Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Smart Devices: Why Do You Need It?
Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a budget phone for calls and social networks, it is a full-fledged smart home control center that can link together dozens of devices from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners. But how exactly does this ecosystem work? And why should Redmi 9 owners use it?
The thing is, Redmi 9 It has an integrated infrared port (IR blaster) and supports the Mi Home protocol, Xiaomi’s proprietary platform for smart gadgets, which means that the phone can replace remote control for equipment (TVs, air conditioners) and simultaneously control smart lamps, sockets or sensors through the Internet. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. At the same time, you do not need to buy additional hubs - it is enough for the smartphone itself and the Mi Home application.
The main advantage of this system is centralization. Instead of 5 different applications for a light bulb, socket and vacuum cleaner, you use one where everything is customized through an intuitive interface, and thanks to Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex, you can control devices with voice, but about everything in order.
What Smart Devices Are Compatible with Redmi 9?
Xiaomi’s ecosystem has more than 400 smart devices, but not all of them work equally well with the Redmi 9. The key criterion for compatibility is support for Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 or Zigbee (the latter requires a separate hub, such as the Xiaomi Mi Smart Home Gateway).
- 💡 Lighting: smart light bulbs Yeelight, Mi LED, LED strips Mi LED Strip.
- 🔌 Sockets and switches: Mi Smart Plug, Aqara Wall Switch (requires hub).
- 🌡️ Climate control: Mi Temperature & Humidity Sensor, IR-controlled air conditioners.
- 🤖 Robots: vacuum cleaners Mi Robot Vacuum, breakdowns Mi Mop.
- 🔐 Security: Mi Home Security Camera, Aqara Motion Sensor.
The IR-controlled devices are special, thanks to the built-in IR transmitter in Redmi. 9 You can add even the usual equipment to the Mi Home: TVs. Samsung/LG, Daikin or Midea split systems, and for that, there's a codebase for the codes on the system. 10 000+ models.
How to connect smart devices to Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions
The connection process depends on the type of device, but the overall scheme is the same.
- Download the Mi Home app (available on Google Play or AppGallery).
- Register a Xiaomi account (or sign in through an existing one).
- Connect the device to power (if required) and put it in pairing mode (usually hold the button 5-10 seconds until the indicator blinks).
The algorithm is further different:
Put the light in the socket|Open Mi Home → "Add the device" → "Lighting"|Select a light bulb model (e.g. Yeelight)|Wait 1-2 minutes until the light bulb blinks 3 times|Name the device (e.g., "Lamp in the hall")-->
For IR devices (for example, air conditioning), the path is different:
- In Mi Home, select Add Device" → "Infrared remote control".
- Specify the type of equipment (TV, AC etc.) and brand.
- Direct the Redmi 9 IR port to the device and test commands (on, change temperature).
If the device is not located, check:
- 📶 Is Redmi 9 connected to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (5GHz not supported by most smart gadgets).
- 🔋 Is there enough charge on the device (for example, Aqara sensors run on batteries).
- 📱 Is the Mi Home app updated to the latest version.
What to do if the device is not connected?
Smart Device Management: Basic Functions
Once the device is connected, its settings will open in Mi Home. The possibilities depend on the type of gadget, but there are universal chips:
| Function | Description | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| Voice control | Integration with Google Assistant, Alice or Siri via Mi Home | "Alice, turn on the lamp in the bedroom at 50% brightness." |
| Automation | Scenarios like “If... then...” (e.g., turn on the light when moving). | Motion sensor → lighting. |
| Remote access | Control devices over the Internet (for example, turn on the heater on the way home). | Turn on the robot vacuum cleaner from the office. |
| Schedules | Set up actions by time (for example, turn off the socket at 23:00). | Turn off the extension cord at night. |
| Grouping | Combining multiple devices into one group (for example, all the lamps in the room). | Turn off all the lights on the first floor with one button. |
Automation is particularly useful, for example, you can configure:
- 🌅 Imitation of presence: accidentally turning on the lights when you are not at home.
- 🚪 Security: Notification to phone if motion sensor is triggered at night.
- 🌡️ Climate control: Air conditioning turns on when temperatures rise above 25°C.
To create a script in Mi Home, go to Profile" → "Automation" → "Add. Select the trigger and the action:
IF [Motion sensor (corridor) = motion detected]
And [Time = 20:00 to 6:00]
TR [Lighten the light bulb (corridor) at 70% brightness]💡
If automation doesn’t work, check if all devices are connected to the same Mi Home account and if the smartphone is on the same Wi-Fi network.
IR remote on Redmi 9: how to control conventional equipment
One of the most underrated features of Redmi 9 is the built-in IR transmitter, which allows you to control equipment that does not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: TVs, air conditioners, fans.
- Open Mi Home → "Add the device" → "Infrared remote control".
- Select the type of device (e.g., "Air Conditioning") and brand (e.g, LG).
- Test the commands (inclusion, temperature change, modes).
- If standard codes do not fit, use the Learning function – direct the original remote to the Redmi 9 IR port and record the signals.
After setting up, you will be able to:
- 📺 Control the TV through a virtual remote in Mi Home.
- ❄️ Turn on your air conditioning on schedule (for example, 30 minutes before you return home).
- 🔊 Adjust the volume of the music center with voice.
Important: IR commands are only in line of sight from the device. If the Redmi 9 is in another room, the signal will not reach. IR Blaster – an external IR transmitter connected to a router.
💡
The IR port in Redmi 9 supports up to 100 saved devices, but can only manage one at a time. To switch, select the desired gadget from the Mi Home list.
Problems and Solutions: Why Smart Devices Are Not Working
Even in a perfectly configured system, sometimes there are failures, and here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:
⚠️ Note: If automation is no longer available after the Mi Home update, check your account region. Some features (such as voice control via Google Assistant) are only available in China or Europe. You can change the region in the profile settings, but this will lead to the reset of all devices!
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device is not connected. | Incompatible Wi-Fi (5GHz) network | Switch the router to 2.4GHz mode or create a separate network for smart gadgets. |
| The light bulb flashes, but it doesn't connect. | Too far away from the router | Bring Redmi 9 closer to the light bulb (maximum 2-3 meters) for the time of pairing. |
| IR teams are not working | Port littered or damaged | Wipe the Redmi 9 IR port with a dry napkin, see if it's covered with a cover. |
| Automation is triggered with a delay | Xiaomi servers are overloaded | Set up local management (if the device supports it) LAN Control). |
Another common problem is the loss of connection to devices after the router restarts, which happens because many smart gadgets don't save time. IP-Address:
- In the router settings, fix IP-Address for each device (attach to the MAC-address).
- Enable the option "Local Management" in Mi Home (if available).
If the device has stopped responding at all, try resetting it:
- 🔄 For light bulbs: turn on / off power 5 times in a row.
- 🔋 For sockets: hold the button for 10-15 seconds until blinking.
- 📡 For sensors: remove and insert the battery.
Smart Home Security: How to Protect Your Devices?
Smart devices make life easier, but they also become a potential vulnerability for hackers.
⚠️ Warning: Never use the same password for your Mi Home account and other services. In 2020, a Xiaomi data breach led to thousands of smart homes being hacked by attackers accessing cameras and microphones. Enable two-factor authentication in your profile settings!
Basic security measures:
- 🔒 Update the firmware of all devices (check the updates once a month in Mi Home).
- 🌐 Separate smart gadgets into a separate Wi-Fi (guest) network with limited access to major devices.
- 📵 Turn off remote access if you do not use it (in the settings of each device).
- 📼 Encrypt the camera recordings (enable the Encrypted Cloud option in Mi Home).
Special attention is paid to cameras and microphones, for example, Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera by default records video to the cloud, but it can only be saved locally (to a memory card).
- In the camera settings, select "Storage" → "Local".
- Format microSD (maximum 64GB) in FAT32.
- Turn off Cloud Storage if you are not using it.
You should also check the list of connected devices in your Mi Home account regularly, and if an unfamiliar gadget appears there, delete it immediately and change your password.