Infrared port in Xiaomi smartphones: why it is needed and how to use it in 2026

Ever wonder why some Xiaomi smartphones still have an infrared port when most manufacturers have long since abandoned it? In the age of smart speakers and IoT apps, that little black eye on the top of the device seems an anachronism. But in practice, the infrared port at Xiaomi remains one of the most versatile tools for managing household appliances, from air conditioners to old TVs.

In this article, we will explore what real problems the infrared port solves in 2026, what Xiaomi models support it, and why even owners of flagship devices without an IR module sometimes regret its absence.

What is an infrared port and how does it work in smartphones

Infrared (IR) port is a module that sends and receives signals in the infrared range (wavelength) ~940 nm) In smartphones, it is used to emulate remote controls, repeating commands that a physical remote from a TV, air conditioner or music center would normally send.

Technically, the process looks like this:

1. You select a type of equipment (for example, a Samsung TV) in the Mi Remote app.
2. The smartphone downloads from the cloud a database of codes for this model.
3. When you click on a virtual button (for example, “Enable”), the IR port sends a modulated signal with a certain frequency and pause.
4. The technique recognizes the signal as a command from the native remote and performs the action.

The main advantage of IR before Wi-Fi/Bluetooth — It's compatible with old technology, even if your TV is released in the 2005 The chances that Xiaomi will be able to manage it are 90%+. Smart speakers like Google Nest or Amazon Echo often require you to connect to the same Wi-Fi network, which is impossible for devices without smart features.

Xiaomi models equipped with an IR port in 2026

Unfortunately, even Xiaomi is gradually abandoning the IR modules in the flagship series. for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi. K70 The Pros no longer have this feature. However, in the Redmi Note lineups, POCO The port is maintained in budget models, often as a key competitive advantage.

The current list of Xiaomi models with an IR port (as of June 2026):

To check if your model has an IR port, look at the top of the case -- there's a small black round module. → Connected devices → Infrared port. If there's no point, there's no port.

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If your model does not have an IR port, but it is critically needed, consider buying Xiaomi. IR Blaster 2 - external IR adapter, connected by USB-C. It's worth it. ~1 500 ₽ It works with any smartphone.

Why you need an IR port: 7 real use cases

Many users mistakenly think that the infrared port is only for controlling a TV, but in fact, it is much more than possible. Here are 7 practical tasks that it can do better than any smart speaker:

• 📺 Managing old TVs (including CRT models of the 90s) without HDMI-CEC.
• ❄️ Control of air conditioners/split systems with precise temperature and mode settings.
• 🎶 Replacement of the remote for music centers and receivers (for example, Sony) STR-DH590).
• 💡 Controlling light through IR switches (e.g. Xiaomi Aqara or BroadLink).
• 📼 Work with projectors (inclusion, switching sources, picture correction).
• 🔊 Customize soundbars without the original remote (for example, JBL Bar 5.1).
• 🚗 Car multimedia management (if the system supports IR, as in some Pioneer systems).

IR port is especially useful in rented accommodation or hotels, where there is no point in setting up a smart home, but you need to quickly make friends with local equipment.

1. Take a picture of the air conditioning remote in the room.
2. Add it to Mi Remote via the Learning function.
3. Control the climate from a smartphone without getting out of bed.

Step-by-step: how to set up an IR port on Xiaomi

To start using the IR port, you just need the standard Mi Remote app (pre-installed on all models with a port), if it is not available, download it from Google Play or AppGallery.

Step 1: Adding a device

1. Open Mi Remote. → press "+" top-right.
2. Select a category (for example, "TV").
3. Specify the brand (if yours is not, select “Other” and use the learning feature).
4. Point your smartphone to the technique and test the buttons.

Step 2: Set up popular teams

For convenience, add widgets of frequently used devices to the home screen:

1. Hold your finger in the free space of the desktop → "Widgets".
2. Find Mi Remote and drag and drop the widget (like "Quick Commands").
3. Select the device (for example, "TV Viewer") LG") and buttons (Power, Volume, Source).

Step 3: Training non-standard remotes

If your equipment is rare (such as Chinese Gree air conditioner), use the training feature:

1. In Mi Remote, select "Training" → "Add the device".
2. Follow the instructions on the screen, directing the original remote to the smartphone.
3. Save your profile and give it a name.

1. whether it has a protective film (a frequent problem after purchase).

2. whether the battery charge is sufficient (at a discharge below 15%, the IR may be turned off).

3. Does the smartphone overheat (at a temperature above 40)°C port is locked).-->

Hidden IR Port Functions You Didn't Know About

Most users are limited to the basic features of Mi Remote, but the IR port in Xiaomi can do much more. Here are 5 life hacks that will take your experience to the next level:

• 🔄 Macros for chains of command, for example, with one button you can turn on the TV, switch it to the TV. HDMI1, You can start Netflix and turn it up 50 percent" → "Create" → add a sequence of commands.
• 📱 Control from another smartphone. If you have two Xiaomi devices (such as the main smartphone and the spare), you can use one as a remote for the other via Mi Share (set up IR over Bluetooth).
• 🎮 Some retro emulator games (such as Dolphin for Wii) support IR control as an alternative to sensors.
• 🔍 IR test. Download the app. IR Remote Tester from Google Play – it will show you what signals your remote is sending (useful for troubleshooting diagnostics).
• 🔌 Automation with Tasker. Advanced users can associate IR commands with triggers (for example, send a signal to turn on the air conditioner when the smartphone connects to home Wi-Fi).

Another little-known trick is using an IR port to diagnose a device, for example, if your air conditioner doesn't respond to the remote, point your smartphone at the receiver and check if the indicator is on when you send a command. If not, the problem is in the air conditioner control unit, if it's on, the remote is defective.

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Create a separate folder in Mi Remote for emergency commands, such as an air conditioner defrosting button or resetting your TV settings, which will save time if the original remote breaks.

Problems with IR port: causes and solutions

Even in new Xiaomi smartphones, the IR port can malfunction.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the IR port settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Remote → "Warehouse" → "Clear the data".
3. Reboot your smartphone and reset the port.

⚠️ Warning: Do not point the IR port at your eyes or skin from close range (less than 20 cm).While infrared radiation from your smartphone is safe, prolonged exposure to powerful IR sources (e.g. industrial sources) can cause retinal burns.

Alternatives to the IR port: what to do if it is not in the smartphone

If your Xiaomi model doesn't have an IR port, don't despair. Here are 4 working alternatives:

• 📱 External IR adapter. Devices like Xiaomi IR Blaster 2 or BroadLink RM4 Pro connect to the USB-C/Bluetooth And they emulate the port. 1 000 ₽.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Smart remotes (Logitech Harmony, Xiaomi Mi Remote Pro) control technology over the network, but require compatible devices.
• 🔌 Smart sockets with IR, for example, Xiaomi Aqara Smart Plug + The IR module may include a schedule technique.
• 🤖 Voice assistants: Alice, Google Assistant, or Siri can manage some devices through cloud services (but not with all brands).

The most universal option is BroadLink RM4 Pro. He's supportive:

• IR control (as the original port in the smartphone),
• RF-signals (for roller, gate),
• Integration with Home Assistant, Yandex Alice and Google Home

The downside is that you're dependent on a third-party device, so if the adapter dies or breaks, you're left without control, whereas the built-in IR port in your smartphone is always on hand.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the IR port in Xiaomi