How To Use An IR Blaster On Your Phone Efficiently

What is an IR Blaster and How Does it Work?

An IR blaster is a hardware component in some smartphones that allows the device to emulate an infrared remote control, enabling it to control various electronic devices such as TVs, air conditioners, and DVD players. This feature turns your smartphone into a universal remote, making it convenient to manage multiple devices without needing their individual remotes.

Checking if Your Phone Has an IR Blaster

Before you can use your phone as a remote, you need to ensure it has an IR blaster. Here’s how to check:

Visual Inspection: Look for a small, circular black dot on your phone, usually located at the top. This dot is the IR blaster.
Using Remote Control Apps: Download and install a remote control app from the Google Play Store. If the app detects an IR signal when you press buttons, your phone has an IR blaster.

Which Phones Have IR Blasters?

Not all smartphones come with IR blasters. Some models that typically feature this hardware include:

Xiaomi Phones: Many Xiaomi models, such as the Xiaomi series, come with IR blasters.
OnePlus Phones: Certain OnePlus models, like the OnePlus 12, also include IR blasters.
LG Phones: The LG G5 is an example of a phone that has an IR blaster.
Samsung Phones: Some older Samsung models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S6, feature IR blasters.

How to Use an IR Blaster on Your Phone

Step 1: Install a Remote Control App

If your phone has an IR blaster, you can use it with a remote control app. Here are the steps:

Pre-installed Apps: Some phones come with pre-installed remote control apps, such as the "Mi Remote Controller" on Xiaomi phones.
Third-Party Apps: You can also download third-party apps like Twinone Universal TV Remote, SURE Universal Remote, or irplus – Infrared Remote from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Launch the Remote Control App

Once you have installed the app, launch it on your phone. The app will guide you through the setup process.

Step 3: Select Your Electronic Device

After launching the app, select the type of electronic device you want to control. For example, if you want to control your TV, select the TV option.

Step 4: Add Your Device

Brand and Model: Enter the brand and model of your device. The app will search for the device and add it to your app.
Manual Mapping: If you can’t find the brand/model name, you can manually map the buttons by pointing the remote towards the device and pressing the on-screen buttons. The app will ask for feedback to map buttons like Power On, Volume, etc..

Step 5: Control Your Device

After adding your device, you can start controlling it using your phone. Ensure the IR blaster is pointed at the device to send the IR signals effectively.

Creative Uses for IR Blasters

IR blasters are not limited to controlling TVs and air conditioners. Here are some creative uses:

Photography: Use your phone to trigger your DSLR camera remotely, which is particularly useful for product photography.
Garage Doors: You can control garage doors with IR sensors connected to your existing garage door opener.
Public Displays: Some users have used IR blasters to control public TVs in stores or bars, though this is not recommended as it can be disruptive.
Loyalty Cards: Apps like Beep n Go use the IR blaster to simulate the barcode scan of loyalty cards at checkout counters.

Using an External IR Blaster

If your phone does not have an IR blaster, you can still use an external IR blaster device:

Connect the External IR Blaster: Connect the external IR blaster to your phone via a USB cable or Bluetooth.
Download the App: Download the app recommended by the IR blaster manufacturer and follow the setup instructions.
Add Devices: Use the app to add and control various electronic devices by selecting the device type and following the on-screen instructions.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Can I Install an IR Blaster on My Phone?

IR blasters are hardware components and cannot be installed or downloaded. If your smartphone does not have an IR blaster, you need to use an external IR blaster device.

Do iPhones Support IR Blasters?

No, iPhones do not support IR blasters. They cannot be used as universal remote controls for devices requiring IR functionality.

Can I Control Devices Without an IR Blaster?

You cannot directly control devices with an IR signal using a phone without an IR blaster unless the device supports alternative control methods like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.