Remote in the phone Xiaomi Redmi: where to look, how to set up and use

Introduction: Why do you need a remote in a smartphone?

Xiaomi Redmi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming universal devices for controlling smart appliances. One of the most popular, but often hidden from users solutions is the built-in infrared remote (IR port), which allows you to control TVs, air conditioners, music centers and even some household appliances without buying individual remote controls.

But not all Redmi owners know that this feature exists, and those who have heard of it may not always find it on the menu. In this article, we'll look at which models support an IR port, where to look for a remote app, how to set it up for different devices, and what to do if the feature doesn't work.

Importantly, not all Xiaomi smartphones have an IR port, and if your model doesn’t have one, we’ll also consider alternative ways to control your hardware via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Which Xiaomi Redmi models support IR port?

The infrared port in Xiaomi smartphones appeared in 2014, but not all modern models are equipped with it. Below is the current list of Redmi, which have a physical IR transmitter (data for 2026):

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+/12 Pro Speed - IR port is located at the top of the case;
• 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro/11 Pro+/11T Pro – Supports management up to 50+ device;
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro/10S/10 5G — IR port is available in all modifications;
• 📱 Redmi K50/K50 Pro/K50 Gaming – flagship models with advanced remote functions;
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C/9T — Budget models with a basic IR port;
• 🚫 Redmi Note 13 Series – IR port removed in most versions (except Pro)+ China).

To see if your phone has an IR port, check the top of the phone: the transmitter looks like a small black window (sometimes covered with a security glass), and you can check through the Mi Remote app, which suggests adding the device to the IR, so there is a port.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Europe), Xiaomi releases modifications without an infrared port even in models where it is in the basic configuration. Check the specifications on the official website by the exact name of your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro). 5G Global vs Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G China).

Where to find the remote app in MIUI?

If your Redmi supports an IR port, the standard management application is called Mi Remote (or Remote in Russian).

1. Through the app menu: 🔍 Open the list of all apps (swipe up from the bottom of the screen). 📁 Find the Tools or Utilities folder – Mi Remote is often hidden there. 🔎 If not found, use the search system (guest down the main screen). → enter").

Through settings:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → DU Remote

In some versions of MIUI, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Remote.

Manual installation:

If the app is removed or hidden, download it from AppGallery or Google Play (name: Mi Remote Controller).

After first running, Mi Remote will require access to the camera (for scanning). QR-Device codes) and location (to determine regional settings). Allow requests, otherwise some features will not be available.

Download or find Mi Remote on the menu

Allow access to camera and location

Connect to Wi-Fi to download the device base

Charge your phone at least 30%

Make sure the IR port is not covered with a cover-->

How to add a new device to Mi Remote?

The process of adding a device to Mi Remote is intuitive, but there are nuances that the manufacturer does not mention.

1. Category selection: Open Mi Remote → press + Add a device. Select a category: 📺 TV – Supports Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, etc.; ❄️ Air conditioning – there are templates for Gree, Mitsubishi, Haier; 🎵 Audio system – for music centers and soundbars; 💡 Lighting – for some smart lamps with IR control; 🔌 The other is fans, projectors, DVD-player.
2. Brand and model selection: In the brand list, look for the exact logo of your device: 🔍 Use the AutoSearch function (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner). 📋 Select the Universal Remote and test the buttons manually. 📱 Some TVs can be scanned. QR-back-pad.

Button testing:

After selecting the model, click Check. The app will send a test signal if the device does not respond:

• 🔄 Try a different model of the same brand.
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the device (maximum distance — 5-7 meters).
• 🔋 Check if the batteries in the original remote control are discharged (if any).

Hidden feature: Mi Remote has a Learn Mode that allows you to copy signals from the original remote. To activate it, select a category → click on three dots in the upper right corner → Add manually → Learn. This is useful for rare brands or older devices.

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If your device is not responding to signals, try restarting your phone and re-addling it to Mi Remote. Sometimes resetting the app settings helps (Settings → Applications → Mi Remote → Storage → Clear Data).

Hidden features Mi Remote: what does the remote in Xiaomi?

Most users use Mi Remote only for basic functions (on/off, change volume), but the application hides a number of useful features:

• 🎛️ Macros (chains of command): You can create a sequence of actions, for example: turn on the TV → switch over HDMI1 → Set volume to 50%. To do this: Open the device in Mi Remote → Macros → Create a new one → Add commands.
• 🔄 Managing multiple devices at once: For example, one tap to turn on the TV and soundbar. To do this, add both devices to Mi Remote, then create a macro with commands for each.
• 📱 Home screen widget: Add the Mi Remote widget for quick access to frequently used buttons (long tap on the home screen) → Widgets → remote).
• 🌐 Cloud sync: If you are logged in to Mi Account, the remote settings are automatically synced between Xiaomi devices.
• 🔍 Expert Mode: In the Application Settings (Mi Remote) → Settings → Expert mode) additional buttons appear (e.g., Service Menu for TVs).

Another little-known feature is voice control, and if you have Google Assistant or Yandex's Alice on, you can say, "OK, Google, turn on the TV with Mi Remote." You have to pre-set the voice commands in the app itself.

What to do if the remote in Xiaomi Redmi does not work?

If Mi Remote doesn't detect devices or buttons don't respond, the problem can be in the phone or in the controlled equipment.

1.The phone doesn't send an IR signal.

• 🔦 Check the IR port: point the camera of another smartphone at the transmitter and press any button in Mi Remote. If the port is working, you will see a purple flicker (IR radiation can be seen through the camera).
• 📱 Update. MIUI: go into Settings → The phone. → System update: Some firmware versions have IR port bugs.
• 🔄 Reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → Mi Remote → Warehouse → Clear the data.

