Mi Remote on Xiaomi: what is this application, how it works and how to use it

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a mysterious icon with a remote on the app menu, the Mi Remote, which many users either ignore or delete as unnecessary, and yet it's one of the most useful standard applications for managing smart appliances, and it turns your smartphone into a universal remote control that can replace several keychains from your TV, air conditioner, projector and even some household appliances.

In this article, we will take a look at what Mi Remote is on Xiaomi, how it works, what devices it supports, and how to set it up correctly, how to add new hardware, solve typical connectivity problems, and even learn how to create your own commands for rare devices, and we will also reveal some hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.

Spoiler: If you have an IR port at home, Mi Remote will save you space on the table, save you from finding remote batteries, and let you control everything from your smartphone — even if the original remote is lost. The app is already pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.

What is Mi remote and what is it needed for

Mi Remote is a standard Xiaomi app that turns your smartphone into a universal infrared (IR) remote control. It uses the built-in IR transmitter in your phone to send signals to compatible devices: TVs, air conditioners, audio systems, projectors, and even some household appliances (such as fans or air purifiers).

The main advantage of Mi Remote is that you don't have to buy separate remotes for each device, and it takes one smartphone to control all the equipment in the house, and the app supports not only Xiaomi products, but also devices from other brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic and many others.

How does it work technically? Your smartphone sends an IR signal through the top of the body (where the transmitter is located), and the receiver device (for example, a TV) recognizes the command and executes it - just as if you pressed a button on your home remote, without requiring a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection: communication takes place directly through an infrared port.

• 📺 Controlling TVs – channel switching, volume control, access to Smart TV.
• ❄️ Control of air conditioners - setting the temperature, choosing the mode (heating / cooling), timer.
• 🎤 Audio system management – on/off, track switching, sound adjustment.
• 📽️ Projectors – launch presentations, focus adjustment, signal source selection.
• 💨 Household appliances - fans, air purifiers, humidifiers (if they support IR control).

It is important to understand that the Mi Remote only works with devices equipped with an IR receiver. Modern models of technology (especially budget) sometimes lose this module for the sake of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. For example, many Xiaomi TVs in recent years are controlled through the Mi Home app over the network, not through IR. So before setting up, check if your device has an infrared port (usually hidden under a plastic panel on the front of the case).

What Xiaomi smartphones support Mi remote

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with an IR transmitter, so before using the Mi Remote, you need to make sure that your smartphone supports this feature. Generally, the infrared port is available in flagship and mid-budget models, as well as in some devices in the Redmi Note series and in the future, the company has a new model. POCO. Here are the key signs by which you can determine the presence of IR:

• 🔍 In the upper part of the case (near the speaker or front camera) there is a small black window - this is the IR transmitter.
• 📱 In the application menu there is an icon Mi Remote (if it is not, then there is no IR).
• 🛠️ In the characteristics of the device on the official website of Xiaomi indicated the presence of Infrared Port.

Below is a table with popular models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, Supporting Mi Remote (currently for 2026):

If your model is not on the list, check its characteristics on the website mi.com or use the application. CPU-Z (Sensors tab – there should be displayed IR Transmitter).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) have an IR port, but Mi Remote may not be available in the firmware, in which case it can be downloaded from Google Play or installed via Google Play. APK-file from the official forum Xiaomi.

How to set up Mi Remote: step-by-step instructions

The Mi Remote setup takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the right sequence of steps. We will analyze the process using the example of connecting a TV, but the algorithm is similar to any technology. The main thing is to make sure that your device supports IR control and is in the line of sight of the smartphone (maximum distance is up to 5 meters).

Steps to set up:

1. Open the Mi Remote app. The icon looks like a black remote on a white background. If the app is missing, install it from Google Play or the Mi App Store.
2. Select a category of device. On the main screen, tap the icon of the desired type of equipment (for example, TV).
3. In the list of manufacturers, find the brand of your device (for example, Samsung, LG, If you don’t have a brand, choose Another and try the universal protocol.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will suggest pointing your smartphone at the device and pressing the test button. If the TV (or other appliance) responds, the setup is complete.

If the automatic definition didn’t work, try the manual mode:

• 🔄 Click Add Manually and select the model from the list.
• 📋 If there is no model, try a similar one (for example, for a Samsung TV). UE55TU7000 Samsung 2020 profile will be suitable).
• 🔍 Use the Code Search function – the app will look at all possible signal combinations for your brand.

Make sure that the smartphone has an IR port|

Charge your phone at least 30% |

Locate the device in the line of sight (up to 5 m)|

Check that there are no obstacles to the IR signal (glass, film)|

Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version-->

After successful connection, you can:

• 📌 Add the device to the main screen for quick access.
• 🔧 Set up your favorite buttons (for example, adjust volume or switch). HDMI).
• 🔄 Synchronize settings with your Mi Account so you don’t reset everything on your new phone.

⚠️ Warning: If some buttons fail after setting up (e.g., the Smart Hub on a Samsung TV), it's not a mistake. Tech manufacturers sometimes block access to certain features through universal remotes. In this case, try updating the application database in the Mi Remote settings.

Compatibility of Mi Remote with other brands

One of the main advantages of Mi Remote is that it supports devices from different manufacturers, and it contains a database of codes for thousands of models, including rare brands, but it’s not so smooth: some features may be limited, and new devices sometimes require an update of the database.

