Xiaomi’s keychain app: purpose, setup and hidden features

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often notice a pre-installed app called “Brelok” (or Mi Key in global versions), which many users ignore, believing that it is exclusively for physical accessories, which are rarely found on sale, but the functionality of this utility is much broader and directly related to the ecosystem of the smart home and automation of processes.

It's basically a software gateway that allows your phone to respond to external triggers, and it can be pressing a button on a physical key fob, touching it. NFC-tags or even script running software. MIUI It allows you to turn your smartphone into a universal remote control, saving time on routine operations. Understanding the principles of this module opens up access to advanced automation scenarios that are not available in the standard settings menu.

In this article, we'll go into the architecture of the app, how to connect different types of tags, and look at practical examples of use, how to get a phone to perform complex actions at a single touch or tap, and it's not just a toy, it's a powerful productivity tool.

Main purpose and compatibility with devices

The main purpose of the application is to mediate between the physical action of the user and the software response of the system, historically it was created to work with the Xiaomi Mi Key accessory, which was connected through a 3.5 mm connector. Today, when the jack connector disappeared from the flagships, the role of the physical trigger took over. NFC-Labels and software emulators: The system recognizes the event and triggers a predefined algorithm of actions.

The modern version of the utility is deeply integrated into the shell MIUI It's running in the background, waiting for a signal from the module. NFC It's important to note that you don't have to buy original accessories to work properly, but it supports standard communication protocols, making it compatible with most of the available technology. NFC-The universality of the protocol allows the use of cheap stickers or fobs from third-party manufacturers.

The app's functionality goes beyond just launching apps. It can change system settings, control media playback, send messages, or activate Do Not Disturb modes. This makes it an indispensable tool for drivers who can't safely interact with their smartphone screen while driving. You can program one tap of a tag to turn on the navigator, Bluetooth, and hands-free at the same time.

⚠️ Note: For the correct operation of the NFC-Make sure that the short-range module is activated in your smartphone settings. Without this, the application will not be able to read external triggers.

In addition, the app is closely linked to Xiaomi’s IoT platform, which means that keychain can control not only your phone, but also connected devices in your apartment. For example, touching a tag at the front door can turn off the lights in the hallway and put the alarm on guard. Cross-platform solutions allow you to create scenarios that combine different devices into a single chain of action.

How to connect and configure a physical key fob or tag

The setup process depends on the type of trigger used. If you use a classic Mi Key plugged in via an audio jack (for older models), the system usually recognizes it automatically when you first connect. You will need to go to the application settings and assign actions for single, double and triple taps. The flexibility of the setup allows you to assign up to three different scenarios to a single physical object.

For users of modern smartphones without a 3.5 mm connector, the setting is relevant NFC-The process is as follows: first you need to purchase a compatible NFC-label NTag213 or NTag215). Then, in the application, "Brelok" selects the mode of adding a new device, the phone goes to standby mode and reads the unique ID of the tag when you hold it, and then you assign an action that will be performed when you touch it.

• 📱 Open the “Blockchain” or “Mi Key” app in the settings menu.
• 🏷️ Click the “Add Fob” or “Add Mark” button».
• 📡 Put it in. NFC-tag to the back of the smartphone (usually at the top) for reading.
• ⚙️ Select the action from the list: launch the application, call, SMS complex.

It's important to place the label correctly if you're planning to stick it on a permanent basis. NFC-Xiaomi has different antenna levels, so it's better to use special test tags to pinpoint the location, or just experiment with different areas of the back cover. After successful pairing, the system will remember the tag and will react to it even when the screen is turned off.

Creating automation scenarios in the application

The most powerful feature of the application is the ability to create complex scenarios that go beyond just running programs. In the key fob settings menu, you can find the item “Smart scenarios” or “Automation”. Here you can combine several actions into one sequence. For example, the scenario “In the car” can include: activation of Bluetooth, launching the navigator, turning on the “Do not disturb” mode and starting music playback in the media library.

For advanced users, integration with other system services is available. You can set the fob to send your current location to the contact in the messenger at triple pressing. Or program it to create a screenshot and save it to a separate folder. The scripting logic allows you to set the execution conditions, although the basic functionality of the application is focused on direct action on the trigger.

So let's take an example of a scenario setting for sleep, and you can create a sleep tag that, when you touch it at night, puts your phone in flight mode, sets your alarm at 7:00, turns off the screen, and starts the white noise track. In the morning, if you touch it again, or you take a timer, the phone will go back to normal, and that eliminates the need to do 5-6 manual operations every evening.

