Even though the world wants to push its way into us from all sides. smartThe reality is that we still have quite a few remote controls at home that continue to use the infrared technologyIf you have a compatible mobile phone, we'll give you a good list of apps to convert it. mobile into a universal remote control for TV and for virtually any compatible device you have on hand.
It might not be the deciding factor in whether you buy a phone with or without infrared, but it's a device we always have in our hands and that comes in very handy when we don't want to search for the TV remote or when the original remote breaks or runs out of batteries. Furthermore, thanks to the connections WiFi and BluetoothEven mobile phones without IR can control many TVs and living room appliances.
What mobiles have an infrared sensor and can be used as a universal remote and TV?
More mobile phones than you might imagine have integrated a infrared emitter Designed specifically to replace the classic remote control. Three brands in particular integrate it into many of their models: Xiaomi, Huawei y HonorIn recent times alone, some of the models we can highlight are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, Mate 10 and Mate 20 Pro, Huawei's P20 Pro and P10 Plus, the Xiaomi Mi A2 (and the Lite), the Honor 10 and Honor 9, among many other mid-range and high-end terminals.
If you don't know if your model has this sensor, you may:
- Review technical specifications on the manufacturer's official website or on your mobile phone's specifications in a specialized comparison tool.
- Look at the top of the phone for a small black or transparent dot, which is usually the IR port.
- Install a remote control app that requires infrared: if your phone doesn't have this hardware, the app itself will show you a incompatibility notice.
On Android phones that include infrared, the manufacturer usually adds its own app to manage the remotes. You'll almost always find this on Xiaomi phones. Mi Remote in the tools folder, while on Huawei or Honor devices a pre-installed controller app is common.
How to use your mobile phone as a remote control: infrared vs WiFi
Before choosing an application, it's advisable to understand the two large forms turning your mobile phone into a remote control:
- Through infrared sensor integrated or external accessory.
- Using the WiFi connection (and in some cases Bluetooth) to communicate with the TV or device.
With infrared, the mobile phone behaves just like a traditional remote control: You don't need internetSimply point the device directly at it, making it perfect for older TVs, stereos, soundbars, DVD players, Blu-ray players, projectors, or air conditioners. In contrast, Wi-Fi connectivity relies on both the mobile device and the TV being compatible. Smart TVs connected to the same networkThis allows for advanced features such as programming guides, quick typing from the mobile keyboard, or voice control.
Most iPhones and many current Android phones no longer have an IR port, but that doesn't mean they can't be used as a controller. In those cases, you can use... official applications from manufacturers or universal apps capable of detecting the TV through the home network, as long as both are connected to the same WiFi router.
Apps to replace the native ones that work as a TV remote
Yes, almost all mobile phones, if not all, those that come with an infrared emitter also have one native app to make them work. In the case of Huawei, for example, it is called "Intelligent Controller" and it looks like this.
But you might not like it, or it might not be everything you want. customizable that you would like, so here is a list of recommended apps to use and take advantage of your mobile phone as universal remote for both TV as with any other compatible device. Some work only with infrared, others with WiFi, and several combine both technologies to cover more brands and models.
Sure Universal Remote
Demo video: https://youtu.be/Yh4Cf3Wc3a0
They claim it is compatible with more than one million devicesIt acts as a remote control for any infrared product and, if the device allows it, via Wi-Fi. This means it can control everything from classic TVs with IR receivers to modern networked Smart TVs, as well as players, sound systems, and even some home automation devices.
One of its great advantages is that it allows you to create custom controllers For each device, you can rearrange buttons, combine controls from different devices on a single screen, and even use your phone as a home control center. If your TV supports IP connectivity, the app will detect the brand and model by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, without needing to point your phone at it.
Download SURE:
I Remote Controller
If you don't have a Xiaomi phone, you can also use their app on other brands that have an infrared port. It's simple, but with the distinctive character that the Chinese company brings to its products. simplicity y effectiveness.
My Remote is especially useful if you want to control multiple devices Control your TVs, set-top boxes, projectors, air conditioners, soundbars, and more from a single app. Simply select the device type and brand, then follow the button prompts until you find the correct code. Plus, you can register multiple remotes and quickly switch between them when you're in the living room, bedroom, or any other room.
Google Play – My Remote:
Peel Smart Remote
Compatible with some 400.000 dispositivosIn addition to its functions as a TV remote control, it offers, where available, functions of television guide to see what we can put on TV. This way, you don't just press buttons, but you can also browse content recommendations, set alerts for your favorite shows, and see additional information about each broadcast.
This is especially useful on TVs that don't have a very user-friendly interface or when you prefer to manage content from your phone's touchscreen. By integrating with your Wi-Fi network, the app can detect compatible Smart TVs and offer more advanced control than a simple infrared remote.
Google Play – Peel:
TV remote
It has a name as simple as its function. We can have the remote controls for all TVs It allows you to share your home controller with other users through various means with a single link. It's a lightweight solution for those who simply need to emulate the original controller without too many frills.
It's especially practical if you live with other people and want everyone to have it quickly. virtual controller on your mobile phone, or if you frequently visit the same second home and don't want to carry around extra physical remotes. You save the settings once, sync them, and anyone can use them in seconds.
Google Play – TV Remote:
Use your mobile phone as a remote control without infrared: WiFi and official apps
It is true that the infrared sensor It's been disappearing from many phones, but it's still possible to turn almost any mobile device into a remote control. The key is a Wi-Fi connection: the TV or device must be a Smart TV or have a receiver connected to the network, and both the phone and the TV must be connected. on the same wireless network.
In this scenario, the most advisable thing to do is usually to use the manufacturer's official app of your TV or the device you want to control. Samsung, LG, Philips, Sony, Panasonic, Hisense, and many other brands offer their own remote control apps, which usually guarantee better compatibility with specific functions such as changing the source, accessing advanced internal menus, or using the built-in voice assistant.
Additionally, if your TV or device is based on Android TV or Google TVYou can use apps like Google TV, Google Home, or the specific remote controls for Android TV that you can find on Google Play, with additional options such as on-screen keyboard, app shortcuts, and full multimedia control.
Beyond TV: other devices you can control with your mobile phone
Turning your smartphone into a remote control isn't limited to just the TV. Many users are discovering they can also control other home appliances, such as music equipmentSound bars, projectors, or even air conditioning systems, as long as they are compatible with infrared or WiFi connection.
This makes the mobile phone a true home control centerThis avoids having multiple remotes scattered around the living room. Furthermore, apps like Mi Remote, SURE Universal Remote, or official remotes from each manufacturer allow you to configure multiple devices in a single interfacewhich is very convenient for those looking to unify the experience.
If you use smart speakers or voice assistants, the integration is even greater, since you can give commands directly from your phone and replicate them across your devices. In this way, your smartphone goes from being a simple phone to becoming the key to your connected homeproviding extra convenience when you lose the remote, when it runs out of batteries, or simply when you prefer to control everything from a single device.
Using your mobile phone as a universal remote control for your TV and other devices is a simple way to take advantage of technologies that you already have in your pocket, combining infrared and WiFi depending on your mobile and your TV, and relying on universal and official apps so you never have to worry about where the living room remote control has hidden itself again.