• The IR port is universal. Infrared port in smartphones: what is it for and how to use it

    In Chinese smartphone models manufacturer Xiaomi, released over the last 2-3 years, there is a built-in IrDA (infrared port), which performs partly very well important function. If 15 years ago this device was used to transmit data, then modern technologies use infrared radiation to control other equipment via a smartphone. The article describes the procedure on how to enable the IR port on Xiaomi and then use it to control various equipment.

    Xiaomi models with infrared port

    Once again, it’s worth saying that IrDA on phones from a Chinese manufacturer performs the only function of controlling other equipment, essentially replacing remote control. It is impossible to transmit data, as it was before, via IrDA.

    To date, an IR port has been installed on the following models from Xiaomi: Mi4, Mi4C, Mi5, Redmi Note 2, Redmi Note 3 (Pro), Redmi 3 (S). Other smartphones from the Chinese manufacturer can also perform the functions of a remote control via a Wi-Fi connection, but you can only control TVs on the MiTV platform and MiBox set-top boxes from Xiaomi. However, let’s move on to the main point, where we will describe the features of working with the IR port in Xiaomi smartphones.

    Mi Remote and remote control

    To use, for example, the infrared port on Xiaomi Mi4, you will need the Mi Remote program. With its help you can control: TVs, air conditioners, media players, as well as the above-mentioned devices from Xiaomi. Now let's look at how to enable and then correctly configure what we need software.

    Mi Remote is absolutely perfect free software, which is most often pre-installed by the manufacturer at the firmware stage. If for some reason this program is missing, you can download it from Google Play. It’s worth saying right away that when entering Mi Remote in the search, the user will not see this name directly, but the list will be headed by a program with the name from Chinese characters, under which the name of the developer “Xiaomi.Inc” will be visible.

    You need to download exactly the described application and don’t be afraid Chinese language, because after installation and opening the user will see Russian-language interface. If the program opened in another language, you can always find it on the Internet in Russian.

    Algorithm for working with Mi Remote

    Now let's look at how to use the downloaded application:

    If everything is done correctly, the result will be a control panel displayed on the screen with the main functional buttons. If this does not happen, you need to check the correct choice of device model, for which you can enter data about your equipment in a special window. It is quite possible that the selected projector/TV/player is simply not supported by this software.

    Bottom line

    Replace regular remote control remote control quite simple if you have at your disposal the “smartest” smartphone from Xiaomi. Who would have thought that the infrared port would find a second life and be used to organize remote control of the most different types technology. Now most of the media and household appliances can be connected using a single smartphone with built-in IrDA.

    We invite you to watch the video instructions for setting up the mi remote program.

    How to enable IR port on Xiaomi phone: step by step instructions. Application for IR port Mi Remote and its alternatives. What to do if there is no IR port?

    Our children will never know that once upon a time televisions were tube-based, and there was no way to control them remotely. To turn up the volume or change the channel, I had to get up from the couch every time. Today, there is no need for unnecessary movements; moreover, you can collect all the remote controls for consumer electronics in your smartphone, and put the plastic transmitters in a box and hide it in the closet (or take it out to the balcony).

    At this point it would be possible to make a remark that in order to implement the remote control function household appliances A smartphone should have an infrared port, but... in fact, this is not entirely true. If there is a 3.5 mm audio jack or at least microUSB, consider the remote control in your pocket. True, you will have to get an additional accessory, but this is not a problem - an external IR port for a TV can be bought for some 100-300 rubles.

    In this publication we will talk about how to enable the IR port for a TV using an example Xiaomi phones. The remote control of any household appliance in smartphones from other manufacturers can be configured in the same way. Especially for those who need detailed instructions We will prepare separate materials on setting up a port in Samsung or Huawei.

    Smartphones with IR port

    A built-in infrared port is found in almost all Xiaomi smartphones, not only in flagships, but also in budget and mid-segment models. You can find out whether your phone has an IR port or not in the specifications. By the way, in our database it is easy to select phones equipped with this function.

    • Go to .
    • In “Basic filters”, select the manufacturer you are interested in (in our example it is Xiaomi, but you can choose any brand).
    • Open additional filters and check the "Yes" option in the "IrDA only" filter.
    • Click the button New search" Ready!

    Additionally, you can change the table settings by selecting the “Communications” block or the “IrDA” item separately, but this is not necessary. The database search will work fine in any case, and you will get a list of phones with an IR port. If you want to see more models, after the first issue, click the “Add” button. If you are only interested budget phones, enable the “Price class” filter or manually set the price range in additional filters (Price: min, Price: max).

    How to enable Xiaomi IR port?

