Have you ever wondered how to turn your Xiaomi Redmi smartphone into a universal remote control? The Mi Remote (or Mi Remote) feature is an embedded application that allows you to control TVs, air conditioners, audio systems and even some smart lamps directly from the phone screen. But how does it work, which devices support and how to properly configure it? In this article, we will examine everything from basic principles to hidden features β without water and template phrases.
Many Redmi users are unaware that their phone can replace multiple remotes at once, and yet the Mi Remote supports more than 300,000 models of equipment from 6000.+ From old Soviet TVs to modern smart speakers, but there's a nuance: not all Redmi models have an IR transmitter, without which the app is useless. How to check for it and what to do if your phone doesn't support function.
What is Mi Remote and how it works in Xiaomi Redmi phones
Mi Remote is a hardware and software complex consisting of:
- π± Mi Remote apps (pre-installed on most smartphones) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO)
- πΆ Infrared transmitter (IR port) β a physical module that sends signals to devices
- π‘ Code databases β cloud storage with command templates for different brands
The app sends encoded infrared signals through the top of the phone (where the IR port is located), simulating the button presses on the original remote. It is important to understand that the Mi Remote only works with hardware that supports IR control. Wireless devices (such as Wi-Fi lamps or Bluetooth speakers) can not be controlled through it β they need specialized applications like Mi Home.
Where is the IR port in Redmi? Usually, it's a little black window at the top of the screen (near the speaker), and on some models (e.g., the Redmi Note 10 Pro), it's hidden under a safety net to check if it's there.
- Open the Mi Remote app (if not, install it from Google Play).
- Click Add Add the device β Select any category (for example, "TV").
- If the phone offers to test the connection, the IR port is there, and if the message appears, "Your device does not support IR," there is no function.
Some Redmi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 10A) A full list of supported devices can be found on the official Xiaomi website in the specifications section of a particular model. If your phone is not equipped with a transmitter, the alternative will be Bluetooth remotes (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote) or Wi-Fi bridges such as BroadLink. RM4 Pro.
What devices can be controlled through the Mi remote
Mi Remote supports 7 main categories of technology:
| Category | Examples of devices | Example of brands |
|---|---|---|
| Televisions | LED, OLED, plasma panels, projectors | Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, TCL |
| Air conditioners | Split systems, mobile air conditioners | Daikin, Mitsubishi, Gree, Electrolux, Ballu |
| Audio systems | Receivers, soundbars, music centers | Yamaha, Pioneer, Sony, JBL, Harman Kardon |
| DVD/Blu-ray player | Disc players, media centers | Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Philips |
| Cameras. | Mirrorless and mirrorless cameras | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm |
The Mi Remote features support for not only modern but also outdated models, such as codes for 2000s Horizont TVs or 10 years old Samsung air conditioners.
- β Does not work with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-controlled appliances (you need separate apps).
- β Does not support some premium brands (e.g. Bang & Olufsen or Loewe).
- β It may not recognize rare Chinese models (such as local brands like Hisense or other Chinese brands). TCL China's domestic market).
How to check if your appliances are supported? In the Mi Remote app, select a category β brand β If your model is not listed, try Universal or manually add the code (for more on this in the settings section).
π‘
If your model of technology is not found in the database, try to choose a device of the same brand with the same name. Often the codes are the same for entire series.
Step-by-step: how to set up Mi Remote on Redmi
The setup takes no more than 5 minutes. Follow the instructions:
- Open the Mi Remote app (if not, download from Google Play).
- Click Add Device and select a category (e.g., "TV").
- Specify your device's brand. If it's not, select "Other Brand."
- Select a model from the list or click "My brand is missing" to manually enter the code.
- Test the connection: hover the phoneβs IR port over the device receiver (usually a small window on the front panel of the equipment) and press Test.
- If the test is successful, save the device. If it's not, try another code from the list.
What if the Mi Remote doesnβt find your model?
Check the correctness of brand writing|Choose a model that is close to the name|Try the universal code.|Update the database in the application settings|Write in support of Xiaomi with the model of technology-->
If the automatic search does not work, you can enter the code manually:
- In the app, select Add Manually.
- Specify the category and brand.
- Enter a 4- or 5-digit code (you can find it in the instructions for the device or on the manufacturerβs website).
- Test the connection.
Attention! Some users have a problem when the Mi Remote stops working after the firmware update.
