Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication — they have become versatile devices for managing a smart home. One of the most useful features that many users underestimate is the ability to use the phone as a remote control for TVs, air conditioners, music centers and even some household appliances. If your Redmi, POCO or flagship Mi model is equipped with an infrared port (IR), you can forget about a handful of remotes on the table and control all the equipment through one app.
In this article, we will discuss how to activate the IR port on Xiaomi phones, configure the Mi Remote app, add new devices and fix typical connection problems. We will focus on the hidden features of the application that allow you to control equipment from other brands (including Samsung, LG, Sony) without the original remotes. You will also learn which models of smartphones support this feature, and what to do if the IR port is absent.
What Xiaomi phones support the remote control function
Not all Xiaomi smartphones have an infrared port, a feature common to mid-range and premium devices released before 2022. Recent models (such as the Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12) often lack an infrared port for the sake of thin body and space saving.
- 📱 Flagship series: Mi 9/10/11, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro (only some modifications), Black Shark (game models).
- 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 8/9/10/11 Pro, Redmi K30/K40, POCO F3/F4 GT.
- 📱 Budget models: Redmi 9A/9C (not all versions), POCO M3/M4 Pro.
To check for an IR port on your device, check the top of the case — there should be a small black or silver round connector (usually next to the front camera). You can also go to Settings → Connected devices → Infrared port. If there is no point, your phone does not support function.
⚠️ Warning: Starting in 2023, Xiaomi is actively abandoning infrared ports in new models. If you plan to buy a smartphone specifically for control equipment, check the presence of the port in the specifications or choose models before 2022 release.
| Model phone | Availability of an IR port | Support for Mi Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | ✅ Yes. | Complete. |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Complete. |
| POCO X3 Pro | ❌ No. | Partial (only via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | ❌ No. | Limited. |
| Black Shark 4 | ✅ Yes. | Complete. |
Installation and configuration of the Mi Remote application
The main tool for managing equipment through Xiaomi’s phone is the Mi Remote app (also known as Mi Remote Controller), which is pre-installed on most devices, but if it’s not available, download from Google Play or the Mi App Store.
After installation, follow the following steps:
- Open Mi Remote and provide all the permissions you have requested (camera, location, files).
- Click Add the device at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the category of equipment (for example, TV, Air Conditioning, Projector).
- Specify the brand of the device from the list (if your brand is not, select Universal).
- Follow the instructions on the screen to test the buttons.
If the app doesn't recognize your technique, try hand-picking the codes.
- In the device add menu, select Manual input.
- Specify the type of equipment and brand (even if it is not in the list, choose a close alphabet).
- Press Test buttons and check the reaction of the device until you find a working option.
Check for an IR port on your phone
Update the Mi Remote app to the latest version
Place the phone at a distance of 1-3 meters from the equipment
Make sure there are no obstacles (glasses, mirrors)
Connect your phone to charge (for long-term setup)-->
Controlling TV with Xiaomi phone
TVs are the most popular technique for controlling via Xiaomi remote. Mi Remote app supports most brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, and even some Smart TVs on Android TV.
- 📺 Older TV models (before 2015) may require manual code selection.
- 📺 Smart TV with Wi-Fi (e.g. Xiaomi Mi TV) can be controlled not only over IR but also over a local area network.
- 📺 Voice-controlled TVs (e.g., LG ThinQ) may conflict with Mi Remote.
To connect:
- Turn on the TV manually (if it is turned off).
- In Mi Remote, select the Television → [Your brand].
- Press the test, the app will send a signal to turn on. If the TV responds, save the settings.
- If there is no reaction, try other codes from the list or select Universal TV.
After successful connection, you will be able to:
- 🔄 Switch channels and adjust volume.
- 📶 Manage Smart TV- functions (if Android TV TV).
- 🎮 Use the phone as a gaming joystick (in some models).
⚠️ Warning: Some Samsung and LG TVs block third-party remotes through firmware updates. If the Mi Remote stopped working after the TV update, try resetting the TV to factory settings or using alternative apps (such as Unified Remote).
