How To Use IR Blaster On Android: A Complete Guide

Ever wished you could control your TV or AC using your phone instead of hunting for the remote? You can do that with an IR Blaster on Android. If your smartphone has this feature, you can turn it into a remote control for compatible home appliances.

The best part? You don’t need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to control devices through a traditional IR blaster. You just need a compatible phone, a remote control app, and a few minutes to set things up.

Let’s understand what an IR blaster does, how to use it on Android, and what to do if it doesn’t work.

Also Read: What Is Android Recovery Mode And How To Use It?

What Is IR Blaster On Android?

What Is an IR Blaster On Android?

An IR (Infrared) blaster is a small hardware component that sends infrared signals from your smartphone to compatible electronic devices. It works much like the remote control you use for your television or air conditioner.

When you press a button on your phone’s remote app, the IR blaster sends a signal that tells the appliance what to do.

For example, you can use it to:

• Turn your TV on or off.
• Change channels and adjust the volume.
• Switch your AC on or off and adjust its temperature.
• Control compatible set-top boxes, projectors, and audio systems.

The catch is that your phone must have a built-in IR blaster to use this feature directly. Installing a remote control app alone won’t add infrared hardware to a phone that doesn’t have it.

Not every phone has an IR blaster. It is a specialised feature found on select models from brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, iQOO, POCO, and Vivo. If your phone has one, it is usually a small dot or oval-shaped sensor at the top edge of the device.

Why Use an IR Blaster in 2026?

If you think an IR blaster on Android is outdated, think again! They are still super handy, even in the age of smart homes. Here’s why you will love having one:

1. No Wi-Fi Needed: Control your TV or AC even if the internet is down perfect for older devices that use IR remotes.
2. One App for Everything: Use your phone to control all your devices, so you can ditch multiple remotes and reduce clutter.
3. Budget-Friendly Automation: Turn on your AC or TV automatically with apps, making old devices feel smart without buying expensive gadgets.
4. Help You Save Space: Why buy a universal remote when your phone can do the job? Fewer remotes = less clutter.

IR Blaster vs Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi Remote: Which One Should You Pick?

Not every device needs to be controlled the same way. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose:

If your gadgets are old and dumb, IR is still your best bet because it is cheap, reliable, and no internet drama. If your devices are newer and Wi-Fi enabled, skip IR completely and use the brand’s app instead. This way you’ll get more control, including turning devices on from outside the house.

So, the simple takeaway is that don’t force IR onto every device. Use the tool that fits.

How to Check If Your Android Phone Has an IR Blaster?

Wondering if your phone has an IR blaster? Search online for your phone model + “IR blaster” (e.g., “Xiaomi 14 IR blaster”). You can also check your phone’s settings under “About Phone” or “Specifications” on the manufacturer’s website. It is usually a small circular or oval-shaped bulb if present on your phone.

Before setting up a remote, check if your phone supports the feature. Here are three easy ways to do that.

1. Check Your Phone’s Specifications

Visit your phone manufacturer’s official website and open the specifications page for your exact model. Look under the sensors or connectivity section for terms such as IR blaster or infrared remote control.

Some Xiaomi and POCO smartphones, for example, include an IR blaster.

2. Look For A Remote Control App

Check your app drawer for an app such as Mi Remote. Some phones with built-in infrared hardware come with a compatible remote control app pre-installed.

Keep in mind that an app’s presence alone doesn’t confirm that your phone has an IR blaster.

3. Check The Phone’s Design

Some phones have a small infrared transmitter near the top edge. It can look like a tiny dark window or dot.

This isn’t a foolproof method, so checking the official specifications is the safer option.

How To Use IR Blaster On Android?

Once you’ve confirmed that your phone has an IR blaster, follow these steps to control your home appliances.

Step 1: Open A Remote Control App

Open the built-in remote control app on your phone. On supported Xiaomi and POCO devices, you may find the Mi Remote app.

If your phone doesn’t have a suitable app, look for a compatible infrared remote app on Google Play. Check its compatibility, recent reviews, and privacy permissions before installing it.

Step 2: Add Your Device

Open the app and look for an option such as Add Remote, Add Device, or the plus (+) icon.

You’ll usually see a list of supported device types, such as:

• TV
• Air conditioner
• Set-top box
• Projector
• DVD player
• Audio system

Choose the appliance you want to control.

Step 3: Select The Brand

Next, select your appliance’s brand from the list.

For example, if you want to control a Samsung TV, select TV and then Samsung. The available brands and device categories depend on the app.

Some apps may also ask for additional details, such as your set-top box provider.

Step 4: Test The Remote Buttons

Point the top of your phone towards the appliance and tap the power button in the app.

If the appliance responds, follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the remote configuration. If it doesn’t respond, the app may ask you to try another infrared signal or remote profile.

Test a few basic controls, such as volume, channel changes, or temperature adjustment, before saving the remote.

Step 5: Save Your Remote

Once the buttons work correctly, save the configuration. You can now open the app and use your phone as a remote control.

If you have multiple compatible appliances, you can add them separately and switch between their remotes whenever needed.

Don’t Have an IR Blaster? How Can You Still Get A Universal Remote?

Do you own an iPhone? A Vivo phone? A newer Samsung Galaxy? Chances are your phone skipped the IR blaster altogether. So does that mean you’re stuck juggling five remotes forever? No.

Use a physical IR dongle.

Small plug-in gadgets like the SURE 2.0 or a compact USB-C IR adapter add blaster power to phones that don’t have one built in. Plug it in, pair it with a remote app, and you’re set. These cost nothing and work with almost any Android or iPhone.

