Without an original or replacement remote control, can you control your no smart TV with a phone? Utilizing your smartphone to manage your TV settings and navigate channels is a convenient way to manage your TV. Let me explain how it can be set up if you are interested.
Several remote apps, both free and paid, are available for download from app stores as mobile applications continue to evolve and improve. Our mobile devices are equipped with remote control applications that allow us to control the TV from anywhere. The purpose of this post is to share with you the best universal remote app for non-smart TVs that I have found.
There are many remote control apps available for smart TVs, and traditional TVs offer fewer features than advanced TVs. Numerous mobile apps can also be used to control non-smart TVs, which not many people are aware of.
Until you can replace your broken TV remote, you can manage your TV using one of these apps until you can get a new one.
Best Universal Remote Apps For Non-smart TV
Here are the best apps you can opt from
Remote Control for All TV – Top Ranked
A smart and powerful universal remote can be controlled by your smartphone using this top-notch application. As well as being able to control televisions, it can also control set-top boxes, DVD players, LED, LCD, plasma, and QLED TVs, home theater systems, etc.
Pairing with your TV brand is simple with its easy-to-use interface. For added convenience, you can also search for the brand using the search bar at the top of the page.
Over 120 countries use it due to its compatibility with a range of device categories.
Apart from non-smart TVs, other supported devices include
- Android TVs
- Other platform smart TVs
- DVD players
- AC
- Fan
- Projectors
- AV receivers
- STB
- smart bulbs, etc
Universal TV Remote Controls by Codematic
Both smart and non-smart TVs can benefit from this remote control app. A high-quality rating and positive user response are guaranteed with this application, which has been downloaded over 100 million times.
Your Android mobile device must have an IR sensor built in for this app to work with a non-smart TV. The process of setting up your TV is as simple as selecting the TV brand name from the provided list.
With WiFi technology, this app is also compatible with smart modern televisions. To connect the TV to the WiFi network, you simply need to connect the mobile device.
Unimote Remote app
Using Sensus Tech LLC’s Unimote, you can control your TV using your Android device. With easy pairing mode, it is compatible with reputable TV brands available on the market.
With Samsung, LG, and Sony (all smart and non-smart versions), you can connect with a variety of TV brands. Also compatible with streaming-enabled smart TVs, such as Android TVs, FireTVs, Rokus, etc. However, streaming stick devices are not supported.
Having regular ads displayed on this app is one of its drawbacks, which greatly reduces the overall user experience. When you subscribe to Unimote’s premium service, you can use it as both a universal remote app for smart TVs and non-smart TVs. In the new version, voice and keyboard input are supported, and stability has been improved.
Lean remote app
Due to its unique graphical user interface, it is very simple and fun to use. Rather than being restricted to only one type of device, it is capable of controlling a variety of devices, including air conditioners, DVD players, projectors, audio devices, home theater systems, and both smart and non-smart televisions. It is possible to access such a large database of devices through the Lean remote application.
Alternatively, you can use this remote app to control any of your devices that do not include an infrared sensor but can be connected to an IR blaster.
Vsray universal remote app
You can control any model TV using the Vsray remote control application, but it has annoying advertisements. Improved user interface, works with Android platforms with IR blasters and is easy to connect with your branded TV. This app could be even better with a paid membership, allowing us to control the TV even better. Subscriptions aren’t available, unfortunately.
If you don’t have a replacement remote for your TV, this app won’t work.
How are IR blasters used in mobile smartphones?
Smartphones often come with IR blasters built-in. You can control your regular TV with any of these universal remote apps if you use any of them.
The most popular models are
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4
- Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
- OnePlus Nord 3 5G
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 series
- OnePlus 11R, etc
Is there an IR blaster on iPhones?
No, unfortunately! No iOS smartphone comes with a built-in IR blaster. Therefore, you need a smartphone running Android.
iPhones can be used to control smart TVs with WiFi connectivity with a number of universal remote apps. A regular TV can also be controlled using an external IR blaster connected to the audio jack.
IR blaster not available on my Android device?
There is still hope. You can purchase a portable IR blaster device from your local store or online. It is a small external device that connects to your mobile device via IR and makes it IR-compatible.
The IR blaster devices can be matched to different types of mobile devices.
- An IR blaster with a Type-C connector
- An audio jack is provided on the IR blaster
- The BroadLink RM4Mini is an example of a hub-based (advanced) solution
Your non-smart TV can benefit from a low-cost universal remote
Amazon and local electronics stores sell numerous universal remote controls at low prices. In addition to being seamless compatible with hundreds of TV brands, they cost just under $15.
The ByJasco GE remote control is one of my favorites. By connecting your TV and using it like an original remote control, it has an extensive code library.
RCA, Philips, One-for-all, Onn remote, Jumbo, Sofabaton, Magnavox, and many others are other brands you might want to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to control your TV with your phone?
Yes! Using any universal remote app with an in-built IR sensor, you can control your TV from your smartphone. You can control your TV with a remote app that you have configured with your TV.
Can I still use my phone if it doesn’t have IR capabilities or Wi-Fi? Is my TV still controllable?
A Bluetooth-enabled remote or dedicated hardware might be a better option if your phone lacks IR or Wi-Fi capabilities. IR blasters or IR hubs can be purchased externally.
Instead of spending money on an external IR blaster, I recommend buying a replacement remote. It is interesting to note that there is a cost difference between an IR blaster and a simple universal remote.
What are the advantages of using a paid remote app over a free one?
Free remote control apps may contain irritating ads, which can make the experience less than ideal. Developers primarily earn income from these ads. Paying for an app ensures that no ads will pop up while you use it, as opposed to free apps.