Smartphones are no longer just a means of communication, becoming universal tools for managing the environment. Owners of budget but functional devices such as the Xiaomi Redmi 9 often wonder about the presence and operation of an integrated infrared port.
Known as the “Mi Remote” (or Mi Remote), the feature is a standard MIUI shell component pre-installed on most of the brand’s models. In the case of Redmi 9, the situation requires special attention, as the presence of an IR emitter in this particular model depends on the region of supply and configuration. Understanding this nuance will help avoid confusion when trying to activate control equipment.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to check for an IR port in your device, set up an application for working with TVs and air conditioners, and also consider alternative management options if the hardware module is missing. You will learn about the hidden functions of the system and get answers to frequently asked questions, which will allow you to maximize the potential of your smartphone.
The concept of IR management in Xiaomi smartphones
Infrared port (IR Blaster) is a technology that transmits data using invisible light waves of light spectrum, which has been used for decades in remote control. Xiaomi has become one of the few manufacturers to keep this module in modern smartphones, betting on the versatility of the gadget. For the user, this means the ability to control a TV, receiver, air conditioner or projector just by taking the phone out of your pocket.
The principle is that a special LED on the top end of the housing emits signals that encode commands that are understandable to household appliances. The Mi Remote app acts as a code database, broadcasting the desired signals through this emitter. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, IR communication does not require pairing and works out of the box with most devices released in the last 30 years.
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Check the top end of your Redmi 9: If there’s a black glass window next to the noise-cancelling microphone, it means the IR port is physically present in the device.
However, it is important to understand the difference between the software shell and the hardware. Having an app icon on the screen does not guarantee the function if the physical module is not soldered on the board. In the budget segment, which includes the Redmi 9 series, manufacturers sometimes go to simplify the design, removing the IR emitter to reduce the cost.
The presence of an IR port in the Redmi 9 model: check and nuances
The issue of the availability of an infrared port in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most controversial among users. The official specification of the device often does not contain a direct mention of the IR blaster, which creates grounds for doubt. Practice shows that global versions of the smartphone shipped to Europe and Russia are most often not equipped with this module, while Chinese versions or models for the Indian market may have one.
The most reliable way to check for hardware is to visually inspect the upper end of the case. The IR emitter looks like a small black round spot located next to the microphone hole and headphone jack (if any). If you see only one microphone hole and there is no characteristic dark eye, then most likely the IR function in your instance is not supported hardware.
Can I add an IR port program?
Regional features are also worth considering. RMX2003 (global version) models are often devoid of an IR module. If you purchased a device imported from China, the chances of having a feature are much higher. In any case, trying to run the Mi Remote app will be the first test: if you add a device, the phone does not offer to choose a connection type (Wi-Fi or IR), but immediately switches to Wi-Fi, this is a sure sign of the absence of an IR port.
Setting up the Mi Remote (Mi Remote) application
If your Redmi 9 is equipped with an infrared port, or you plan to control equipment through Wi-Fi, the first step is to properly configure the application. In most cases, it is pre-installed in the Tools folder. If the shortcut is missing, you can download it from the official GetApps store or Google Play. The interface is intuitive and fully Russified.
To start, you need to add a new device. Press the + button in the upper right corner or select Add Device in the center of the screen. The system will suggest selecting a category of equipment: TV, air conditioning, console, projector or receiver. After selecting a category, you will need to specify the brand of your device from the proposed list.
☑️ Primary settings Mi Remote
The key step is to test the signal. The app will ask, "Is this button working?" You need to point the top of the phone to the receiver and press the virtual button. If the device reacts (turns off or changes volume), say "Yes." If there is no response, "No", and the system will suggest the next code. This process may require patience, since there may be many codes for old models.
Instructions for connecting the TV and air conditioning
The setup of the TV is usually successful 90% of the time if the IR port is in good condition. After selecting a brand (e.g. Samsung, LG, Sony) and successfully testing the power button, the system will suggest setting up additional features. You can add buttons to change the signal source (HDMI), call the settings menu or quickly access streaming services.
With air conditioners, the situation is more complicated due to the huge number of codes and lack of feedback. Unlike TV, air conditioning often does not emit sounds when receiving a signal. So when testing the buttons in the Mi Remote application, carefully monitor the indicators on the body of the split system or the movement of the blinds. For air conditioners, it is also important to adjust the operating mode (cooling, heating, ventilation).
For advanced users, a macro creation feature is available, which allows a single button to run a chain of actions, for example, the Kino button can simultaneously turn on the TV, switch it to the TV. HDMI-It's especially convenient if the console is lost or the batteries are down.
| Type of device | Required module | Difficulty setting up | Required distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Television | IR port or Wi-Fi | Low. | 7 meters |
| Air conditioner | IR port | Medium | 5 meters |
| TV-box | IR port | Low. | 5 meters |
| Projector | IR port | Tall. | 3 meters |
Alternatives: Control via Wi-Fi and IR nozzles
Redmi 9 owners without an integrated IR port should not despair. Modern technology increasingly supports control over Wi-Fi. If your TV is running on Android TV or has a built-in wireless module, you can control it through the standard Google Home application or branded utilities manufacturers (for example, LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings), in which case the IR port is not necessary, since commands are transmitted over the local network.
To control the old "non-smart" technology, there are external IR nozzles (IR Blaster), connected via a 3.5 mm connector (if any) or USB-C. These gadgets are inexpensive and turn any smartphone into a remote. They connect to the phone, and the companion application broadcasts commands through an external emitter, which is a great solution if the built-in module is missing or defective.
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The lack of a built-in IR port in Redmi 9 is not an obstacle for a smart home: use Wi-Fi control for new equipment and external devices. USB-blaster.
And it's also worth mentioning the possibility of creating a universal remote control based on smart speakers with an IR emitter. If you have a Yandex.Station or an IR-enabled analog, you can configure scenarios where the phone is just a voice interface and the speaker executes the command, which requires more complex setup of the smart home ecosystem, but eliminates the need to point the phone to the appliances.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Even with an IR port, users can run into difficulties. Often the app doesn't see the device or the codes don't fit. First of all, check if the top end of the phone is covered with a case. A dense silicone or metal cases can block the IR signal. Remove the accessory and try again.
Another common problem is that the battery is drained in the remote of the equipment you're trying to clone, although for IR control, this is not always critical if you just pick up the code. More importantly, distance: to receive the signal confidently, the phone must be 1-3 meters away from the machine and be directed precisely to the receiver. Side radiation often does not work.
Why isn't the search engine working?
If the app crashes or freezes constantly during the connection phase, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Mi Remote → Memory → Clean. Also make sure the app has all the necessary permissions, especially access to location (needs to work with Wi-Fi devices) and access to storage.