy.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 12, Redmi) K50) The camera may have an enhanced IR filter, in which case use an old phone or webcam.

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If you don't have a second phone, you can use a digital camera (like an old camera) or even a laptop camera, so the main thing is that the device doesn't have an IR filter.

Method 5: Multimeter Verification (for advanced users)

If you're familiar with electronics, you can check the IR port with a multimeter, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for confident users.

Tools required:

• 🔧 Multimeter (diode or resistance check mode).
• 🔨 Plastic spatula for disassembling the phone.
• 🔍 Lupa (the airport and its contacts are very small).

How to check:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (on models with a non-removable battery, you will need to disconnect the plume).
2. Find the IR transmitter on the board (usually marked as IR LED or INFRARED).
3. Connect the multimeter probes to the transmitter contacts (polarity is not important).
4. Turn on the phone and start Mi Remote, send a test signal.
5. If the transmitter is in good condition, the multimeter will show a change in resistance or voltage.

What the results say:

• 📉 No change - the transmitter is faulty (break or short circuit).
• 📈 There is a reaction - the port is working, the problem is in the firmware or plume.

⚠️ Note: Disassembling a Xiaomi phone without experience can lead to damage to the plumes or loss of warranty.

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The multimeter only shows the hardware health of the IR port, and if the test is passed but the port is not working, the problem is the software or firmware.

7. Frequent causes of malfunction of the IR port and methods of elimination

If the IR port is not working, it is important to understand the cause of the failure.

If you suspect a software failure, try the following:

• 🔄 Reset your phone settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
• 📱 Install custom restoration (for example, TWRP) and run the IR port module separately.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-Port Injunction: Adb shell settings put global ir_blaster_enabled 1

For hardware breakdowns (falls, moisture), the only solution is repair in the service center. The average cost of replacing an IR port with Xiaomi is from 800 to 2000 rubles (depending on the model).

8. Alternative methods of control of equipment if the IR port does not work

If the restoration of the IR port is impossible or impractical, alternative methods of managing household appliances can be used:

5 working methods:

• 📡 Wi-Fi remotes: Modern TVs and air conditioners support control over a local network (Mi Home applications, LG ThinQ).
• 🔌 Bluetooth devices: Some smart bulbs and outlets are Bluetooth controlled (e.g. Xiaomi Yeelight).
• 🌐 Cloud services: If the appliance is connected to the Internet, you can manage it through Google Assistant or Alice.
• 📱 External IR blasters: USB Bluetooth transmitters (e.g. BroadLink) RM4), phone-connected.
• 🔧 Universal remotes: Buy a separate IR remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Bluetooth).

If you often use an IR port to control your air conditioner or TV, consider buying a smart IR hub (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart). IR It connects to Wi-Fi and allows you to control the equipment even without a smartphone.

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Today’s smart devices are gradually abandoning infrared control in favor of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If your phone is older than 2018, it may be worth upgrading or using external solutions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about checking the IR port on Xiaomi