How to turn a conventional air conditioner into a smart one with Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Modern air conditioners with Wi-Fi support are on the 30-50% More expensive than analogues without smart features, but what if your split system is already installed and works perfectly? Xiaomi ecosystem offers several ways to make any air conditioner “smart” without replacing equipment – from budget to budget IR-The remotes to full-fledged modules with temperature sensors. In this article, we will analyze all the current solutions. 2026 Pros/Cons of the Year, as well as Step-by-Step Instructions for Configuration via Mi Home and Google Home.

The main advantage of this upgrade is the ability to control the climate voice (via Alice, Google Assistant or Siri), create automatic scenarios (for example, turn on the air conditioner 30 minutes before you return home), and control energy consumption through in-app statistics. And also – some Xiaomi modules are able to learn from the original remote control, which allows you to save all the functions even in rare models of air conditioners.

1. Ways to make air conditioning smart: a comparison of solutions from Xiaomi

Xiaomi offers three main devices for integrating air conditioners into the smart home ecosystem, with key differences in how it connects, supported protocols, and additional features.

All solutions are compatible with Mi Home (or Mija for European regions), but differ in the level of automation, IR-remotes simply duplicate commands from the physical remote, and modules with sensors can independently maintain a set temperature by analyzing data from the thermometer.

• 📶 Xiaomi Mi Smart IR Remote is a universal IR remote for controlling air conditioners (and other equipment) via Wi-Fi. Supports 200.+ brands including Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG.
• 🔄 Xiaomi Aqara Air Conditioner Companion - module for connecting to the air conditioner by wire (replaces the standard remote). Works with inverter models, is able to show the current temperature in the room.
• 🌡️ Xiaomi Mi Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2 - sensor for creating automation scenarios (includes air conditioning when the temperature threshold is exceeded). IR-remote.

⚠️ Note: If your air conditioner is older than 2010, check the support for its model in the Mi Home database through the official Xiaomi website.Some rare brands (for example, Toshiba). RAS-10NKV) may not be recognized IR-remote.

2. Step-by-step customization of Xiaomi Mi Smart IR Remote

This is the most popular solution due to its low price and ease of installation. IR-Xiaomi remote is mounted on a wall or bet and duplicates commands from the original air conditioner remote.The main condition is a direct “overview” between the remotes (without obstacles).

You'll need to set up:

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home app (version 6.0+).
• 🔋 Original air conditioning remote (for training).
• 📶 Stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (5GHz not supported!).

Connection algorithm:

1. Install Mi Smart IR Remote at a distance 1-3 Meter from air conditioner (avoid direct sunlight on IR transmitter).
2. Turn on the air conditioner manually from the original remote.
3. In the Mi Home app, click + → Add the device → Climate → Infrared remote control.
4. Choose the air conditioner brand from the list (if yours isn’t, use the training mode).
5. Direct the original remote to Mi Smart IR Remote and press the buttons on the instructions in the application (usually on/off, Temperature). ↑/↓, Regime).

The original air conditioner remote is charged|Air conditioner's on the grid.|Mi Smart IR Remote connected to the outlet|Smartphone connected to Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz-->

After successfully adding the device to the Mi Home, a control panel will appear with buttons for turning on, adjusting temperature and selecting mode (Cool, Heat, Fan). For voice control, connect the device to Google Home or Yandex Alice through the Smart Home section in the application.

1. Are there any obstacles between the remotes (glass, mirrors, thick curtains block the IR signal).

2. whether the power of the batteries in the original remote is sufficient (weak signal may not be recognized).

3. whether the firmware Mi Smart has been updated IR Remote (Go to your device settings in Mi Home).-->

Aqara Air Conditioner Companion: wired connection

This module is suitable for those who want full control of the air conditioner: it replaces the regular remote and connects directly to the control board of the split system.

• ⚡ Accurate transmission of commands without delay (unlike the IR-remote).
• 📊 Monitoring the current temperature and humidity in the room.
• 🔄 Automatic climate control according to the specified parameters.

However, the installation requires disassembling the air conditioner (or calling the wizard).The module is compatible with most inverter models, but check the list of supported brands on the Aqara website before buying.

