Mi remote in Xiaomi phone: where to look, how to configure and what devices supports

Have you bought a new Xiaomi smartphone and found that it can replace multiple remotes at once? Or are you trying to connect your TV to your phone but can't find the Mi Remote app? This article will help you understand where the Mi remote is hidden in MIUI firmware, how to activate it on different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14) and what devices you can control from your phone. We will also reveal little-known features like voice control and creating macros - they are not even written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that since MIUI 12, Mi Remote has been a standalone icon on the menu, and it's been integrated into the Smart Home system app, which has been confusing for many users, especially those who have moved from older versions of the firmware, and you'll learn how to find the remote on any Xiaomi smartphone, even if it's not in the standard set of apps.

Where is the Mi remote in Xiaomi phones: 3 ways to find

Xiaomi developers regularly change the location of features in the firmware, so there is no universal path. Here are the current ways to find Mi Remote on different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models:

• 📱 Through Smart Home: Open the Mi Home app, go to Devices → Add the device → The remote control. Some firmwares have a clause called Add remote.
• 🔍 Search System: Swipe down the home screen to open the search, and type in Mi Remote or Remote. The system will find the application even if it is hidden.
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → The remote control. On older versions, the path may look like Settings. → Additionally. → remote.

If none of these methods worked, check if the Mi Remote application has been manually removed, in which case it can be restored via Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Established → Three dots (menu) → Show the system. Find com.miui.remotecenter and turn on the map.

Compatible devices: what can be controlled with the Mi remote

The Mi Remote supports more than 5,000 models from 200+ brands, but not all devices work equally well.

Some devices (such as Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners or Hisense TVs) may require manual code entry. If your model is not found in the database, try selecting a similar one or using the remote learning feature (available in Remote Settings → Add Device → Learning).

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If your TV doesn't respond to commands from the Mi remote, try restarting both devices and re-pairing, often by changing the IR port protocol in the app's settings.

Step-by-step setting up the Mi remote for the TV

Connecting the TV is the most common task. Follow this instruction to set up control in 2 minutes:

1. Make sure your smartphone has an infrared port, and on the newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), it can be combined with a top speaker, and check the specifications of your model.
2. Open Mi Remote (via Smart Home or Search) and click Add Device. Select Television category.
3. Type in the brand name (e.g. Samsung). If the model is not listed, select Another model and enter the code manually (codes can be found on Xiaomi’s website or in the TV manual).
4. Point your phone to the TV (up to 5 meters) and press Test. If the TV responds, save the settings. If not, try another code.

After successful connection, you will be able to:

• 📺 Switch channels and adjust volume
• 🔄 Manage signal sources (HDMI, AV, TV)
• ⚙️ Adjust brightness, contrast and color temperature (on supported models)
• 🎤 Use voice commands via Alice or Google Assistant

Problem Solving: The remote does not work or does not find the device

If Mi Remote refuses to connect to the tech, check these points:

⚠️ Note: On smartphones without an IR port (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi 10A) You can check the port in the model, or you can look at the top of the phone, and there's got to be a little black round sensor.

• 🔋 Battery drained: IR port requires more power than Bluetooth.If charge is below 15%, some commands may not be sent.
• 📶 Interference from other devices: Turn off nearby remotes, Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz or dimmer lamps.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Reinstall the Mi Remote app through Settings → Annexes → Mi Remote → Remove updates.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: If the IR port is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), contact a service center. ₽.

To diagnose an IR port, use the test in the engineering menu:

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Select the IR Test and check if the indicator flashes when you press the buttons in Mi Remote. If not, there is a hardware problem.

Hidden Mi remote functions: macros, voice control and automation

Few people know, but Mi Remote has a lot more to do than just replace the standard remote. Here are 5 advanced features:

1. Macros (chains of command): You can program a sequence of actions. For example, with one button to turn on TV, switch to HDMI1, start Netflix and set the volume to 50%. To do this: Open the remote settings → Macros. Press Add macros and select devices. Record the sequence of commands (maximum 10 actions).
2. Voice control: If you have Google Assistant or Alice set up, you can say, "OK Google, turn on the TV in the kitchen" or "Alice, put 25 degrees on the air conditioner."
3. Scheduled management: You can create automation in the Mi Home app, such as turning off the TV at 23:00 or turning on the heater an hour before you get home.
4. Learning new commands: If your device is not fully supported, you can “train” the remote to the original remote. To do this, select Add Device → Learning and follow the instructions.
5. Internet Control: With Mi Home, you can control the equipment remotely if you have a device that supports Mi IoT (for example, Xiaomi Gateway).

On models with MIUI 14, the Smart Scenario feature has been introduced, which allows you to connect the remote to other Xiaomi devices, for example, when you turn on the TV, you can automatically start Yeelight backlight and close the Aqara curtains.

Mi remote on different models of Xiaomi: features and limitations

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with Mi Remote.

On budget models (e.g. Redmi A2+ or POCO M6 Pro), the IR port is often absent, and alternative controls can be used to:

• 📱 Over Wi-Fi: Through brand apps (e.g, LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings).
• 🔵 Bluetooth: Suitable for modern TV (Sony Bravia, Xiaomi) TV A2).
• 🌐 Through cloud services: IFTTT or Yandex Devices (requires additional customization).

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If your smartphone is not equipped with an IR port, but supports Bluetooth 5.0+, Try to connect an external IR blaster (e.g. BroadLink) RM4 Pro? It costs about 2,000. ₽ expands management capabilities.

Mi Remote Alternatives: What Apps to Use if the Remote is Not Working

If the standard Mi Remote app is not suitable (for example, due to a lack of an IR port or a device incompatibility), consider these alternatives:

• 📺 Peel Smart Remote: Supports 1000+ Brands, content recommendations, and the downside is free advertising.
• 🔄 Sure Universal Remote: Can control smart lights and outlets, integrates with Alexa.
• 🎮 Unified Remote: Works on the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Supports game consoles (PS5, Xbox).
• 🏠 Yandex Devices: Optimized for Russian brands (Rubin, Ergo, Dexp).
• 🔧 IR Plus: Paid application (299) ₽) Expanded codebase for old technology.

There are no alternatives for Apple devices (iPhone or iPad) – they are not equipped with an IR port, iOS owners will have to use Bluetooth/Wi-Fi remotes or buy external adapters (for example, Flic Hub).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications to manage air conditioners or heaters, check if the application supports energy saving modes. Some programs (such as Clima) can knock down settings leading to increased power consumption.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Mi remote in Xiaomi phones