Xiaomi Mi Universal IR Remote Controller Advice?

loginid on 14/07/2019 - 20:08
Last edited 14/07/2019 - 23:25 by 1 other user

Hiya!

My 2 yr old logitech harmony 650 won't turn on anyone after putting in new batteries 😭

So I am considering getting this xiaomi universal remote. I have a couple of questions though which I hope someone who already has this remote might be kind enough to answer?

1. Is it easy to program the remote with macros?
2. Is the app in English?
3. Does it support many devices in its library already? Or do I have to teach it?
4. Is it reliable?
5. Do you use it as a universal tv remote? If so, is it good or annoying?

Thank you 😃

• 

  Jason-Vic on 14/07/2019 - 20:26

  +1

  Only have a bit of information to share and it also depends on how you will trigger actions.

  Only limited experience as not too much luck with one - most likely requires more time.
  1. Is it easy to program the remote with macros? Haven’t explored macro and language is a challenge. IR Remotes can be trained and work better than the library.
  2. Is the app in English? Vast majority no
  3. Does it support many devices in its library already? Or do I have to teach it? Devices common to China.
  4. Is it reliable? Yes, can be triggered by Xiaomi/Mija devices (via zigbee comms) or Xiaomi Apps and works with the usb power without dropping off.
  5. Do you use it as a universal tv remote? If so, is it good or annoying? – Just an AC link to a Xiaomi switch to trigger. Harmony hub for AV Setup.

  Alternative options may include Broadlink Mini (IR) or Pro (IR + RF) or the costly harmony hub available locally (includes steps/inputs, etc) (all work with voice assistance).

  Banggood normally has good prices on the non-local products and HN/JB/Amazon deals for harmony.

  • 

    loginid on 14/07/2019 - 22:29

    🖖 Thank you!

• 

  mooney on 15/07/2019 - 10:49

  +1

  Feel free to ignore but I use the Broadlink RM Mini 3 throughout my home. Cheap and disposable but super reliable and work well.

  Doesnt come with a remote, you need an app on your phones in the house, but its quick enough that its not an issue IMO.

  • 

    loginid on 15/07/2019 - 12:32

    Thanks for the advice Mooney - looking at the website this looks very promising!
    I just want it as a universal remote for my tv, dvd, sound system, etc.

    I guess you can set things like, "Watch TV"
    And it will turn on the tv, the foxtel, put it to the correct input, etc?

    • 

      mooney on 15/07/2019 - 13:00

      Hi,

      Yes you can. The only issue for what you want is that it doesn't work with Foxtel. Works on everything else I own though. But it does activate TV, Switch the the correct input, no drama.

      Can also be linked to Google Home to issue commands verbally (via a separate IHC app)

      • 

        loginid on 15/07/2019 - 13:04

        Doh! No foxtel? Darn….

        • 

          mooney on 15/07/2019 - 13:05

          @loginid: When I had Foxtel couldn't get it to work. I am definitely not an authority on the subject but i think its hardware related, something to do with how foxtel sends its signal.

          One of the other 6,000,000 buyers on here can probably tell you if I am mistaken. Its entirely possible.

  • 

    Salmando on 13/10/2019 - 15:22

    Any problems with setup for you? I got one but it simply won't connect. The rare times the app seems 5o accept it and display it in the devices list, it just says internet connection is poor, no matter how close too the Google wifi unit it is

• 

  Bargain80 on 15/07/2019 - 11:33

  +1

  I bought it a couple of months ago.
  Don't know much about programming it with macros.
  I use Mijia Hub for the automation to turn on/off my Midea AC split system.
  It works well in my experience, no problem in connecting to the AC system.

  If you want to know if if your device is supported, let me know.

• 

  Tapori on 22/01/2021 - 11:43

  Can you use these universal controllers with an IR remote so that they can also work as IR blaster? I have Harmony universal remote that I would like to continue using, but sometimes I need to point it in right direction to control via IR. I wonder if using this Universal remote can also accept IR signals from Logitech IR remote and send them to relevant devices or is it only App based and would not work with IR remotes?

  Also, would you need to 'teach' each and every command to them or can they also auto learn based on device database they may have? For Logitech, I just select the device model and it auto learns all commands.

  These questions apply to both Xioami and Broadlink if someone could shed some light. Thanks.