    So, we made sure that the smartphone has infrared transmitter, all that remains is to figure out how to turn on the IR port and configure it correctly. To turn any Xiaomi phone into a remote control, all you need is one proprietary utility called Mi Remote. This IR app is developed and supported by programmers Chinese company, so you can be sure of its compatibility with your smartphone.

    As a rule, the application for the IR port is already installed on your Xiaomi smartphone. Even if you have one that was released on a “bare” Android, Mi Remote is in it. And, by the way, it works successfully even with very old TVs, tested from personal experience.

    If for some reason unknown to us, applications for IR Xiaomi port your phone doesn't have it, you can download Mi Remote from Google Play. To do this, simply follow the link provided above. Log in to the page through your Google account and install free application to the phone.

    The Mi Remote IR app gives you the ability to control not only your TV, but any consumer electronics equipped with an IR port. This could be an air conditioner, audio system, projector, DVD player, robot vacuum cleaner or stereo system. The first step is to select the type of device for which you want to enable the remote control, then select the brand from the list provided.

    Go to the application for the infrared port, click the “+” icon in top corner screen, select the type of equipment and brand. There will be plenty of brands on the proposed list; it is extremely unlikely that your equipment will not be on it. There are LG, Samsung, Sony, Thompson, HiSense, Konka, Sharp, Haier, LeTV and even brands whose names we saw for the first time.

    Example. Do you want to enable the remote control via IR port? Samsung TV. First, select the type of device (TV) for which you need a remote control, and then the manufacturer (Samsung, Sony, or whatever you have). In the same way, we turn on the remote control for a split system, air conditioner or music center via the IR port.

    The next step is to turn on the TV, point the IR port at it and press the red button on the phone screen to read information about the configuration of the control system. You may have to repeat the procedure two or three times, this is normal.

    Next, you will be asked to check the IR port for the TV. To do this, you need to press the on/off button on the smartphone screen. Click. If everything is configured correctly, the TV will turn off. The application will ask you to confirm the device's response. After setting, the display will display a full-fledged remote control with all buttons. We recommend adding it to home screen for quick access.

    As you can see, turning on the remote control for consumer electronics via the IR port is very simple. And if you don't like it proprietary utility Mi Remote (for example, it may lack virtual buttons), you can install a universal application from third-party developers on your smartphone.

    IR Port Apps: Alternatives

    Enter the phrase “remote control” in the Google Play search bar. A search will return dozens of applications for remote control consumer electronics, most of which will be free.

    It's hard to say which app will appeal to you because, despite sharing basic functionality, they often differ greatly in details. One of best apps for the IR port it is considered ZaZa Remote. The program is absolutely free. Currently, more than 300,000 models of household appliances, from TVs to light bulbs and fans, and more than 8,000 brands are supported. If your equipment is suddenly not on the list, write to the developers, they will add it. You already know how to turn on the IR port using this application. The algorithm of actions is the same as when setting up the IR port via mi Remote.

    Another one of popular programs Sure Universal Remote, offers a built-in media player supporting all major formats and additional features in the form of direct transfer of media files (music, video) from a smartphone to SmartTV. If you have a regular TV at home, the function will not be useful, but if it is a “smart” one, it can be of great use.

    The disadvantage of the application is its relatively large weight and abundance of advertising. On the other hand, developers update the program, add new features, and offer it all for free. Considering all this, they can be forgiven for advertising.

    How to enable the infrared port if there is none?

    The question of how to turn on the infrared port if there is none may seem a little strange, but this is only at first glance. If your phone does not have a built-in port, the situation is easy to fix. We will prepare detailed material describing different IR transmitters, but for now we will tell you in general terms what kind of animal this is and what it is eaten with.

    An IR transmitter is a miniature accessory that looks like a keychain. The difference from a key fob is that it can emit infrared waves and connects to a smartphone. Connection is made via a 3.5mm audio jack or microUSB.

    Using such a transmitter, you can turn on the remote control for your TV or air conditioner via the IR port, even on a phone that is not equipped with infrared port. A very convenient thing, especially considering that such an accessory is inexpensive - you can buy it in Chinese online stores for a couple of hundred rubles, and some retailers will also offer you free shipping.

    That's all. If you can’t turn on the IR port on your Xiaomi smartphone, write in the comments, we will help you!

    Chinese Xiaomi company continues to occupy a leading position in many criteria and constantly pleases the public with interesting innovations, one of which is a built-in infrared port. Controlling household appliances using a smartphone is very simple and convenient, so many people wonder how to turn on the IR port on a Xiaomi phone and where is it located?

    NAVIGATION

    What is infrared and its advantages

    The IR port (Infrared port) is a kind of remote control that can be used by almost all modern devices. At the same time, there are no wires, no need to change batteries, and no individual charging is required.

