Discover the Best Universal Remote App For Non-Smart TV. Learn how to control your TV using your phone with simple setup steps and top app recommendations.
It happens to all of us. You sit down on the couch to watch your favorite show, but you can’t find the remote. In the past, this meant that those with older, non smart TVs had to search urgently or go to the store. You can fix the problem with your phone today. If you have a non smart TV, finding the best universal remote app can change the way you watch TV by giving you back control. This tutorial will tell you all you need to know.
We will explore how these apps work and what hardware you need. We’ll also highlight some of the top applications available for both Android and iOS devices. You can finally stop searching under the couch cushions and start using a more convenient solution.
How Do Remote Apps Work with Non-Smart TVs?
Before downloading the first app you see, it’s important to understand the technology. Unlike smart TVs that connect to your home Wi-Fi, non smart TVs rely on a different method to receive commands. This is where the concepts of Infrared (IR) and Wi-Fi-to-IR hubs become crucial.
The Power of Infrared (IR) Blasters
Most traditional remote controls use infrared light to communicate with your television. An IR blaster is a small piece of hardware that mimics this function. It emits an infrared signal that your TV’s sensor can read and understand.
Many older Android smartphones, and some newer models from brands like Xiaomi and Huawei, have a built in IR blaster. This is the most direct and cost effective way to control your non smart TV with your phone. The app tells the built in blaster which specific IR code to send for commands like “Power On,” “Volume Up,” or “Change Channel.”
How to Check for a Built-in IR Blaster:
- Look for a small, black plastic dot on the top edge of your smartphone. This is often the IR blaster.
- Check your phone’s official specifications online. Search for your model name followed by “specs” and look for “IR blaster” or “Infrared port.”
- Download a hardware information app from the Google Play Store that can detect all of your phone’s components.
If your phone has an IR blaster, you have a wide range of compatible remote apps to choose from.
Using a Wi-Fi to IR Hub or Adapter
What if your phone doesn’t have an IR blaster? This is the case for all iPhones and most modern Android phones. You are not out of luck. You can use an external device called a Wi-Fi to IR hub (or blaster).
These devices act as a bridge between your phone and your TV.
- You connect the hub to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
- You place the hub in the same room as your television, with a clear line of sight.
- The universal remote app on your phone sends commands to the hub over Wi-Fi.
- The hub then translates these commands into infrared signals and blasts them at your TV.
This setup is incredibly versatile. It allows any smartphone on your Wi-Fi network to become a remote control. Brands like Broad Link and Logitech Harmony (now discontinued but still available) are well known for these products.
Finding the Best Universal Remote App For Non-Smart TV
Now that you know the hardware requirements, let’s explore some of the best apps available. The right choice depends on your device and whether you have an IR blaster.
Top Apps for Phones with Built in IR Blasters (Android)
If you have an Android phone with an IR blaster, these apps provide excellent functionality without needing extra hardware.
1. Mi Remote Controller
Developed by Xiaomi, this is one of the most powerful and user friendly remote apps. While designed for Xiaomi phones, it works on many other Android devices with an IR blaster.
- Vast Device Database: It supports thousands of models from hundreds of brands of TVs, set-top boxes, and more.
- Simple Setup: The app guides you through a simple test process to find the right IR code for your device.
- Clean Interface: The layout is intuitive, with large buttons that are easy to tap.
2. ASmart Remote IR
This is another popular choice known for its extensive compatibility and straightforward design.
- Wide Compatibility: It works with a huge range of TVs, including older CRT models.
- Customizable Remotes: You can customize the button layout to match your original remote or your preferences.
- Macros: This feature allows you to program a sequence of commands to a single button. For example, one tap could turn on your TV and your cable box simultaneously.
3. Universal TV Remote Control
This app, by Code Matics, offers a clean interface and a reliable connection process. It’s a solid, no frills option that gets the job done.
- Easy Pairing: The app quickly finds and configures most major TV brands.
- Responsive Controls: Users report minimal lag between tapping a button on the app and the TV responding.
- Free with Ads: The app is free to use but is supported by advertisements.
Top Apps Requiring a Wi-Fi to IR Hub
If your phone lacks an IR blaster, you’ll need one of these apps in combination with an external hub.