2.The device does not respond to signals

• 📶 Check distance and angle: the IR signal only works in a straight line, maximum distance — 5-7 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the device.
• 🔋 Replace the batteries: If the original remote is unstable, the problem may be with it, not the phone.
• 🔧 Try another template: there may be multiple options for one brand in Mi Remote (e.g. Samsung). TV (2018) and Samsung TV (2020)).

3.The Mi Remote app won't open

• 📥 Reinstall the app: uninstall it and download it again from Google Play or AppGallery.
• 🛠️ Check the permissions: go to Settings → Annexes → Mi Remote → Permits and enable access to camera, location and storage.
• 📵 Turn off power saving modes: Some Mi Remote features are blocked if Battery Mode or Ultra-Economic Mode is enabled".

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI before 14+ The IR port stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware via Fastboot. In some cases, this is due to driver errors. 4PDA (partition).

Mi Remote Alternatives: Other Ways to Control Machinery

If your Xiaomi Redmi is not equipped with an infrared port or Mi Remote is not suitable for your tasks, consider alternative options:

• 📶 Office Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Many modern TVs and air conditioners support connection over a local network. For this: Connect your phone and device to the same Wi-Fi network. Install an official brand application (for example, install an official brand application, LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings. Follow the pairing instructions.

Disadvantage: not all devices support this method, and the delay may be higher than that of the IR.

Universal remote applications:

If you don’t have an IR port but you have Bluetooth, try:

• ZaZa Remote – works with most brands
• Unified Remote – supports the creation of custom remotes;
• Sure Universal Remote – with voice control.

These apps require the purchase of additional modules (such as BroadLink RM4) that connect to your phone over Bluetooth and send IR signals.

Smart speakers and voice assistants:

If you have a Xiaomi Smart Speaker or a column with Alice/Google Assistant, you can control the voice technique.

"Alice, turn on the TV in the living room."


OK, Google, set the air conditioner temperature to 22 degrees.

To do this, you need to pre-configure the integration of devices in the corresponding applications (Mi Home, Yandex Smart Home).

For owners of Redmi without an IR port, the best option is to buy an external IR blaster (for example, Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2), which connects via USB-C and adds the remote function. The cost of such a device is about 1000-1500 rubles, but it is compatible with all smartphones.

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If your phone doesn't have an IR port, the best alternatives are to control Wi-Fi (for modern technology) or buy an external IR blaster. Universal applications without additional hardware only work with a limited set of devices.

Security and privacy when using Mi Remote

Like any app that manages external devices, Mi Remote has access to phone features.

• 🔒 Application permissions: Mi Remote requests access to: Camera - for scanning QR-Location – to determine regional settings; Storage – to save remote settings; Bluetooth/Wi-Fi — You can also use this technology to manage smart devices, and you can't opt out of permissions because it will limit functionality, but you can manually disable location access after you've set up your first location.
• 🌍 Cloud sync: If you're logged in to Mi Account, remote settings are saved on Xiaomi servers.This is convenient for transfer to a new phone, but theoretically the data can be compromised when leaked.To disable sync: Mi Remote → Settings → Account. → Turn off sync.
• 🛡️ Protection against unauthorized access: If the phone is used by several people, it is recommended: Set a password on the Mi Remote application itself (via Settings). → Security. Disable the remote display on the lock screen. Do not save passwords from smart devices in notes or screenshots. Particular attention should be paid to managing smart locks or alarms via Mi Remote. If you configure access to such devices, be sure to: Use two-tier authentication in Mi Account. Don't share app access through a family account. Update your phone's firmware and Mi Remote regularly. ⚠️ Attention: In 2023, a vulnerability was discovered in some versions of Mi Remote, allowing you to intercept infrared signals for air conditioners and change their settings. Xiaomi released a patch in an update from October 2023. Make sure you have an up-to-date version of the app installed (check in Google Play or Settings). → About the annex). FAQ: Frequent questions about the remote in Xiaomi Redmi My Redmi Note 11 does not see the IR port. What to do? Probably you have a modification without an IR port (for example, Redmi Note 11). NFC Check the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website or check the top of the case — if there is no black window, there is no port. Alternatively, buy an external IR blaster. Can you control the equipment of other brands (for example, Apple) TV Yes, Mi Remote supports many brands, but for rare devices (like Apple). TV Or Bosch professional techniques may require: Use Learn Mode to copy signals from the original remote. Install a third-party application (e.g., Unified Remote) with an extended device base. Check for Mi Remote updates — the supported brands are regularly updated. How to transfer remote settings to a new Xiaomi phone? There are two ways: Through Mi Account: Sign in on both phones under the same account. On the old phone: Mi Remote → Settings → Backup. On the new phone: Mi Remote → Settings → Restore. Through file: On an old phone, export the settings to the file: Mi Remote → Settings → Export. Transfer the file to a new phone (e.g., Mi Share or cloud).Import the file: Mi Remote → Settings → Import. Why some buttons in Mi Remote don't work? Causes and solutions: Wrong template: try another option for your brand (e.g., instead of Samsung) TV (2020: Choose Samsung TV (2019) Damaged IR port: check it through another phone’s camera (should be purple flickering when you press the buttons). Case conflict: some cases block the IR signal. Remove the case and try again. Software failure: clear the Mi Remote cache or reinstall the application. Can I use Mi Remote to control the car (for example, alarm)? Theoretically yes, but with the caveat: Most car alarms use radio signals (RF), not IR, so Mi Remote will not be able to interact with them. Some older models with IR control (for example, StarLine A63) can be supported, but you need to use the original Mi mode for this, for the use the signal (Other use the Remote mode).