Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often feature a built-in infrared transmitter that turns the device into a universal remote control.This feature allows you to monitor household appliances, including air conditioners, without having to search for an original remote or buy additional accessories. Owners of devices with support for IR-Blaster can instantly configure indoor climate control using the standard Mi Remote app.
But not all models support this technology hardwarely, and alternative solutions come to the rescue. You can use Wi-Fi modules or smart sockets with infrared radiation to integrate a split system into the smart home ecosystem. In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways, from native MIUI tools to third-party applications and IoT gadgets.
Before you start setting up, it’s important to make sure your smartphone is technically ready to transmit signals. If you’re planning to use an integrated module, check for an infrared port on the upper end of the case. For owners of models without an IR port, we’ll look at options with external adapters that also effectively solve the problem of controlling climate technology.
Checking the presence of an IR port on a smartphone
The first step in the setup process is to verify the hardware of your device. Most of the flagship and mid-budget models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO of recent years are equipped with Infrared Blaster. For visual inspection, carefully examine the top of the smartphone: you should notice a small black window, often located next to the noise reduction microphone or speaker.
If the visual inspection didn't give a clear answer, you can use software methods to check. Go to the standard Settings app and type the word "Infrared" in the search bar. If the module is present, the system will suggest you go to the corresponding menu or run the Mi Remote application. The lack of search results may indicate that there is no hardware support in your particular modification.
It’s also worth considering that in some global versions of smartphones designed for certain markets, the manufacturer can programmatically or physically disable the module, in which case standard methods will not work, and you will have to resort to using external adapters connected via a USB Type-C or 3.5 mm connector.
Configure management through the Mi Remote application
The Mi Remote app is the most stable and optimized solution for Xiaomi smartphone owners, preinstalled in the MIUI and HyperOS shell, providing deep integration with the system. To get started, launch the app and press the add-on button, usually indicated by the plus icon in the corner of the screen.
In the category menu that opens, select Air Conditioner, and you will be asked to choose your split system manufacturer from a wide range of brands, including LG, Samsung, Haier, Ballu, and others. If your brand is not on the list, you can try choosing a generic profile or brand analogue, as code tables often overlap.
Once a brand is selected, the code testing process will begin. There will be buttons on the phone screen that you need to press to watch the air conditioner react. The system will offer different signal options until the device responds to the command. Once the air conditioner changes mode or turns on, confirm the choice to save the profile.
☑️ Setup Mi Remote
It is important to point the top of the smartphone directly to the air conditioner signal receiver during settings. The distance should be no more than 2-3 meters so that the IR signal is powerful enough to read. If the air conditioner does not respond to any of the proposed codes, try repeating the procedure in brighter light or from a shorter distance.
Use of third-party remote application
In case a standard app doesn't support your air conditioning model or doesn't work properly, it makes sense to reach out to third-party developers.The Google Play store offers a variety of alternatives, such as Peel Smart Remote or Universal TV Remote.These programs often have more extensive codebases and are updated by the user community.
Third-party apps work in a similar way to native apps: you choose the device type and brand, then follow the instructions on the screen. However, the interface may differ, and the presence of ads in free versions sometimes makes it difficult to set up.
⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may request excessive permissions to access contacts or geolocation. read the terms of use carefully and grant only the necessary rights for the operation of the IR port.
Some advanced utilities allow you to manually edit codes or import databases from other users.This can be useful for rare or old air conditioner models that are not supported by official directories.
💡
If the standard Xiaomi remote does not see the air conditioner, try changing the region or interface language in the application settings – sometimes this will unlock hidden device profiles.
Control over Wi-Fi and Smart Home
For smartphones without an IR port, or for those who want to operate air conditioning remotely (from outside the home), Wi-Fi-based solutions are ideal. The main method is to use a special IR hub, such as Xiaomi IR Remote Control or devices from Aqara. This gadget connects to the home network and broadcasts signals to the air conditioner on command from a smartphone.
The settings are done via the Mi Home app. Once you add a hub to your system, select the option to add an IR device and follow the instructions. The advantage of this approach is that you can create complex scenarios, such as automatically turning on the air conditioner when the temperature in the room rises above 25 degrees or when you come home (geolocation).
There are also split systems with built-in Wi-Fi, in which case it is enough to download the application of the air conditioner manufacturer or integrate the device into the Mi Home / Apple HomeKit ecosystem. This provides the most stable connection and the ability to monitor power consumption in real time.
| Method | Equipment required | Work outside the home | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in IR (Mi Remote) | Smartphone with IR port | No. | Low. |
| External IR adapter | USB/3.5mm adapter | No. | Medium |
| Wi-Fi Hub (IR Hub) | Separate hub + router | Yes. | Medium |
| Native Wi-Fi module | Air conditioning with Wi-Fi | Yes. | Low. |
Scenario creation and automation
One of the most powerful features of the Xiaomi ecosystem is automation. Using the Mi Home app or built-in MIUI scripts, you can create chains of actions that eliminate manual control, for example, you can customize a Good Morning scenario that will include 23 degrees air conditioning at 7:00 on weekdays.
To implement complex logical connections, use Automation mode. You can set the condition: "If the room temperature is above 26 ° C and I am at home, turn on the air conditioner." Such scenarios require a smart thermometer (for example, Xiaomi Temperature Humidity Sensor) and an IR hub or native air conditioning support.
How do you create voice control?
And there's also voice-assisted integration, and if you have a smart speaker that supports IoT, you can control the climate with voice commands, which is especially convenient when the remote is lost and your hands are busy, and the system recognizes the command and sends the signal through the cloud to your IR hub.
Problem solving and troubleshooting
Users can face a number of typical problems during the setup process. Most often, the air conditioner does not respond to commands due to a discharged battery in the remote itself (if you copy the code), or due to obstacles between the phone and the receiver. Make sure that nothing closes the smartphone's IR port.
Another common problem is state desynchronization, because the IR signal has no feedback, the phone doesn't know if the air conditioner is on or off. If you turn off the air conditioner with a conventional remote control, the phone can show the status "On." In this case, just press the power button in the application to sync the state.
⚠️ Attention: the IR signal does not pass through walls and requires line of sight. If you use a built-in remote, be sure to be in the same room with the air conditioner and point the phone to its front panel.
If Mi Remote is not running smoothly, try clearing its cache through the app management menu or reinstalling updates. In rare cases, third-party design themes that change system fonts or screen resolutions can cause conflict.
💡
For stable operation of the IR remote, avoid using thick protective covers that can overlap the emitter, and keep the top of the smartphone clean.
External IR adapters for portless phones
Smartphone owners without an embedded IR module are not deprived of the ability to control equipment. The market offers compact adapters that can be connected via a USB Type-C charging connector or 3.5 mm audio connector. These devices emulate the work of the built-in remote and often come with their own application, although some work with the standard Mi Remote.
When choosing an adapter, consider compatibility with your version of Android. Cheap models may require specific drivers or only work in a specific frequency range. Quality adapters from brands like Baseus or Ugreen are usually free of these problems.
Installing this adapter is simple: plug it into the port, launch the app, and add the device. Physically, it looks like a small black ledge on the end of the phone. Despite some inconveniences in wearing it, it's a cheap and efficient way to get the functionality of a smart remote.