Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have long since ceased to be just devices for calls, becoming universal tools for managing the digital world. One of the most popular but often ignored features is the built-in infrared transmitter, which allows you to turn the gadget into a full-fledged universal remote. This eliminates the need to look for lost (the remote) from the TV or air conditioner, since all control is now in your pocket. Unlike Bluetooth devices, the infrared signal does not require complex pairing and works even with technology from a decade ago.
However, many users buy a phone without even knowing there is a small black window at the top of the case. This element allows the smartphone to communicate with household appliances from brands such as Sony, Samsung, LG and many others. To start using this feature, you need to properly configure the Mi Remote application, which is preinstalled in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS. In this article, we will discuss the entire process, from finding an infrared port to calibrating buttons.
It's worth noting that the quality of the remote is directly dependent on the accuracy of the positioning of the phone and the absence of physical barriers. Infrared radiation is light that is invisible to the eye, but it, like any light, does not pass through solid objects. So to successfully control household appliances, you will have to point the top of the smartphone directly to the receiver of the device, which is offset by the fact that you no longer need batteries for a dozen different remotes.
Search for an IR port and preparation of a smartphone
The first step before launching any app is to physically examine your device. The infrared port (IR Blaster) looks like a small black round or oval window located on the top of the smartphone. On some models, such as the Xiaomi Mi series or the Redmi Note of the past, it can be combined with a noise-cancelling microphone, so don't confuse them. If you don't find such a hole, it may not be provided with hardware in your model, and you will have to use external IR adapters connected through the charging connector.
Also, make sure that the device does not have a tight case that can block the signal. Silicone bumpers with high sides sometimes interfere with the passage of infrared waves. If you use a black-framed security glass, check if it does not go to the speaker and sensors area, although this is rare on the upper end. The correct orientation of the phone in your hand is critical: hold the device so that the infrared port looks directly at the receiver.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to paste the IR port with decorative stickers or rhinestones. Even a semi-transparent material can block the signal completely, and the remote will not respond to commands.
After visual inspection, we move to the software part. On Xiaomi smartphones, the system application, usually called the Remote, is responsible for the operation of the remote, which has a red icon with a remote in the center. If you do not find it on the desktop, use the system search or the Tools folder. In rare cases, if the application has been removed, it can be restored through the GetApps store or Google Play store, but the system version is more stable.
Primary configuration of the Mi Remote application
When you launch the app, you'll see a welcome screen that suggests adding the device. The interface is as simple as possible and does not require any deep technical knowledge. The system will immediately request permission to use the IR port, which is a mandatory step without which signal transmission is impossible. Press "Allow" to give the application access to the hardware of the smartphone. Next, you will be asked to choose the type of device you want to control.
The list of categories available is extensive: TVs, consoles, air conditioners, projectors, cameras, and even fans. Choose the right category, such as "TV." Then the list of manufacturers will open. Find the brand of your TV in alphabetical order. If your brand is not on the list, it does not mean that the feature will not work — you can try to find the code manually or choose a universal profile, but in 95% of cases the desired brand is present in the Xiaomi database.
The important thing is to choose the right connection mode. The app can suggest using Wi-Fi to manage the Smart TV. It's an alternative method that doesn't require an IR port, but only works if the TV and phone are on the same network. For classic IR control, choose the option "Infrared remote" or similar, which guarantees operation even when the router is turned off or there is no Internet in the house.
The process of pairing and testing signals
Once you select a brand, a virtual button will appear on your smartphone screen, most commonly "On/Off" or "Loud." You will be asked to point the phone to the device and press a button. The system will ask, "Does the device react?" If the TV turns off or the volume changes, press "Yes." If there is no reaction, press "No", and the application will automatically switch to the next set of frequencies (signal encoding).
Don't be alarmed if you don't find the right code the first time. Mi Remote's signal database contains thousands of combinations for each manufacturer, because different TV models can use different protocols. Button testing is a key step. After you first turn on, check for adjustment, channel switching and menu entry. Only after you make sure that all the basic functions work correctly, move on to the next step.
☑️ Checklist of successful pairing
When you set up, the app might suggest naming the device. Don't ignore that and give it a clear name, like "Living room TV" or "Bedroom Air Conditioning." This is especially true if you're planning to add multiple identical devices or operate appliances in different rooms. Naming helps you navigate the remotes quickly, especially if you're using voice control or desktop widgets.
Extended functions and scenario creation
The standard button set is just the tip of the iceberg. Mi Remote allows you to create your own button profiles and even macros. For example, you can add frequently used buttons to quickly access Netflix or YouTube, even if they are not on the standard remote. To do this, click on the menu (three dots) and select Add a button. Here you can assign an action from a vast list of digital commands.
