Just bought a new phone and realized it doesn’t have an IR blaster? It feels frustrating at first, especially when you were planning to use a Universal TV Remote Control app like a traditional remote. Here’s the good news right away: yes, you can still control your TV without an IR blaster.
Most modern phones don’t include IR hardware anymore, and that’s completely normal in 2026. Today’s Universal TV Remote Control apps are built to work using both IR and WiFi connections. So even if your phone lacks IR, you’re not stuck at all. In fact, for smart TVs, WiFi control is often faster, smarter, and more reliable.
If you’re confused about which connection type matters more, you can also check this: IR Blaster vs WiFi TV Remote App - Which One Do You Actually Need?
What Is an IR Blaster and Why Most New Phones Don’t Have One
An IR blaster is a small hardware component in older smartphones that sends infrared signals, just like a physical TV remote. It lets your phone directly control TVs, ACs, and other appliances without needing an internet connection.
But things have changed. Phone manufacturers gradually removed IR blasters to make devices slimmer and more efficient. At the same time, TVs became smarter and began relying on Wi-Fi rather than infrared signals.
That’s why you won’t find IR blasters in most modern phones like iPhones, recent Samsung Galaxy S series devices, or Google Pixel models.
Still, this doesn’t limit you. It simply means your phone will use a smarter method to control your TV.
How Universal TV Remote Control App Works Without an IR Blaster
If your phone doesn’t have an IR blaster, the Universal TV Remote Control app automatically switches to WiFi mode.
Here’s how it works in simple terms: As long as your phone and your Smart TV are connected to the same WiFi network, the app can detect your TV and connect to it instantly. No extra hardware, no adapters, no complicated setup.
Once connected, your phone communicates with the TV over your network rather than via infrared signals. This allows smoother control and even unlocks advanced features that IR remotes can’t provide.
The app supports 700+ TV brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Hisense. It is already trusted by over 130 million users worldwide, which makes it one of the most reliable solutions available today.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up the App Without an IR Blaster
Setting up the Universal TV Remote Control app without an IR blaster is simple and takes less than 2 minutes.
Follow these steps:
- Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network
- Download the Universal TV Remote Control app from Google Play or the App Store
- Open the app and tap on “Add Remote” or choose your TV brand
- The app will automatically scan and detect your Smart TV
- Tap on your TV name to connect
- That’s it. You can now control your TV directly from your phone
Once connected, you can adjust volume, change channels, navigate menus with a D-Pad, type using your phone keyboard, and even use voice commands.
Quick Tip: No WiFi router at home? You can still connect using your phone’s mobile hotspot.
You can also read this guide: Can We Use a Hotspot to Connect the Universal TV Remote Control App?
What Features Are Available Without an IR Blaster?
Many users think they lose features without IR, but in reality, the opposite is true.
When connected through WiFi, the Universal TV Remote Control app gives you full access to all features, and in many cases, even more than a traditional remote.
Here’s what you can do:
- Control volume and channels
- Navigate using D-Pad
- Use the on-screen keyboard for typing
- Control media playback
- Launch apps directly on your TV
- Use voice control for faster commands
All of this works smoothly on both Android and iOS devices without needing any extra hardware.
What If My TV Is Not a Smart TV? (IR-Only TVs)
If you’re using an older non-smart TV, things are a bit different.
These TVs rely only on infrared signals, so in this case, your phone must have an IR blaster to work as a remote. Without it, WiFi control won’t be possible because the TV doesn’t support network connectivity.
If you’re unsure, check your phone's specifications to confirm whether it includes an IR blaster.
That said, if you already own a Smart TV, you’re actually in a better position. WiFi control is more stable, offers more features, and doesn’t require line of sight like IR.
The app supports both IR and WiFi modes, so it automatically adapts to your device and TV.
Phones That Work Best With Universal TV Remote Control App in 2026
The great thing is that almost every modern smartphone supports the app in one way or another.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
iPhones (all models) work perfectly using WiFi
Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer models use WiFi
Google Pixel devices use WiFi
Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor phones often include IR, so they support both IR and WiFi
So whether your phone has IR or not, it will still work with the Universal TV Remote Control app as long as it has WiFi.
Conclusion
Not having an IR blaster in 2026 is not a problem at all. In fact, it’s completely normal.
You can still easily use a Universal TV Remote Control app over WiFi and enjoy even better features than traditional remotes. With support for over 700 TV brands, availability in more than 100 countries, and a user base of 130 million plus, the app proves that IR is no longer essential.
So if you were worried your phone won’t work as a TV remote, you can relax. Just download the app, connect your TV, and start controlling it within minutes.
Download Now: Get the Universal TV Remote Control app from Google Play or the App Store and turn your phone into a powerful remote instantly.
FAQs
1. Do I need Bluetooth to use a TV remote app without IR?
A: No, Bluetooth is not required. Most Universal TV Remote Control apps use Wi-Fi to connect your phone to your TV. As long as both devices are on the same network, it will work smoothly.
2. Can I control multiple TVs with one app?
A: Yes, you can add and manage multiple TVs within the same app. You can switch between devices at any time without reconnecting.
3. Why is my TV not showing up in the app scan?
A: This usually happens when your phone and TV are on different WiFi networks, or when your TV’s network permissions are restricted. Make sure both are connected properly and try again.
4. Does the app work if my internet is slow?
A: Yes, it works even on slow internet because it uses local WiFi communication rather than external servers. As long as your network is stable, performance will be fine.
5. Is it safe to connect my TV to a remote control app?
A: Yes, it is safe. The connection happens within your local network, and trusted apps follow standard security protocols to ensure your data and devices remain protected.