Can a Samsung Phone Be a TV & AC Remote? Here's the Answer!
Have you ever been lying down and lost the TV or AC remote, and thought: "Hey, can I use my Samsung cellphone as a remote?"
Don't worry, you're not alone! Many Samsung smartphone users are curious whether their smartphones can replace the remote control for their TV and AC. Especially in this era, everything is digital. But, can Samsung smartphones really be used as remotes?
Let's discuss it together in this article. Guaranteed, you will get a clear answer, without any hassle, and of course informative. To make it more comfortable, you can also prepare a cup of coffee or warm tea. 😄
Does Samsung Phone Have Infrared Sensor?
What is an Infrared Sensor?
Before answering, we need to know first what infrared (IR) is . In short, infrared is a technology used in remote controls to send commands to electronic devices, such as TVs, air conditioners, DVD players, and others.
So, if your remote can turn on the TV, it's because it sends an infrared signal to the TV.
Does Samsung Phone Have Infrared?
Now, here's the important part: most of the newer Samsung phones do NOT come with an infrared sensor .
Some older Samsung phones like the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy Note 4 did have an IR blaster. But since the latest series, Samsung has stopped including this feature. So, if you are using a Samsung Galaxy A-series, M-series, or even the latest flagship phones like the Galaxy S23, S24, S25, and so on—it most likely doesn't have infrared .
So directly , the answer to our main question: "Can a Samsung cellphone be a TV and AC remote?" is no , because it does not have infrared hardware.
But wait, don't be sad yet. There are still other ways!
Another Solution: Control via WiFi? Absolutely!
Main Requirement: Device Must Be Smart
If your TV or AC is a smart device , meaning it can connect to a WiFi network, then your Samsung cellphone still has great potential to become a remote.
Some smart TVs (such as Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Xiaomi TV, etc.) and smart ACs (such as those from Daikin, Samsung, or Gree) usually have a companion app that you can install on your phone. Through that app, you can:
Change TV channels
Adjusting the volume
Adjusting the AC temperature
Turn the device on or off
And other features
Examples of applications that you can use include:
SmartThings (for Samsung devices)
LG ThinQ (for LG devices)
Mi Home (for Xiaomi devices)
Daikin Smart AC (for Daikin AC)
and others according to your TV/AC brand
Advantages & Disadvantages of Controlling Via WiFi
Excess:
No need for physical remote
Can be controlled from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet
More features than a regular remote
Lack:
The device must support WiFi connection
Initial setup can be tricky (especially for the less tech-savvy)
Need an internet connection or at least a local WiFi network
If all the above requirements are met, congratulations! Your Samsung phone can be a super sophisticated remote for devices at home.
The Most Practical Alternative: Use an External IR Blaster Gadget
What is IR Blaster 360?
If your TV or AC is not a smart device, don't rush to buy a new device. There is a great solution: use an external infrared device aka IR Blaster 360 .
This is a small gadget that can spread infrared signals throughout the room (because it is 360 degrees). Here's how it works:
You plug or connect the IR Blaster to your home WiFi.
Install the supporting application on your Samsung cellphone.
The application can be controlled via cellphone and sends commands to the IR Blaster.
The IR Blaster will send infrared signals to the TV or AC like a regular remote.
Some popular IR Blasters that are widely used:
Broadlink RM Mini 3 / RM4
Xiaomi Universal IR Remote
MoesGo IR Controller
The price is also quite affordable, starting from only IDR 100 thousand. And the coolest thing: you can control all IR devices in one application—TV, AC, fan, lights, and more!
Why Should You Try IR Blaster?
Benefits of using IR Blaster:
No need to buy a spare remote
Can be programmed via cellphone
Some can even be controlled using voice commands (Google Assistant/Alexa)
Control multiple devices at once
The disadvantages:
It takes a little time for the initial setup.
Must stay connected to WiFi network
But overall, this is the most flexible solution for those of you who have a Samsung cellphone but want to control the TV/AC like using a remote.
Conclusion: Can or Can't?
So, back to the original question: Can a Samsung cellphone be used as a TV and AC remote?
The answer is: Directly it can't , because Samsung phones generally don't have infrared. But…
✅ If your TV/AC is smart and can connect to WiFi: it can be controlled via applications such as SmartThings, Mi Home, or others.
✅ If it's not a smart device : you can use the IR Blaster 360 gadget which can be controlled from your cellphone.
With these solutions, you don't need to panic anymore when your remote is lost or broken. Just make sure all devices are connected and you are ready to be the "remote master" at home. 😎
So the bottom line is...
Well, now you know the complete answer and solution if you want your Samsung cellphone to be a TV and AC remote. Sometimes we just need a little creativity and additional technology to make life simpler.
If you like articles like this and want other interesting information about technology and useful daily tips, don't forget to stop by ajakteman.com. There are many exciting things you can find there!
Good luck trying to be a "remote commander" at home, and see you in the next article!