This is the 21st century, not the primitive era where there was no smartphone. In today’s world of fast technology and innovation, Android phones can do more than just call and text. Knowing how to turn your Android phone into a remote control can save you the cost of getting a new remote in emergencies.
Not only will this make your life easier by getting rid of multiple remotes but also enhance your home entertainment experience by having everything at your fingertips.
Do you want to control your smart TV, adjust the volume of your stereo, or change channels on your set-top box? Your Android phone can do it all for you.
This article will guide you through the process of turning your Android device into a universal remote control to control TVs, DVD players, and set-top boxes.
So if you want to know how to turn your Android phone into a remote control, read on.
How to Turn Your Android Phone into a Remote Control

Turning your Android phone into a remote control is cool and also makes use of the technology you already have. Follow the steps below to set up your phone to control other devices without needing a separate remote. Let’s get started.
Check for IR Blaster
First step in turning your Android phone into a remote control is to check if your device has an IR Blaster. IR Blaster is a hardware that sends signals to control other devices like TVs and stereos that accepts infrared commands. Many Android phones especially older models have this feature.
How to check if your phone has an IR blaster:
- Download IR Tester App: Open Google Play Store and search for an app called “IR Test”. Install the app on your device.
- Run the App: Once installed, open the app. It will scan your phone and tell you if it has an IR blaster.
If your phone doesn’t have an IR blaster, don’t worry! You can buy a USB infrared blaster that connects to your phone. These are available online at Amazon and eBay.
Install a Remote Control App
If your Android has an IR blaster, next you need to download a remote control app. There are many on the Google Play Store, each with its own features. Here are some popular ones:
- Unified Remote: controls your computer and other devices, very versatile.
- Peel Smart Remote: simple UI and recommends content based on your viewing habits.
- AnyMote Universal Remote: controls TVs, air conditioners and more.
To install an app:
- Open Play Store: Tap on the Play Store icon.
- Search App: Type the app name in the search bar.
- Install App: Tap on the app, then tap “Install”. Wait for the download and install to complete open App.
Set Up the App
Once you’ve installed your chosen remote control app, the next step is to set it up for your devices. Each app will have its own setup process but it’s generally the same.
- Select Your Device: Most remote control apps will ask you to select the device you want to control. This could be a TV, DVD player or another electronic device.
- Choose the Brand: Once you’ve selected the device, the app will ask you to choose the brand. This helps the app generate the correct commands.
- Test the Connection: After choosing the brand, the app will ask you to test if it can control the device. Follow the on-screen instructions which usually involves pressing a button on the app to see if the device responds.
- Save Settings: If the device responds, save the settings. If not, follow the prompts to try a different code or brand until you find one that works.
Using Your Android Phone as a Remote
Now that the app is set up and configured, you can start using your Android phone as a remote. Here’s how to use your new universal remote:
- Open the Remote App: Open the remote control app you installed.
- Select Your Device: Tap on the device you want to control from the app’s interface.
- Use the Remote: The app will present a remote interface like a physical remote. You can use the buttons to change channels, volume, navigate menus etc.
More: Many remote control apps have more features like program guide, scheduling and smart home integration. Check them out.
Troubleshooting
Using your Android as a remote control is pretty easy but you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Device Not Responding: If the device doesn’t respond to commands, make sure the IR blaster is aligned properly with the device you’re trying to control. No obstructions in the signal path.
- App Crashes or Freezes: If the app crashes, try closing and reopening it. If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
- Incompatible Devices: Not all devices are supported by the remote app. Check the app’s specs to see if your device is supported.
Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth
If your Android phone doesn’t have an IR blaster, you can still control devices using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. Many smart devices like smart TVs and speakers support these connection types. Here’s how to do it:
- Wi-Fi Direct:
-
-
- Go to your phone’s Settings and look for Wi-Fi.
- Enable Wi-Fi Direct and search for devices.
- Once your device appears, select it to connect.
-
- Bluetooth:
-
- Turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone by going to Settings and selecting Bluetooth.
- Make sure the device you want to control is also Bluetooth enabled and in pairing mode.
- Once paired, you can use the manufacturer’s app or a third-party app to control the device.
Summary
Using your Android as a remote control is a great way to simplify your home entertainment. Whether you use an IR blaster or Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, you can control multiple devices from your smartphone. With the right app and a few taps, you can get rid of multiple remotes and have access to all your devices at your fingertips. Go ahead and try it out now!
I’m Edidiong Ekpo, an experienced SEO content writer who writes well-researched articles to educate the public on various niches across the web.