One of the most useful features is creating "One-touch" scripts, and you can configure that, at the touch of a virtual button, the phone sends a sequence of signals: turn on the TV, switch the signal source to HDMI 1 and start the media player. This turns the smartphone into a powerful tool for automating the smart home. But remember, the IR protocol is one-sided: the phone doesn't "know" whether the TV is actually on, it just sends a command.
Secret function of remote copying
Also worth mentioning is the possibility of adding a remote to the lock screen or to the desktop widgets, which allows you to control the volume or turn on the TV without fully unlocking the smartphone. To set up, go to the app settings and find the "Vidgets" or "lock screen" section. Activate the right switches so that quick control access is always at hand.
Comparison of control methods: IR vs. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Users often confuse IR with Wi-Fi control. Indeed, modern Android TVs or WebOS can be controlled over the network using a phone as a touchpad. However, each method has its advantages and disadvantages, which are presented in the table below. Understanding the difference will help you choose the best way to suit a particular situation.
| Characteristics | Infrared port (IR) | Wi-Fi/Network | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio of action | Up to 10 meters (direct visibility required) | Up to 30 metres (through walls) | Up to 10 meters. |
| Necessity of interface | Not required (works instantly) | Network setup required | Required (conjugation) |
| Compatibility | Any equipment with an IR port (even the old one) | Smart TVs and consoles only | Only modern devices |
| Internet dependency | It doesn't matter. | Depends on the router. | It doesn't matter. |
And you can see from the table that the infrared port is better at versatility and responsiveness for basic tasks. You don't have to wait for the TV operating system to boot to turn it off -- the IR signal is at the hardware level. On the other hand, Wi-Fi management allows you to type text from the phone's keyboard, which is easy to search on YouTube, but requires that the TV be on and connected to the network.
Bluetooth is rarely used in the context of remotes, mainly for gamepads or headphones, but some Xiaomi remotes use it for voice input. However, for emulating a conventional Bluetooth remote, it is not suitable because of the complex pairing every time you change the device.
The solution (frequently occurring problems)
Despite its simplicity, users may find that the remote stops working. The most common reason is the malfunction of the application or system itself. Try clearing the Remote app cache through smartphone settings: Settings → Apps → Remote → Memory → Clear the cache. This will not delete your saved remotes, but will update temporary files, which often solves the problem of “hanging” the interface.
Another problem is code mismatch. Sometimes buttons work, but not everyone (like no sound) In this case, don't delete the device right away. Go to the settings of a particular remote in the app and select "Change remote" or "Change buttons." There you can manually reassign functions to working codes or download an alternative remote skin for your brand. Mi Remote codebase is constantly updated, but sometimes manual selection is required.
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If the phone stopped "seeing" the IR port (the power button in the application is not pressed), try to restart the smartphone. In rare cases, the IR driver may freeze after the system update.
Also consider the influence of external factors. The bright sun falling directly on the receiver of the TV can contain a lot of infrared spectrum and "muffle" the signal from the phone. In such conditions, bring the phone closer to the receiver (at a distance of 10-15 cm). If this does not help, check whether the TV is on "Eco" mode or locking the IR port in its own settings.
⚠️ Note: If you have updated the firmware of the smartphone (MIUI/HyperOS) If the remote is dead, the new software may contain an error, use third-party apps from the Play Market temporarily until Xiaomi releases a patch.
Alternative applications and third-party solutions
If the Mi Remote app doesn’t suit you for some reason (such as too much advertising or an uncomfortable interface), the market offers many alternatives. Apps like ZaZa Remote or Lean Remote often have more flexible settings and support learning code from other remotes. However, it’s worth remembering that third-party apps may ask for unnecessary permissions, so choose only proven high-ranking solutions.
It's important to understand that third-party applications use the same physical IR port, so the range and signal quality will be the same, the only difference is the software shell and the code base. Some enthusiasts prefer open source projects that are completely devoid of advertising and telemetry, and you can find these applications on specialized forums or in stores like F-Droid.
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The Xiaomi app is optimized best for working with its own hardware, so alternatives should be sought only in the case of specific bugs or the absence of the right brand in the database.
In conclusion, using a smartphone as a remote is not just a fashionable thing, it's a real convenience: you won't lose the remote under the couch anymore, you won't be looking for batteries, and you can control all your appliances from one point. IR port technology, while considered obsolete in the world of high-speed networks, remains the most reliable way to universally control consumer electronics.