How to check the performance of the IR port on the Xiaomi smartphone: from testing to repair

The infrared port (IR port) in Xiaomi smartphones is a handy tool for managing appliances, air conditioners and other devices.However, over time, it can fail due to mechanical damage, contamination or software failures, POCO Mi stopped operating the equipment through the infrared port, do not rush to carry the phone to the service center. In 80% of cases, the problem can be diagnosed and fixed on your own.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of testing an IR port – from the simplest visual inspection to the use of specialized applications and hardware tests. You will learn how to distinguish a software failure from a physical breakdown, which Xiaomi models most often suffer from IR port problems, and what to do if the port does not work after an update. MIUI. We will also dwell in detail on the hidden function of IR port diagnostics through the engineering menu, about which few people know.

1. Visual inspection of the IR port: what to look for?

Before you start the complex tests, check the IR port for visible defects. On most Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 The Pro, Mi 11 port is located at the top of the body, next to the front camera or speaker. Except for some flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), where the infrared port can be integrated into the camera module.

Take a magnifying glass or turn on a flashlight on another phone and carefully examine:

• 🔍 Scratches or chips on the port’s security glass – they can block the signal.
• 💧 Traces of moisture or oxidation – even a small amount of corrosion disrupts work.
• 🧹 Dust and dirt – clusters inside the port scatter infrared light.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage (cracks, dents) – often occurs after falls.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to clean the IR port with sharp objects (needles, toothpicks).This can damage the sensitive sensor. Use only a soft brush or compressed air.

If the port looks good, you can start with software diagnostics, and at this point, you can start to conclude that if you see physical damage on the port, you'll probably need to change the module, and if there's no defect, the problem is with the settings or the firmware.

2. Verification through the standard application "Remote"

The fastest way to check the IR port is to use the built-in Mi Remote app (or Remote in the Russian version). MIUI). It is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones with an IR port. If the app is removed, download it from Google Play or App Gallery (for models without Google services).

Instructions for testing:

1. Open the Remote app and select any category (such as “Television”).
2. Click on the icon. + («Add the device and select an arbitrary brand (e.g. Samsung or Samsung). LG).
3. Direct the IR port of the phone to the front camera of another smartphone (or to the laptop webcam).
4. Press any button in the application (for example, “On/Off”).

What's going to happen:

• 📱 If the IR port is working, you will see a purple flicker on the screen of another device (the infrared signal is visible through the camera).
• ❌ If there is no flicker, the port does not emit a signal (there may be problems with the driver or hardware).
• ⚠️ If there is flickering, but the technique does not respond - the problem is in the settings of the application or incompatibility of protocols.

If the test was successful, but the remote still does not control the technique, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📥 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache in settings (Settings) → Annexes → remote → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Charge your phone at least 30% |

Ensure that there is no physical damage to the port|

Download the latest version of Mi Remote|

Prepare a second camera device to check the signal-->

3. Diagnostics through the engineering menu (hidden function)

Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu where you can test the IR port at the hardware level, which is suitable for advanced users and allows you to get accurate data about the state of the port.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
2. In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing (or Hardware Testing).
3. Scroll down and find the Infrared Test (or IR test).
4. Press Start Test and direct the port to the camera of another device.

Test results:

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support this test in the engineering menu, POCO F3) Infrared Test may not be available, in which case use alternative methods.

If the engineering menu doesn’t open after you enter the code, try:

• 🔧 Use the alternative code: ##4636## (on some firmware).
• 📱 Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for devices running a MediaTek processor).
• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.

4. Verification with the help of third-party applications

If standard methods fail, use third-party utilities to diagnose the IR port, which often provide more detailed information and support additional features.

Top.-3 testing-in:

• 📱 IR Tester is a simple utility that shows the strength of the infrared signal in real time, suitable for testing the health of the port without controlling the equipment.
• 🔍 Infrared Remote Tester – analyzes signal frequency and modulation, helps identify driver problems.
• 🛠️ Check IR — Testing the port for compatibility with different protocols (NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC etc.).