Instructions for connection:

1. Turn off the air conditioner.
2. Remove the front panel of the inner unit and find a connector to connect the remote (usually this is the case). CN105 or the Remote Controller).
3. Connect the Aqara Air Conditioner Companion to the connector (polarity is indicated on the board!).
4. Install the module in the air conditioner body (use double-sided tape or mounts from the kit).
5. Connect the air conditioner to the network and add the device to Mi Home via + → Aqara → Air Conditioner Companion.

⚠️ Attention: Inappropriate voltage at the remote contacts (e.g, 12V instead 5V) Always check Xiaomi documentation for your air conditioner model!

Once connected, the app will feature an extended control panel with graphs of temperature, humidity and power consumption. The module also supports geofences: the air conditioner will automatically turn off when you leave the house and turn on when you return.

Voice control (Alice)/Google)|Temperature automation|Manual control through the application|Wired connection for precise control-->

4.Scenario automation: How to get an air conditioner to "think"

The main advantage of a smart air conditioner is the ability to create automatic scripts.

• 🌅 Turn on cooling to 22.°C every day at 18:00.
• 🏠 Turn off the air conditioner if the window is open (with Xiaomi sensor) Door/Window Sensor).
• 💤 Switch to Sleep Mode after 23:00.

To customize the scripts in Mi Home:

1. Go to the Automation section → Create a script.
2. Select a condition (e.g., temperature) > 25°C or Time: 18:00).
3. Add Action: Turn on Air Conditioning → Set temperature 22°C.
4. Save the script and test it out.

For complex scenarios (such as multiple conditions), use Yandex Smart Home or Google Home, where you can combine data from different sensors, such as:

IF (Temperature > 26°C) AND (Window closed) AND (Nobody home)


TUE Turn on air conditioning at 24°C

5.Voice control: Alice, Google Assistant and Siri

Once integrated into the Mi Home, the air conditioner can be controlled by voice through any popular assistant.

1. Connect your Mi Home account to Yandex Smart Home or Google Home.
2. In the assistant application, find the device (Settings) → Smart home. → Add the device).
3. Call the air conditioner a unique name (e.g., “split in the bedroom”) to avoid confusion with other devices.

Examples of voice commands:

• 🎤 «Alice, turn on the bedroom split 20 degrees»
• 🎤 «Google, set the heating mode in the living room»
• 🎤 «Siri, turn off the air conditioner in 1 hour»

If the voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, check:

• 🔗 Account Sync (Mi Home must be linked to the same email as Google) Home/Yandex).
• 📛 Device name correctness (avoid symbols and spaces).
• 🌐 Region in Mi Home settings (must match Assistant region).

💡

For stable voice control, turn off energy-saving mode for Mi Home and Google Home apps in your smartphone settings.

6. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after the right setup, there can be failures.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

If your air conditioner model is not recognized by Mi Smart IR Remote, try it:

1. Update the device base in Mi Home (Settings section) → Update firmware).
2. Use the learning mode: manually record commands from the original remote.
3. Contact Xiaomi to request the addition of a model.

⚠️ Note: When using the Aqara Air Conditioner Companion with Mitsubishi Electric Series air conditioners MSZ-HJ You may need to firmware the module through Aqara Home (not Mi Home.

7 Energy Efficiency: How to Save Money with Smart Air Conditioning

Smart management allows you to reduce electricity consumption 20-30% expense:

• 📉 Automatic switching to Eco-mode in the absence of people.
• 🌡️ Maintaining optimal temperature (24-26°C instead 18-20°C).
• ⏱️ Timer air conditioner shutdowns (for example, 1 hour before going to bed).

For maximum savings:

1. Install the Xiaomi Mi Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2 near the air conditioner (but not under direct jets of air!).
2. Create a scenario: If the temperature is < 23°C → turn off.
3. Use a sleep mode that automatically raises the temperature. 1-2°C every time 2 hour.

Comparison of electricity consumption in manual and smart control (data for Daikin air conditioner) FTXS25K, cooling-down):

FAQ: Frequent questions