Here is how it is with compatibility by category:

If your brand isn’t on the list, try the following solutions:

1. Use the universal protocol. In the add-on menu, select Another brand and try the standard commands.
2. Update the database. Go to the Mi Remote settings and click Update the database. New models are added regularly.
3. Create a custom profile. If you know how to use IR codes, you can manually program buttons (we'll talk about this in the next section).

To check the compatibility of a particular model, use the official list on the Xiaomi website or forums like 4PDA, So, for example, Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners often require a Mitsubishi Heavy profile selection, which is a feature of IR control protocols.

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If your device is not recognized, try to bring your smartphone as close to the IR receiver as possible (10-20 cm) and re-set the signal.

Additional features of the Mi Remote: what does the application besides the basic commands

Many users are limited to the basic Mi Remote features of turning on/off and adjusting volume, but the app hides some useful features that make it even more convenient.

• 🔄 Macros (chains of commands) For example, you can turn on the TV at one click, switch it to the TV. HDMI1 launch Netflix.
• 📱 Widget to the home screen. Add control buttons directly to the desktop for quick access.
• 🔧 Button editor. Reassign rarely used keys (e.g., replace Teletext with YouTube launch).
• 🌐 Wi-Fi control (for supported devices) Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TVs) TV) It can be controlled through a local network.
• 🔒 Password protection. If you're afraid that kids will accidentally change the air conditioning settings, set it. PIN-launcher.

Let’s take a closer look at the two most useful functions: macros and button editor.

How to create a macro in Mi remote

A macro is a sequence of commands that are executed at a single click, for example, you can program a movie script that:

1. Turn on the TV.
2. Turn him over to HDMI2 (prefix).
3. Set the sound to 15 units.
4. Turn off the lights (if you have smart bulbs integrated into the Mi Home).

To create a macro:

1. Open Mi Remote and go to Macros (or New Versions of Scripts).
2. Click Add and select the devices that will be involved.
3. Write down a sequence of commands (for example, on) → HDMI2 → Loudness 15).
4. Save the macro and assign it a name (like the movie in the evening).

Button Editor: Reassignment of Functions

If you have unnecessary buttons on your remote (like V-Chip or Fav), you can replace them with more useful ones.

1. Open the device settings in Mi Remote.
2. Select the button editor (or remote setting).
3. Slip the unnecessary button and select a new feature from the list (like Netflix or YouTube).
4. Save the changes.

Note that not all buttons can be reassigned, for example, system commands like Power or Volume are usually locked for editing.

Typical Mi Remote Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the convenience, Mi Remote sometimes fails, and let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

1.The application does not find the device

If the Mi Remote does not recognize your technique, check the following:

• 🔦 Make sure that the smartphone’s IR transmitter is not covered with a cover or film.
• 📶 Check the distance: maximum range of IR is 5 meters, but it is better to keep the phone closer (1-2 meters).
• 🔄 Update the database in the application settings.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the IR port “hangs” after prolonged use.

2 Some buttons are not working.

If some of the commands are ignored (for example, the channels are not switched or the air conditioner temperature is not regulated), try:

• 🔧 Choose a different profile for your model manually.
• 📋 Reset your device settings in Mi Remote and reconfigure.
• 🔄 Check if the signal is blocking another remote (for example, from the console).

3.Mi Remote does not include technology

If the device does not respond to the Power command, the reason may be:

• 🔋 Discharged batteries in the original remote (if any).
• 🔌 Lack of power in the equipment (check the socket).
• 📵 Protocol incompatibility (try a universal profile).

4.The application crashes or does not open

If Mi Remote does not start or close immediately after opening:

• 📲 Clear the app cache in the phone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi remote → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.
• 📥 Reinstall Mi Remote (remove and download from the official store).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (such as custom LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Mi Remote may not work due to the lack of drivers for the IR transmitter. MIUI.

If none of these things work, check if the IR transmitter in your smartphone is damaged, and you can use test applications like this. IR Tester (available on Google Play) If the transmitter is not emitting a signal, repairs will be required at the service center.

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Before contacting the service, check the IR transmitter with a third-party application. Often the problem is not the hardware, but the software failure.

Mi Remote Alternatives: What to Do If There Is No IR Transmitter

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn't have an IR port, it doesn't mean you can't control your phone. There are several alternatives:

1. Smart remotes with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Devices like Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote or BroadLink RM4 Pros connect to a phone over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and relay IR signals:

• 📶 Work with any smartphone (even without IR).
• 🔄 Support voice control via Alice or Google Assistant.
• 🌐 You can control the equipment remotely (for example, turn on the air conditioner on the way home).

2. Applications from manufacturers of equipment

Many brands offer their own applications for managing over Wi-Fi:

• Samsung SmartThings is for Samsung TVs and air conditioners.
• LG ThinQ for technology LG.
• Mi Home – for smart Xiaomi devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners).

3. Universal applications for IR management

If you have a separate IR transmitter (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) IR Blaster, you can use third-party applications:

• AnyMote supports more than 900,000 devices.
• ZaZa Remote is a user-friendly interface with the ability to create macros.
• SURE Universal Remote – works with rare brands.

The main disadvantage of alternatives is that they require additional costs (purchase of an external transmitter) or depend on the stability of Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Remote on Xiaomi