Mi Remote in Xiaomi Redmi Phone: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

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:

  • πŸ“± Mi Remote apps (pre-installed on most smartphones) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO)
  • πŸ“Ά Infrared transmitter (IR port) – a physical module that sends signals to devices
  • πŸ“‘ Code databases – 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 – 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.

  1. Open the Mi Remote app (if not, install it from Google Play).
  2. Click Add Add the device β†’ Select any category (for example, "TV").
  3. 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.
πŸ“Š Your smartphone supports the Mi remote?
Yes, I use it regularly.
Yeah, but I've never tried.
No, I have a different model.
I don't know, I need to check.

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:

CategoryExamples of devicesExample of brands
TelevisionsLED, OLED, plasma panels, projectorsSamsung, LG, Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, TCL
Air conditionersSplit systems, mobile air conditionersDaikin, Mitsubishi, Gree, Electrolux, Ballu
Audio systemsReceivers, soundbars, music centersYamaha, Pioneer, Sony, JBL, Harman Kardon
DVD/Blu-ray playerDisc players, media centersPanasonic, Samsung, LG, Philips
Cameras.Mirrorless and mirrorless camerasCanon, 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.

  • ❌ Does not work with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-controlled appliances (you need separate apps).
  • ❌ Does not support some premium brands (e.g. Bang & Olufsen or Loewe).
  • ❌ 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).

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. Open the Mi Remote app (if not, download from Google Play).
  2. Click Add Device and select a category (e.g., "TV").
  3. Specify your device's brand. If it's not, select "Other Brand."
  4. Select a model from the list or click "My brand is missing" to manually enter the code.
  5. Test the connection: hover the phone’s IR port over the device receiver (usually a small window on the front panel of the equipment) and press Test.
  6. If the test is successful, save the device. If it's not, try another code from the list.

What if the Mi Remote doesn’t 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:

  1. In the app, select Add Manually.
  2. Specify the category and brand.
  3. Enter a 4- or 5-digit code (you can find it in the instructions for the device or on the manufacturer’s website).
  4. Test the connection.

Attention! Some users have a problem when the Mi Remote stops working after the firmware update.

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Custom button creation: You can add frequently used commands (like Movie Mode for TV) to the home screen.
  • πŸ”„ Macros: recording a sequence of commands (e.g., "Switch on the TV" β†’ Turn over. HDMI1 β†’ Set the volume to 50%").
  • πŸ“± Control from the lock screen: add the Mi Remote widget to the locked screen for quick access.
  • 🌐 Cloud Code Search: If your model is not found, the app can request data from Xiaomi servers.

How to create a macro:

  1. Open the Mi Remote and select the added device.
  2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ "Macros".
  3. Click Add Macros and write down a sequence of commands (for example, turning on the TV). + switching).
  4. 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.

  1. Make sure all devices are added to the Mi Home.
  2. Open the Mi remote. β†’ Smart home. β†’ Add a script.
  3. Choose devices and actions for them.
How to export Mi Remote settings to another phone
1.On the old phone, open the Mi Remote β†’ Settings β†’ Backup. 2. Save the settings file to the cloud or memory card. 3. On the new phone, install Mi Remote, go to the settings and select Restore from backup. 4. Specify the file path and confirm the recovery.

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 causeDecision
Remote does not respond to commandsThe IR port is contaminated or covered with a coverWipe the port window with alcohol, remove the case
The device was not found in the database.Rare or new modelTry universal code or add manually
Commands are executed with a delayWeak signal or interferenceBring the phone closer to the receiver (no further than 5 meters)
The app flies off at launchOutdated version or conflict with firmwareUpdate the Mi Remote via Google Play or reinstall

If the Remote stopped working after the update MIUI, try:

  1. Clear the app cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi remote β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  2. Reset the application settings (in the same menu).
  3. 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:

⚠️ 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.

  • πŸ“± External IR transmitters: Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote (connects via Bluetooth, controls equipment via IR). RM4 Pro (works on Wi-Fi, supports voice control).
  • 🌐 Universal applications: AnyMote (works with external IR transmitters). SURE Universal Remote (supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices).
  • πŸ”Œ 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 deviceType of connectionPrice (roughly)Features
Xiaomi Mi Smart RemoteBluetooth1500–2000 β‚½Compact, battery-powered. CR2032
BroadLink RM4 ProWi-Fi2500–3000 β‚½Voice support (Alice, Google Assistant), team training
Aqara Hub + IR deviceWi-Fi (Zigbee)3500–4500 β‚½Integration with a smart home, scenarios of automation

If you choose an external transmitter, pay attention to:

  • πŸ”‹ Type of power: batteries (regularly changed) or USB (plug-in).
  • πŸ“Ά Range: Large rooms require a transmitter with a radius of at least 8-10 meters.
  • πŸ€– Support for voice assistants (if you plan to control the equipment through Alice or Google Assistant).

πŸ’‘

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:

  • πŸ”’ 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).
  • 🌍 Internet access: An app only needs the internet to download the codebase when it first starts or updates.
  • πŸ‘οΈ Permissions: Mi Remote requests access to the camera (for scanning) QR-codes) and storage (for backup copies).

How to minimize the risks:

  1. Turn off automatic error reporting: Mi Remote settings β†’ Reviews β†’ Shut down.
  2. Regularly update the application – new versions fix vulnerabilities.
  3. 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:

⚠️ 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!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Mi

My Redmi can't see the IR port.
Most likely, your model does not have an IR transmitter. Check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or use an external device (for example, BroadLink). RM4 Also make sure you don’t confuse the IR port with a front camera or light sensor – it looks like a small black window in the top frame.
Can I control the air conditioner through the Mi Remote if it is connected to Wi-Fi?
No, the Mi Remote only works with technology that supports IR control. For Wi-Fi air conditioners (for example, Midea or Gree with Wi-Fi module), you need to use the brand’s proprietary application or smart home platform (for example, Mi Home, if the air conditioner is compatible with Xiaomi).
How to transfer the Mi Remote settings to a new phone?
The app has a backup function: On an old phone: Mi Remote β†’ Settings β†’ Backup β†’ Save the file to the cloud or to a memory card. On a new phone: install Mi Remote, go to settings and select Restore from backup. If the feature is not available, add the devices manually.
Why does the Mi remote only work from close range?
The infrared signal has a limited range (usually up to 5-7 meters). If the equipment does not respond: Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the receiver. Check if the infrared port is closed with a cover or film. Point the phone directly at the receiver of the device (not at an angle). For large rooms, use external transmitters with a signal amplifier.
Can I control the equipment through the Mi remote from the screen off?
Yes, if you add the Mi Remote widget to the lock screen: Click the empty space on the lock screen β†’ Widgets. Find the Mi Remote and drag it to the screen. Set up the display devices. Note that on some firmware, the widget may not work due to security constraints.