Turn Old Android Phones Into Universal Remotes With IR Blasters
Older smartphones with infrared hardware can control legacy home electronics, offering a sustainable alternative to buying new remotes.
Users can breathe new life into aging Android smartphones by repurposing them as universal remotes for home electronics. According to a guide published by BGR, this transformation allows old hardware to manage a variety of devices, from televisions to air conditioners.
The process depends entirely on a specific piece of hardware: the built-in infrared (IR) blaster. To function as a traditional universal remote, a phone must possess this IR emitter to send signals to appliances. Once the hardware is confirmed, users can utilize pre-installed remote software or download third-party IR universal remote applications to configure and control their electronics.
The Decline of Infrared Hardware
Infrared blasters were once a standard feature in the Android ecosystem, appearing frequently in devices from manufacturers such as Samsung and LG. These components allowed smartphones to mimic the exact signals sent by standard physical remotes. However, as the industry transitioned toward Wi-Fi-based "Smart" controls and integrated ecosystem apps, hardware IR blasters were largely phased out of modern smartphone designs. This shift has left older devices uniquely equipped to handle legacy hardware that lacks network connectivity.
Reducing E-Waste and Hardware Costs
Repurposing these devices provides a practical solution for reducing electronic waste by giving obsolete hardware a dedicated, long-term utility. Beyond sustainability, this approach solves a common household frustration: the loss or breakage of physical remotes for older televisions and audio systems. By utilizing a device already in their possession, users can regain control of their home theater or climate systems without the need to purchase replacement hardware or expensive universal remote replacements.
What to Watch For
For those looking to implement this setup, the first step is verifying if an old device actually contains an IR blaster, as the feature is rare in current-generation phones. While the hardware allows for the control of non-smart legacy devices, the effectiveness of the setup depends on the availability of the correct signal codes within the chosen remote application. Users should check their specific device specifications or test existing remote apps to ensure compatibility with their home electronics.