Why the remote in the Xiaomi phone does not work: from bugs to hardware breakdowns

Are you trying to turn on the TV or air conditioner from a Xiaomi smartphone, but the remote in the Mi Remote app is refusing to work? Or the infrared port has stopped responding to commands, POCO and Mi - especially after the updates MIUI In 80 percent of cases, the fault can be repaired by yourself without going to the service center.

In this article, we will analyze all possible causes – from banal lack of rights to physical failure of the IR transmitter, as well as give step-by-step instructions for each model (including Xiaomi). 12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X). You will learn how to check the efficiency of the remote without additional devices, what settings MIUI It affects the IR port, and what to do if the smartphone does not see the equipment even after reset. For convenience, we have collected unique compatibility codes for popular brands (Samsung, LG, Hisense, Gree, etc., which are often not listed in official documentation.

1. Checking the Basic Conditions: What You May Have Missed

Before you disassemble your phone or reset your settings, make sure that the problem is not in the details. According to service centers, 35% of calls on a broken remote in Xiaomi are due to trivial user errors.

Start with this checklist:

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

Check if the IR transmitter is included in the Settings → Connections and sharing → IR transmitter

Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version on Google Play/Mi App Store

Reboot your smartphone (hold Power + Volume up 10 seconds)

Try to control other appliances (e.g. air conditioning instead of TV)-->

Pay special attention to the physical locking of the IR port. 11T Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3 transmitter is located at the top of the body and often overlaps:

• 📱 High-sided cases - even Xiaomi's original accessories can block the signal.Remove the case and try again.
• 🎥 Security glass – some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) have an IR port under the glass, and if it is cracked or unstuck, the signal does not pass.
• 💦 Dust and dirt - the port may have accumulated debris. Clean it carefully with a soft brush (do not use metal objects!).

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If you've dropped your phone recently, check the IR port for cracks, and even micro-damage can interrupt the transmitter circuit.

2. Programmatic failures: MIUI, Mi Remote app and rights

If the hardware is OK, the problem lies in the software. MIUI known for its bugs in the IR control module, especially after major updates (e.g., switching from the IR module to the IR control module) MIUI 13 by 14). Let's look at the typical scenarios:

Mi Remote app crash:

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Remote → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Data reset: In the same menu, click “Clear Data” (Warning: This will delete all saved remotes!).
• 📥 Reinstall: Remove the app and install it again from Google Play or Mi App Store.

Lack of access rights:

MIUI 14+ requires explicit permission to use the IR port:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Additional authorizations.
2. Find an IR transmitter and make sure Mi Remote has access.
3. If there is no option, update. MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Conflict with other applications:

Some programs (such as Tasker, MacroDroid, or smart home automation) can block the IR port.

1. Start your phone in safe mode (hold power) → «Safe regime»).
2. If the remote is working, delete the applications one by one until you find the culprit.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

MIUI 15 (HyperOS)

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3. Incompatibility with technology: how to add the device correctly

Even if the IR port is working, Mi Remote may not see your equipment due to:

• 📺 The wrong brand – for example, a Samsung 2020 TV requires a different code than a 2018 model.
• 🔧 Lack of protocol support – some Midea or Daikin air conditioners use proprietary signals.
• 🔄 Outdated database – Mi Remote doesn’t always have codes for new hardware.

How to add the device manually:

1. Open Mi Remote and press + (Add device).
2. Choose a category (like “TV”) and a brand. If your brand is not, choose “Other.”
3. If the automatic search didn’t work, click Manual Code Enter and try the combinations from the table below.

If none of the code fits:

1. Try adding the device as a different brand (e.g. Samsung instead of a new one). TCL).
2. Update the database in Mi Remote via Settings → Update the device list.
3. Use alternative applications: ZaZa Remote, AnyMote or SURE Universal Remote.

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If your appliances support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (such as Sony Bravia TVs or Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners), use these protocols instead of IR – they are more reliable and work through walls.

4. Hardware malfunctions: how to check the IR port

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the physical failure of the IR transmitter or the associated components.

