How to set up Mi Reference on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Owning a Xiaomi smartphone gives users access to a unique ecosystem where the gadget becomes a central control node. One of the most useful features is the built-in infrared port, which turns the device into a universal remote control. This eliminates the need to search under the couch for original remote controls from the TV or air conditioner, allowing you to control all equipment with one hand.

The activation and setup process takes only a few minutes, but requires an understanding of how the IR signal works. You do not need to install third-party applications, since the Mi Remote system tool is already integrated into the MIUI or HyperOS shell. You just need to choose the right model of your hardware and confirm compatibility to gain full control over the multimedia.

Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note or the flagship Xiaomi 13 come with powerful transmitters that can break through small obstacles. It is important to understand that the function requires an infrared emitter, which should be checked in the specifications of your model before you start setting up.

Testing of hardware compatibility and preparation

Before you start software configuration, you need to make sure that your smartphone is physically capable of transmitting infrared signals. Not all budget models are equipped with the appropriate module, so the first step is to visualize the upper end of the device, there should be a small black window, often hidden under the protective glass of the case.

If you use a protective case, make sure that it does not block the signal transmission zone. Thick silicone or metal bumpers can significantly reduce the radiation power, which will only work in close proximity to the equipment. In such cases, it is recommended to temporarily remove the accessory to check the quality of communication.

It is also worth checking the battery power, as the IR port requires stable power. Although the power consumption of the module is low, in the discharged battery mode, the system can limit background processes.

⚠️ Warning: Using powerful light sources (e.g., flashes from another phone) in the vicinity of the IR port may temporarily disrupt signal transmission due to the illumination of the receiver sensor on the TV.

System information can be used to accurately determine your device model and whether you have an IR module, which will help you avoid situations where the user tries to configure a feature on a device where it is not technically implemented.

Launching the application and choosing the type of device

Once the module is confirmed, you must run the Mi Remote app preinstalled. The icon is usually located on the home screen or in the Tools folder. When you first start, the system will request permission to use geolocation and Bluetooth, which is necessary for the database of device profiles to work correctly.

The interface of the app suggests adding a new device through a prominent plus button, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of categories of technology, and it's important to choose the right type: TV, air conditioner, projector or receiver, and that depends on the set of buttons that will appear on the virtual screen.

If you don't find the right category on the main list, go to the search bar. The database is constantly updated and new brands appear regularly. For rare technology, you can try to choose a universal profile or a similar one from another manufacturer.

When selecting a Samsung brand, LG Or Sony will automatically offer the most popular models, but if your appliances are long gone, you'd better choose the "Search" or "Test" option to manually pick up the best models_working_ This ensures compatibility of all functions, including volume and color adjustments.

The process of pairing and testing signals

The most important step is to directly adjust the codes, and you'll see a power button or other key feature on your smartphone screen, and you'll have to point the top of the phone to the receiver of the device and press the screen, and if the equipment reacts (turns off, changes volume), you'll need to confirm this action.

The system will offer a series of tests to check the various commands. Don't miss this step, because some codes can only activate a part of the functions. For example, the remote control can turn on the TV, but not adjust the brightness, in which case you should continue the search or choose another option from the suggested ones.

Sequence of action:


1. Press "Power" on the phone screen.




2. Wait for the reaction of the technique.




3. Press "Yes" or "No" in the annex.




4 Repeat for volume and channels.

Sometimes it takes a few tries before the perfect profile is found.Infrared signal can be blocked by obstacles, so keep the phone 1-3 meters away from the receiver during setup. Direct visibility greatly increases (probability of success) of the first attempt.

⚠️ Note: If after a few dozen attempts, no code fits, your device may be using a non-standard protocol or frequency not supported by the built-in transmitter.

Successful completion of the test means that the profile is stored in memory. You can rename the remote to avoid confusion if you have multiple TVs in different rooms, such as "TV Living Room" or "Bedroom Air Conditioning".

Configure additional functions and macros

Modern versions of the shell allow you not only to emulate buttons, but also to create complex scenarios. Mi AI or voice control can be associated with the remote, you can set a command that simultaneously turns on the TV and translates it to the desired HDMI input.

Calibration options are often available in the settings of a particular remote, where you can change the size of virtual buttons, their location or the sensitivity of the presses, and for people with visual impairment, this is a critical parameter that ensures comfortable use.

Some models allow you to assign the volume buttons of your smartphone to control the volume of the TV when the remote app is open, which eliminates the need to aim at the screen.

• 📺 Mouse Mode: Turns the touchscreen into a touchpad to control the cursor on Smart TV.
• 🔊 Voice input: allows you to dictate search queries directly from phone to TV.
• ⚡ Quick Start: A desktop widget for instant tech turn on without opening an app.

Using macros is especially important in home theaters, where you can turn off the lights (if you have smart lights), lower the curtains, and turn on the projector, making your smartphone a real smart home control center.

Solving Common Connection Problems

Despite the simplicity, users may encounter difficulties. Often the problem lies in the software failure of the application itself, in which case it helps to clear the cache through the Settings menu → Applications → Mi Remote → Memory → Clean. This will reset temporary files that may have been corrupted.

If the remote is unstable, check if you have a third-party remote control app installed. Conflict between two programs trying to access the same hardware module leads to a failure. Leave only the system application.

Sometimes the problem is physical, a phone drop or moisture could have damaged the IR diode, and you can check it through the camera of another smartphone: turn on the camera, point at the end of your phone, and press the power button in the app. If you see the purple glow on the camera screen, the diode is good.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the phone to clean the IR port yourself, this can lead to loss of warranty and damage to the plumes.

In rare cases, after updating the MIUI system, settings may be lost. It is recommended to re-add the device by removing the old profile. The code database in new firmware versions is often expanded, which can solve the incompatibility problem.

Using Wi-Fi remotes for Smart TV

In addition to the infrared port, many modern TVs support Wi-Fi control, which allows you to control equipment even without direct sight, for example, from around the corner or through the wall, for this, the phone and TV must be on the same network.

When you add a device, select the option "Search over Wi-Fi" or "Smart TV." The application will scan the network and find available displays. Network connection often provides more functionality, including entering text from the phone's keyboard and broadcasting the screen.

For Android TVs or Google TVs, integration is almost instantaneous, and you can use your phone as a touchpad, which is much more convenient than a standard navigation button remote, which is especially useful when typing searches on YouTube or Netflix.

• 🌐 IR Independence: Works even if your phone doesn’t have an infrared port.
• 📡 Range: The signal passes through walls and furniture without loss of quality.
• 🎮 Extended functionality: support for voice search and broadcast media files.

It's worth noting that Wi-Fi remotes consume more power and require initial setup through the menu of the TV itself. Make sure that the TV is allowed to receive commands from mobile devices. This is usually standard setup, but in corporate networks access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)