How can I use my phone instead of remote?

Answered by John Hunt

If you have a phone with an IR blaster, you have the amazing capability to use it as a remote control for various devices in your home. This can be incredibly convenient, as it allows you to control your TV, set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, stereo equipment, and even some air-conditioning systems, all from the comfort of your phone.

To begin using your phone as a remote, you’ll need to download a TV-remote app that is compatible with your device’s IR blaster. One popular app is AnyMote Smart IR Remote, but there are several others available on app stores. Once you have installed the app, follow these steps to set up and start using your phone as a remote:

1. Open the TV-remote app on your phone.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app.
3. Ensure that your phone’s IR blaster is facing towards the device you want to control.
4. Use the app’s interface to select the device you want to control. This could be your TV, set-top box, DVD player, etc.
5. The app will now display a remote control interface on your phone’s screen, mimicking the layout of a traditional remote control.
6. Use the virtual buttons on the app’s interface to control your device. You can change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and perform other functions, depending on the capabilities of your device.

Using your phone as a remote offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need to juggle multiple remotes, as you can control all compatible devices from a single app. This can be especially useful if you often misplace remotes or have a cluttered living space.

Additionally, the app often provides additional features and functionalities that may not be available on your original remotes. For example, some apps allow you to create custom macros or shortcuts, enabling you to perform a series of actions with a single button press. This can be handy for activities like watching movies, where you may want to turn on your TV, set the input to your Blu-ray player, and adjust the volume all at once.

Furthermore, using your phone as a remote can be particularly useful when you are in a different room from the device you want to control. As long as your phone is within the range of the IR signal, you can control your devices without needing to be physically present near them.

However, it’s important to note that not all phones have an IR blaster. In recent years, many manufacturers have phased out this feature in favor of other technologies. Therefore, before attempting to use your phone as a remote, make sure your device actually has an IR blaster. You can usually find this information in the phone’s specifications or by doing a quick online search.

If your phone has an IR blaster, you can easily transform it into a versatile remote control for various devices in your home. By downloading a TV-remote app like AnyMote Smart IR Remote, you can control your TV, set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, stereo equipment, and even some air-conditioning systems. This not only simplifies your remote control experience but also provides additional features and functionalities. So, go ahead and make the most out of your phone’s IR blaster by using it as a remote control for all your compatible devices.