How to turn Xiaomi smartphone into a universal remote: from setup to advanced features

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just means of communication, they have become full-fledged centers of control of the smart home. One of the most popular features remains the ability to use the device as a universal remote control. Thanks to the built-in infrared transmitter (IR port) models of the series Redmi Note, POCO, Mi and others can replace several remotes at once: from TV to air conditioning. But how does this work in practice? What nuances should be considered when setting up? And what to do if your model does not support IR from the box?

In this guide, we will not only examine the basic steps to activate the function, but also the hidden features of the Mi Remote application, including creating user commands, managing Wi-Fi, and integrating with voice assistants. You’ll learn how to add support for rare devices, fix sync issues, and even use your smartphone to control appliances through walls (if it supports it). Wi-Fi/Bluetooth). The material is relevant for all current versions MIUI (including HyperOS) and covers models from budget Redmi 12C before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

What Xiaomi smartphones support the remote function

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with an infrared port, a key component for remote operation.

• 📱 Series with IR transmitter: Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 10/11/12, Xiaomi 13/14, and most models of the Mi A and Mi Max line. the full list can be checked on the official website in the characteristics of the device.
• 🔍 How to check for IR: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → If the partition is missing, your model doesn't support the hardware function.
• ⚡ Non-IR alternatives: For devices without an infrared port (e.g., Redmi) A1 or POCO M6) can be used Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-remote control through applications of manufacturers of equipment (for example, LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings).

Important: Even if your smartphone is equipped with an IR transmitter, its firmware must support the function. MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.eu may disable the Remote app due to regional restrictions. APK-Mi Remote application file from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).

Step-by-step setting up the application "Remote" (Mi Remote)

The activation process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires precise follow-up of instructions.

1. Open the Remote app (an icon with the remote). If it is not on the desktop, search the system (Swipe down the screen → Search → Remote).
2. Click Add Device and select the category of equipment: TV, Air Conditioning, DVD, etc. For rare devices (such as fans or projectors), choose Other.
3. Specify your brand. If it's not on the list, select Training (we'll talk about it below). For popular brands (Samsung, LG, Xiaomi TV), the system automatically selects the codes.
4. Point the IR port of the smartphone (usually located at the top of the case) to the device and press Test. If the equipment reacted (for example, the TV turned on), save the settings.

If the automatic selection did not work, try the manual mode:

• 🔄 Click Skip after a failed test and select Manual Code Entering.
• 📜 Enter the code from the table below for your brand (for example, for Sony Bravia it can be 1234 or 5678).
• 🎯 If the code doesn't fit, try the next one on the list. Some brands (like Philips) have up to 10 different codes for different series.

Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your smartphone (for some devices)

Charge your phone at least 30% (power-consuming port)

Make sure that the equipment is in the line of sight (up to 5 meters)

Prepare a native remote in case of resetting settings-->

Table of codes for popular brands of technology

⚠️ Note: Codes may vary depending on the region of manufacture, for example, Samsung TVs for Europe and Asia often use different IR protocols. If none of the code fits, try resetting the equipment to factory settings (usually by pressing the Power button for 10 seconds) and resetting.

Learning Mode: How to Add Support for Rare Devices

If your technology is not a popular brand or has been released for a long time, the standard codes may not work, and then the training mode, a feature that allows you to copy signals from your native remote to your smartphone, will help.

1. In the Remote app, select Add Device → Training.
2. Specify the type of device (e.g., Fan or Air Purifier).
3. Direct the IR port of the smartphone and the native remote control on each other (distance 2-3 cm).
4. Press and hold the button on your native remote (such as Power) until the smartphone confirms the signal recording (vibration or sound).
5. Repeat for all necessary buttons (volume, channels, modes).

🔹 Tip: To accurately record signals, do your training in a quiet room — outside IR sources (such as sunlight or lights) can distort the data. If your smartphone doesn't recognize a button, try it:

• 🔋 Replace the batteries in the home console (weak signal) = record).
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and repeat the process.
• 🔄 Use a different home console (if there is a spare one).

Advanced Features: Voice Control and Automation

The basic setup of the remote is just the beginning, and with Xiaomi, you can take the control of the hardware to the next level:

• 🎤 Voice control: Integrate the remote with Alice (Yandex) or Google Assistant:

Time automation:

Mi Home

Mi IoT

Wi-Fi Office:

Mi IoT

Xiaomi TV

Mi Air Conditioner

⚠️ Note: When using voice commands, make sure that in Settings → Confidentiality → Permissions for Mi Remote applications and Google/AThe fox includes rights to access the microphone and geodata (the latter is needed to determine the "rooms" in the smart home.

💡

If voice commands are unstable, try retraining the phrases manually. To do this, select "Voice Retraining" in the assistant settings and say the command 3-5 times with different intonations.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after setting it up correctly, users are faced with common errors, and here's how to fix them:

🔧 Complicated case: If after the update MIUI The IR port stopped working (for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro after switching to HyperOS), reset the application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Remote.
2. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your smartphone and set up the remote again.

Alternative applications for technical management

If the standard Mi Remote app doesn’t work, consider alternatives:

• 📱 AnyMote Universal Remote: Supports over 900,000 devices, including rare brands. Requires root rights for full functionality.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable the standard Mi Remote to avoid IR conflict. Also check permissions: apps need to be given access to the camera (for some features) and the infrared port.

💡

The standard Mi Remote app is optimized for Xiaomi appliances and popular brands. For rare devices or advanced automation, it is better to use specialized solutions like BroadLink or AnyMote.

FAQ: Frequent questions about using Xiaomi as a remote