    With IrDA you can:

    • Turn on/off the TV, change channels, adjust the volume, record programs.
    • Change the intensity of the air conditioner and the jet flow.
    • Work with DVD player, camera, portable speakers and even with kitchen appliances.

    You can forever forget about a bunch of extra remote controls, about the fear of losing them, about faulty or worn-out buttons. Most popular electronics brands are supported, starting fromSamsung and endingAsus. Thus, remote control will only bring pleasure and comfort.

    We are looking for the infrared port visually

    It should be immediately noted that IrDA is not present on all Xiaomi smartphones, which we will discuss below. In addition to the official characteristics and settings, you can simply visually determine the presence of this port, which is much faster.

    It is usually located near the headphone output (always at the top of the phone) and looks like a medium-sized black circle. Larger than the headphone compartment, but smaller than the main compartment.

    It’s quite easy for novice users to get confused, so the bottom line is this: you see three connectors on the side panel, which means you have an infrared port and are ready for use.

    List of Xiaomi phones with IR port

    List updated 05/10/2018

    Unfortunately, Xiaomi took care of implanting IrDA only in some smartphones, but the list is still extensive and includes the best, budget, high-quality models:

    • Redmi Note 2
    • Redmi Note 3 Pro
    • Redmi Note 5
    • Redmi 3S
    • Redmi 4A
    • Redmi 4X
    • Redmi 5 Pro
    • Redmi 5 Plus
    • Mi4 (all)
    • Mi5 (all)
    • Mi6 (all)
    • Xiaomi Mi A1

    Don't be upset if you don't find your smartphone on the list. Other phones can also act as a remote control via WiFi connection, but will only be effective in relation to TVs from MiTV and set-top boxes directly from Xiaomi (MiBox).

    How to enable IR port on Xiaomi smartphone

    Now let’s get down to the most important and basic thing – how exactly to use the “mobile remote control”. This will require special application – Mi Remote, which we partially discussed in the article “”.

    Do not forget that our website contains a separate article devoted to the operation of this program, its intricacies, advantages and disadvantages.

    The application is freely available for download on Google Play. Its main advantages:

    • It weighs a little. That is, internal memory will not take up much space and will not pollute;
    • Fast download and easy standard installation;
    • Simple and intuitive interface;
    • Russian language support. Moreover, most often the application is downloaded in Russian. Otherwise, you can always easily change this in the program settings.
    • Often pre-installed on the smartphone at the time of purchase. It is a program of basic specific firmware.

    Let's now start working with the infrared port:

    1. We go into the application, we immediately see white screen with orange or blue highlight.
    2. The software first asks you to select a remote control. This is the device you want to control. Click on the plus.
    3. A list of available electronics is displayed: TVs, players, fans, set-top boxes, etc. Select what you need.
    4. Next step: identify the manufacturer. For example, if you need to manage TV from LG, we find this company in the list. The choice is wide: there are both modern titans of the world market, and slightly forgotten companies of yesteryear, which have faded into the background in popularity and sales.
    5. When all the data is indicated, we point the port at the projector and first test the buttons, as indicated in the prompts on the screen. If everything was configured correctly, reading the information is successful.
    6. Now you can use your smartphone as a remote control. All the necessary function buttons are displayed on the phone screen.
    7. Didn't work out? Then we re-enter the data about the equipment in a special window and check it carefully.

    Unfortunately, it may be that your electronics simply do not support the ability to be controlled using a Xiaomi device.

    Video instructions

    Frequently asked questions

    I have Sony TV, released around 2008. Will it not be controlled remotely via a smartphone?

    A modern smartphone can be used not only for calls, SMS or communication on social media. networks and endless games. Did you know that any modern smartphone Can you turn it into a TV remote on Android?

    You and I live in a time when we have a telephone in our hands much more often than a TV remote control, even among the adult generation. So why not turn your smartphone or tablet into a TV remote control, which will also allow you to put your main remote control away in the deepest drawer of your dresser. And the number of control panels located on the sofa will decrease by at least one.

    Android smartphones, which can be called a complete alternative to television remote controls (hereinafter referred to as remote controls), are divided into two categories: those that use an infrared port (hereinafter referred to as IR), and those that use small device- Chromecast to control your TV.

    You can also install a special application on your smartphone to control your TV, if the latter has a LAN port or Wi-Fi.

    Now we will look at both of these options.

    Smartphone with built-in IR port

    Unfortunately, the IR ports in Android devices are on the verge of extinction. In the last 12 months alone, a number of flagship models smartphones, but only a few are equipped with an infrared port.

    For example, Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge still supported infrared, but the next flagships S7 and S7 Edge already No. IN HTC One M10 and Samsung Galaxy Note 5 IR ports were also consigned to the dustbin of history. But their Chinese counterparts do not disappoint with their devices. Xiaomi Mi5, Meizu Pro 6, Huawei P9 and others contain IR port.

    Smartphones that come with an IR blaster usually have an add-on operating system or separate application, which comes with your smartphone to control the IR port. But the functionality of such solutions leaves much to be desired. Therefore, if your smartphone has an infrared port, then I advise you to pay attention to the third option - install a third-party application.

    Here's a short review three best IR applications for Android.

    Third party apps for infrared

    1.Smart IR Remote

    Smart IR Remote supports approximately 900,000 various devices, making it the most widely used IR control application among its peers.

    In theory, the Smart IR Remote will work with any IR-compatible device in your home, so its usefulness goes beyond the limitations of just a TV remote. Using this application and a smartphone with an infrared port, you can also easily control domestic air conditioners, ceiling fans, Hi-Fi receivers and speaker systems, as well as digital SLR cameras.


    Smart IR Remote

    The application also works with a huge number Wi-Fi devices, For example, wireless speakers Sonos, Philips wireless lamps and Amazon Fire TV boxes.

    The Logitech Harmony Smart Control universal remote comes with a hub that connects to any TV or TV receiver. There is also a smartphone application that interacts with the hub. Those. in fact, even if you don’t need it universal remote control DU, then the application on the smartphone is very useful. From the application you can control channels, volume, modes and everything else.


    Logitech Harmony Smart Control

    According to Logitech device works with more than 270,000 devices, and the database is constantly growing. So you don't have to worry about wasted money. The remote control and hub will work for at least several years, or even more, without any problems with new gadgets and TVs equipped with IR.

    3. Roku TV and Google Chromecast vs Apple TV: the agony of choice

    Roku TV, Google Chromecast and Apple TV make up the lineup digital media players, focused primarily on viewing streaming content.

    Each of these multimedia devices is popular for its audience. It is impossible to single out a clear leader; each player has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, Apple TV is not able to give Android access users. And Roku TV and Google Chromecast will not be able to use the library on iTunes.

    With each of these multimedia players you can watch TV shows on your TV in high quality. A bonus is the ability to control the set-top box from a smartphone with an infrared port to configure it and switch channels, control the volume and other functions of the remote control.


    The cost of Apple TV is 99 $ or 6,500 rubles. on Yandex.Market.

    Roku TV starts at $80 for the HD version on the official website.

    The cost of Google Chromecast starts from 3890 rubles. for the version without hard drive on Yandex.Market.

    These are not cunning ways available to every owner of a smartphone with an infrared port who wants to control a TV, air conditioner and others household appliances, equipped with an IR receiver. If you are really tired of having several remote controls in your house or apartment that you can’t find when you need them, then turn your Android smartphone into a universal remote control for all these devices.

    Each of us has household appliances at home that are controlled remotely, which is very convenient, but as luck would have it, the remote control always gets lost somewhere. A familiar situation isn't it?

    On average, each family has 3-4 remote controls, for example for a TV, tuner, air conditioner, player or stereo system. Even such a small number creates confusion, and it becomes more difficult to determine which one is for what. How often have you had to spend a lot of time searching the desired remote control, and must have had to deal with its failure, due to which the use of the equipment ceases to be possible or is very limited.

    To make your life much easier in such a situation, you should get a smartphone or tablet with a built-in infrared port, which will become a universal tool for controlling various household appliances. Abundance of devices supporting this technology not much yet, but even this is enough to choose a suitable device from different price categories.

    With IR, you can easily take control of all your home electronics. You no longer have to look for a remote control for your TV or air conditioner; all of them can be easily replaced by your smartphone. This applies to electrical appliances of friends and acquaintances, the discreet control of which can make you laugh a lot. However, true pleasure awaits you in cafes or bars, where you no longer need to ask to turn down the volume several times music player or change the TV channel, because you can do all this yourself.


    To start using it, you don’t need to activate anything in the settings first; you just need to launch the application through which all operations will be carried out. In it, among the proposed options, you will need to select the type of electrical appliance, make and model. This is necessary so that the control is correct, and the process itself is performed once for each device and does not take much time. As for the program, in some smartphones and tablets the manufacturer installs it in advance, but if it suddenly turns out that it is not there or you don’t like the functionality, you can always find another one on Google Play.

    Today, the application store contains many types of software, such as Universal Remote TV, Remote Control Pro, Smartphone Remote Control, etc., thanks to which you can remotely control various household appliances. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages, mainly in the form of advertising display.

    To summarize, I would like to note that the IR port itself does not require regular power consumption, and its presence does not oblige you to use it. If you purchased a gadget in which it is built-in, but for some reason you don’t want to use it, or don’t know where to use it, then it won’t be any worse and perhaps it will definitely come in handy in the future.

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