IR port on Xiaomi: what you need and how to use it in 2026

Have you ever noticed a little black window on the top of a Xiaomi smartphone that doesn't glow or blink? It's not a camera, it's not a light sensor, it's not a microphone -- it's an infrared (IR) port that many users don't even know exists. Meanwhile, this humble module can replace multiple remotes, save room on the nightstand, and turn your smartphone into a control center for all your home appliances.

In the era of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, infrared communication seems an anachronism, but it is still widely used in household appliances, from air conditioners to multi-cookers. Xiaomi is one of the few companies that continues to equip their devices with infrared ports, despite the trend of their exclusion from flagship models. In this article, we will understand why an infrared port on Xiaomi is needed, how to activate it, what equipment can be controlled, and why it still remains relevant in 2026 — even with the advent of smart speakers and hubs.

What is an IR port and how does it work

An infrared port (IR-blaster) is a module that sends infrared signals up to 5 to 10 meters, mimicking the operation of a traditional remote control. Unlike radio signals (like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), infrared rays do not pass through walls and require a line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver.

• 🔹 Plus: IR signals do not interfere with other devices and do not overload the air like Wi-Fi.
• 🔹 Minus: You need to direct the smartphone to the equipment, like a regular remote.
• 🔹 Feature: Works even without the Internet and does not require pairing devices.

In Xiaomi smartphones, the IR port is usually located on the upper edge of the case (near the headphone jack or speaker).

• 📡 Transmitters send commands.
• 🔦 Receiver (in some models) – can receive signals from other remotes for training.

Technically, the IR port converts digital commands from an application into modulated light pulses at 38 kHz (standard for most household devices), which are recognized by a receiver on a TV, air conditioner or other equipment, as if you pressed a button on your home remote.

What Xiaomi devices are equipped with an IR port

Not all Xiaomi smartphones and gadgets have an IR port, and recently the manufacturer has been reducing the number of models with this module, but it is still found in:

To check if there is an IR port on your device:

1. Look at the top of the case – look for a small black window (sometimes hidden under a protective net).
2. Check the model specifications on the official Xiaomi website in the Sensors section.
3. Install the Mi Remote app – if there is an IR port, the program will suggest configuring it.

⚠️ Note: Starting in 2023, Xiaomi is actively replacing the infrared port on Bluetooth LE If your model is released after 2023, check the presence of the port especially carefully.

Why you need an IR port on Xiaomi: 7 real scenarios

Many users mistakenly believe that the infrared port is only for controlling a TV, but in fact, its capabilities are much broader:

• 📺 Television control – channel switching, volume control, signal source selection (HDMI, USB). Supported models of Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi TV etc.
• ❄️ Air conditioners and split systems - on/off, setting the temperature, selecting mode (heating, cooling, ventilation). Works with Gree, Midea, Daikin.
• 🔥 Heaters and fans - power adjustment, timer, blade rotation (for fans).
• 🎵 Music centers and soundbars – track switching, equalizer adjustment, sound source choice.
• 💡 IR-controlled smart lamps – some models (e.g. Yeelight) support IR commands to turn on/off.
• 📼 Projectors and DVD-players - playback control, resolution selection, picture adjustment.
• 🏠 Smart Home – Integration with Mi Home to create scenarios (e.g., “Coming Home” → air-conditioning").

IR port is especially useful when traveling: instead of taking a bunch of remotes, just one smartphone, for example, in a hotel you can control the air conditioner or TV through Mi Remote, even if you do not have a native remote.

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If your TV is not recognized in Mi Remote, try manually selecting a model from the list or training the remote through the Custom Remote feature.

How to set up an IR port on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

To start using the IR port, you need to:

1. Install the official Mi Remote app (available on Google Play and AppGallery).
2. Provide the application with access to the Camera (for scanning) QR-Device codes) and Files (to save settings).
3. Choose the type of equipment (TV, air conditioning, etc.) and brand from the list.
4. Point the smartphone to the device and test commands (for example, turn on / off).

If your model of technology is not found in the database:

Click "+" → "Add manually" | Select device type (e.g., "Air Conditioner") | Select the brand "Custom" | Press "Training" and direct the native remote to the IR port of the smartphone | Save the settings-->

Some devices (such as older TVs) may require manual learning:

1. In Mi Remote, select Custom Remote.
2. Click on the button you want to program (such as “Enable”).
3. Direct your native remote to the infrared port of the smartphone and press the desired button.
4. Repeat for all necessary commands.

⚠️ Note: If the IR port is not working, check it out: 🔋 Port pollution (wipe it with a soft napkin). 📱 Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version. 🔄 Reboot the smartphone (sometimes the module “hangs").

Mi Remote vs. Third-party apps: which is better

The official Mi Remote app isn't the only way to use the IR port, but there are alternatives with advanced features:

If you use Xiaomi in the smart home ecosystem, you'd better stay on Mi Remote, which integrates better with Mi Home and allows you to create automation.

• 🔄 When activating the sleep mode" → turn off + The air conditioner is on 24.°C.
• ☀️ At temperatures above 28°C → ventilator.

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For maximum compatibility, update the firmware of the smartphone to the latest version of MIUI. In older versions, bugs with the operation of the IR port are possible.

IR port vs Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: which is better for a smart home

Many people ask, why do you need an IR port when you have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?

• 📶 Wi-Fi: Easy to control over the Internet (e.g., turn on air conditioning on the way home), but requires stable connection and router setup. Not all devices support Wi-Fi (e.g., old TVs).
• 🔵 Bluetooth: It works over short distances (up to 10 m), does not require internet, but needs pairing. It is suitable for smart lamps or speakers, but not for most household appliances.
• 🔴 IK: It works without the Internet and interface, but it requires direct visibility, and it's perfect for technology without smart modules (like air conditioners 10 years ago).

IR port remains the only universal way to control equipment, Released before 2010 It also uses minimal energy compared to the average power consumption of a year, and devices without network modules (for example, some fans or heaters). Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, What is important for the autonomy of the smartphone.

The best option is to combine technologies:

• 🏠 For a smart home (lamps, sockets) — Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
• 📺 For old equipment (TVs, air conditioners) - IR port.

Frequent IR port problems and how to solve them

Even if your Xiaomi has an IR port, it may not work properly. Consider typical problems and solutions:

• 🚫 Device does not respond to commands: Check if the smartphone is directed directly at the receiver (the angle should not exceed 30).°). Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the appliances (glass, walls). Try to reboot the smartphone - sometimes the module "hangs".
• 🔄 Delayed commands: Close background applications — they can slow down Mi Remote. Turn off power saving mode for the application in battery settings.
• 📱 IR port not detected: Check if your model supports IR port (see table above). MIUI Up to the latest version - there could be a bug in the old firmware.

If nothing helps, try resetting Mi Remote:

1. Open the app.
2. Go to Settings. → Reset the settings.
3. Remove all the saved devices and add them again.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The IR port can conflict with the front camera when used simultaneously. If you notice artifacts in the photo, turn off the IR module in the settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about IR Port on Xiaomi