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The IR in "IR Blaster" stands for infrared. Most remotes use infrared to communicate with home entertainment equipment such as TVs, audio receivers and DVD players. Some Android models come with a built-in IR blaster, and with the right app you can use your phone or tablet to control your TV, among other things. This wikiHow teaches you how to turn your IR-compatible Android phone or tablet into a virtual remote control.

To step

1. Make sure your phone has an IR blaster. The easiest way to find out is to search the Internet for the specifications of your phone model (or look up your phone model with the words "IR blaster" after it) and look at the results of the search. Fewer Androids come with IR blasters these days, but you can still find them on some models.
   • Modern HTC and Samsung models no longer come with IR blasters, but you can often find them on newer models released by Huawei, Honor and Xiaomi.
   • You can also view the user manual of your Android device if you have saved it.
2. Install an IR Universal Remote app if you don't already have one. Before downloading a new app, check your app drawer for a built-in remote / IR blaster app. If you don't see one, there are many free and paid apps in the Google Play Store that you can use to control your home audio and video equipment. Some popular and highly regarded options include Universal TV Remote Control from CodeMatics and AnyMote Universal Remote + WiFi Smart Home Control from Color Tiger. You may have to try a few different apps before you find the one that works best for you.
   • Not all IR apps are universal remote control apps. Some are for specific brands. Make sure to read the app description before installing it.
3. Open your IR remote app. You can go on To open to open the app from the Play store or tap the icon in the app drawer.
4. Select your IR blaster when prompted. The app will ask you to choose your IR blaster when you first open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to select it and / or choose the appropriate permissions.
5. Select the model you want to drive. Most apps come with a built-in list of supported audio and video equipment to choose from. Usually you have to choose the manufacturer first and then the model.
   • Depending on the app you are using, you may be asked to enter a universal code for the device. You can find these codes on the internet by searching for the model and "remote control code". You can also visit a site like https://codesforuniversalremotes.com to find your code.
   • TVs, DVD / Blu-Ray players, audio receivers and more can be controlled with an IR blaster.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up the device. After you choose your model, your app will display some instructions to pair it with the app. The steps differ per app and device. Once you are done with the installation, you should be able to use your Android to control the device.
   • Some apps allow you to add multiple devices. If the app is free, it may limit the number of devices you can add.
7. Point the IR blaster at the device you want to control. Like a normal remote, the IR blaster works best when you hold the device correctly. Usually the IR blaster is located on the top of the device. Simply aim and press the buttons on your Android screen to operate the device you choose.
8. Test your external functions. To start, press the power button to turn the device on or off, then continue working on other controls. The virtual remote control in the app should have the same (or similar) functions as the actual product remote control.