The situation when the remote control of the TV suddenly stops working, discharges at the most inopportune moment or simply loses, is familiar to every owner of modern technology. Especially unpleasant when the screen is out, and you need to urgently turn on the device, and there is no usual IR transmitter at hand. Fortunately, owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco are in a better position, because most of these devices have built-in infrared port. This technology allows you to turn your phone into a universal remote control for almost any household appliance.
Using a smartphone as a remote is not just a temporary solution, but a step toward a full-fledged smart home system. You no longer need to look for batteries or buy a replacement for a lost controller if your personal gadget is at hand. In this article, we will take a look at all the methods available, from the regular MIUI system tools to third-party solutions that will help you start and operate your TV with maximum comfort.
Before you start setting up, it's important to make sure your particular device supports IR signals. Usually, the infrared emitter hole is located on the top end of the case, next to the noise reduction microphone or speaker. If you don't see the characteristic dark window, you may not have this feature in your model, and you'll have to consider alternative Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity options.
Checking the presence of an IR port and preparing the device
The first step is to have a thorough visual and software check of your device, and an Infrared blaster is a key condition for a standard control method. Look at the top of your Xiaomi: if there's a small round or oval black hole that's about 3-4 millimeters in diameter, you probably have everything you need. However, visual inspection is sometimes not enough, because in some revisions of popular models, manufacturers may have abandoned this module.
The most reliable way to check for a module is to run the MI Remote (or Mi Remote) application, which is pre-installed on most global and Chinese firmware versions. If you start the program with a new device and a list of categories (TVs, consoles, air conditioners), then the hardware is available and working. Otherwise, if the application reports an error or is not in the system, you will need an external IR nozzle or use network protocols.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to seal the IR port with protective glass or tight covers, as this can completely block the signal transmission.
It's also worth checking if the IR remote is disabled in the system settings, although this is extremely rare. To work properly, make sure that your phone has at least 15-20% battery charge, since the generation of infrared signals requires a power station. If you use energy-intensive themes or live wallpaper, it's better to temporarily turn them off so that the smartphone does not run out during the setup.
Set up a full-time Mi Remote app on Xiaomi
The main tool for managing equipment in the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Mi Remote application. It is already integrated into the MIUI and HyperOS shell, so you do not need to download anything from third-party sources, which guarantees safety and stability of operation. Launch the application, and it will automatically request permission to access the infrared port — be sure to agree, otherwise signal transmission will be impossible.
Once launched, click Add Device (usually the + icon in the corner of the screen) and you will be asked to select a category of equipment. Select TV, and then a list of brands will open. Find the manufacturer of your TV on the list. If the brand is not in the top, search by name or scroll through the long list. It is important to choose the brand that is written on the device logo, even if the TV is smart and runs on Android TV.
☑️ Setup Mi Remote
The next step is pairing. The phone screen will have a question, "Is this code working?" and a test button. Point the top of the phone to the TV and press the on button. If the TV reacts (on or off), press "Yes." If there is no reaction, press "No" and the system will suggest a different code variant. This process may require several attempts, since one brand may have dozens of different internal codes for different years of release.
When you find the code that works, the system will ask you to name a device like a living room TV and assign it a place in the interface. Once saved, you will get a virtual remote with the main buttons: turn on, volume, channels and navigation. A touchpad emulation can also be available for a Smart TV, which makes it much easier to type text when you connect to Wi-Fi.
Use of third-party remote application
In situations where the regular Mi Remote app can’t find the right code for your TV model, or if the interface seems uncomfortable to you, third-party developments from Google Play Market come to the rescue. These applications often have more extensive code databases and advanced functionality, such as macros (doing a single-button sequence) and widgets to the desktop.
One of the most popular and functional solutions is the peel remote or AnyMote app, which works like the standard one: you choose a brand, test codes and save a profile. The advantage of such programs is often a more modern interface and the ability to download user skins. They can automatically update codebases over the Internet, which increases the chances of finding a rare combination for an old or, conversely, the newest TV.
Another powerful option is voice control, which is built into many third-party apps. You can just say, "Put the TV on," and the phone will send the appropriate IR signal. This is especially convenient when hands are busy or the phone is on the table. However, it is worth considering that free versions of such applications are often full of ads that can block part of the remote buttons at the most inopportune time.
| Annex | Type of connection | Advertising | Russian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Remote (Staff) | IR port | No. | Yes. |
| AnyMote Universal Remote | IR port/Wi-Fi | Got it (free) | Yes. |
| Universal TV Remote | IR port | There is. | Partially. |
| ZaZa Remote | IR port | There is. | Yes. |
When installing third-party software, carefully monitor the permissions requested. The remote application only needs access to the IR port and possibly vibrations for tactile response. If the program requires access to contacts, a gallery or a location without an obvious need, this is a reason to be alert and remove potentially dangerous software.
