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ANDROID IR BLASTER


Android IR Blaster: Everything You Need to Know

In the world of smartphones, one feature that often goes unnoticed is the IR blaster. While it’s not as common in recent models, certain Android smartphones still come equipped with this handy tool, and understanding how it works can significantly enhance your user experience.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Android IR blaster, its functionality, and how it can be used to control various devices, transforming your smartphone into a universal remote.

Table of Contents:

  1. What is an IR Blaster?
  2. How Does an IR Blaster Work on Android?
  3. Devices That Have an IR Blaster
  4. How to Use the IR Blaster on Your Android Phone
  5. Apps for Using IR Blaster
  6. Benefits of Using an IR Blaster
  7. Limitations of the IR Blaster
  8. Can You Add an IR Blaster to Your Android Device?
  9. Conclusion

1. What is an IR Blaster?

An IR blaster (Infrared Blaster) is a feature found in some Android smartphones that allows the phone to send infrared signals. Infrared is a type of electromagnetic radiation, commonly used for communication between devices like TVs, air conditioners, and even some speakers. Think of it as a remote control for your phone, but with the convenience of controlling multiple devices from one smartphone.

If you've ever used a TV remote, you've used infrared communication. The IR blaster on your Android phone works the same way. It sends infrared signals to other devices, allowing you to control them without needing their dedicated remotes.

2. How Does an IR Blaster Work on Android?

The IR blaster on your Android phone is essentially a small infrared transmitter. When you point your phone at a device like a TV, air conditioner, or set-top box, the phone sends out an infrared signal that the receiving device can understand. Here’s how it works:

  • Sending Commands: When you open an app that utilizes the IR blaster, such as a universal remote app, it communicates with the IR blaster hardware inside the phone. It then transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the command you want to send (e.g., power on/off, volume up, change channels, etc.).
  • Receiving Response: Although the IR blaster itself does not typically receive data, it sends signals that are interpreted by the remote-controlled device to perform specific actions.

Think of it as turning your phone into a smart remote that can work across different brands and devices. The IR blaster is typically located at the top of your phone, near the headphone jack or other sensors, depending on the design.

3. Devices That Have an IR Blaster

Not all Android smartphones come equipped with an IR blaster. As smartphone designs have evolved, manufacturers have reduced the inclusion of this feature in favor of slimmer profiles, better cameras, and more advanced displays. However, there are still several models that feature IR blasters.

Here are a few examples of Android devices with built-in IR blasters:

  • Xiaomi Mi Series: Many of Xiaomi's smartphones, such as the Mi 11, Mi 10, and Redmi Note series, have IR blasters.
  • Huawei: Older models from Huawei, including the Huawei P30 Pro and Mate 20 Pro, come with an IR blaster.
  • LG: Several older LG smartphones, like the LG G5, G6, and V20, are equipped with IR blasters.
  • Samsung Galaxy: Earlier models, including the Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, and Note 4, had an IR blaster, but recent Galaxy devices have phased out this feature.
  • HTC: Some older HTC phones, including the HTC One M8 and HTC One M9, also came with an IR blaster.

If your phone doesn’t have an IR blaster, you can also purchase external IR blaster accessories that can connect to your phone via the headphone jack, USB port, or Bluetooth.

4. How to Use the IR Blaster on Your Android Phone

Using the IR blaster on your Android phone is simple, but you’ll need the right app to control your devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check for the IR Blaster

First, ensure that your phone actually has an IR blaster. As mentioned, not all Android phones have one. You can check the phone’s specifications on the manufacturer's website or by looking at the top of your phone for an IR sensor (often a small, black circle).

Step 2: Install a Universal Remote App

Once you’ve confirmed that your phone has an IR blaster, download a universal remote control app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include:

  • AnyMote
  • Peel Smart Remote
  • ZaZa Remote
  • Universal Remote TV

Step 3: Set Up the App

Open the app and follow the instructions to set up the devices you want to control. Most apps will prompt you to select the device brand and type (e.g., TV, air conditioner, projector) and will test various IR signals to find the right one for your device.

Step 4: Control Your Devices

Once the app is set up, you can start controlling your devices directly from your phone. You can turn devices on or off, adjust volume, switch channels, and perform other actions.

Step 5: Customize for Convenience

Many apps allow you to add multiple devices to your control panel, so you can manage several devices at once. Some apps also provide smart features like voice control or automatic settings for specific situations (e.g., turning on the TV when you launch a movie app).

5. Apps for Using IR Blaster

The IR blaster on your Android phone is only useful if you have the right app. Here are some of the best apps for controlling devices with an IR blaster:

1. AnyMote – Smart Remote Control

AnyMote is one of the most popular universal remote apps. It supports over 900,000 devices across a wide range of categories including TVs, set-top boxes, air conditioners, and more. It’s compatible with most Android phones that feature an IR blaster and is a great choice for users who want a robust and customizable app.

2. Peel Smart Remote

Peel is another excellent remote control app that turns your Android phone into a universal remote. It supports a variety of devices, including TVs, air conditioners, and media players. Peel also comes with built-in TV recommendations, which can be useful if you want personalized suggestions based on your watching habits.

3. ZaZa Remote

ZaZa Remote is a free universal remote app that works with over 10,000 devices. The app is user-friendly and has a wide range of options for controlling TVs, air conditioners, and other IR-controlled devices. It’s available for download on the Google Play Store and is compatible with many Android phones.

6. Benefits of Using an IR Blaster

There are several reasons why an IR blaster can enhance your smartphone experience:

  • Convenience: With the IR blaster, you don’t need to carry multiple remotes. Your phone can control all your IR-compatible devices.
  • Cost Savings: Instead of buying individual remotes for each device, you can use your phone as a universal remote.
  • Space-Saving: If you’ve lost a remote or don’t want to clutter your living room with remotes, your smartphone can consolidate all those functions.
  • Accessibility: Some apps support voice commands, so you can control your devices hands-free.

7. Limitations of the IR Blaster

While IR blasters are useful, they do have some limitations:

  • Limited Range: IR communication requires line-of-sight, meaning your phone must be in the same room as the device and pointed at it.
  • Lack of Feedback: Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remotes, IR signals don’t allow for two-way communication. For example, you can’t check the battery level or get information from the device.
  • Compatibility: Some newer devices, especially smart TVs or appliances, use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for remote control, meaning they won’t be compatible with the IR blaster.

8. Can You Add an IR Blaster to Your Android Device?

If your Android device doesn’t come with an IR blaster, you can add one by purchasing an external IR blaster. These devices plug into your phone’s headphone jack, USB-C port, or Bluetooth connection, enabling you to control your appliances via infrared signals. Apps like AnyMote and ZaZa Remote also support these external IR blasters.

9. Conclusion

The IR blaster is a convenient and versatile feature that allows Android phone users to control a wide range of devices, from televisions to air conditioners. With the right apps, it turns your smartphone into a universal remote, helping you save space and simplify your life by managing all your devices from one place.

If your Android device has an IR blaster, it’s a great tool to utilize for managing your home entertainment system. Even if your device doesn’t come with an IR blaster, there are external accessories available that can add this feature to your smartphone.

If you love convenience and enjoy controlling your devices effortlessly, the Android IR blaster might just be the feature you’ve been looking for!