Control of air conditioning, fan and other climate equipment
Air conditioners, heaters and fans are the second most popular category for control via Xiaomi remote, and there are difficulties: many climate systems use proprietary protocols that are not always correctly recognized by Mi Remote. However, for most brands (Gree, Midea, Daikin, Panasonic) there are ready profiles.
Instructions for setting:
- In Mi Remote, select Air Conditioning.
- Specify the brand (if not, select Universal).
- Follow the hints: the app will suggest turning on the air conditioner for cooling/heating for testing.
- If there is no reaction, try other codes or add the device manually through Add by Code.
Features of climate engineering management:
- ❄️ Temperature and mode (Cool/Heat/Fan) are adjusted via the sliders in the app.
- 🌀 The direction of the airflow (blinds) is controlled by separate buttons.
- ⏱️ On/off timesers are available in advanced settings.
If your air conditioner does not respond to commands, check:
- 🔋 Is the phone charged (the IC port requires sufficient power).
- 📶 Are there any interference from other IR devices (e.g., remote lamps)?
- 🔄 Has the Mi Remote app been updated to the latest version?
How to add air conditioning without a brand in the list?
Alternative ways to control equipment without an IR port
If your Xiaomi phone doesn't have an IR port, it doesn't mean you can't use it as a remote. There are several alternative methods:
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth control: Many smart TVs and smart devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart Fire TV) support local area network connectivity.
USB-IC adapters:
BroadLink RM4 Pro
OTG
Voice assistants:
Google Assistant
Alice.
For Wi-Fi control:
- Install the Mi Home app (if you have Xiaomi appliances) or Google TV (for Android TV).
- Sign in and add the device via Add → [Category of Technology].
- Follow the instructions on the screen for synchronization.
Advantages of Wi-Fi management:
- 🌍 Works at any distance (within the network).
- 🔄 Supports advanced features (e.g., streaming from phone to TV).
- 📱 Does not require direct visibility of the device.
⚠️ Warning: Wi-Fi control can be delayed for 1-2 seconds due to network lags. For instantaneous response (e.g., for gaming), it is better to use an IR port or Bluetooth.
Advanced Mi Remote features: timers, macros and voice control
Mi Remote hides some useful features that many users don’t know about, and here are the most valuable ones:
- ⏱️ On/off timers: You can program the TV or air conditioner to turn off automatically after a given time, for example, to turn off the TV 30 minutes after falling asleep.
- 🔄 Macros (chain of command): Create a script that turns on the TV at a single click, switches to the right channel, and sets the volume. It's convenient for a home theater.
- 🎤 Voice control: Some versions of the Mi Remote have Google Assistant integrated to allow you to control voice techniques (e.g., say, "OK Google, turn on the TV").
- 📱 Home Screen Widget: Add the Mi Remote widget for quick access to frequently used devices.
How to set up a macro:
- Open Mi Remote and go to the Smart Home → Macros.
- Click Create a macro and add devices (e.g. TV + sound bar).
- Record the sequence of commands (enable TV → select HDMI- input → turn on the soundbar).
- Save the macro and assign it a name (e.g., "Cinema").
To set the timer:
- Select the device in Mi Remote.
- Press three points (⋮) top-right.
- Select a timer and set a time to act.
💡
If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, turn this feature on in your TV settings, then one tap on the Mi Remote remote will automatically turn on both the sound bar and the media player.
Solving typical Mi Remote problems
Even after you set up correctly, Mi Remote can crash, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Remote does not respond to commands | The IR port is contaminated or covered with a cover | Wipe the port with an alcohol napkin, remove the case |
| Not all buttons work. | Incorrectly selected device code | Try a different profile or add the device manually |
| Delay in sending commands | Weak IR signal or interference | Bring the phone closer to the device, eliminate sources of IR radiation |
| App flies out | An outdated version of Mi Remote | Update the app through Google Play |
| The air conditioner does not respond to temperature | Incompatible protocol | Use a universal profile or alternative application |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- 🔄 Reinstall Mi Remote.
- 📱 Check the operation of the IR port through test applications (for example, IR Tester).
- 📋 Contact Xiaomi with the phone model and technology.
💡
If Mi Remote stopped working after the phone upgrade, try rolling back the app version or installing an APK from a third-party source (such as APKMirror).