How to use it IR Tester:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and press the Start Test.
3. Direct the IR port to a light source (such as an incandescent lamp) or another device's camera.
4. Press the Send Signal button in the app.

Interpretation of results:

• 🟢 Green indicator: the port is operating normally.
• 🟡 Yellow indicator – weak signal (possibly port pollution or interference).
• 🔴 Red indicator – the port is faulty or disabled at the firmware level.

If the application shows an error "IR Port Not Found, which means:

• 📵 IR port disabled in settings MIUI (rarely, but only after updates).
• 🔧 Port driver damaged (reflashing or resetting settings required).
• 🛠️ Physical failure (breaking of the plume, failure of the chip).

💡

If the IR port works through third-party applications but does not work in Mi Remote, try resetting the application settings. → Annexes → remote → Warehouse → Delete the data, then reinstall.

5. Hardware check with multimeter (for advanced)

If the software methods didn't work, and you suspect a hardware malfunction, you can check the IR port with a multimeter, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for users with experience in electronics repair.

What you need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers for disassembling Xiaomi (usually) T3, T4, Y000).
• 📊 Digital multimeter (diode or resistance check mode).
• 🔍 Loupa and tweezers for working with small details.
• 🧲 Antistatic bracelet (optional, but recommended).

Procedure:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Carefully disassemble the body, following the guide for your model (for example, for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, you need to first remove the back cover, then disconnect the battery).
3. Find the IR module on the motherboard (usually marked as IR or INFRARED).
4. Connect the multimeter probes to the module contacts (polarity is not important) and check for resistance.

Normal readings:

• 🟢 Resistance between contacts: 5–20 kΩ (exact values depend on the model).
• 🔴 OL (cliff) or 0 Ohms (short circuit) - the module is defective.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the phone will void the warranty (if it is still valid), there is also a high risk of damage to the plumes or other components. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center.

If the multimeter shows a break or short circuit, there are two options:

1. Replace the IR module (part cost: 200-800) ₽ model-wise).
2. Check the soldered contacts of the module - sometimes the problem is solved by soldering.

💡

If you find that the IR module is physically damaged (melted, cracked, oxidized) after dismantling, replacing it is the only option: Buy parts only from trusted suppliers, as there are many low-quality fakes on the market.

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

Based on the analysis of service centers and user reviews, we have compiled a list of the most common causes of failure of the IR port on Xiaomi and ways to solve them.

Special attention should be paid to problems after the update MIUI. In 2023, Redmi Note 11 Pro users will be able to+ Massively complained about the shutdown of the IR port after updating to MIUI 14.The solution became:

• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version of the firmware through Fastboot.
• 📥 Manual patch installation from Xiaomi (released a month after release) MIUI 14).
• 🔧 Incorporation of the port through ADB-Adb shell settings put global infrared_port_enabled 1

If your Xiaomi model is relatively new (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi) POCO F5), Check the official forums for known IR port bugs, and often the next update will solve the problems.

7. When to contact the service center?

Not all IR port malfunctions can be repaired on their own, but here are the signs for which you should consult a specialist:

• 🔧 The IR port does not work in any application, and the engineering menu shows NO DEVICE.
• 💥 The phone fell or was exposed to moisture (even if there was no external damage).
• 🔌 After disassembly, you found melted or oxidized contacts.
• 📉 Multimeter shows a break or short circuit in the module.
• 🔄 All software methods have been tried, but the port is still down.

The cost of repairing the IR port in service centers:

• 🔍 Diagnosis: 300-500 ₽ (free-for-time).
• 🛠️ Replacement of the IR module: 1,500–3,000 ₽ (including work and spare parts).
• 🔧 Contact soldering: 1,000–2,000 ₽.
• 💧 Oxidation cleansing: 800–1,500 ₽.

Before the service visit:

• 📋 Write down the phone model and firmware version (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 📸 Take a picture of the fault (e.g., an error in the engineering menu).
• 🔍 Check if the service has experience with your Xiaomi model.

⚠️ Note: In official service centers Xiaomi replacement of the IR port can refuse to do if the phone is not warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port on Xiaomi