How to Use Your Phone as a Remote Control

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Remote ControlSmartphoneConnectivityAppsTVDevicesAndroidiPhoneHome AutomationSmart Devices

Today's technology has enabled smart devices to communicate with each other making our lives easier. One of the most useful and convenient advancements is the ability to use your smartphone as a remote control for various devices such as TVs, computers, and smart home gadgets. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how you can turn your phone into a versatile remote control. This guide covers various platforms, apps, and connection methods. By following these steps, you will be able to navigate through the different methods and see what works best for you.

Understanding the basics

To use your phone as a remote control, your phone must be connected to the same network as the device you want to control. This can be via a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth. Additionally, the device you want to control must have a remote control application or an IR (infrared) sensor that your phone can communicate with.

Common ways to use your phone as a remote control

1. Using Infrared (IR) blasters

Some Android phones have an IR blaster that can emit infrared signals, allowing them to control TVs, air conditioners, and other devices that use infrared remote controls. Here's how you can use your phone's IR blaster as a remote control:

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download a remote control app: There are many apps available on the Google Play Store. Some of the popular ones include AnyMote, IR Universal Remote, and Mi Remote Controller.
2. Open the app and select the device: Once you have installed the app, open it and select the type of device you want to control (e.g., TV, AC, etc.).
3. Follow the setup instructions: The app will tell you how to connect your phone to the device you want to control. You'll probably need to choose the brand and model of the device.
4. Start using your phone as a remote: After setup, you can use your phone to control the device, just as you would with a traditional remote control.

Keep in mind that not all smartphones come with IR blasters, so this method may not be available to everyone.

2. Using Wi-Fi/Bluetooth remote control apps

If your phone doesn't have an IR blaster, you can use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to control smart devices. Many smart TVs, streaming devices, and smart home gadgets like lights and thermostats come with their own remote control apps. Here are some examples:

Example: Controlling a smart TV from a phone

1. Make sure that both your phone and Smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Download the TV's official remote control app: For example, if you have a Samsung Smart TV, download the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
3. Open the app and pair your TV: Open the app and follow the instructions to find and connect to your TV.
4. Use your phone as a remote: Once connected, the app will provide on-screen buttons for volume control, changing channels, and other functions.

Example: Controlling a smart home device

For smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and security cameras, manufacturers often have dedicated apps for remote control. Here's a general guideline:

1. Download the manufacturer's app: For example, download the Philips Hue app to control Hue lights or the Nest app to control Nest devices.
2. Connect your device to the app: Follow the setup instructions in the app to add your device.
3. Use the app to control your smart home devices.

3. Using a streaming device

Popular streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast allow you to use your phone as a remote control. Each device has its own method:

Controlling Roku

1. Make sure your Roku device and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Download the Roku app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Open the Roku app. The app will automatically find your Roku device. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect.
4. Use your phone as a remote: This app provides a full remote interface, including navigation, play/pause, and volume controls.

Controlling Amazon Fire TV

1. Connect your Fire TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Download the Amazon Fire TV app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Open the app and follow the instructions to establish a connection.
4. Once connected, use your phone as a remote control.

Controlling Google Chromecast

1. Make sure your Chromecast and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
3. Open the app: Find your Chromecast device and follow the instructions to connect.
4. Use the app to broadcast content to your TV and control playback.

Using third-party apps

In addition to the official apps provided by device manufacturers, there are also third-party apps that can turn your phone into a versatile remote control. Here are some popular options:

Unified remote

Unified Remote is an app that turns your smartphone into a universal remote for your computer. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install the Unified Remote Server application on your computer from the official website.
2. Download the Unified Remote app onto your phone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Make sure both your computer and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Open the Unified Remote app. The app will automatically find your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect.
5. Use the app to control your computer: The app offers various remote control options for different tasks, such as controlling media playback, browsing files, etc.

Using Bluetooth for control

Bluetooth can be a great way to use your phone as a remote control, especially for devices that don't support Wi-Fi connectivity. Here's how you can do it:

Example: Controlling a Bluetooth speaker

1. Enable Bluetooth on both your phone and the Bluetooth speaker.
2. Pair devices: Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, find the speakers in the list of available devices, and pair them.
3. Use your phone's media controls: Once paired, you can control the speaker's playback, volume, and other media functions directly from your phone.

Using a smart home hub

Smart home hubs like the Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod can be controlled using your phone, which, in turn, can control other connected devices. Here's how you can use a smart home hub:

Control devices from the Google Nest Hub

1. Set up your Google Nest Hub: Follow the setup instructions that come with your Nest Hub to connect it to your Wi-Fi network and link it to your Google account.
2. Download the Google Home app to your phone.
3. Add and control devices: Use the Google Home app to add and control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and cameras.
4. Voice and phone control: Use voice commands to control devices through Nest Hub or the Google Home app on your phone.

Control devices with Amazon Echo (Alexa)

1. Set up your Amazon Echo: Follow the setup instructions that came with your Echo device to connect it to your Wi-Fi network and link it to your Amazon account.
2. Download the Amazon Alexa app to your phone.
3. Add and control devices: Use the Alexa app to add and control smart home devices.
4. Control via voice and phone: Use voice commands to control devices through Echo or use the Alexa app on your phone.

Conclusion

Using your phone as a remote control can add convenience and simplicity to your everyday life. Whether it's controlling your TV, streaming devices, smart home gadgets, or even your computer, there are many apps and methods available for this. Depending on your specific needs and device, you can choose the method that works best for you. By understanding and implementing these techniques, you will be able to turn your smartphone into a powerful and versatile tool, making it an integral part of your smart home ecosystem.

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