5 Apps to Control Your Home Devices with an Android Smartphone

Chances are, you’ve got some device at home with a missing remote. Or maybe you’ve got too many remotes—one for each gadget, and none of them universal. The good news? If your Android smartphone has an infrared (IR) blaster (which many Xiaomi, Huawei, Tecno, and other models do), you can ditch most of those remotes. Or at least stop worrying about them.

That little IR port—once used for sending files between phones—works great for controlling TVs, air conditioners, projectors, speakers, receivers, and more. And since many modern devices now use Wi-Fi, you can even turn your phone into a remote without IR at all.

Here are five excellent apps that turn your phone into a universal remote. Some use IR signals, others work via Wi-Fi, and one even lets you control your PC.

Unified Remote

If you regularly listen to music, watch movies, or give presentations from your laptop, this app is a must-have. Unified Remote turns your smartphone into a remote control for your computer. You can skip tracks, launch videos, change slides, and even manage files. It works with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Connections are made over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Remote for Android TV

Perfect for anyone with an Android TV or Google TV set-top box at home. No IR port needed—Wi-Fi is enough. Just connect to the same network, and you’re all set. The app offers everything you need: buttons, a touchpad, volume slider, and even a voice control mic. It also includes an on-screen keyboard and lets you launch apps directly from your phone.

Universal TV Remote

A great choice for owners of Smart TVs and Android TV boxes. It runs over Wi-Fi, so no IR required. The app automatically detects devices on your network—just pick one, and you’re ready to go. You’ll get a touchpad, virtual buttons, and an on-screen keyboard for full control. It supports most major TV brands.

Remote Control for All TVs

This app is a lifesaver when your original remote is lost or broken. Just choose your TV brand and get a full remote interface—with power, volume, channel, and input buttons. Menu navigation, number pad, fast response—it’s all here. The only requirement is that your phone must have an IR blaster.

Universal Remote Control

This app lets you control pretty much any home appliance—from air conditioners and fans to audio systems and projectors. It features an intuitive interface with a touchpad, D-pad, control buttons, and the ability to save multiple remotes and switch between them easily. Again, your phone needs to support infrared transmission.

In short, even if the only working remote in your house is stuck in the bedroom, your phone has your back. You can stay on the couch and still change channels, adjust the temperature, or queue up your favorite show. Best of all—you’ll never again have to panic-search for missing remotes around the apartment.