How to Set up and Use an IR Blaster on Android

Easily turn your phone into a universal remote control

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: November 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Did you know that the "IR" in “IR blaster” stands for infrared? Most remote controls use infrared to communicate with home entertainment components such as TVs, audio receivers, and DVD players. Some older 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 and more. This wikiHow article teaches you how to turn your IR-enabled Android phone or tablet into a virtual remote control for any TV.

Using an Android IR Blaster

Check if your Android has the IR blaster hardware already installed.
If your Android has the hardware installed, check for a pre-installed app.
Buy a plug-in, adapter, or dongle if your Android doesn't have the hardware installed.

Steps

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1
Make sure your phone has an IR blaster. The easiest way to find out is to search the internet for your phone model's specs (or your phone model and the words "IR blaster") and see what comes up. Fewer Androids come with IR blasters these days, but you'll 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.^{[1]
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- You can also check your Android's user manual if you've hung on to 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 control/IR blaster app. Most Androids that come with an IR blaster component installed also have a pre-installed app that can do this. If you don't see one, there are many free and paid apps on the Google Play Store you can use to control your home audio and video devices. Some popular and highly-reviewed options are Universal TV Remote Control by CodeMatics and AnyMote Universal Remote + WiFi Smart Home Control by Color Tiger. You may have to try a few different apps before you find the one that best suits you.^{[2]
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- Not all IR apps are universal remote control apps. Some are for specific brands. Be sure to read the app's description before installing. For example, you can use Mi Remote only for Xiaomi phones.
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You can tap Open to launch the app from the Play Store or tap its icon on the app drawer.
The app should ask you to choose your IR blaster the first time you open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to select it and/or grand appropriate permissions.^{[3]
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5
Select the model you want to control. Most apps come with a built-in list of supported audio and video devices from which you can choose. You'll usually have to select the manufacturer first and then the model.
- Depending on the app you're using, you may be asked to enter a universal code for the component. You can find these codes on the web by searching the internet for the model and "remote control code." You could also visit a site like https://codesforuniversalremotes.com to find your code.
- TVs, DVD/Blu-Ray players, audio receivers, and much more can be controlled using an IR blaster.
6
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the device. Once you choose your model, your app will display some instructions for linking it to the app. The steps vary by app and device. Once you're finished with the setup, 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.
Just like a normal remote control, the IR blaster will work best when you are holding the device correctly. Most of the time, the IR blaster will be at the top of the device. Simply point and press the keys on the screen of your Android to control the device you choose.
Try pressing the power button to turn the device on or off as a starting point, and then work up to other controls. The virtual remote in the app should have the same (or similar) functions as the product's actual remote control.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Does iPhone have an IR blaster?

Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions.

Nicole Levine, MFA

wikiHow Technology Writer

Expert Answer

iPhones do not have IR blasters, but you can use an iPhone as a remote control for an Apple TV.

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Question

My smart TV is a Coby but my phone does not have IR blaster. Can I use my phone as a remote?

Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions.

Nicole Levine, MFA

wikiHow Technology Writer

Expert Answer

Even if your Android doesn't have an IR blaster, you may be able to use it as a remote for certain smart TVs over Wi-Fi using a universal remote control app. Check the Play Store to see if there's a remote app for your TV and try it out!

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How do I know if I can use IR blaster on my Android device?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Step 1 says it: you can perform an internet search, like Google, to read forums and see if your phone has the hardware or not. You can also look at your phone's manual to see if it has the IR components.

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Tips

If your Android does not have a built-in IR blaster, you can buy infrared adapters or dongles that plug into your phone via audio jack (3.5mm jack) or into the USB port as USB-C dongles. Not all dongles or adapters will work with every Android, however, and it's important that you make sure the external IR blaster will work with your phone before you buy it.

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Some adapters or dongles require a specific app for the product to work. If you're trying to use an IR blaster in your USB-C port but it's not working, try looking up who else is using your product and what app they are using. For example, the "Android Adapter Smartphone Micro USB Type C IR Infrared Remote Control Universal" works best with the "Zazaremote" app.

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