Make sure your phone has an IR blaster. The easiest way to find out is to search the internet for your phone model's specs (or your phone model and the words "IR blaster") and see what comes up. Fewer Androids come with IR blasters these days, but you'll find them on some models. Modern HTC and Samsung models no longer come with IR blasters, but you can often find them on newer models released by Huawei, Honor, and Xiaomi. You can also check your Android's user manual if you've hung on to it.
Install an IR Universal Remote app if you don't already have one. Before downloading a new app, check your app drawer for a built-in remote control/IR blaster app. Most Androids that come with an IR blaster component installed also have a pre-installed app that can do this. If you don't see one, there are many free and paid apps on the Google Play Store you can use to control your home audio and video devices. Some popular and highly-reviewed options are Universal TV Remote Control by CodeMatics and AnyMote Universal Remote + WiFi Smart Home Control by Color Tiger. You may have to try a few different apps before you find the one that best suits you. Not all IR apps are universal remote control apps. Some are for specific brands. Be sure to read the app's description before installing. For example, you can use Mi Remote only for Xiaomi phones.
Open your IR remote app. You can tap Open to launch the app from the Play Store or tap its icon on the app drawer.
Select your IR blaster when prompted. The app should ask you to choose your IR blaster the first time you open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to select it and/or grand appropriate permissions.
Select the model you want to control. Most apps come with a built-in list of supported audio and video devices from which you can choose. You'll usually have to select the manufacturer first and then the model. Depending on the app you're using, you may be asked to enter a universal code for the component. You can find these codes on the web by searching the internet for the model and "remote control code." You could also visit a site like https://codesforuniversalremotes.com to find your code. TVs, DVD/Blu-Ray players, audio receivers, and much more can be controlled using an IR blaster.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the device. Once you choose your model, your app will display some instructions for linking it to the app. The steps vary by app and device. Once you're finished with the setup, you should be able to use your Android to control the device. Some apps allow you to add multiple devices. If the app is free it may limit the number of devices you can add.
Point the IR blaster to the device you want to control. Just like a normal remote control, the IR blaster will work best when you are holding the device correctly. Most of the time, the IR blaster will be at the top of the device. Simply point and press the keys on the screen of your Android to control the device you choose.
Test your remote functions. Try pressing the power button to turn the device on or off as a starting point, and then work up to other controls. The virtual remote in the app should have the same (or similar) functions as the product's actual remote control.
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