Remember that complex scenarios can consume more CPU resources at runtime. However, since activation is rare (by event), the effect on battery autonomy is negligible, and the main thing is to avoid cyclical scenarios that can run themselves.

Use of the NFC-tags instead of physical buttons

The physical Mi Key buttons are gone, NFC-Labels have become the de facto standard for interacting with the keychain app, and these tiny chips are inexpensive and can be disguised as anything from a refrigerator sticker, keychain, or even sewn into a smartphone case. NFC before physical buttons are obvious: no mechanical wear, water resistance and reprogramming ability.

You don't need special recorder apps to work with tags if you're using native Xiaomi functionality. However, if standard functionality is not enough, you can use third-party utilities to initially record. NDEF-messages, although for triggers of "Brelok" is often enough just the fact of reading ID tagging the system. NFC It operates at a very short distance (up to 10 cm), which eliminates accidental activation in the pocket.

There are several popular label form factors that are convenient to use with Xiaomi:

• 🔵 Coin stickers – ideal for sticking to the back panel of the case or on working surfaces.
• 🔑 Fobs in a plastic case - convenient to carry with you on a bunch of keys, protected from water and shocks.
• 📇 Maps of format ISO — You can carry in your wallet along with your bank cards, imitating a regular plastic card.

When selecting tags, pay attention to their memory. For simple application launch triggers, a minimum memory is enough (for example, 144 bytes at a time). NTag213). If you plan to record on a label URL-Wi-Fi addresses or business cards, it is better to choose models with a large volume, such as: NTag215 or NTag216. The app “Brelok” primarily responds to the UID (unique identifier), so the memory capacity of the label itself for baseline scenarios is not critical.

⚠️ Warning: Metal surfaces can shield the signal NFC. If you stick a label on a metal base (for example, a car panel), be sure to use a special ferrite substrate (anti-metal sticker), otherwise the phone will not be able to read it.

Comparison of features: Mi Key vs. NFC-marker

Users often ask if there is a difference in functionality between the good old Mi Key and modern ones. NFC-So from the end user's point of view, the difference is minimal, but there are technicalities, and the physical button is tactile, and it doesn't require you to bring your phone to the subject, which is more convenient in blind mode. NFC, In turn, it requires precise positioning, but provides more visual options.

Below is a detailed table comparing these two approaches to smartphone management:

As you can see from the table, NFC-Labels are winning in versatility and durability. They don't depend on a particular connector in a smartphone. Xiaomi's ecosystem is gradually shifting its focus to wireless protocols. However, for people with visual or motor impairments, a physical button remains a more preferred option due to tactile feedback.

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Buy it. NFC-tagging 5-10 They cost a penny, but they allow you to place triggers around the house: by the bed, on the desktop, in the car and at the front door.

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting

Despite the simplicity, users can face problems with setting up, the most common of which is the phone can't see the tag, 90% of the time it's the case, if you use a thick silicone case or a metal plate case for a magnetic holder in a car, the range of NFC is reduced to zero, the coating thickness should not exceed 3-5 mm for confident reading.

The second common problem is application conflict: If you have multiple NFC programs installed (like banking apps or transport cards), they can intercept the signal, so you can go to the NFC settings and check application priority, or temporarily turn off Pay via NFC (HCE) while you set up your fob, and rebooting the NFC module through the Quick Access menu also helps.

Sometimes the application "Brelok" may not run in the background due to the aggressive energy savings MIUI.

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity.
• 🔍 Find the app “Brelok” or “Mi Key” in the list».
• 🛡️ Select the mode of operation "Without restrictions».
• 🔒 Lock the application in the menu of running tasks (lock) so that the system does not unload it from memory.

If the tag is read but the action is not executed, check the access rights. An application may require permission to access contacts (for calls), geolocation (for maps), or a microphone. These requests often appear when the script is first set up, and randomly banning them blocks the execution of the command. Carefully read pop-ups when creating a new rule.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to format NFC-tags through third-party programs if they are already set up as Xiaomi triggers.This could reset their unique ID, And you'll have to reconfigure all the scripts in the application "Brelok" again.

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The stable operation of the application depends on the correct power saving settings. Be sure to add a utility to the battery exceptions so that the scenarios are executed even after a long downtime of the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)