Modern smartphones of the Redmi brand have long turned into universal remote controls that can replace dozens of individual devices. Owners of Xiaomi devices often do not even suspect that the built-in infrared port or capabilities of the Wi-Fi protocol allow you to instantly take control of your home appliances. You no longer need to look for a lost remote control between the sofa cushions or buy batteries at the most inopportune moment.
The functionality of the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem makes the setup process intuitive even for beginners. All you need to do is download the standard application, select the manufacturer of your TV receiver and carry out a simple calibration. However, depending on the TV model and smartphone firmware version, connection methods may differ significantly. In this article we will analyze in detail all the methods, from the classic IR signal to advanced control through a smart home.
Checking the presence of an infrared port on your Redmi
First of all, you need to make sure the technical capabilities of your gadget. Most Redmi models, especially the mid-range and budget segment, are equipped with built-in IR blaster. This is a hardware module, usually located on the top end of the case next to the noise-canceling microphone or headphone jack. It is this that allows you to emulate the signals of a regular remote control without the need to connect to one Wi-Fi network.
If you are not sure whether your model has this function, look at the specifications on the official website or inspect the top edge of the device. The presence of a small black glass of round or oval shape almost always indicates the presence of a transmitter. Older models of the Mi series and some Redmi Note flagships may lack this module for the sake of moisture protection or design, so checking is critical before starting setup.
For quick diagnostics, you can use third-party utilities from the Play Market that read data about available hardware. However, the most reliable way is to try to launch a system application. If the phone supports the technology, the app will launch and prompt you to select a device. Otherwise, the system will report the absence of the necessary equipment.
⚠️ Attention: The infrared port only works within line of sight. There should be no obstacles between the phone and the TV receiver, since IR rays do not go around corners and do not pass through furniture.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the device
Setting up a universal remote control via the Mi Remote application
Standard application Mi Remote (Mi Remote) is pre-installed on all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones with MIUI shell. It is an aggregator of code databases for thousands of equipment models from different manufacturers. To get started, open the app and click the add a new device button, usually indicated by the “plus” symbol in the interface.
In the list of categories that appears, select “TV”. Next, the system will ask you to indicate the brand of your device. Select a manufacturer from the list, such as Samsung, LG, Sony or Philips. After this, an interface with control buttons and a question about whether the TV responds to pressing will appear on the screen. You will be prompted to press the virtual power button.
If the TV turns off or makes a confirmation beep, press Yes. If there is no response, the application will automatically try the next code from the database. This process may take several minutes, since for one brand there are many different signal encryption protocols depending on the model year.
After successfully selecting the code, the system will prompt you to save the configuration and give it a name, for example, “TV in the living room.” This will allow you to quickly switch between multiple devices if you control equipment in different rooms. In the remote control settings, you can also add a widget to the desktop for quick access to basic functions without launching the full application.
If automatic enumeration of codes does not produce results, try selecting the “Other” or “Generic” brand from the list. Often, standard sets of commands are suitable for little-known Chinese TV brands.
Managing Smart TV via a single Wi-Fi network
If your TV supports Smart TV technology and is connected to the same wireless network as your smartphone, you can use more advanced control methods. In this case, the signal is transmitted not through the infrared port, but through a network protocol. This provides additional capabilities, such as entering text from the phone keyboard, voice control and broadcasting media files.
To implement this scenario, an application Google Home or proprietary utilities from TV manufacturers, such as Samsung SmartThings or LG ThinQare often used. The principle of operation is to detect a device on the local network. After finding the TV, you must authorize it by confirming the pairing on the screen of the TV receiver itself using its standard remote control.
The advantage of Wi-Fi control is that there is no need to point the phone strictly at the screen. You can control playback from the kitchen or another room while the signal passes through the router. In addition, this method allows you to use the phone as a touchpad to navigate the Smart TV menu, which is much more convenient than button control.
| Connection method | Required equipment | Range | Additional. functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared (IR) | IR port in the phone | Direct visibility (up to 10 m) | Only basic commands |
| Wi-Fi Direct / LAN | Router, Smart TV | Within network coverage | Voice, text, media |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth module | Up to 10-15 meters | Low latency |
⚠️ Attention: When controlling via Wi-Fi, it is critical that both devices are located on the same subnet. If you have a guest network configured for phones, it may block access to local devices, including the TV.