Smart TV management via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If your TV is a Smart TV and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as Xiaomi, you can use more advanced control methods that do not require direct visibility by the IR port, in which case the phone and TV communicate over a local network, which allows you not only to turn on the device (if it is in deep sleep, the method may not work, you need a standby mode), but also to fully manage the interface, enter text and broadcast content.
For Android TVs (Sony, Philips, Xiaomi Mi TV, TCL), the official Google Home or Google TV app is a great solution. Once you install and log in to the same Google account as your TV (or just being on the same network), you'll see your device on the list. By clicking on it, you'll get access to a virtual remote with a touchpad, keyboard and navigation buttons. This is ideal for quickly entering Wi-Fi passwords or searching for YouTube videos.
Samsung TV owners can use the SmartThings app, which is the ecosystem hub for the Korean giant’s technology, which allows them to control media, but also control connected devices, change the settings of images and sound. Similarly, for LG webOS TVs, there is an LG ThinQ app (formerly LG TV Plus) that turns the smartphone screen into an advanced remote with support for a magic cursor.
⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi control only works if the TV is already on or in standby mode with an active network module. For the primary switching on of the off-grid or completely de-energized TV, this method is not suitable - here you need an IR port.
The advantage of network management is two-way communication: the phone “sees” what the TV is showing, and can display notifications of incoming calls directly on the TV screen (if allowed), in addition, through Wi-Fi, it is possible to transfer files (photos, videos) to the large screen without using flash drives, making the smartphone a universal media center.
Problem Solving: The TV doesn't respond to the phone
Despite its apparent simplicity, users often face a situation where Xiaomi's phone doesn't see the TV or the signals don't pass. One of the most common reasons is the wrong angle of inclination. The phone's IR port must be directed directly at the TV receiver. Unlike Wi-Fi radio waves, infrared radiation is spread by a cone, and deviations even 30-40 degrees can lead to signal loss.
Another common problem is a security glass or case. If you've recently replaced the glass or you're using a solid case that covers the top end, the signal may not be coming through the materials. Try removing the case and trying again. Also make sure there are no transparent but infrared-impermeable barriers between the phone and the TV, even though conventional window glass lets the signals through.
If you're using a third-party app, try clearing the cache or reinstalling it. Sometimes MIUI's power-saving system settings can kill the remote's background process, thinking it's unused. Go to the battery settings, find the remote app, and select "No Limits" or "No Limits" mode so the system doesn't block it.
In rare cases, an IR port may need to be calibrated, although in modern Xiaomi models this is done automatically. If nothing helps, check if the TV is in Eco mode or locking the IR receiver in the settings of the TV itself (Children's Safety menu or the like). Resetting the TV settings to the factory can also help if the problem lies in the software failure of the TV itself.
Backup and additional features
After successful setup, remember to back up your remotes. The Mi Remote app has a cloud-saving feature via Mi Account.This means that if you lose your phone or buy a new Xiaomi, you don't have to re-select the codes - just log in and all the remotes will recover automatically. This is especially true if you've set up complex macros or combinations to manage the audio system and projector.
Xiaomi app owners can also integrate the remote into smart home scenarios, such as setting up automation: "When I get home (geolocation), the phone turns on the TV and the lights in the room." This uses the Mi Home app, which links the IR remote to other smart devices, which turns a regular smartphone into a powerful control center for the entire home.
And you can also use widgets, you can put the TV button on your desktop or lock screen (through the settings of one or another launcher), which allows you to turn on your favorite TV series with a single touch, without even unlocking the phone completely or opening the application, and this customization makes using your smartphone even more convenient.
⚠️ Note: When using automation scenarios, consider signal delay. The IR port does not confirm the delivery of the command, so in complex scenarios (macros), always add pauses to the signal. 1-2 Seconds between commands to allow the TV to process signals.
Using a Xiaomi smartphone instead of a remote is modern, environmentally friendly (less batteries) and functional. Once you have mastered the intricacies of the IR port and network protocols, you will forget about the problem of lost remotes and get full control over the media in your home. The technology is time-tested and millions of users, remaining one of the most useful “chips” of devices from the Chinese manufacturer.