Users of the Xiaomi ecosystem often wonder where exactly the appliance control feature is located, especially when there are no original TV or air conditioning remotes at hand. In today's smartphones, especially in the flagship Mi and Mi Note series, as well as in some models of the Redmi series, an infrared transmitter is built in. This turns your phone into a versatile controller that can replace dozens of plastic devices.
Finding this feature can be confusing, as the icons may be different in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS firmware. The standard app is called "Mi Remote" or "Mi Remote," and it's pre-installed on the default system. If you don't see it on the desktop, it's likely hidden in the Tools folder or simply removed by the user by mistake.
It's important to understand that not all models have an IR port. Budget smartphones often don't have this module for the sake of saving interior space or cost. So before you look for settings, make sure your device physically supports infrared signal transmission. There should be a small black window at the top of the end of the smartphone.
Finding and running Mi Remote
To find the built-in control, take a close look at the desktop. In the standard MIUI build, the application is usually called "Mi Remote" (or "Mi Remote" in global versions), it has a characteristic icon in the form of a remote or an orange circle. If there is no one on the home screen, go to the menu of all applications and find the Tools folder. This is where the system groupes the utilities.
In some cases, especially on custom builds or after an update, the icon may be hidden. You can search the system. You can swipe down the desktop to open the search bar, and type in "Remote" or "Remote." The system will tell you where the shortcut is if the application is installed. If the search does not give anything, it may have been removed.
To restore the remote system component, you will need access to the GetApps app store (formerly the Mi Store), the official source of secure versions of software for your model, type in the store search for the "Mi Remote" and install the application from the developer Xiaomi Inc.
β οΈ Warning: Do not download third-party analogues from unverified sources if you do not have an IR port. Software emulators without hardware will not work, and the risk of infecting the device with a virus is extremely high.
Checking the presence of an IR port on the device
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure you have a hardware part. The infrared port looks like a little black glass, often located next to a noise reduction microphone or a speaker at the top end of the case. Unlike the proximity sensor on the front panel, the infrared port is on the edge of the device.
There is an easy way to check without visual inspection using the camera of another smartphone: turn on the camera on the second phone, hover the top end of your Xiaomi on the lens and press the on button in the remote app (if it is running), or just run any IR transmitter. If you see a purple or white glow on the camera screen, then the port is active and serviceable.
Below is a table of compatibility of popular smartphone series with IR technology. Please note that in the global versions (Global ROM) the presence of the port may differ from the Chinese versions (CN ROM).
| Series of devices | Availability of an IR port | Location. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 9 / Mi 10 / Mi 11 | There is. | Upper end | It's stable. |
| Redmi Note 8 / 9 / 10 | There are (mostly) | Upper end | Depends on the region. |
| Xiaomi 12 / 13 / 14 | No. | β | Removed in flagships |
| POCO F3 / F4 | There is. | Upper end | Full support |
Why did IR port in the flagships be removed?
Primary configuration and addition of techniques
Once you launch Mi Remote, you will need to provide the necessary permissions, request location and network access, and this is necessary to ensure that the code database works properly and your region is determined, as the codes for Sony TVs in Europe and Asia may differ.
To add a new device, click on the big plus sign in the interface. You'll see a category of equipment: TVs, air conditioners, consoles, projectors, even toys. Choose the type you want. Then the system will ask you to choose the manufacturer from the list. Find your brand, for example, Samsung, LG or Dexp.
The most important step is calibration. You'll see buttons on the screen (usually "On/Off" or "Loud"), you'll point your phone at the hardware and press the buttons you've asked to say "Yes" or "Works" if the device responds, and it can take a few minutes because the app goes through hundreds of code combinations.
βοΈ Customization of the remote
Successful pairing ensures that the signal is transmitted correctly. If at some point the technology has stopped responding, take your time to save the settings. It is better to go back and choose the "No" option so that the application will try another code.
Using Wi-Fi to Manage Smart TV
Modern smart TVs allow you to control them not only through an infrared port, but also through Wi-Fi. This method has its advantages: you do not need to aim at the receiver, and the range is much higher, for this, both devices must be on the same network.
When you add a TV, Mi Remote often offers a search for devices online. If your TV supports DLNA protocols or has an Android TV built in, it will appear automatically in the list. In some cases, you may need to confirm the connection on the TV screen by clicking "Allow".
β οΈ Note: When operating over Wi-Fi, your phone and TV must be connected to the same access point.If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices sit on the same frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), although modern routers usually combine them into a single network.
Wi-Fi controls are often wider than infrared buttons, and you can receive notifications, use voice input to search YouTube, and even stream your smartphone screen onto a large display. However, if the TV is off or in deep sleep, it wonβt always be possible to wake it up via Wi-Fi, unlike an IR signal.
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Use widgets on your desktop. Long tap on the remote icon in Mi Remote allows you to put a separate button on your desktop to quickly turn on the TV or switch the channel without opening the application completely.
Solution: The remote is not working or does not see the device
One of the common problems is that the technology doesn't respond to the commands. First of all, check if the IR port is covered with a case. Dense silicone or metal bumpers can block the signal. Remove the case and repeat the test.
The second common cause is the app itself, which can interfere with the correct transfer of data. Go to the phone settings, find the Apps β All Apps, select Mi Remote, and click Clear Cache and Clear Data, and then you need to add the devices again.
If the remote is unstable, check the distance. The IR signal is effective at up to 5-7 meters and requires line of sight. Walls and furniture block the signal. Also make sure you do not use power saving mode, which can limit background activity of system services.
- π± Make sure your phone has more than 15% battery charge β low power can reduce the power of the transmitter.
- πΊ Check if the TV is stuck. Try pulling the power cord out of the socket for 10 seconds.
- πΆ When using Wi-Fi, restart your router if communication is lost constantly.
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If none of the codes fit, try to select a manufacturerβs list of appliances with a similar matrix or plateau, often codes from lesser-known brands (such as Dexp or Dexp). BBK) Chinese-suited OEM-television.
Expanded features and widgets
Mi Remote allows you to create user-friendly scripts. You can put the most important buttons on your lock screen or desktop, such as creating a movie widget that simultaneously turns on the TV, switches input to HDMI 1 and launches the cinema app (if TV is on Android).
For users who appreciate minimalism, the Remote in the pocket feature is available. With double pressing the power button (if configured in special features) or swiping on the off screen, you can instantly start the control interface, which is especially convenient when you need to quickly turn down the sound or switch the channel without unlocking the phone completely.
Keep your codebase updated. Check for updates to your device profiles every once in a while as you check your app settings, and developers are constantly adding support for new technology and improving compatibility with older models.