How to turn on and configure an infrared port on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to 2026

The infrared port (IR port) in Xiaomi devices is a handy tool for managing household appliances that many users underestimate. Despite the proliferation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the infrared port remains relevant due to its versatility and low power consumption. In this article, we will discuss how to properly activate and use this feature on different models of smartphones and smart devices of the brand.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models have a physical IR transmitter. For example, the flagship Mi 11 series and newer ones often lack this module in theft behind a thin body, whereas budget and mid-budget devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3) keep it. Before you try to turn on the port, make sure that your device supports this feature – we will discuss this in the first section.

The process of setting up an IR port on Xiaomi is usually easy, but there are nuances: from choosing the right application to solving problems with remote compatibility. We will consider all the steps from checking the presence of the module to fine-tuning the control of the equipment, and also give tips for eliminating typical errors.

How to check if there is an IR port on your Xiaomi

Before you try to turn on an infrared port, you need to make sure it's physically present in the device.

• 🔍 Visual inspection: The IR transmitter is usually located at the top of the body (near the front camera or speaker) and looks like a small dark glass window or a point sensor. On some models (for example, Redmi 9) it can be confused with the light sensor – the difference is that the IR port does not glow when the flashlight is turned on.
• 📱 Check through the specifications. Go to the official Xiaomi website or GSMArena service, find your model and see the Sensors section.
• 🛠️ Test through the engineering menu. Enter the code ##6484## in the phone app (for some models, ##36446337##). IR Infrared or Infrared, the port is present.

If none of these methods worked, your device probably doesn’t have an IR module, in which case Bluetooth remotes or Wi-Fi control via applications like Mi Home (for Xiaomi’s smart tech) would be an alternative.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the IR port on Xiaomi

Activating the infrared port on most Xiaomi devices does not require complex manipulations, but the process may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. Below is a universal guide for modern firmware versions (MIUI 12-14).

Make sure the IR port is physically present.

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Download the official Mi Remote app

Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)

-->

1. Install the Mi Remote app. Xiaomi smartphones are pre-installed with the Mi Remote Controller app by default. If not, download it from Google Play or AppGallery. Attention: use only the official app - third-party counterparts may contain malicious code.

2. Launch and initial setup. Open Mi Remote and allow access to Camera and Microphone (required for remote scanning). When you first run the app will suggest selecting a region - choose Russia or Europe for maximum compatibility with local equipment.

3 Add a device. Click + in the upper right corner, then select a category of equipment (for example, TV or Air Conditioning). The application will suggest selecting a brand from the list. If your brand is not, use the Universal Remote or Manual Code Input function.

4 Connection testing. Point the top of your smartphone (where the IR port is located) to the equipment and press Test. If the device reacted (for example, the TV turned on), the setup was successful. Otherwise, try another code from the list or update the remote database in the application settings.

💡

If the IR port doesn’t work after the MIUI update, try clearing the Mi Remote app cache in your phone settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Remote → Clear the cache).

Set up a universal remote in Mi Remote

If your technology doesn't automatically recognize you, you'll have to manually configure the universal remote, a process that requires patience, but allows you to control even rare models of devices.

1. In the Mi Remote app, select Add Device → Universal Remote.

2. Specify the type of equipment (e.g, DVD-player or fan).

3. Press Manual Code Entering and enter a combination of 3-4 digits. Codes for popular brands can be found in the official Xiaomi database or on sites like