β οΈ Check the permissions of the application: go to Settings β Annexes β Mi remote β Permits and enable access to the Camera (required for scanning) QR-codes of some devices) and Warehouse (for downloading the codebase).
Hidden functions of Mi Remote: what does the application besides basic commands
Most users use the Mi Remote only to turn on/off the appliances, but it has hidden features:
- ποΈ Custom button creation: You can add frequently used commands (like Movie Mode for TV) to the home screen.
- π Macros: recording a sequence of commands (e.g., "Switch on the TV" β Turn over. HDMI1 β Set the volume to 50%").
- π± Control from the lock screen: add the Mi Remote widget to the locked screen for quick access.
- π Cloud Code Search: If your model is not found, the app can request data from Xiaomi servers.
How to create a macro:
- Open the Mi Remote and select the added device.
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner β "Macros".
- Click Add Macros and write down a sequence of commands (for example, turning on the TV). + switching).
- Save the macro and assign it a name (e.g., "Cinema in the evening").
Another useful feature is Smart Home mode, and if you have Xiaomi devices (like Yeelight light bulbs or robot vacuum cleaners), you can combine them with infrared devices into a single system, such as turning on the TV, turning off the lights and running the vacuum cleaner with one button.
- Make sure all devices are added to the Mi Home.
- Open the Mi remote. β Smart home. β Add a script.
- Choose devices and actions for them.
How to export Mi Remote settings to another phone
Mi Remote Problems and Errors: How to Fix
Even this useful tool has a history of failure, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Remote does not respond to commands | The IR port is contaminated or covered with a cover | Wipe the port window with alcohol, remove the case |
| The device was not found in the database. | Rare or new model | Try universal code or add manually |
| Commands are executed with a delay | Weak signal or interference | Bring the phone closer to the receiver (no further than 5 meters) |
| The app flies off at launch | Outdated version or conflict with firmware | Update the Mi Remote via Google Play or reinstall |
If the Remote stopped working after the update MIUI, try:
- Clear the app cache: Settings β Annexes β Mi remote β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
- Reset the application settings (in the same menu).
- Install an older version of Mi Remote (download) APK You can use sites like APKMirror).
Attention! On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11) there is a bug when the Mi Remote does not save the added devices after rebooting:
β οΈ Turn off battery optimization for the app: Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery β All applications β Mi remote β No restrictions.
Mi Remote Alternatives: What to Do If Your Redmi Does Not Support IR
If your Redmi doesn't have an IR transmitter, don't despair.
- π± External IR transmitters: Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote (connects via Bluetooth, controls equipment via IR). RM4 Pro (works on Wi-Fi, supports voice control).
- π Universal applications: AnyMote (works with external IR transmitters). SURE Universal Remote (supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices).
- π Smart sockets and bridges: Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug (for power management equipment). Aqara Hub (smart home control center with IR support).
Comparison of external IR transmitters:
| The device | Type of connection | Price (roughly) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote | Bluetooth | 1500β2000 β½ | Compact, battery-powered. CR2032 |
| BroadLink RM4 Pro | Wi-Fi | 2500β3000 β½ | Voice support (Alice, Google Assistant), team training |
| Aqara Hub + IR device | Wi-Fi (Zigbee) | 3500β4500 β½ | Integration with a smart home, scenarios of automation |
If you choose an external transmitter, pay attention to:
- π Type of power: batteries (regularly changed) or USB (plug-in).
- πΆ Range: Large rooms require a transmitter with a radius of at least 8-10 meters.
- π€ Support for voice assistants (if you plan to control the equipment through Alice or Google Assistant).
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External IR transmitters often support more devices than the built-in Mi Remote, as their codebases are updated more often.
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
When using Mi Remote, many users are worried about data security, and this is something to keep in mind:
- π Local code storage: commands to manage the hardware are saved on the phone, not sent to Xiaomi servers (except in the case of cloud search).
- π Internet access: An app only needs the internet to download the codebase when it first starts or updates.
- ποΈ Permissions: Mi Remote requests access to the camera (for scanning) QR-codes) and storage (for backup copies).
How to minimize the risks:
- Turn off automatic error reporting: Mi Remote settings β Reviews β Shut down.
- Regularly update the application β new versions fix vulnerabilities.
- Do not use Mi Remote in public networks (such as cafes or airports) if you connect appliances to a smart home.
If you're selling or transferring your Redmi to another person, remember:
β οΈ Remove all devices added to the Mi Remote and reset the app settings. Otherwise, the new owner of the phone will be able to control your appliances!