IR port test using the camera:

1. Open Mi Remote and select any remote (for example, for a TV).
2. Direct the IR port to another smartphone’s camera (or your Xiaomi’s front camera).
3. Press any button in the app. If the port is working, you'll see a purple flicker on the camera screen.

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For accurate diagnosis, use the application IR Tester (available on Google Play) shows the signal strength and frequency of IR pulses.

If there is no flicker:

• 🔌 Check the IR port plume, which may have oxidized or moved away after a fall. This will require disassembling the phone (instructions for popular models see below).
• 🔋 Chip Failure – IR transmitter is controlled by chip NXP PCF8574 It's going to need replacement.
• 📶 Power problems – if the phone is discharged faster than usual, the power controller, which is also responsible for the IR port, may be faulty.

Disassembly of the phone to check the plume (on the example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro):

You will need: a plastic spatula, a cross screwdriver and a hairdryer (for softening the glue).

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (gently putting it around the perimeter).
2. Unscrew 10 screws holding the metal plate.
3. Disconnect the IR port plume (located next to the top speaker) and check it for integrity.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your phone will void warranty. If your Xiaomi warranty is in place, contact the service center with the wording "IR port does not work" - repairs will cost free.

5. Resetting and flashing: extreme measures

If all the previous methods didn't work, there are two radical solutions: factory reset or firmware reflash, which help in 15-20% of cases where the problem is caused by deep failures. MIUI.

Reset to factory settings:

1. Make a backup of the data through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
3. Select “Erase all data” and wait for the reboot.

Fastboot Flashing (for experienced users):

This method requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss. Use it only if you are confident in your actions.

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fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot flashing on Xiaomi models 13/14 Snapdragon-powered 8 Gen 2 You need to log in to your Mi Account. Without it, your phone will become a brick».

After resetting or firmware:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install Mi Remote again and add devices from scratch.
• 🔧 Check the IR port with a camera test (see section 4).

6. Alternative methods of control of equipment

If the IR port in your Xiaomi finally failed, do not despair - there are several ways to manage equipment without it:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Remotes: For TVs: Google Home, Samsung SmartThings or LG Air conditioning: Midea Air, Daikin Online Controller.
• 🔌 Smart sockets: Connect the app via Xiaomi Smart Plug or TP-Link Tapo and manage power through the app.
• 🤖 Voice assistants: Set up Alice, Google Assistant or Siri to manage compatible appliances.
• 🔄 Universal Remotes: Buy a physical IR remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Remote Controller or BroadLink) RM4 Pro).

How to connect your TV to Xiaomi via Wi-Fi:

1. Make sure that your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. In Mi Remote, select Add Device» → «Television» → «Wi-Fi».
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to enter) PIN-TV-code).

For Wi-Fi-enabled air conditioners (such as Gree U-Crown or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries):

1. Download the official brand app (e.g. Gree)+ or MHI Aircloud).
2. Register the device in the application by following the instructions.
3. Add air conditioning to Mi Home via Smart Home» → «Add the device» → «Other».

7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Remotes in Xiaomi

Let’s look at the common misconceptions and questions that users have.

Can I repair the IR port myself?

Yeah, if the problem is:

• 🔌 Detached plume (you need to gently connect it back).
• 🧹 Port pollution (clean with alcohol and soft brush).

Not if:

• 💥 The control chip burned (a soldering iron and experience required).
• 🔧 The IR LED itself is damaged (replacement is needed).

Why does the remote only work from close range?

It's a sign:

• 🔋 Weak signal due to battery failure (the IP port requires more power than Wi-Fi).
• 📶 Pollution of the IR port or obstacles (e.g., glazing with anti-reflective coating).
• 🔧 Incorrectly selected device code (try other combinations from the table in Section 3).

Can I use my phone as a remote without an IR port?

Yes, but only for supportive technology:

• 📶 Wi-Fi (TVs, air conditioners, smart lamps).
• 🔵 Bluetooth (some Sony models, LG, Xiaomi).

For IR devices (old TVs, fans) there are no alternatives - you need a physical remote or a working IR port.