Nowadays, most homes and offices are equipped with a wide variety of electronic devices that are controlled via remote controls: smart TVs, air conditioners, DVD or Blu-ray players, projectors, stereos, and other entertainment systems. These physical remotes can easily get lost, run out of battery, or simply become inconvenient when you have multiple devices. However, thanks to advances in mobile technology, it's now possible to Use your Android phone as a universal remote control, offering a simple, practical and always-on-hand solution to control your electronic devices.
The objective of this article is to offer you a detailed and updated guide to turn your Android smartphone into a complete universal remote control, explaining how these apps work, what you need to use them, the best options currently available on Google Play, and, most importantly, how to choose the perfect app based on your needs and your phone's hardware.
What do you need to turn your mobile phone into a remote control?
Before diving into the available applications, it is essential to understand What requirements must your mobile meet? and your TV (or other device) so you can use your phone as a real remote control. These apps use two main technologies:
- Infrared (IR): Some mobile phones include a infrared sensor or port (usually located at the top of the device). This technology is identical to traditional remote controls, allowing you to control a wide range of old and new devices. The main advantage is universal compatibility with non-Smart TVs.
- WiFi (Smart TV or other smart devices)If you have a TV or other device connected to your home Wi-Fi network and your mobile phone is connected too, you can control it using compatible apps, without the need for infrared. This is the ideal option for Smart TVs and modern devices.
If your mobile It does not have an infrared portDon't worry: you can still control many devices via Wi-Fi, especially newer ones (Smart TVs, Android TVs, Chromecasts, etc.), but compatibility will be lower for older devices like some air conditioners or conventional sound systems.
How to know if your mobile has infrared portYou can check this visually on the top of the device or install a compatible remote control app: if your phone doesn't have infrared, the app will notify you when you start the process. Some brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and certain Samsung models usually include it.
Advantages of using your mobile phone as a remote control
- Multi-device: Control multiple electronic devices (TV, air conditioning, DVD, projector, etc.) from a single app.
- Reducing clutterForget about having multiple physical controls on your living room table.
- Accessibility and personalization: Set shortcuts, macros, favorite keys, or control with gestures and voice.
- Immediate solution if you lose or damage the original remote control.
- Expanded compatibility with extra features such as sending multimedia files, volume control, text input and programming guides.
Things to consider when choosing a remote control app
- Compatibility with your devices: Check if the app supports your TV model, air conditioning, etc.
- Simple user interface: Look for easy-to-use apps with well-organized controls and clear labels.
- Customization options: Macros, button organization, quick access, voice or gesture control.
- Stable connection: Essential to avoid uncomfortable disconnections.
- Additional functions: File sending, multimedia control, TV guide, voice control, gestures and programmable scenes.
Also, keep in mind that the most reliable option is usually use the manufacturer's official app Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, etc.), especially if your phone doesn't have infrared. However, if you're looking for maximum versatility, universal apps can be your best ally.
The best free apps to use your Android phone as a remote control
Below you will find a Detailed and updated list of the best free apps available on Google Play to turn your Android into a remote control, both for infrared and WiFi, including the most popular options from the competition and those lesser-known but equally effective.
1. Roku TV Remote Control: RoByte
roByte It is one of the simplest and most effective apps for controlling Roku Player and Roku TV devices from your Android phone, developed by TinyByte Apps. Its great advantage is that no manual configuration with codes required: Automatically detects and configures your Roku, allowing you to control instantly adjust playback, volume, channels and more From the phone.
- Quick access to YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu.
- Device Automation without complex matching processes.
- Clean and minimalist interface, ideal for all types of users.
Score: 4.6, Reviews: +60,6K, Downloads: +5M.
2. Mi Remote controller – for TV, STB, AC and more
Developed by Xiaomi Inc.Mi Remote Controller is one of the most versatile and advanced apps for universal remote control from Android devices, compatible not only with televisions from all major manufacturers but also with air conditioners, projectors, set-top boxes and other products that have an infrared sensor. You can also use it with Mi TV, Mi Box and Smart TVs compatible via WiFi. It also allows you to display programming information and watch certain content on your mobile device.
- No manual codes required: Simply choose the brand of your device and start pairing.
- Support for WiFi control on compatible models: ideal for Smart TV and Mi Box.
- Compatible with multiple devices: TV, air conditioning, DVD, Blu-Ray, projectors, etc.
- Supports brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Philips, among others.
Score: 4.4, Reviews: +568K, Downloads: +100M.
3. BroadLink – Universal Remote Control
BroadLink offers a powerful app for managing a wide variety of infrared (IR) compatible electronic devices from your mobile phone. Ideal for those who want Control different brands and models of televisions and household appliances from one place. It can automatically detect and configure your devices, and its database is constantly updated.
- Allows you to control multiple IR devices in your home.
- Function of automatic detection of compatible devices.
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface.
Score: 4.4, Reviews: +15,8K, Downloads: +1M.
