Your phone goes everywhere with you and almost never gets lost, while the TV remote seems to have a life of its own and disappears among cushions, blankets and furniture Just when you need it most. Luckily, today it's perfectly possible to use your Android phone as a universal remote control for your TV, air conditioner, sound system, and a whole host of other devices.
In this article we'll see in detail how to get the most out of your smartphone as a remote control. whether it has an infrared emitter or notWhich apps are worth installing, what each TV brand offers, how to get the most out of Android TV or Google TV, and even how to repurpose an old phone to control your air conditioner. The idea is to give you all the information you need so you can forget about the classic remote without missing it.
Android as a universal remote: infrared, WiFi and Bluetooth
Before you start installing apps willy-nilly, it's worth understanding which technologies allow your mobile phone to function as a controller and what limits does each of them haveBasically, we're talking about infrared on one hand and wireless connections like WiFi or Bluetooth on the other.
Traditional remote controls use a small infrared LED to send commands in the form of light pulses, which the receiving device interprets as channel changes, volume adjustments, power on, etc. Some smartphones integrate this same IR emitter, so they can mimic almost any traditional remote control provided the app has the correct codes for that make and model.
Meanwhile, TVs and other modern devices have become "smart" and it is increasingly common for them to include WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity for control from your mobile phoneIn this case, the phone no longer needs to have infrared: it is enough that the device to be controlled is connected to the same WiFi network or paired via Bluetooth.
The combination of these two methods (IR and wireless network) is what makes a mobile phone, and especially an Android device, a kind of Swiss Army knife capable of replacing a good number of physical controlsHowever, depending on the case, you might be more interested in using a generic app, a brand-specific app, or a Google solution.
How to tell if your Android phone has an infrared port
The first thing to check is whether your phone has an IR emitter, because if it does, it opens up a huge range of possibilities for using it as a universal remote control for almost any "classic" appliance that you have at home.
This sensor was very popular years ago, almost fell into oblivion, and then experienced a small resurgence, especially in the mid-range and high-end models of some Asian manufacturers. Today, brands like Xiaomi and certain Huawei models continue to use the infrared portwhile other manufacturers have eliminated it completely.
To identify it, you have several fairly simple options. The first is to physically look at the phone: the IR emitter is usually located on the top edge of the phone, like a small dark window, sometimes so discreet that It goes unnoticed if you don't know where to lookUnlike Bluetooth, NFC, or WiFi, this port has to be exposed and visible.
Another practical way is to look up your smartphone model on the manufacturer's official website and check the technical specifications, where it is usually clearly indicated whether includes “IR blaster”, “infrared” or “remote control”It's a slightly more cumbersome method, but very reliable if you know the exact model.
You can also take a shortcut by directly installing a remote control app that requires infrared, such as AnyMote Universal Remote or a TV Remote app. If, upon opening it, you see a message saying that your device doesn't have IR, it's a clear sign that You won't be able to use it as a native IR remote. and you'll have to use WiFi or Bluetooth.
Using Android as a remote control when it has infrared
If you confirm that your phone has an IR emitter, you're in luck: with a simple app you'll be able to control Televisions, air conditioners, sound bars, projectors, and almost any other device that works with a traditional remote control.
Many manufacturers that include infrared also come with a pre-installed control app. Xiaomi, for example, usually integrates Mi Remote Controller, which allows you to control TVs, Mi Box, sound systems, and even air conditioning from the same interface. Some Samsung models once offered solutions like Peel Remote, although these have gradually disappeared over the years. Today, it's normal to use third-party apps..
Among the alternatives on Google Play, several very comprehensive applications stand out. AnyMote Universal Remote is one of the best known, with a huge database that covers televisions, consoles, TV boxes, cameras, DVD players, and more. The idea is to choose the type of device, select the brand, and Try different configurations until one works..
Another classic is Universal TV Remote (and similar "universal remote" apps), which also take advantage of the built-in IR blaster. They usually allow you to do more than just change channels or adjust the volume, but also control more specific functions such as picture modes, HDMI inputs or quick settingsprovided the device supports it.
In the field of climate control, there are also very useful solutions: many IR remote control apps include profiles for air conditioners and fans, so you can control them all with the same phone. adjust the temperature, change the cooling mode to fan mode, or modify the fan speed without having to go looking for each controller separately.
Recycling an old Android phone as a dedicated controller
If you have an old phone forgotten in a drawer that still works and has infrared, you can give it a second life as emergency remote control or fixed remote control for a specific deviceFor example, the living room air conditioning.
The idea is very simple: just charge it, connect it to Wi-Fi if needed, and leave it with a remote control app installed and configured. For a traditional air conditioner, you can use tools like Universal Remote Control or Universal TV Remote, which include specific profiles for climate control, or the Mi Remote Controller itself if your phone is a Xiaomi. It already comes with the application pre-installed..
