How to turn on and configure an IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 4: the complete guide

Introduction: Why do I need an IR port in a smartphone?

The infrared port (IR) in Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a hidden feature that turns your smartphone into a universal remote control. Although the model was released in 2016, its hardware platform supports an infrared emitter, but the manufacturer does not always activate this feature out of the box. In this article, we will discuss how to check the presence of the module, turn it on through hidden settings and configure it to work with household appliances.

The main use cases for the Redmi 4 IR port include TV control (including older models without Wi-Fi), air conditioning, music centers, and even some smart home systems, especially for owners of equipment without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct support, where IR remains the only way to remotely control. However, before setting up, it is important to make sure that your version of Redmi 4 has a physical IR transmitter - not all modifications of the model have it.

Note: the functionality of the IR port depends on the version of MIUI. Firmware older than MIUI 12 may require additional manipulation, including installing third-party applications or manually editing configuration files. If you updated your smartphone through unofficial sources, check the integrity of system components - corrupted files can block the IR module.

Check the availability of an IR port on Xiaomi Redmi 4

Before you try to turn on an infrared port, you need to confirm its physical presence in your device. The fact is that the Redmi 4 came in several versions, and not all of them were equipped with an IR transmitter. For example, the Redmi 4A version (model number 2016048) did not have one, while the Redmi 4 Prime (markw) and Redmi 4 Pro (prada) were equipped with a module.

To find out the exact model of your device:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Background.
3. Find the model or model number.

If it says 2016048, no infrared port. For markw or prada models, the module is present, but can be switched off software.

Visually, the IR transmitter on Redmi 4 is located at the top of the body, next to the front camera, and it looks like a small black glass window (~2 mm in diameter). If you're not sure, compare your device to photos of the original modifications, this will help avoid errors in the setting.

How to enable the IR port through standard MIUI settings

If your Redmi 4 is equipped with an IR module, the first thing you should do is try to activate it through standard MIUI tools. Depending on the firmware version, the path to settings may vary, but the general logic remains. Since MIUI 9, the manufacturer has started to hide this option, so you will have to use workaround methods.

Instructions for MIUI 8-10:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally.
2. Select Infrared Port (or Remote Desk).
3. Activate the slider in the position on..
4. Follow the setup wizard to add devices to control.

On later versions (MIUI 11+), this item may not be available, so move on to alternative methods.

For MIUI 11-14, try the following algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Slip on more (or additional functions).
3. Find an Infrared Port – if you don’t have one, use the Engineering Menu.

On some firmware, the option is hidden under the name "Mi Remote" - this is the official Xiaomi app for managing equipment.

Check the Redmi 4 for the presence of an IR module

Update MIUI to the latest stable version

Ensure that there is no damage to the upper panel of the body

Download the Mi Remote app from the official store (if required)-->

Activation through the Engineering Menu (for experienced users)

If standard settings do not allow access to the IR port, you can try to turn it on through the Engineering Mode, which requires caution, since incorrect actions can lead to malfunctions of the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337## (or #4636## for the alternative menu).
3. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → IR Test.
4. Press Turn On IR and confirm the action.

After that, the IR port should be activated, but to control the equipment you still need to install an application remote (for example, Mi Remote).

⚠️ Note: Not all versions of the engineering menu support the inclusion of the IR port. If nothing happens after you enter the code, your firmware may block access to this partition. ADB-team.

An alternative way to access the engineering menu is through the MTK Engineering Mode app (available on Google Play for devices on MediaTek chipsets).

1. Launch the app.
2. Go to Hardware Testing → IR.
3. Select the IR Emit Test and watch the indicator – if it lights up green, the module works.

Using ADB to force the inclusion of an IR port

If previous methods have failed, you can try activating the IR port via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for users with unlocked USB debugging and installed ADB drivers on the computer. Importantly, incorrect commands can disrupt the system, so follow the instructions carefully.

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphone with debugging enabled USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💻 Computer with ADB-tools installed.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions for activation:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
4. Execute the command to turn on the IR port: adb shell settings put global ir_remote_enabled 1
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reboot, check for the Infrared Port option in the settings or install the Mi Remote app.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, Xiaomi blocks changes to system settings through ADB. If after completing the commands, the IR port does not appear, try adding superuser rights (root) or use custom firmware with IR support.

Setting up an IR port using the Mi Remote app

Even if you manage to activate the IR port, you will need a dedicated app to manage the equipment, the official solution from Xiaomi is Mi Remote (formerly Mi TV Remote), which is pre-configured to work with popular brands and supports training new teams.

How to set up Mi Remote:

• 📥 Install the app from Google Play or App Gallery (for devices without Google services).
• 🔍 At first launch, allow access to Infrared Port and Warehouse.
• 📺 Select the type of device (e.g. TV, Air Conditioning).
• 🔎 Enter the brand of technology in the search bar or select from the list.
• 🎯 Point your smartphone at the device and test commands (turn on, change volume, etc.).

If your technique is not recognized automatically, use the training mode:

1. In Mi Remote, select Add Device → Learning.
2. Point the original remote and smartphone at each other (the ports must "see" each other).
3. Press the button on the original remote, then save the command in the application.

Advice for improvement:

• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the appliances (maximum distance is 5-7 meters).
• 🔋 The IR port uses minimal energy, but if used for a long time, it can drain the battery.
• 🔄 If the commands are executed with a delay, try reconnecting the device to Mi Remote or updating the remote database.

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If Mi Remote doesn't recognize your technique, try third-party apps like AnyMote or ZaZa Remote, which support more brands and allow you to create custom teams.

Troubleshooting: Why is the IR port not working?

If the IR port on Redmi 4 fails to function after all the manipulations, check the possible causes of the malfunction. Below is a table with the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, the IR module could be a hardware malfunction, in which case:

• Check the integrity of the flexible plume connecting the module to the motherboard.
• Contact the service center for diagnosis (replacement of the IR transmitter will cost 300-800 rubles, depending on the region).

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the device to check the IR module, observe precautions: turn off the battery, use plastic tools so as not to damage the plumes. Damage to the contacts may result in loss of functionality of other components (e.g., a front camera or light sensor).

Alternative ways to control equipment without an IR port

If your Redmi 4 doesn’t support an infrared port or if it’s not possible to activate it, consider alternative home appliance management options.

Replacement options:

• 📡 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Remotes: Many TVs and air conditioners support control through mobile applications (e.g., mobile devices, LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings. Connect the equipment to the same network with a smartphone.
• 🌐 Smart speakers: Voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant) can manage compatible technology through cloud services.
• 🔌 Universal IR Blocks: Devices like BroadLink RM4 Xiaomi Mi. IR Blaster connect via Wi-Fi and emulate IR signals. The cost is from 1,500 rubles.
• 🔄 Flashing: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) supports the IR port even on devices where it is disabled in the stock MIUI.

Advantages of alternative methods:

• 📱 No physical location – you can control the equipment from another room.
• 🔄 The ability to create scripts (for example, "Evening cinema" - turns off the lights, turns on the TV and launches the player).
• 📊 Usage statistics (some apps show the operating time of an air conditioner or TV).

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If your Redmi 4 is not equipped with an IR port, the best solution is to buy an external IR blaster (for example, Xiaomi Mi). IR Blaster.He's plugging in to USB-port and managed via the same Mi Remote app, but without compatibility restrictions.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions