Like with other budget devices launched by Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro also feature an IR blaster at the top. In fact, Xiaomi is now the only OEM in the budget space that continues to include an IR blaster on its devices. This is an interesting and commendable approach from Xiaomi because it manages to include an IR blaster even on its $100 device while on the other hand, OEMs like Samsung have removed the sensor even from their flagship handsets which carry a price tag of over $700.

Thanks to the inclusion of an IR blaster, Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro owners can control various electronic devices like TV, AC, music system and other similar devices using the handy Mi Remote app that Xiaomi bundles with the phone. Xiaomi has not only taken the step of adding an IR blaster on its devices, but it also goes the extra length of ensuring that its Mi Remote app supports a wide variety of devices from a range of brands. And if your TV or any other device is not supported by Mi Remote, drop Xiaomi a feedback and they will add it to the app.

Despite its usefulness, not many people know about the IR blaster on most Xiaomi smartphones and how to use it.

How to Use Mi Remote on Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro to Control TV, AC, and Other Devices

Step 1: Open the Mi Remote app on the Redmi Y1 and Y1 Lite featuring an IR blaster. If you are using the stock launcher, the app is located in the Tools folder. Do make sure that your device is connected to the internet during the setup process since the app will download the database of compatible apps as you move forward.

Step 2:  Tap the Add remote option and select the category of the device that you would like to add.

Step 3: Once you have selected the appropriate category, select the manufacturer and finally the model of the device.

Step 4: You will then be prompted to point the phone towards the device (AC in my case) and press the on-screen button. Keep the button pressed until your device responds as the app will automatically cycle through the various IR codes. As a form of feedback, your phone will vibrate slightly when it sends a command over the IR blaster. Once the device in question responds, make sure to leave the on-screen button.

Step 5: Press Yes under the ‘Does the device respond’ question. You will then again have to point your phone towards the device and press an on-screen button. Release the button once the device responds. Confirm your selection by pressing Yes again.

Step 6: Finally, you can now enter a name for the device and add a shortcut to quickly control it from your home screen. Depending on the remote of the device that you have added, all the options to control it will be displayed on-screen. If not, additional functions will be hidden under the ‘More functions’ option, though, the most common ones will already be available on-screen.

What makes the Mi Remote app even better is that it can prioritize the list of remotes added to it depending on your location. So, if you are in your home, the list will automatically arrange itself to list those devices first that are in your home. This happens automatically without any user intervention or any additional input.