How to make a remote on a Xiaomi phone: turning a smartphone into a universal controller

Smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means for calling and communicating in instant messengers, becoming powerful centers of control of the digital ecosystem. Owners of devices from Xiaomi have a unique advantage — built-in infrared port that allows you to control household appliances without using standard remote controls. This feature is especially relevant when the regular remote from the TV or air conditioner is lost, sat down or simply inaccessible place.

The built-in Mi Remote (or “Mi Remote”) app supports thousands of hardware models from various manufacturers, ensuring full compatibility with your equipment. In this article, we will discuss the process of activating an IR port, setting profiles for different devices and consider alternative ways to control if your device is not equipped with an IR module, you will learn how to create copies of remotes, configure macros and fix common connection problems.

Checking the presence of an IR port and preparing the device

The first step before you start setting up is to physically check for an infrared transmitter on your device. Most of Xiaomi’s flagship and mid-range models, such as the Redmi Note and Mi series, come with this module, usually located on the top end of the case next to the noise reduction microphone, visually a small black or dark red window that can be invisible without careful inspection.

If you are not sure about the presence of an IR port, you can use the technical characteristics of the model on the official website or check the specification in the Settings menu. → The lack of an IR module does not mean that you cannot control the equipment, but you will need to use third-party solutions such as Wi-Fi remotes or remote control. USB-Adapters that we will talk about later.

Make sure your smartphone’s operating system is updated to the latest available version, as IR drivers can receive compatibility improvements, and check if the infrared sensor is blocked in power saving mode or special system security settings.

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Use the camera of another smartphone in video mode, pointing the upper end of your Xiaomi to the lens. Press the volume button: if the second phone shows flashes of purple light, the infrared port works exactly.

Set up the standard Mi Remote application

In MIUI and its global version of HyperOS, the app is pre-installed by default and is called “Mi Remote.” To get started, find it in the Tools folder on your desktop or search the system. When you first start, the app will request permission to access the location and network, which is necessary to download current databases of device profiles.

The interface is intuitive: at the bottom of the screen are tabs to add different types of equipment. You need to select a category, for example, "TV", "Air conditioner" or "Subset-set-top box." After selecting a category, a list of brands will open; if your manufacturer is not on the list, you can use search or automatic matching mode.

The pairing process is fast: the app will ask you to point your phone to the device you are managing and press a virtual test button (usually on/off or volume). If the technique responds, you confirm the action, if not, the system will suggest another code. This brute force method allows you to select a working profile even for very old or rare models of equipment.

It's worth noting that for the IR to work properly, you need to be able to have direct visibility between the phone and the receiver, and that infrared radiation doesn't pass through walls and it doesn't reflect well off surfaces, so the guidance angle has to be straight, and unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it's important to have optical transparency in the space.

Adding and configuring different types of devices

The app's functionality is not limited to just TVs; you can create a full-fledged universal remote control for the entire multimedia system in the room, air conditioners that can adjust the temperature and flow modes, as well as consoles and projectors. Each type of device creates a separate card on the app's home screen, allowing you to quickly switch between signal sources.

When setting up air conditioners or complex audio systems, some functions may need to be manually calibrated, such as buttons may be confused due to the specific coding of a particular brand's signal, in which case the remote settings within the application have a button editing feature that allows you to reassign actions to the desired positions.

Special attention should be paid to creating macros, which are sequences of commands executed with a single click, for example, the Kino macro can simultaneously turn on the TV, switch to HDMI 1 and start the media player, which greatly simplifies interaction with complex technology, especially in the evening or for older users.

Compatibility table and types of connection

Not all devices are controlled the same way, and understanding the differences between signal technologies will help avoid confusion. Below is a table showing the main types of connection and their characteristics in the context of controlling equipment via a smartphone.

As you can see from the table, the built-in IR port is the most versatile solution for old and new equipment, not requiring an Internet connection after initial setup. However, for modern smart devices, it is often preferable to use Wi-Fi control, which allows you to control equipment even from another room or via the Internet.

Alternative applications and third-party solutions

If a standard Xiaomi app for some reason does not fit or contain a profile for your device, the market offers many alternatives. One of the most popular solutions is the Peel Remote app or ZaZa Remote, which have advanced databases and more flexible settings. These programs are often updated by the community of users, which guarantees support for rare models.

For devices that do not have an IR port, there are special adapters that are connected via a Type-C or Micro-USB connector. These are a small flash drive with an IR emitter, which the phone identifies as an external device. After connecting such an adapter and installing the corresponding driver (often automatically), the phone acquires the functions of a universal remote.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications from unverified sources, be careful with the permissions requested.Some programs may require access to contacts or a microphone that is not necessary for the IR remote to operate and may carry privacy risks.

Also worth mentioning is the ability to control your appliances through the Mi Home ecosystem, where if your appliances support smart home protocols (Wi-Fi or Zigbee), you can control them completely without an IR port using cloud technology, and this allows you to create complex automation scenarios that are not available for conventional IR control, such as turning on the air conditioner by geolocation.

Troubleshooting and frequent problems

During operation, users may encounter a situation where the phone stops “seeing” the equipment or signals stop passing. Most often the problem lies in the software failure of the Mi Remote application itself. In this case, it is recommended to clear the application cache through the Settings menu → Apps → All applications → Mi Remote → Memory → Clear. This will not delete your saved remotes, but update the configuration files.

Sometimes the cause of failure is a protective case of a smartphone that covers the IR emitter. Thick silicone or metal bumpers can block the signal or significantly reduce its power. Try to remove the case and check the remote; if the problem has disappeared, consider replacing the accessory with a thinner or with a cutout for the sensor.

If the remote is unstable (it works over and over), you may have lost the battery in the device you control, even if it's a TV from the network (the TV remotes also have batteries), a weak signal from the TV remote can interfere with the phone's signal, causing interference, and also check if the TV is on Eco mode, which can limit the operation of the IR receiver to save energy.

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90% of IR problems are solved by restarting the phone or removing a thick protective case blocking the emitter.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions