Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 7A, Released in 2019, it still remains a popular budget device among users who want to automate their lives without major investments. Despite its modest technical characteristics (Snapdragon 439 processor, 2 GB of RAM), this device is able to become a full-fledged smart home control center thanks to the Mi Home ecosystem and support for the Zigbee protocol through external hubs. 7A Smart home system, what devices are compatible with it, and how to circumvent the limitations of obsolete iron.
The main advantage of using Redmi 7A As a control device, it's affordable and energy efficient. The phone can operate in Always On mode (with a constant connection to the network) for up to 2-3 days without recharging, and when connected to an outlet, around the clock. Due to the outdated version of Android 9 (Pie), some new Xiaomi devices may require a hub firmware or manual binding update through alternative applications.
Can I use Redmi? 7A smart-home?
Technically, Xiaomi Redmi 7A It is not intended to be the main hub of the smart home (unlike the Xiaomi Mi Smart Home Hub or Aqara Hub). M2), It can perform two key functions:
- π± Control device β via the Mi Home or Aqara Home app for remote monitoring of sensors, lamps and outlets.
- π Intermediate server β for automatic scripting (e.g. turning on lights while moving) using Tasker or Home Assistant.
To work properly, you will need an additional Zigbee hub (for example, Xiaomi Mi Gateway 3 or Aqara Hub). E1), Because the smartphone itself doesn't communicate directly with the sensors on this protocol. 7A It is a bridge between the hub and the cloud if:
- π Connected to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (required! 5GHz is not supported by most Xiaomi devices).
- π It works from charging (for stability).
- π² Updated to the latest available version of Mi Home (even on Android 9).
β οΈ Note: If you are planning to use Redmi 7A As a permanent controller, disable energy saving modes in settings (Settings) β Battery β Power saving mode) Otherwise, the Mi Home app may close in the background.
What Xiaomi devices are compatible with Redmi 7A?
The Mi Home ecosystem includes more than 2,000 devices, but not all of them will work with Redmi. 7A The following are proven devices that are guaranteed to be supported (data up to 2026):
| Type of device | Model | Protocol | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart lamps | Yeelight LED Bulb, Mi LED Desk Lamp | Wi-Fi | Requires connection to the same 2.4 GHz network. |
| Rosettes | Mi Smart Plug, Aqara Smart Plug | Wi-Fi / Zigbee | Zigbee outlets need a hub. |
| Sensors. | Mi Door/Window Sensor, Aqara Motion Sensor | Zigbee | It only works through a hub (e.g. Mi Gateway 3). |
| Cameras | Mi Home Security Camera 360Β° | Wi-Fi | Supports cloud and local storage. |
| Thermostats | Aqara Smart Radiator Thermostat | Zigbee | It requires a hub and updated software. |
Important: devices on Zigbee (such as door opening or motion sensors) do not connect directly to the smartphone; they need an intermediary β a hub that will transmit data to the Mi Home application. If the budget is limited, you can use the Xiaomi Mi Gateway 3 (about 2500-3,000 rubles), which supports up to 32 devices.
For Wi-Fi devices (lamps, outlets, cameras) hub is not needed - they connect directly to the router, and you can manage them through Redmi. 7A. However, keep in mind that at the same time, the smartphone can maintain a stable connection with a maximum of 10-15 devices (due to processor limitations).
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If you already have a smart speaker Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker, it can be used as an alternative control center β it supports voice commands and has a built-in Zigbee hub.
Step-by-step, set up a smart home through Mi Home
To Start Managing a Smart Home with Redmi 7A, Follow the following steps:
- Install the Mi Home app. Download the latest version from Google Play or the official Xiaomi website. For Redmi 7A Version 6.5.400 and later.
Once you add these devices, you can combine them into rooms (like living room, kitchen) and create automation.
- π‘ If the motion sensor is triggered β lamp.
- πͺ If the door is open for more than 5 minutes β send out.
Connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi|
Xiaomi account tied to the right region|
Devices charged/connected to power|
In the settings of the phone turned off the power saving mode for Mi Home-->
Automation of scenarios: from simple to complex
Basic automations are customized right in the Mi Home, but for complex scenarios (such as those with delays or conditions), third-party tools will be required.
1. Built-in automation in Mi Home
Go to the Automation section β Create β New automation and select:
- π Trigger (what triggers the script): time, sensor, voice command.
- β‘ Action (what happens): turning on the lamp, sending notifications.
Example: If the temperature is above 25Β°C β Enable air conditioning (if supported by Mi Home).
2. Advanced scripts with Tasker
For flexible rules (e.g., βif I leave home and forgot to turn off the ironβ), use Tasker. + AutoNotification plugin:
- Install Tasker from Google Play.
- Create a task with a condition (e.g., a condition) β Network β Wi-Fi's off).
- Add the action plugin β AutoNotification β Send a notification to Mi Home.
This approach allows you to automatically turn off all sockets when you leave the range of home Wi-Fi.
β οΈ Note: When using Tasker on Redmi 7A Turn off battery optimization for this app, or scenarios may not work. β Annexes β Tasker β Battery β No restrictions.
How to get around the limit on the number of devices in the Mi Home?
Solving typical problems when setting up
Even with the right setup, Redmi users 7A They're the ones that get bugged, and here's the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Devices are disconnected from Mi Home | Energy saving of the telephone | Turn off optimization for Mi Home in the battery settings. |
| Cannot add a Zigbee device | Hub not updated | Update the Hub's firmware through Hub Settings β Update. |
| Mi Home doesn't see the device on the network | Conflict IP-address | Restart your router and smartphone, check the connection to 2.4 GHz. |
| Automation is triggered with a delay | Redmi's weak processor 7A | Use cloud automation (in script settings). |
If the device is not added despite all the effort, try:
- Reset it to factory settings (usually by pressing the button for 5-10 seconds).
- Try adding through another app (e.g. Aqara Home for Aqara devices).
- Check if the router firewall blocks the connection to Xiaomi servers (open ports) TCP 80, 443, 8883).
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If the old automations stopped working after the Mi Home update, check the account region. Sometimes after the updates, the application resets the region to China, which makes some devices unavailable.
Alternative ways to manage a smart home
If Mi Home is not working properly, consider alternative platforms:
- π Home Assistant is an open system for advanced users, it allows you to integrate devices from different brands, but it requires customization skills. 7A You can run Home Assistant Companion for remote management.
- π€ Google Home / Alexa β If you have a smart speaker, you can link it to Mi Home via Google Home IFTTT or embedded integration.
- π± Alternative apps: Aqara Home β better optimized for Aqara sensors, Yeelight β to control only Yeelight bulbs.
For Home Assistant on Redmi 7A need:
- Install Home Assistant Companion.
- Connect to a remote server (e.g., Raspberry Pi) or use the Home Assistant Cloud service.
- Add Xiaomi Mi Home integration through the account token (instructions on the official website).
The advantage of Home Assistant is local management without depending on the Xiaomi cloud, which is true if you have a volatile Internet or you are worried about privacy.
Smart Home Security: How to Protect Your System from Hacking
Xiaomi-based smart homes are often criticized for vulnerabilities, to minimize the risks:
- π Use a complex password for your Xiaomi account (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
- π Disable remote access if you donβt use external control (Mi Home) β Profile β Security settings).
- π Update the firmware of devices and hubs (in Mi Home there is a section "Updates").
- π‘ Set up a guest Wi-Fi network for smart devices, separate from the main one.
Pay special attention to cameras and sensors:
- Turn off cloud-based video storage if you donβt need to.
- Use local recording on microSD (if supported).
- Periodically check the list of connected devices in Mi Home for unknown gadgets.
β οΈ Note: If you sell or transfer Redmi 7A To another person, be sure to remove all devices from the Mi Home and reset the hub to factory settings. Otherwise, the new smartphone owner will get access to your smart home!