Integration with the Google Home and Assistant ecosystem
Redmi owners can significantly expand the functionality by linking the TV to a Google account. This allows you to issue voice commands through the built-in assistant. The phrase “Okay, Google, turn on the TV” or “Switch to the first channel” will be executed instantly if the device linking is correctly configured.
To activate this function, go to the application Google Home on your smartphone. Click the plus sign in the corner of the screen and select “Set up device.” The system will begin searching for compatible equipment on your network. Once the TV is found, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking to your account.
Once configured, you will be able to create automation scripts. For example, the command “I'm home” can simultaneously turn on the lights in the room, start the TV and open the YouTube application. This turns ordinary TV viewing into part of a smart home, controlled from one central hub - your Redmi phone.
What to do if Google Home does not see the TV?
Make sure that the network discovery feature is turned on on the TV (often called DLCN, Anyview Cast, or simply “Device Connection”). Also check whether the router's firewall is blocking the mDNS protocols necessary for detecting devices on the local network.
Solving connection and synchronization problems
Often users are faced with a situation where the phone stops seeing the TV or commands are executed with a delay. The first step is to check for software updates on both your smartphone and TV. Outdated IR drivers or network protocols may cause compatibility conflicts.
If you are using IR, make sure there are no bright light sources such as incandescent lamps or direct sunlight in the signal path. A powerful light flux can “clog” the infrared receiver of the TV, making it insensitive to remote control commands. Try moving closer to the device or changing the angle of the phone.
If you have problems with the Wi-Fi connection, try rebooting the router. Often static IP addresses get confused and devices lose the ability to “see” each other. It also makes sense to forget the network on the TV and reconnect by entering the password.
90% of connection problems are solved by simply rebooting the router and updating the Mi Remote application to the latest version through the GetApps or Google Play store.
Additional features and hidden functions
The Mi Remote application on Redmi hides the capabilities which not all users know about. In addition to controlling power and volume, you can configure macros - sequences of commands executed with one click. For example, one button can turn on the TV, switch the input to HDMI 1 and launch a specific application.
Some models allow you to use your phone as a mouse to control the cursor on the Smart TV screen. This is especially convenient when surfing the TV browser or selecting movies in online cinemas. Activation of this function usually occurs automatically when connected via Wi-Fi, but may require enabling a special mode in the TV settings.
It is also worth noting the ability to create shortcuts for quickly changing signal sources. If you often switch between a digital antenna, set-top box, and game console, place these buttons on the main application screen. This will save time and eliminate the need to delve into deep settings menus.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of functions in the Mi Remote application may differ depending on the MIUI or HyperOS firmware version. If you do not find the described option, check for system updates in the “About phone” section.
How to create a backup copy of the remote control settings?
Unfortunately, there is no built-in function for exporting remote control configurations to the cloud in the standard application. If you reset your phone to factory settings, you will have to select the codes again. It is recommended to take screenshots of the final setup screen with the model name and code, if displayed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to control the TV if the Internet on your phone is dead?
Yes, if you use the infrared port (IR blaster). This method does not require an Internet connection or Wi-Fi, as the signal is transmitted directly from the phone to the TV receiver. However, for the initial setup and downloading the code base, you will need the Internet.
Why does the Mi Remote application not work on my Redmi?
Most likely, your smartphone model is not equipped with a hardware infrared port. Check the device specifications. If there is no port, you can only control Smart TV via Wi-Fi using third-party applications from the TV manufacturer or Google Home.
How to add a TV control function to the volume button?
In the standard MIUI firmware there is no such function. However, there are third-party applications from the Play Market that allow you to reassign physical volume buttons to control the infrared port, but this requires root access or special permissions.
Will the remote control work if the TV is unplugged?
No, the TV needs standby power for the infrared receiver to work. If the device is completely de-energized (the cord is unplugged), it will not be able to receive the power-on signal. The plug must remain in the socket.
Is it possible to use the phone as a remote control for an old CRT TV?
Yes, this is possible, provided that your Redmi has an IR port and the TV is controlled by an infrared remote control. The age of the TV does not matter, only the type of signal is important. The Mi Remote application contains code bases for very old models.