How to use the IR Blaster on your phone

Do you remember pointing the end of your remote control on your smartphone camera and pressing and holding one of the buttons to check for an IR signal? Well, you no longer need the remote to control your TV, and can use your smartphone instead. With an integrated IR blaster, you can control your TVs, DVD players, ACs, and other electronic devices, all with just one single device. Intrigued? Well, let’s take a look at exactly what they are, how they work, and how to use them.

IR blasters: What they are

An IR, or Infrared blaster is a device integrated into your smartphone that emits infrared signals invisible to the human eye, used to control compatible electronic devices. When a user initiates a command using an IR blaster on a device like a smartphone, digital signals are translated into a series of infrared signals. Now, they aren’t very common on smartphones, but there are a few brands such as Xiaomi, POCO, OnePlus, and Vivo that offer them on their smartphones.

Infrared blaster: How to find it on your smartphone

Before we learn how to use the IR blaster on your phone, we first need to be able to locate it. It is important to understand that not every Android phone comes equipped with one, as mentioned earlier. While it was a unique selling point once, the feature is becoming a novelty of sorts as smartphone makers are prioritising different industrial designs. 

 ALSO READ: How to pair your Fire TV Stick remote

The IR blaster is usually located at the top side of your phone and is a small circular or oval-shaped bulb. You can also check your phone’s specifications or user manual to find out whether it has an IR blaster.

IR blasters for phones: A complete guide on how to use them

If your smartphone has an IR blaster, then there is a possibility that there is a pre-installed remote controller app. For example, Xiaomi phones come with Mi Remote controller app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it: 

1. Install a remote control app from Google Play Store, if your phone doesn’t come pre-installed with one. There are several such apps available including Twinone Universal TV Remote, SURE Universal Remote, irplus – Infrared Remote, and more.

2. Launch the remote control app and follow the setup process.

3. Now, select the device you want to control with this remote app. 

4. Once you select the type of device, you will be prompted to add your device. Select the brand and model of your device and the app will search for it, before adding it to the app. 

5. You can manually add your device if the app can’t find it automatically. With this step, you will need to manually map the buttons, follow the on-screen instructions, and wait for a feedback noise to confirm adding the device. You will see a pop-up on the screen that says “Does this device respond?” and you need to respond to confirm the mapping of buttons. 

6. Once you have added your device, you can use your phone to control it. The app will show a virtual remote control interface that you can use to control various aspects of your target device. In the case of a TV, you can change channels, adjust the volume, and even turn it on or off. Similarly, with an AC, you can adjust the temperature, change its modes, and of course, turn it on or off.  

 ALSO READ: Smart TVs vs Android TVs: Decoding the key differences

To get the most out of the IR blaster on your phone, you need to ensure a clear line of sight between your phone and the device you want to control. The use of an IR blaster can also drain your battery quickly, so ensure your phone is adequately charged while using it.