Are you tired of searching for the TV remote only to find it lost in the cushions of your couch? Do you wish you had a convenient way to control your TV without having to rely on a physical remote? You’re in luck! Even if you don’t have a smart TV, you can still use your phone as a remote control.
Understanding the Limitations of Traditional Remotes
Traditional remotes have been the norm for decades, but they come with their own set of problems. They’re easy to misplace, batteries can run out at the worst possible moment, and they often have a complicated array of buttons that can be overwhelming. Not to mention, with the rise of streaming services and online content, traditional remotes simply aren’t equipped to handle the demands of modern TV viewing.
The Rise of Smart TVs and Mobile Apps
In recent years, smart TVs have become increasingly popular, allowing users to access a range of apps and streaming services directly on their TV. Many of these smart TVs come with their own remote control apps, allowing users to control their TV using their phone or tablet. However, what if you don’t have a smart TV?
Using Your Phone as a Remote for Non-Smart TVs
Fortunately, you don’t need a smart TV to use your phone as a remote. There are a few different ways to do this, and we’ll explore them in more detail below.
Method 1: Infrared (IR) Blasters
One way to use your phone as a remote is through the use of infrared (IR) blasters. IR blasters are small devices that connect to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and emit IR signals that can control your TV. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online or at electronics stores.
How IR Blasters Work
IR blasters work by emitting IR signals that are identical to those sent by your traditional remote control. When you press a button on your phone, the IR blaster receives the signal and sends it to your TV, which interprets it as a command. This allows you to control your TV using your phone, including changing channels, adjusting volume, and navigating menus.
Popular IR Blaster Options
There are several popular IR blaster options available, including:
- FLIRC: A popular and highly-rated IR blaster that supports a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD players, and soundbars.
- RM Mini 3: A compact and affordable IR blaster that supports multiple devices and has a range of up to 10 meters.
Method 2: Mobile Apps with IR Capability
Another way to use your phone as a remote is through mobile apps that have IR capability built-in. These apps use your phone’s built-in IR transmitter to send signals to your TV, eliminating the need for a separate IR blaster device.
Popular Mobile App Options
There are several popular mobile apps that offer IR control, including:
- AnyMote: A highly-rated app that supports a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD players, and streaming devices.
- IR Universal Remote: A popular app that supports multiple devices and offers a range of customization options.
Method 3: Streaming Devices with Mobile App Control
If you have a streaming device such as a Roku, Chromecast, or Apple TV, you may be able to use your phone as a remote through the device’s mobile app.
How Streaming Device Apps Work
Streaming device apps work by communicating with your device over Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it from your phone. This can include navigating menus, launching apps, and adjusting settings.
Popular Streaming Devices with Mobile App Control
There are several popular streaming devices that offer mobile app control, including:
- Roku: Roku offers a highly-rated mobile app that allows users to control their Roku device from their phone or tablet.
- Chromecast: Chromecast’s mobile app allows users to control their Chromecast device, including adjusting volume and navigating menus.
Benefits of Using Your Phone as a Remote
Using your phone as a remote offers a range of benefits, including:
Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of using your phone as a remote is convenience. You’re unlikely to misplace your phone, and you can control your TV from anywhere in the room.
Customization
Many mobile apps and IR blasters offer customization options, allowing you to personalize your TV viewing experience. This can include creating custom buttons, setting up macros, and more.
Cost-Effective
Using your phone as a remote can also be cost-effective. IR blasters and mobile apps are often less expensive than purchasing a replacement remote, and they can offer more functionality.
Conclusion
If you don’t have a smart TV, don’t worry! You can still use your phone as a remote control. Whether you choose to use an IR blaster, a mobile app with IR capability, or a streaming device with mobile app control, there are plenty of options available. By taking advantage of these options, you can enjoy a more convenient, customizable, and cost-effective TV viewing experience.
Turn Your Phone into a Remote Today!
Don’t wait any longer to experience the convenience of using your phone as a remote. Explore the options above and find the solution that works best for you. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can turn your phone into a remote and take your TV viewing experience to the next level.
What is the purpose of this app?
This app is designed to turn your phone into a universal remote control, allowing you to control your TV, DVD player, and other devices without the need for a smart TV. It uses infrared technology to communicate with your devices, just like a traditional remote control.
With this app, you can easily change channels, adjust the volume, and access other features of your devices from the comfort of your couch or bed. It’s a convenient and practical solution for anyone who has lost their remote control or wants to declutter their living room.
How does the app work?
The app uses your phone’s infrared (IR) emitter to send signals to your devices. Most smartphones come equipped with an IR emitter, which is usually located on the top of the phone. When you install and set up the app, it uses this emitter to transmit commands to your devices.
To use the app, simply select the type of device you want to control, then choose the specific brand and model from the app’s database. The app will then generate a virtual remote control on your phone’s screen, which you can use to control your device.
What devices can I control with this app?
This app can be used to control a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD players, audio systems, and more. It is compatible with thousands of brands and models, so you can be sure to find your device on the list.
Whether you have an old TV or a brand-new soundbar, this app is likely to support it. And if your device isn’t listed, you can always request support from the app developers, who are constantly updating and expanding their database.
Do I need to configure the app to work with my device?
Yes, you will need to configure the app to work with your specific device. However, this is a quick and easy process that only needs to be done once.
To configure the app, simply select the type of device you want to control, then choose the specific brand and model from the app’s database. The app will then guide you through a brief setup process, which involves pointing your phone’s IR emitter at your device and testing the signals.
Will this app drain my phone’s battery?
Like any app that uses your phone’s infrared emitter, this app may consume a small amount of battery power when in use. However, the impact on your battery life should be minimal, and you can always adjust the app’s settings to minimize power consumption.
If you’re concerned about battery life, you can try adjusting the app’s settings to reduce the frequency of IR transmissions or turn off the app when not in use. Additionally, you can always keep a charging cable handy to top up your phone’s battery whenever you need to.
Is this app compatible with all phones?
This app is compatible with most smartphones that have an infrared (IR) emitter. However, it’s worth checking your phone’s specifications to make sure it has an IR emitter before installing the app.
If your phone doesn’t have an IR emitter, you may not be able to use this app. However, there are other remote control apps available that use alternative technologies, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to communicate with devices.
Is this app free to use?
This app offers a free trial period, during which you can try out its features and see if it works with your device. After the trial period ends, you can choose to upgrade to a paid subscription to continue using the app.
The paid subscription offers additional features and support, including access to a larger database of devices and priority customer support. However, you can still use the app’s basic features for free, making it a great option for anyone who wants to try out a remote control app without committing to a paid subscription.