Get a Wi-Fi-based smart remote hub.

Devices like the Sonoff RM4 and Xiaomi smart remote don’t connect directly to your phone. Instead, they connect to your home Wi-Fi. You control them through an app from anywhere in the house, and they blast IR signals to your old TV, AC, or DVD player on your behalf. No IR blaster on your phone needed.

Try the manufacturer’s Wi-Fi remote app.

If your TV or AC is a latest model, it probably doesn’t need IR at all. Samsung TVs work with the SmartThings app, LG TVs work with LG ThinQ, and Mi TVs work with the Mi Home app. These connect over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so an IR blaster becomes unnecessary.

So the missing IR blaster isn’t really a dead end. It just means picking a different tool for the same job.

Also Read: What Is USB Debugging Mode And How To Use It?

Smartphones That Feature IR Blaster In 2026

Here are some popular phones to choose from have an IR Blaster on Android in 2026!

Also Read: Best Accessibility Features On iPhone For Specially Abled People!

Why Is the IR Blaster Making A Comeback In 2026?

There was a period between 2019 and 2023 when IR blasters quietly disappeared from most flagship phones as brands prioritised thinner builds, Wi-Fi-connected smart home ecosystems, and Bluetooth accessories. Samsung removed the feature entirely from its Galaxy S series. However, 2026 tells a different story.

The IR blaster is back. And in a big way. Brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, iQOO, POCO, and Vivo have doubled down on IR functionality across their entire product lines, from budget phones right up to flagships like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and OnePlus 15.

The reason is straightforward: a significant portion of the global market, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and China, still relies on non-smart IR-controlled appliances, and consumers actively seek phones that can replace all their remotes. As smart home penetration grows unevenly across different income segments, the IR blaster remains one of the most practically useful hardware features a phone can carry.

Also Read: How To Extend Your Smartwatch Battery Life? Best Battery Tips!

Why Samsung Removed IR blaster From Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung removed the IR blaster from its phones, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and fans are curious why. The IR blaster let users control TVs and other devices, but it’s gone now. Here’s why Samsung made this choice for the Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Not Many People Used It: Most Galaxy S25 Ultra users didn’t use the IR blaster. Social media, like Reddit, says only a few people used the IR blaster, so Samsung dropped it.
• No Space Inside the Phone: The Galaxy S25 Ultra has big batteries, great cameras, and 5G tech. These take up space inside the phone. The IR blaster needed room, but Samsung chose to keep more important features for a slim, powerful phone.
• New Tech Is Better: Now, TVs and devices use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or apps like SmartThings to work. The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports these. Smart assistants like Bixby or Google Assistant let you control things with your voice, so the IR blaster isn’t needed.

IR Blaster Not Working? Try These Fixes

If your phone isn’t controlling your TV or AC, don’t assume the hardware is faulty. Try these simple fixes first.

1. Check The Direction

Infrared signals generally need a clear path to the appliance’s receiver. Point the phone towards the device and remove anything blocking the signal.

2. Try Another Remote Profile

Your app might have selected an incompatible remote profile. Go back to the device setup screen and test another available profile for the same brand.

3. Confirm Your Phone Has An IR Blaster

Some phones have a remote app that works over Wi-Fi rather than infrared. Check your exact phone specifications to confirm that it includes the required hardware.

4. Restart The App

Close the remote app and open it again. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try the setup process once more.

5. Check App Compatibility

Make sure the app supports your phone, appliance brand, and device type. An app may support your TV brand but not every model from that brand.

6. Test The Appliance’s Original Remote

Try the physical remote to confirm that the appliance responds. If the original remote also fails, the issue may be with the appliance or its infrared receiver rather than your phone.

Also Read: How To Use Android TV? A Guide For Dummies!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an IR Blaster on Android used for?

An IR Blaster on Android lets you control compatible infrared-enabled appliances, such as TVs, ACs, set-top boxes, and audio systems, using your phone.

2. Can I install an IR blaster on my Android phone?

No. An app cannot add a built-in IR blaster to a phone that lacks the hardware. You can use a compatible external infrared accessory or a smart IR hub instead.

3. Which Android phones support an IR blaster?

Selected Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, and other smartphone models include IR blasters. Support varies by model and region, so check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying a phone for this feature.

4. Can I control my AC with an IR blaster?

Yes, if your phone has an IR blaster and the remote app supports your AC model. You may be able to control its power, temperature, fan speed, and operating mode.

5. Does an IR blaster work without an internet connection?

Yes. Direct infrared control doesn’t require an internet connection. You only need a compatible phone, a configured remote app, and an appliance that supports the required infrared signals.

6. Why is my IR blaster not working?

Common reasons include an incorrect remote profile, a blocked infrared path, an unsupported appliance, or an app compatibility issue. Try another profile and test the appliance with its original remote.

7. Is an IR blaster the same as an infrared sensor?

Not exactly. An IR blaster transmits infrared signals to control other devices. An infrared sensor usually detects incoming infrared radiation or is used for a different sensing function. They serve different purposes.

Also read: The Best Smartphones To Buy During This Big Billion Days Sale!

Conclusion

In the end, I can say that IR Blaster on Android is an amazing technology that can perform a variety of tasks. You can make commands and control a device with the help of this technology. It also comes handy in cases where you have lost your remote control.

Did you know that refurbished mobile phones cost at least 50% less than new phones on Cashify? You also get other discounts, No-cost EMI and more, making it the most affordable way to buy a premium phone. So, what are you waiting for? Buy refurbished mobile phones at your nearest cashify store and avail exclusive offers.