The process is usually similar in almost all apps: you choose the type of device (air conditioner, TV, soundbar, etc.), select the brand, and the app guides you through trying buttons until the device responds. When it detects that the codes match, it saves that configuration as a remote control for later use. have it available always at a touch.
Once set up, that mobile phone can stay in the living room or bedroom and be used only as a remote control. It's a very convenient solution when the original remote isn't working. It's broken, lost, or malfunctioning.And it's also cheaper than buying a new physical universal remote.
However, depending on the app and the air conditioner model, you won't always have access to all the advanced features: typically you'll be able to turn it on and off, change the mode (cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidifying), and adjust the temperature and fan speed. Special options like scheduling, swing, or filters may not be available. are unavailable or do not respond correctlySo it's a good idea to try several apps if you're missing a feature.
Use your mobile phone as a remote control without infrared: WiFi and Bluetooth
If your smartphone doesn't have infrared, all is not lost, far from it, because more and more TVs, media players, sound bars, and other devices can be controlled by it. WiFi, Bluetooth, or a combination of bothThe key here is that both the mobile phone and the device are connected to the same network or paired with each other.
In this scenario, it's normal to use two types of applications: on the one hand, the official apps from each manufacturer, and on the other hand, generic apps that work with many brandsThe great advantage of official apps is that they usually offer full compatibility with your specific TV model, including special functions that the typical universal remote does not cover.
Among the most powerful third-party applications that use Wi-Fi is SURE Universal Remote, which boasts compatibility with over a million devices. This tool allows you to control TVs, TV boxes, stereos, and other connected devices as long as you and the device are within range. on the same home wireless networkIn addition to basic controls, it often includes features such as remote power on, input switching, or playlist management.
On the other hand, some universal Wi-Fi apps are designed only for certain types of devices, such as Android TV boxes, Roku players, or similar streaming devices. Tools like CetusPlay Remote Control allow you to manage Android TV, Android TV Box, Fire TV/Stick or Chromecastoffering even mouse modes, on-screen keyboard, and sending photos and videos from your mobile phone to your TV.
There are also similar alternatives on iOS, and some universal apps have versions for both Android and iPhone. This is the case, for example, with CetusPlay or certain "universal remote control" apps that are available on both platforms, so that You can use mobile phones with different operating systems to control the same TV.
Official apps from TV manufacturers
If your TV is relatively modern and connects to the internet, the most sensible thing to do is usually to use the brand's official app, because that's the one that typically offers better integration with all TV functionsHowever, each manufacturer has followed its own path, and sometimes the app ecosystem can be a bit chaotic.
In Samsung's case, the current benchmark is SmartThings. This app not only serves as a TV remote, but also as a control center for the entire connected home: smart appliances, lighting, sensors, etc. Among its menus, you'll find a remote panel that allows you to turn the TV on and off, change channels, adjust the volume, or launch applications directly from your mobile.
Sony, for its part, has used different solutions over time. Older Sony Bravia televisions were controlled with an app called SideView, which turned your mobile phone into a remote control and also offered features such as programming guide or voice controlIn the most recent models based on Android TV or Google TV, many of these functions are integrated through Google's own platform, as we will see below.
LG is perhaps the brand that has most complicated things with multiple different apps depending on the year and operating system of the TV. For a while, there were apps like LG TV Remote 2011 or LG TV Remote for the first Smart TV models, while TVs with more modern WebOS require solutions like LG webOS (LG webOS Magic Remote or other variations of its smart remote). The pattern is always the same: the app acts as a virtual remote and allows navigate menus, open apps, and adjust volume and channels.
Philips launched an app called TV Remote, compatible with TVs from 2014 onwards. In addition to basic controls, this tool includes interesting features such as voice control, a channel guide, and the ability to stream content from your mobile device. For older models, there was Philips My Remote, now removed from Google Play but still available as an APK on some websites, which... It was also possible to control sound equipment and other devices of the brand.
In the case of Thomson and TCL, the official app for many models is generically called TCL TV Remote, since TCL manufactures a large portion of these televisions for Europe and the United States. On models running Android TV, in addition to the manufacturer's app, you can also use other apps. Use generic Google or third-party solutions for Android TV.
Panasonic is another good example of a fragmented ecosystem: depending on the year of manufacture, you need Panasonic TV Remote, Panasonic TV Remote 2, or even Panasonic TV Remote 3 for Android models between 2011 and 2018. Each of these apps offers basic remote controls and extra features such as sending multimedia content or more convenient navigation through menus.
Control Android TV and Google TV with your mobile phone
If your TV or multimedia device (like a set-top box) uses Android TV or Google TV, controlling everything with your Android phone becomes especially convenient, because Google has integrated the virtual controller directly in the system and in its official applications.
For a while, there was a standalone app called Android TV Remote Control, but Google discontinued it to consolidate features across other services. Today, you can use the Android TV remote in two main ways: through the system's quick settings or via apps like Google TV and Google Home.
On many Android phones, if you open the quick settings, you'll find an option for "Remote control" (or something similar). Tapping it will cause your phone to search for Android TV or Google TV devices connected to the same network and allow you to pair them. Once paired, you'll have a panel with directional buttons, playback controls, and On-screen keyboard for entering passwords, searches, or login information much faster than with the physical controller.
You can also enable a virtual remote from the Google TV app. The procedure is very similar: open the app, tap the remote option at the bottom, select your TV or device, enter the pairing code, and you're done. From then on, you can use your phone to control your TV. navigate menus, launch streaming apps, pause or resume content, and raise or lower the volume.
If none of these solutions convince you, or your TV is a bit unusual, you can resort to third-party apps like Android TV Remote (from other developers), which replicate the functions of the physical remote and even offer alternative control modes, such as trackpad or mouse.
Generic universal remote control apps for Android and iOS
Beyond the specific tools of each brand, there are many "universal remote control" applications that aim to become the control center for your entire ecosystem of devicesfrom the living room TV to the air conditioner or the soundbar.
Roku, for example, offers its own app for Android and iOS mobile devices, designed to control the brand's televisions and set-top boxes. In addition to the classic buttons, it integrates quick access to Netflix, Roku Channel, Disney+ and other streaming servicesIt allows you to adjust the volume, pause and resume playback, skip forward or backward, and even listen to the content privately by connecting headphones to your mobile phone.
The Roku app also makes it easy to send photos, videos, and other content from your phone to your TV, and offers an on-screen keyboard and a system of Voice search that simplifies finding TV shows and moviesIt's a good example of how a remote control app can improve the experience compared to the original physical remote.
Universal remote control apps are known for their versatility. They work with a wide range of brands and models, and in many cases, they automatically detect your TV to adapt the button layout and offer [various features]. an experience very similar to that of the original controllerSome allow you to choose between a classic IR remote or a WiFi remote, depending on your needs.
Universal Remote Control is another common name in this field. This app allows you to control not only televisions, but also Android TV set-top boxes, Roku, air conditioners, sound bars, and other smart devicesIt supports the use of infrared if your phone supports it, as well as WiFi control for compatible devices.
Finally, multifunctional solutions like CetusPlay Remote Control expand the possibilities even further. They don't just replicate the remote control, but also incorporate features such as different navigation modes (touchpad, keyboard, mouse), app installation and uninstallation from your mobile device, and sending M3U playlists to view IPTV channels or live broadcasts on the television and simultaneous control of multiple devices.
Using an iPhone as a remote control
Although we focus on Android here, it's common for homes to have phones with different operating systems, and it's worth clarifying that iPhones They do not include an infrared portTherefore, they cannot act as native IR controllers without extra help.
In the Apple ecosystem, the most common way to control a television is through each manufacturer's official apps (just like on Android) or third-party applications compatible with certain brands. Examples of this include solutions like myTifi for Samsung televisions or the tools from LG, Philips, or Panasonic available in the App Store, which They use WiFi or Bluetooth to communicate with the TV.
There's also the option of using physical infrared adapters that connect to the iPhone and work with specific apps. Tools like ZaZaRemote, available for both iOS and Android, allow you to control a wide variety of TVs and other devices using this external IR accessory as if it were a remote control. the transmitter of an Android mobile phone that does integrate infrared.
If you have an Apple TV connected to your television, your iPhone effectively becomes the remote control for the device. With the Apple TV Remote app, you can swipe to navigate menus, type with the on-screen keyboard, use your voice and combine it with the original Siri Remote. Furthermore, many TVs support basic control via Apple TV, so in practice it's also possible. You end up controlling the TV from your iPhone..
Advantages of using your mobile phone as a universal remote control
Beyond the technological curiosity, the truth is that turning your smartphone into a remote control has very clear benefits in everyday life, starting with your wallet. A decent physical universal remote can be expensive, while many apps They are free or cost only a few eurosAnd often the best options from manufacturers are free.
Another key point is convenience. Your phone is usually always within reach, while the remote control gets forgotten in another room, runs out of batteries, or simply gets lost. Using your phone saves you from getting up every few minutes to rummage around on the sofa, because You carry the TV remote and other devices in your pocket when you go from one stay to another.
There's also the matter of organization: the more devices you have at home, the more remotes accumulate on the living room table. Using your smartphone as a universal remote reduces that chaos and centralize control in a single deviceThis is especially useful if you combine it with solutions like SmartThings, Home, Alexa or similar for home automation and multimedia.
Finally, many apps offer options that a classic remote control can only dream of: a full keyboard for typing on the Smart TV, integration with voice assistants, shortcuts to streaming apps, content streaming from your mobile device… All of this makes Watching a series, searching for a movie, or quickly switching platforms is much more streamlined..
Ultimately, turning your Android phone into a universal remote control is a fairly simple way to modernize your living room, take advantage of devices you already have (even resurrect an old phone with infrared) and gain convenience in the daily use of the TV, air conditioning and other appliances, concentrating a good part of the control of your digital home in your smartphone.