Content

• Steps

"IR blaster" is an infrared sensor. Most remote controls use infrared to interact with home entertainment devices such as TVs, audio receivers and DVD players. Some Android models come with an IR blaster built in, and as long as you have the right app, you can use your phone or tablet to control the TV and other devices. This wikiHow teaches you how to turn your infrared Android phone or tablet into a virtual remote control.

Steps

1. 

   You need to make sure the phone has an IR blaster. The easiest way to find out is to research the phone model's specifications (or the model name with the keyword "IR blaster") and do some research. Very few Android phones today come with an infrared sensor, but you'll find this feature in some models.
   • Modern HTC and Samsung models no longer have built-in infrared sensors, but you can usually find them in newer models released by Huawei, Honor and Xiaomi.
   • You can also check in the manual of the device (if any).

2. 

   
   
   Install the IR Universal Remote app if the device doesn't already have one. Before downloading a new app, check in the app drawer to see if there is a built-in infrared / remote control app available. If you haven't already, you can go to the Google Play Store to choose between a variety of free / paid apps with home control of video or audio devices. Some of the popular and critically acclaimed options are CodeMatics Universal TV Remote Control and AnyMote Universal Remote + WiFi Smart Home Control from Color Tiger. You may need to try a few different apps before you find the one that works best.
   • Not every infrared application is a universal remote control app. Some options are brand-specific only. You need to carefully read the description of the app before downloading.

3. 

   
   
   Open the infrared remote control app. You can click Open (Open) to launch the app on the Play Store, or tap the app icon in the app drawer.

4. 

   Select IR blaster when prompted. The app will ask you to select IR blaster at first launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to select and grant the appropriate permissions.

5. 

   
   
   Select the model you want to control. Most apps come with a list of supported video and audio devices to choose from. Proceed to select the manufacturer's name first and then the product model.
   • Depending on the application, you may be asked to enter a universal code for the device. We can find these codes online by entering the model name and the keyword "remote control code". You can also visit a page like https://codesforuniversalremotes.com to find the code.
   • TV, DVD / Blu-Ray player, sound receiver, etc. can be controlled by infrared sensor.

6. 

   Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the device. After you select the model, the screen will display some instructions for linking the device with the application. The steps are different depending on the app and device. Once the setup is complete, you'll be able to use your Android phone to control it.
   • Some applications allow us to add more devices. If the app is free, the number of devices you can add will be limited.

7. 

   Point the infrared sensor towards the device you want to control, the IR blaster will work best when you hold your phone / tablet properly. In most cases, the IR blaster is usually located on the top of the device. You just need to point the device at the selected product and press the buttons on the Android screen to control.

8. 

   Check out the controls. First, try pressing the power button to turn the device on / off, then perform other operations. The virtual remote on the app also has the same (or similar) features as the actual remote of the device. advertisement