You can easily turn your smartphone into a Universal Remote control and get rid of multiple remote controls for TV, DVD players, receivers, surround sound systems and others.
This can be achieved by using apps like Android TV Remote, Smart IR Remote, Remote Control for TV and other apps that can be easily found on Google Play Store for use on Android phones and the App Store for use on iPhone.
Turn Smartphone into Universal Remote Control
You can find below the steps to turn Samsung Galaxy Phone, Stock Android phones and iPhone into a Universal Remote Control, so that you can use it switch channels, increase or decrease the sound on your TV and perform other tasks.
1. Turn Samsung Galaxy Phone into Universal Remote Control
If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can make use of SmartThings App by Samsung Electronics to turn your Samsung Galaxy Phone into Universal Remote for your TV, DVD Player and others.
1. Open Google Play Store > Download SmartThings App on your phone.
2. Once the App is installed, open SmartThings > agree to its Privacy Policies and tap on Start.
3. On the pop-up, tap on Allow while using the App to provide SmartThings with access to your location.
4. The App will now start scanning for devices connected to your Home Wi-Fi Network.
5. Select your TV as it appears in Smart App and follow the remaining instructions to finish the process.
2. Turn Stock Android Phone into Universal Remote Control
In case of other Android Phones, you can download “Remote Control for TV App”, which is known to work with most popular brands of Televisions.
1. Open Google Play Store > Download Remote Control for TV App on your Android Phone.
2. Once the download is complete, open the App and it will automatically start searching for your Television (Make sure your smart TV is connected to the same internet connection as your smartphone)
3. Select your TV as it appears on your Android phone (within Smart Control for TV App).
Other Apps that can Turn Android Phone into Universal Remote Control
Android TV Remote: Android TV Remote app can turn any Android smartphone into a remote for your Google TV box. The app even allows users to perform a voice search.
Smart IR Remote: The Smart IR Remote app works with over 800,000 devices ranging from TV’s, Blu-ray players to DSLR cameras. If it doesn’t work on your TV or other accessories you can ask the developers to add them (and they will).
The app works using Infra-red commands. On some devices the app even supports air gestures. For example, if you swipe your hand over the phone you can change channels, the volume and other things.
3. Turn iPhone into Universal Remote Control
If you are using an iPhone, you can make use of the following Apps to turn iPhone into Universal Remote Control.
Next Guide Remote by Dijit: Next Guide Remote by Dijit is an app that allows you to control TV, DVD players, Xbox and many more devices from iPhone, iPad & iPod touch.
The downside of this App is that it only works with a device known as Beacon, which costs around $80.
iRule: If you don’t want to spend $80 on Beacon, you can download iRule. This app controls your devices via a Wi-Fi connection. The app works with TV’s, DVD players, window blinds and security cameras.
Zmart: Zmart allows you to control over 200,000 devices (TV’s, DVD players, Stereos and more). This app works with an additional $20 accessory that plugs into your Smartphone’s audio jack.