The infrared port (IR port) in Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden but extremely useful tool that turns your phone into a universal remote control. Despite the proliferation of smart devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, many home appliance manufacturers still equip their products with only infrared receivers. Xiaomi has been keeping this feature in their smartphones for more than 10 years, but not all users know how to use it correctly.
In this article, we will discuss not only the basic configuration of the IR port, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not say: from unlocking hidden features to solving compatibility problems. You will learn which Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models support the function, how to add non-standard devices to the database of remotes, and why the IR port sometimes stops working after the MIUI update.
Which Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with an infrared port?
Not all Xiaomi devices have an integrated IR transmitter, and the manufacturer has begun to phase out this feature in budget models after 2020, but flagships and some mid-range segments still retain it. Here is the current list of supported lines (as of 2026):
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi: Mi series 8, Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11 (Other than Lite versions, Mi Mix 2/3/4
- 📱 Redmi Note Series: Note 7 Pro, Note 8 Pro, Note 9 Pro (Indian version), Note 10 Pro (only) 4G-model)
- 📱 Series POCO: POCO F1, POCO X3 NFC, POCO F3 GT (regional differences!)
- 📱 The flagships of recent years: Xiaomi 12/12 Pro, Xiaomi 13/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 (except for European versions)
⚠️ Note: In models for the European market (marked Global or EEA) The IR port is often absent even in flagships, and check for a physical transmitter that looks like a little black glass at the top of the case, and to determine if your smartphone has an IR port, do one of the following: See the specifications on the official Xiaomi website (Specifics section» → «Sensors. Use the app. AIDA64 (tab “Sensors» → line IR Try running the standard Remote app — if it's not there, there's no IR port either. 📊 What is the Xiaomi smartphone you have? 11/12/13/14Redmi Note 8/9/10POCO F1/F3/F5If your smartphone supports an infrared port, then no additional manipulations are required to activate it - it is enough to install the official application "Mi Remote" (Mi Remote). However, there are a few nuances that are not written in the instructions: Install the application: 🔍 For most models, the application is pre-installed (icon with the remote image). 📥 If not, download from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services). 🔧 On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU) the application may be called «IR Blaster». First Start and Configuration: Settings → Connected devices → DU remote → Add the device When you first start, the application will request permissions to access the camera (for scanning). QR-The location (to determine regional databases) and the location (to determine the data base). MIUI 14+ The Remote app can be hidden in the Tools or Additional folder. If you don't find it, search the system (swipe down on the home screen). Check the presence of the IR port in the characteristics Update MIUI Update the Remote app Connect to stable Wi-Fi (to download databases) Place your smartphone at a distance 1-3 meter away--> Adding devices to the Remote application The standard Mi Remote application supports more 1500 model 200+ brand, but the process of adding may vary depending on the type of device: 1. Televisions and media devices 📺 Select the category "Television» → Specify the brand (e.g. Samsung, LG, Sony). 🔍 If your model is not listed, select “Code Search” – the application will test all available combinations one by one. 🎯 Point the smartphone’s IR port to the TV receiver (usually located in the center of the lower frame) and follow the instructions on the screen. 2. Air conditioners For air conditioners, the process is more complicated due to the large number of modes. Here are the key steps: Select "Air conditioner» → brand → If the automatic search fails, manually specify the protocol type (e.g. Gree, Midea, Daikin). Once you successfully connect, check all buttons: On/Off, Temperature ±, Regime (Heat/Cool/Fan). 3. Other Appliances (fans, projectors, cameras) For rare devices (such as smart fans or projectors), use the Learn function: In the app, select Add Device → Other → Learn from the original remote. Follow the instructions on the screen, pointing the original remote and smartphone at each other (distance) 2-5 Save the profile you have received, it will be available under My Devices. Max Device Type. Control distance Response time Supported brands (examples) TVs 8-10 meters 0.2-0.5 Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, TCL Air conditioners 5-7 meters 0.5-1 Gree, Midea, Daikin, Panasonic, Toshiba Audio Systems 6-8 meters 0.3-0.7 Yamaha sec, Pioneer, JBL, Sony, Bose Projectors 3-5 meters 0.4-1.2 Epson sec, BenQ, XGIMI, ViewSonic Advanced Settings and Hidden Functions Standard Mi Remote application has limited functionality, but in the MIUI There are additional features that you can activate through the configuration editor or third-party utilities: 1. Editing existing profiles If some buttons on the remote don't work or don't work properly, you can manually edit their codes: Open the configuration file along the way: /sdcard/MiRemote/device_db.json (You need root or file manager permissions with access to system folders). Find a line with your device and change the settings "key_code" Save the file and restart the Remote app». 2. If the standard “Remote” does not suit you, consider these analogues: 🔧 AnyMote Universal Remote – supports the creation of macros (sequence of commands) and has a base on the 5000+ device. 