1. BroadLink – Universal Remote
The BroadLink app is the companion to their line of affordable and effective Wi-Fi to IR hubs (like the RM4 mini).
- Control Everything: Beyond TVs, you can control air conditioners, fans, and any other IR-controlled device.
- Cloud Code Database: Broad Link maintains a massive, cloud based library of IR codes, ensuring your devices are likely supported.
- Scene and Routine Creation: You can create “scenes” like “Movie Night” that dim the lights and turn on your TV and sound system with a single command.
- Voice Control Integration: It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your non smart TV with your voice.
2. Unified Remote
While often known for controlling computers, Unified Remote also has powerful IR capabilities when paired with a compatible hub or IR equipped phone.
- Extreme Customization: This app is for users who love to tinker. You can create custom remotes and complex macros.
- Cross Platform: Works on Android and iOS to control a wide variety of devices.
- Server Based: It uses a server application on a PC for some features, making it incredibly powerful but with a steeper learning curve.
3. AnyMote Universal Remote
AnyMote supports both built in IR blasters and a wide range of Wi-Fi to IR hubs. It stands out for its polished interface and automation features.
- Beautiful Interface: The app is well designed and visually appealing.
- Automated Tasks: Create macros and automated sequences to simplify your home entertainment setup.
- Voice Commands: Features its own voice command system within the app.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Remote App
Ready to get started? Here’s a simple guide to setting up your first remote app. This example assumes you have an Android phone with a built in IR blaster.
Step 1: Download a Remote App
- Go to the Google Play Store.
- Search for “IR universal remote” or one of the apps mentioned above, like “Mi Remote.”
- Download and install the app.
Step 2: Add a Device
- Open the app. You will likely see a “+” icon or an “Add Remote” button. Tap it.
- Select the type of device you want to control. Choose “TV.”
Step 3: Select Your TV Brand
- A list of television brands will appear. Scroll through and select your TV’s brand (e.g., Samsung, Sony, LG).
Step 4: Point and Test
- Point your phone’s IR blaster at your television.
- The app will ask you to tap a test button, usually the “Power” button. Tap it.
- The app will ask, “Did the device respond?”
- If your TV is turned on or off, tap “Yes.” The app will save this remote configuration.
- If nothing happened, tap “No.” The app will try the next IR code set for that brand. Keep testing until you find the one that works.
Step 5: Use Your New Remote
Once you confirm a working code, the app will display a full remote interface. You can now change channels, adjust the volume, and access menus just like you would with your physical remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use my iPhone as a universal remote for a non smart TV?
Yes, but you will need an external Wi-Fi to IR hub. iPhones do not have built in IR blasters. Once you have a hub like the BroadLink RM4 mini, you can download its companion app from the App Store and control your TV over your Wi-Fi network.
Q2: Can I control my non-smart TV with an app without Wi-Fi?
Yes, if your Android phone has a built in IR blaster. The communication between the phone and the TV is direct via infrared signals and does not require a Wi-Fi connection. However, if you need an external Wi-Fi to IR hub, then both your phone and the hub must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Q3: How do I turn my non smart TV into a smart TV?
While a remote app gives you control, it doesn’t add streaming capabilities. To turn a non smart TV into a smart TV, you need a streaming device like a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV. These devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to your Wi-Fi, and give you access to apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.
Q4: Are universal remote apps free?
Many universal remote apps are free but may display ads. Some offer a premium version that removes ads and unlocks advanced features like macros and custom remote layouts. Apps that work with external hubs, like Broad Link, are typically free, as their business model is based on selling the hardware.
Conclusion
Losing a remote for your non smart TV no longer means you’re out of options. By understanding the role of infrared technology, you can easily find the best universal remote app for a non smart TV and regain control. If you have an Android phone with an IR blaster, a free app is all you need. For iPhone users or those without an IR blaster, a small investment in a Wi-Fi to IR hub opens up a world of convenience.
These apps not only replace a lost remote but often offer more features, like one touch macros and voice control integration. You can declutter your coffee table and manage all your IR devices from the one gadget you always have with you: your smartphone. Download an app today and give your trusty old television a modern upgrade.
