File Transfer via IR Port to Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Instructions and Tips

Infrared port (IR) in Xiaomi smartphones is a rare but useful feature that allows you to share data without the Internet or Bluetooth. Although the technology is considered outdated, it is still supported in some models of the brand, for example in the Redmi Note series or POCO. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure the infrared port, what file formats are supported, and why transmission can be interrupted.

It's important to understand that the IR port is not designed to transfer large files, but its main purpose is to manage appliances through the Mi Remote app, but with third-party utilities you can organize data exchange between two devices, we tested the methods on current MIUI 14/15 firmware and prepared step-by-step instructions for typical user errors.

What Xiaomi models support IR port in 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with an infrared port. In recent flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Mix Fold 3), this feature is missing, as the manufacturer relies on Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi Direct. However, in budget and mid-budget lines, the IR port is retained for compatibility with outdated equipment.

Here is the current list of models with an IR port (as of 2026):

• 📱 Redmi Note 12/13 Pro+ — port is located at the top of the hull;
• 📱 POCO X5 Pro – supports data transfer speeds up to 115 kbit / s;
• 📱 Redmi 12C — budget model with basic IR module;
• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 6 – tablet with an IR port for TV management.

To check if your device has an IR port, open the Mi Remote app, if it's not on the menu or if it's not running, it's likely your model doesn't support the function, and you can also see the top of the case: the IR port looks like a small glass window next to the front camera.

Preparing devices for file transfer

Before transferring, you need to follow several mandatory steps. First, make sure that both devices have compatible applications installed. Xiaomi’s standard software does not support file sharing via IR – you will need a third-party utility, such as IR File Transfer or QuickShare (with IR support).

Second, check the following settings:

Install the IR transmission app on both devices |

Enable the IR port in settings (Settings → Connections → Infrared port)|

Place devices at a distance of no more than 1 meter from each other |

Turn off the energy-saving mode (it can block the background operation of the IR module)-->

Pay special attention to application permissions. File transfer utilities require access to storage, camera (for scanning). QR-If permission is not granted, the transmission will be interrupted with an error. IR_TRANSFER_FAILED.

⚠️ Note: Not all files can be transferred via an IR port. The maximum size of a single file is usually limited to 4 MB, and supported formats are.txt,.jpg,.mp3 and.apk. Attempting to send video in format.mp4 Or the.zip archive will fail.

Step-by-step instructions for file transfer

Consider the process using the IR File Transfer app (available on Google Play), which works on most Xiaomi devices with an IR port, including the Redmi Note 11 and the POCO X4 Pro.

1. Open the IR File Transfer on both devices. Click "Send File" on the first smartphone and "Receive File" on the second.
2. Select a file from the sender menu. Supports Downloads, Gallery and Documents folders. Click "Next."
3. Direct the IR ports of the devices to each other (distance - no more than 30 cm). Wait for the message "Device detected".
4. Confirm the file on the second device, the transfer will start automatically, speed will be ~50-100 KB/s.

If the transmission is interrupted, try the following:

• 🔄 Restart the application on both devices;
• 📶 Make sure there are no near infrared sources (DU remotes, incandescent lamps);
• 🔋 Connect smartphones to charging – at a low level of the battery, the IR module can turn off.

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If the transmission is constantly disrupted, try to reduce the file size. For example, convert an image from.png to.jpg with a lower resolution.

Limitations and typical errors

Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often experience problems transferring files over an infrared port, and these are the most common errors and their causes:

Critical feature: Xiaomi's IR port does not support multithreading, which means you can't send a file and control the hardware at the same time through Mi Remote. DEVICE_BUSY.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, the global version for Redmi 10, the IR port is disabled by default to save energy. → Battery → Energy saving regime → Additionally, and uncheck the box from the item "Limit background activity of IR".

Alternative methods of transmission without IR

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support an IR port or the transmission is constantly disrupted, consider alternative methods:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Up to 300 Mbps, files of any size are supported. → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct;
• 📲 Bluetooth 5.0+: Suitable for files up to 2 GB. Included in Settings → Bluetooth;
• ☁️ Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop): Xiaomi's built-in LAN sharing solution works without the internet;
• 🔗 QR-Code: Any scanner application (e.g. Google Lens) is suitable for transferring links or small text files).

Comparison of transmission methods:

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For large files (video, backups), the IR port is not suitable. Use Wi-Fi Direct or USB-C cable.

How to fix problems with IR port

If the IR port is not working or the transfer of files is interrupted, perform a diagnosis using the following algorithm:

1. Check the physical condition of the port. Pollution or damage to the glass can block the signal. Clean the port with a soft napkin.
2. Update the firmware. Older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) had bugs with IR drivers. Update solves the problem 80 percent of the time.
3. Reset the network settings. Go to Settings → System → Settings → Network reset. This will remove the stored Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, but return the IR port to working condition.
4. Check for application conflicts. Some hardware management tools (like Peel Smart Remote) can block a standard IR module. Delete them.

If none of the methods worked, the IR module itself may have failed. In this case, contact Xiaomi's service center, the average cost of replacing a module is between 800 and 1,500 rubles (2026).

Security of transferring files through IR

Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, an IR port is considered a more secure data channel, since the signal only travels within line of sight.

• 🔒 Data interception: Theoretically possible with specialized equipment (IR receiver), but in practice such attacks are extremely rare;
• 📄 Metasploit Vulnerabilities: In Firmware MIUI Before version 12.0, there was a bug that allowed you to run code through an IR port!
• 🚫 Phishing: Fraudsters can send malicious.apk files via IR. Do not accept files from unknown devices.

To minimize the risks:

1. Turn off the IR port when it is not in use.
2. Do not transfer confidential data (passwords, bank documents);
3. Use antivirus to scan the received files.

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The infrared port is safer than Bluetooth, but it is not protected from physical interception. For sensitive data, use encrypted channels (for example, Mi Share with a password).

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfer via Xiaomi IR port