Mi Remote controller - for TV,

Using a phone as a TV and appliance remote

Mi Remote controller - for TV is a remote control app from Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software that runs your household electronics from a phone. It suits anyone who has misplaced the physical remote, or who would rather operate a TV, air conditioner or set top box from a phone screen. It also includes a TV guide, so the same app can help you find a show and change to its channel.

Infrared and Wi-Fi control of TVs

Phones with an IR blaster send infrared signals in the same way a standard remote does. The app is built around this route for appliances that take infrared commands.

Mi TV, Mi Box and other smart TVs that use standard protocols can be controlled over Wi-Fi instead. The listing says this route works from any mobile device, so the phone does not need an IR blaster for it.

TV guide and watching shows on the phone

The app holds information about TV shows, which the listing says lets you switch channels more quickly. You can also watch a show on the phone rather than on the set. The guide and the remote sit in one app, so you do not need a separate tool for each.

Scheduling and TV programme integration

Mi Remote integrates with TV scheduling. The listing describes this as available on all mobile devices, while infrared control depends on the phone having an IR blaster.

Appliances and brands it covers

The listed appliances are TVs, air conditioners, set top boxes, DVD players, projectors, A/V receivers and cameras. Brands named include Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Haier, Videocon, Micromax and Onida, and the list is not exhaustive.