4. TV (Samsung) Remote Control
Developed by npe, this app is specifically designed for Samsung TVs, but also works with compatible models that accept remote control codes. It offers all basic remote control functions (channel change, volume, on/off), and allows you to control your TV both by WiFi as for infrared on equipped devices.
- Basic and straightforward interface: All essential functions at a single touch.
- Works with local WiFi network or infrared technology.
Score: 4.4, Downloads: +10 M.
5. Universal TV Remote
The Fineart app stands out as a ideal universal solution to control any TV and other devices such as DVDs, Blu-ray players, or projectors. Its simple design prioritizes functionality over visuals, yet it's practical, allowing you to add various virtual remotes and, in some cases, even control the playback of multimedia files or send content to your TV.
- Compatible with many devices.
- Performs simple and advanced functions depending on the controlled equipment.
- You do not need to know the codes of the device to be managed.
Score: 3.2, Reviews: +15,3K, Downloads: +5M.
6. Other recommended apps to control your TV and more
- Universal TV remote control (Vsray Technology): Supports Wi-Fi and IR control for multiple brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, Vizio, Insignia, MI TV, Roku TV, JVC, among others). Over 220.000 devices supported and easy to use.
- Unified RemoteIdeal for controlling your TV, your computer, multimedia equipment, and other devices connected via WiFi or Bluetooth. Includes control customization, macros, and voice control options.
- TV remote for Roku TV: Specific application for Roku devices, with all the classic functions of a remote control and easy configuration.
- AirMirror: remote control: Allows you to control not only TVs but also other Android devices, ideal for remote assistance or mirroring screens.
- Remote TV (Infrared) (Twinone): Universal IR remote control for various brands, with simple interface and multiple configuration options.
- SURE Universal Remote: It stands out for its enormous compatibility with different devices (TV, air conditioning, stereos, projectors, etc.), includes multimedia streaming and the ability to send files to smart screens via WiFi or infrared.
- IR plus: Although its interface is basic, it supports thousands of models and allows you to easily add, sort, and delete multiple devices. Recommended for those who can't find their model in other apps.
- AnyMote Universal Remote: Controls over 900.000 devices. Compatible with cameras, DVDs, TVs, game consoles, and more. Includes macros, customizable button layout, and the option to pause playback when receiving calls.
You can check out more options directly on Google Play through this search link.
Official brand apps for Smart TVs and other devices
In addition to universal apps, each manufacturer usually offers its own own official application to control your products, especially Smart TVs. These apps are often the best option when your phone doesn't have infrared or you're looking for deeper integration with your TV's advanced features.
- Samsung SmartThings: For Samsung TVs and other smart devices. Compatible with smart TVs and connected home devices.
- Sony TV SideView: Historically for Sony Bravia (currently for older models), for newer models with Android TV it is recommended to use generic apps such as Android TV Remote or the Google TV app.
- LG TV Remote / LG webOS Magic Remote: Different apps depending on the year and model of your LG TV. The most recent ones work with WebOS.
- Philips TV Remote: Controls Philips TVs, enables program guide and voice control on compatible models.
- Panasonic TV Remote: For 2011 models onwards, various versions depending on the year.
- TCL/Thomson TV Remote: App for models with Android TV or TCL and Thomson devices.
- Android TV Remote Service and Google TV: For any Android TV, regardless of manufacturer. Allows complete and convenient control from your phone, including quick typing on the TV.
In the official Google help page You can find more information about using your phone as an Android TV remote.
Frequently asked questions about using your mobile phone as a remote control
- Do I always need infrared to use these apps? No. You can use apps via Wi-Fi if both your phone and TV (or other device) are on the same network and the device is compatible (usually Smart TVs or similar). For older devices or those without Wi-Fi, you'll need infrared.
- Can I control other devices besides the TV? Yes. Many apps allow you to manage air conditioning, projectors, sound systems, cameras, smart lights, and other appliances.
- Can macros or shortcuts be programmed? Some advanced applications allow this, making it easy to set up scripts for multiple devices or favorite functions.
- Is it safe to use my phone as a remote control? Absolutely. Just always download apps from the Google Play Store and check the requested permissions.
Tips to get the most out of your mobile phone as a remote control
- Organize your devices by room and use shortcuts in the app to quickly switch between virtual remotes.
- Try several apps until you find the one that best suits your TV or device model, especially on mobile phones with little support.
- Take advantage of extra features such as TV guide, voice control, macros and sending multimedia files.
- In case of incidents, consult the opinions of other users on Google Play and check for app updates.
- If you control devices via infrared, always point your phone directly at the device's receiver.
Turning your Android phone into a remote control is a practical, economical and versatile tool in your daily life, allowing you to manage multiple devices and simplify technological coexistence at homeChoose the app that best suits your needs and enjoy all the benefits of remote control from your pocket. If you have a phone with infrared, the options are almost endless; and if not, you can still control most smart TVs and modern devices via Wi-Fi. Try out various apps, explore their advanced features, and share your experiences to get the most out of your phone as a universal remote control.