🎛️ ZaZa Remote – specializes in air conditioning and has advanced temperature settings. 🖥️ IR Plus – allows you to control computers with IR receivers (for example, HP Media Center PC). 3. Automation with Tasker can be used to create automation scenarios: 🌡️ Automatic activation of the air conditioner at a temperature above 25°C (using data from smartphone sensors). 📱 Sending IR commands to the TV when connecting to the Wi-Fi network "Home». 🔕 Turn off all equipment in the room by timer (for example, at 23:00). 1. Install the AutoInput plugin and AutoRemote. 2. In Tasker, create a task with the action Plugin. → Mi Remote → Send IR Command. 3. Specify ID Devices (can be found through the Remote application logs) 4. Set up a trigger (e.g. geolocation or time). 5. Test the script manually before automation. Solving infrared port problems Even after properly configuring the IR port can be unstable. Consider typical problems and solutions: 1. The IR port does not detect the device. 🔋 Check the battery power - at a level below 15%, the power of the IR signal decreases. 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the receiver (glass, direct sunlight). 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and managed device. 📲 Update the Remote app and firmware MIUI until the last version. 2. Not all buttons work If some functions don't respond: Check if the IR port case covers (especially for models with a port cutout). Manually redefinition the broken buttons through the Edit remote → Reassign buttons. Reset application settings: Settings → Annexes → remote → Warehouse → Clear the data. 3. The IR port stopped working after the update This is a common problem after the update MIUI. Decisions: 🔄 Rewind to a previous firmware version (via Fastboot or Recovery). 📥 Install a modified version of the Remote application (e.g. from Xiaomi.EU). 🛠️ Enable the hidden option persist.ir.qcom.enable=1 through ADB: adb shell settings put global ir_qcom_enable 1 ⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for POCO F3) The IR port is shut down due to a conflict with the module NFC. Consider the pros and cons of different approaches: Solution Pros and cons Cost of IR port Xiaomi ✅ Built into a smartphone✅ No need for additional devices✅ It works without the internet. ❌ Limited range of operation❌ Requires direct visibility❌ Not all models support all models. 0 ₽ Wi-Fi/Bluetooth remotes (e.g. BroadLink) RM4) ✅ Works through walls✅ Supports voice control✅ Integration with Google Home/Alexa ❌ Requires the purchase of a hub❌ Depends on the stability of Wi-Fi❌ Delay. 1-2 seconds 2000-5000 ₽ Universal remotes (for example, Logitech Harmony) ✅ Supports 270 000+ device✅ Touchscreen and backlight✅ Macros and scenarios ❌ High price.❌ Requires charging.❌ Tough setup 6000-15000 ₽ Despite the convenience, the use of an infrared port has a number of limitations that you should be aware of: 🔒 Lack of encryption: IR signals are not encrypted, so theoretically To return the functionality, turn off NFC in settings or execute the command: adb shell pm disable com.android.nfc (requires enabled debugging by USB). Infrared port in Xiaomi smartphones is not the only way to control equipment. they can be intercepted and reproduced (although in practice it requires specialized equipment. 📡 Limited radius: Maximum distance — 10 Meters, but the effective range rarely exceeds 5-6 meters. 👁️ Direct visibility: Obstacles (walls, furniture, even thick glass) block the signal. 🔋 Battery consumption: Active use of the IR port can increase the charge consumption of the battery 3-5% To minimize risks: Do not use an IR port to control ATMs, security systems or other sensitive equipment. Regularly update the database of the application "Remote" (in the settings of the application) → Update the base.If you are not using the IR port, turn off the background activity of the application in the battery settings. FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port Xiaomi 🔍 Can I add a device to the Remote that is not in the database? Yes, there are two ways: Learn from the original remote: In the application, select Add Device → Other → Manual code entry: Find the IR codes for your model on the Internet (for example, on forums). 4PDA XDA-Developers and add them through the editor device_db.json. 📱 Why does the IR port only work in one direction? the IR transmitter in Xiaomi smartphones has a narrow directional diagram (nearly the IR transmitter). 30 To improve coverage: Keep your smartphone perpendicular to the receiver. Use reflective surfaces (mirror, light wall). Check if the port is closed with a protective film or cover. 🔄 How to reset the Remote app settings? If the app doesn't work properly, reset: Go to Settings → Annexes → remote → Storage. Click on Clear Data and Clear Cache. Reboot your smartphone and re-add the devices. ⚠️ Warning: After reset, all saved remotes will be deleted. Take screenshots of settings in advance or export profiles through Settings → Export (if the function is available). 🛠️ Can I control the IR port over a PC? Yes, but it would require: Connect your smartphone to your PC on a PC. USB plug-in USB. Use it. ADB-Example of commands: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SEND -t "text/plain" --es "ir_code" "0x12345678" (where 0x12345678 — Hex code commands for your device). Or install specialized software, for example, IR Server Suite (requires root rights). 📡 Why do some buttons work with a delay? Lag can be related to the delay: 📶 Weak signal: Check distance and angle of direction. 🔋 Battery savings: Add the Remote app to optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery). 📱 Conflicts with other applications: Close background programs that use the IR port (e.g. Smart) IR If the delay is more than 1 second, try reinstalling the app or using an alternative remote (e.g. AnyMote).