Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to manage appliances, but lose or forget the original remote controls. The logical question is: what is the name of the Xiaomi remote app, and whether you can do without buying additional accessories. The answer lies in the standard software that is preinstalled on most models of the brand, from the Redmi Note series to the flagships of the Mi.
The standard name for the program is Mi Remote (or “Mi Remote” in Russian localization), which turns your smartphone into a universal controller for TVs, air conditioners, consoles and other electronics. The uniqueness of the solution is the built-in infrared (IR) port, which allows you to control equipment even without an Internet connection, which distinguishes it from many third-party counterparts that require Wi-Fi modules.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the functionality, the setup process, and the possible challenges users face: how to activate hidden features, add devices that are not automatically found, and why some new models may not have this feature. Understanding how Mi Remote works will make it much easier to interact with home electronics.
Official name and functionality of Mi Remote
The app that users are looking for is officially called Mi Remote. Depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS firmware and region, it can appear on the menu as “Remote”, “Mi Remote” or have an icon with a remote image on an orange or blue background. This is a native solution from Xiaomi that is deeply integrated into the operating system, ensuring stable operation and minimal resource consumption.
The main purpose of the program is to emulate the signals of various home appliance manufacturers. The database contains codes for thousands of TV models such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, as well as for air conditioners, projectors and TV set-top boxes. The user can create profiles for different rooms, which is especially convenient in large houses where the appliances are located in several zones.
⚠️ Note: the IR-remote function works only on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO, If your device does not have an IR emitter (often not available in some budget models or versions for markets), the application may not work or only offer control over Wi-Fi.
The application's functionality goes beyond just switching channels, and it allows you to:
- 📺 Emulate all buttons of the original remote, including hidden menu features.
- 🔊 Adjust the volume of the TV and sound system regardless of the volume of the smartphone.
- 🌡️ Control the temperature and operating modes of the air conditioner with an accuracy of a degree.
- 📹 Take pictures on camera using the phone as a timer (through shutter control of some cameras).
Technical requirements: IR port vs Wi-Fi
The key to Mi Remote is the type of signal transmission. Most Xiaomi smartphones use an integrated infrared port (IR Blaster) located on the upper end of the case. This hardware solution allows the phone to emit signals of the same nature as conventional plastic remotes. This method does not require the Internet, router or smart socket — just a line of sight between the phone and the receiver of the equipment.
There is also an alternative way to control it via Wi-Fi, which is relevant for modern smart TVs and devices that support smart home protocols, in which case the phone and TV must be on the same local network, but the classic remote that the user is looking for implies IR control, because it is universal and works even with models of technology released 10-15 years ago.
The differences between management methods can be summarized in the following table:
| Characteristics | Infrared port (IR) | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| The Necessity of the Internet | Not required | Required (for setting) |
| Radio of action | Up to 10 metres (direct visibility) | Up to 30 metres (through walls) |
| Compatibility | Old and new techniques | Only Smart devices |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Medium/High |
It is important to note that some global versions of smartphones may not have an infrared port due to the design features of the case, in which case the application may offer control only over Wi-Fi or not work at all, you can check the presence of the port visually (black glass on the upper end) or by looking at the specifications of the model on the official website.
Why is IR better for older TVs?
Instructions: how to set up a remote on Xiaomi
The process of activating and configuring Mi Remote is as simple as possible for developers, and even if you have never used such features before, the step-by-step algorithm will allow you to complete the task in a few minutes, the main thing is to prepare the equipment that you plan to operate and ensure that it is included in the socket.
To start, find the app on your desktop. If it's been removed, you can download it from GetApps or Google Play by searching for "Mi Remote" or "Mi Remote." After you run, follow the instructions:
☑️ Customization of the remote
- Launch the app and press the + button in the upper right corner of the screen.
- In the list that opens, select a category of device, such as TV.
- Find the brand of your TV (such as Sony or LG) on the manufacturer list. If the brand is not listed, use search or select Search for automatic selection.
- Direct the top of the smartphone (where the IR port is located) to the TV receiver.
- Press the Test button on your phone screen. As soon as the TV reacts (turns off or changes volume), press Yes.
- If everything works correctly, save the profile by giving it a name, for example, "TV in the living room."
⚠️ Note: During the button test, keep your phone at a distance. 5-10 The IR signal has a narrowly-directed beam, and if you deflect the phone too much, the TV may not "see" the command, which will lead to a setup error.
Once you have successfully set up, you can switch between the swipe remotes you have created left or right, and you can also create shortcuts on your desktop for quick access to a particular device, which is especially convenient for frequently used equipment.
💡
If your brand isn't on the list, try to pick the nearest compatible one. For example, DEXP TV remotes often work with code from BBK or Thomson, as they are assembled in the same factories.
What to do if the application does not find the device
Despite the extensive database, it sometimes happens that Mi Remote can not automatically find the right code for your equipment, this may be due to the rarity of the model, regional features or the use of non-standard signaling protocols, in such cases, you should not immediately abandon the idea of using a smartphone.
The first thing you need to do is to use the manual matching function. Even if a brand is not found, the app often offers a search or auto-detect option. In this mode, the phone will sequentially go through hundreds of signal combinations, you will need to carefully monitor the reaction of the equipment and stop the process in time when the action occurs (for example, a shutdown).
If automated search doesn’t help, try the following methods:
- 🔄 Base update: Make sure you have the latest version of the Mi Remote app installed.Developers regularly add codes for new models.
- 🌍 Change region: In your phone settings, try temporarily changing region to "China" or "India."Databases for these markets often contain codes for a wider range of devices, including little-known brands.
- 📱 Third-party: If the native app is powerless, you can use alternatives from the Play Market, such as ZaZa Remote or Peel Smart Remote. They use the same IR ports, but have different algorithms for matching codes.
A common problem is having protective glasses or covers that overlap the IR port. Make sure the top end of the smartphone is clean and there is nothing preventing the passage of infrared radiation. Even a thin layer of dirt or improperly pasted hydrogel film can significantly reduce the range.
💡
Not having your device listed is not a sentence, and using manual code-bending or region-changing in MIUI settings solves the problem 90 percent of the time.
Advanced capabilities and smart home management
Mi Remote is just the tip of the iceberg of Xiaomi’s ecosystem: A smartphone can control not only through an IR port, but also act as a smart home control center through the Mi Home platform. If your TV or air conditioner supports Wi-Fi, they can be added to the Mi Home app, which opens up access to advanced functionality.
Unlike the IR remote, the control through the smart home allows:
- 🏠 Manage the equipment remotely, being in another place of the world (via mobile Internet).
- 🗣️ Use voice control via Google Assistant or Alice (when integrating).
- ⏰ Set up complex scenarios, such as automatically turning on the air conditioner when the temperature in the room rises.
- 📊 Obtain statistics on the power consumption of devices.
To connect such devices, you need to go to the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Mi Remote (or immediately to the Mi Home app) and click “Add Device.” The phone will find gadgets on the Wi-Fi network. It is important that the smartphone and devices are connected to the same 2.4 GHz network, since many smart devices do not support the 5 GHz band.
⚠️ Note: When integrating devices into a smart home, make sure your router does not have customer isolation (Client Isolation).This security feature prevents devices on the LAN from communicating with each other, making it impossible to control equipment from the phone.