Many Xiaomi smartphone users often wonder where to find the Mi Remote app to manage appliances.This built-in utility allows you to turn your phone into a universal controller for TVs, air conditioners and consoles. However, after updating firmware or changing the region, the name and location of the icons can change, which causes difficulties for owners of gadgets.
If you can’t find a standard application on your desktop, it doesn’t mean it’s removed from your system. Often, it’s simply hidden in the Tools folder or renamed to Mi Remote depending on the installed version of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. Understanding the logic of the Xiaomi ecosystem will help you quickly localize the software you need without having to search the Internet.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible options for detecting the remote, how to install it from alternative sources and how to configure it for working with the IR port. You will learn why the application may not be available in your region and how to circumvent these restrictions to fully use the capabilities of your smartphone’s infrared transmitter.
The first place to look is the standard Tools folder, which is present on all Xiaomi devices by default. The company's developers usually put their system utilities there to avoid cluttering the main screen. If you use a global firmware version, look for an icon called "Mi Remote" or a Russian-language version of "Mi Remote." In some cases, especially on newer HyperOS models, the app can be integrated into the control center. Try swiping down from the top right corner of the screen to open the notification curtain and quick settings. There may be a widget for managing a smart home that duplicates the functions of the remote if the equipment is connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. 🔍 Check the Tools folder on the home screen or in the menu of all apps. 📱 Use a global search by pulling the screen down and entering Remote or Remote». ⚙️ Go to the screen settings and make sure that system applications are not hidden in Security mode». ⚠️ Note: If the application is not found when searching through the system bar, it may have been removed by the user earlier or not installed in your firmware version due to regional restrictions. It is also worth considering that on devices designed for the Chinese market, the application will be called “Mi Remote” with characters or an English name, but the functionality will remain the same. TV Or other analogues that can replace the native Xiaomi remote, in which case the search should be conducted among the installed Google services.
If there is no built-in app, the safest way to return it is to download from the official store. For global versions of smartphones, the Google Play store is intended, where the application is available under the name "Mi Remote" from developer Xiaomi Inc. This ensures the absence of viruses and compatibility with your device model. For users whose devices do not have Google services, or for Chinese versions of smartphones, there is a branded App Store GetApps (formerly Mi Apps). It is preinstalled on all Xiaomi phones and contains current versions of system utilities adapted to a specific model and Android version. 📊 Where do you usually look for apps?Google PlayGetApps (Mi Store)Third-party sites APKThe installation process is simple: type in the store search for “Mi Remote”, select the app with the Xiaomi logo and click “Install”. Once the download is complete, the shortcut will appear in the menu. It is important to make sure that you are downloading the original application, and not third-party analogues that may request unnecessary permissions. 📥 Open the Google Play Store or GetApps on your device. 🔎 Enter the search box for “Mi Remote Controller». ✅ Press the installation button and wait for the process to be completed. Universal remote from the official source will receive all the necessary drivers to work with the IR port of your smartphone. This is critically important, as third-party applications may not work properly with the hardware part of the device, especially with radiation frequencies.
Alternative sources and APK-In situations where the application is removed from the regional store or is not available in your country, the only way out is to install via the Internet. APK-This method requires caution, as installing programs from unknown sources can pose security risks, but proven resources allow you to safely return the functionality of the remote. To download the installation file, it is recommended to use authoritative archives such as APKPure or APKMirror.These sites verify the digital signatures of developers, which minimizes the risk of infection of the device. You will need to find the latest stable version of Mi Remote compatible with your Android version. How to allow installation from unknown sources? APK-The file system will issue a security warning. You need to click Settings in this window and allow installation for a specific browser or file manager. Once the source is installed, it is recommended to turn off this feature again to increase protection» → «Annexes» → «Access to special features" (or just follow the installer's prompts) to allow installation. Be careful: if an application requests access to contacts, microphone or geolocation, it is an alarm. ⚠️ Warning: Never download modified versions of Mi Remote with "Premium" or "No Ads" features from questionable forums.The original app is completely free and contains no intrusive ads.
After successfully installing the application, the setup stage begins. Mi Remote Xiaomi uses an infrared port located on the upper end of the smartphone to emulate the signals of conventional remotes. To get started, you need to add the device you plan to control. Launch the app and press the button «+» You will be asked to choose the type of equipment (TV, air conditioning, projector, etc.) and the manufacturer from a large list. The accuracy of brand definition is important, because the codes for different models of the same brand may differ. ☑️ Check the IR port Include IR port in settings: Point the phone on the equipment: Test buttons: Save configuration Completed: 0 / 1 Follow the instructions on the screen: the app will ask you to press a few buttons and confirm if the technique is responding. If the TV or air conditioner doesn't respond, try changing the encoding or choosing another manufacturer from the compatible list. The process can take a few minutes, but it provides maximum compatibility. Choose the device category and brand. Point the top of the phone to the signal receiver. Press the buttons in turn, confirming the reaction of the equipment. Save a profile with a convenient name, for example, "TV in the living room."
Modern Xiaomi models not only support IR control, but also control devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows you to control equipment even without direct visibility, which is impossible for an infrared port. To do this, your devices must support smart home protocols and be connected to the same network. In the Mi Remote or Mi Home application (which often goes in tandem), you can create scenarios. For example, with a single button to turn off the TV and lights, or start the air conditioner 15 minutes before you come home. This turns the smartphone into a powerful smart home control center. Connection type Direct visibility Required Range Compatibility Infrared port (IR) Yes up to 10 meters Old and new Wi-Fi technology No limits of the network of the router Smart TV, Bluetooth consoles No up to 15 meters Audio system, Zigbee lamps (through the gateway) No up to 30 meters Sensors, sockets 💡Combining infrared port and Wi-Fi allows you to create a universal remote control, controlling both old acoustics and the latest Smart TV.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the application is installed but does not see the infrared port or does not work with a certain device. Often the problem lies in physical obstacles or a case covering the emitter. Make sure the top end of the phone is clean and not closed. Another common cause is software version conflict. MIUI, The old version of Mi Remote may not work properly, in which case it helps to clean the app cache or reinstall it completely, and check if the IR port is disabled in the engineering menu or developer settings. 💡If the remote stopped working after the system update, try to remove the application updates through the application settings and install the current version again. The Mi Remote app itself sometimes has an option called “IR frequency” or “Carrier Frequency” hidden in its settings. Changing this setting from 38 kHz to 56 kHz (or vice versa) can “revive” the management of old appliances that do not perceive standard smartphone signals well. ⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party applications to calibrate the IR port if you are not sure of your actions. Incorrect settings can lead to overheating of the emitter or its software shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Mi Remote not in the Play Market?
This may be due to regional restrictions on your Google account or phone model: Try changing the region in the Play Market settings or use the GetApps store, which is preinstalled on Xiaomi devices.
Can I use Mi Remote on phones without an IR port?
Yes, but only for devices connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (Smart TV, set-top boxes) to control conventional equipment (air conditioners, old TVs) via IR signal, the presence of a port is physically necessary.
How to add your remote if the brand is not on the list?
Use the Search feature within the app or select Universal/Generic. the app will offer you to test a set of standard codes, one of which may be suitable for your device.
Does the Mi Remote work without the internet?
IR control doesn't require Internet, it's transmitted directly, and you need a network connection to download the codebase and update the application.
Is it safe to download? APK-remote?
It is only safe when downloaded from trusted resources like APKMirror. Files from unknown forums may contain malicious code, since the application has access to the system functions of the phone.