Which Phones Will Let Me Control Any TV

So you want to control your TV with your phone. If you want to control any TV with your smartphone, you will need a phone with an IR port, which is an order of magnitude longer than it used to be. There are still some phones that can control your TV, sound set and cable box, but the list is getting smaller.

If you have a cable box, you can use almost any iPhone or Android phone to change channels and use DVR-like functions, but you can’t control every TV out there.

For a brief time in 2013 and 2014, almost every Android phone came with an IR blaster that could control just about anything with a remote – even without the need for any actual setup on the TV.

Here are phones that can control any TV, sound bar or call box. This list has been updated for 2016 and 2017, but some phones are older models. We will also add options that allow you to turn any phone into a remote control using an accessory.

Best Phones with IR Blaster in 2016 and 2017

There are still only a few smartphones that include an IR blaster so you can use your phone to control any TV. Samsung, LG, and Huawei are the main companies that support this feature sold in the US, but you’ll also find some Xiaomi, LeTV, and LeEvo models that include an IR blaster to control your TV.

Samsung Phones Controlling TVs

Galaxy S6 series can control any TV.

Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge and latest Note devices do not have an IR blaster that can control the TV. If you want this feature, you’ll have to look into the capable but older Galaxy S6 models.

LG Phones Controlling TVs

LG V20 can control any TV.

Many LG smartphones still contain IR blasters that can control TVs and other devices. Even the LG V20 includes an IR port, which many newer smartphones lack. LG didn’t continue with that with the LG G6. It is unclear whether the LG V30 will have an IR port at this time. If you want the latest phone that can control any TV, this is the option you want to buy. LG’s older models also offer this feature.

Huawei Phones Controlling TVs

Control any TV with Honor 8 phone.

The most popular Huawei phone that can control a TV is the Honor 8, but it’s not the only phone. The P9 Plus also works, but you should check compatibility with carriers before purchasing one.

Other Phones Controlling TVs

There are other phones that can control absolutely any TV, but most of them are not sold at carrier stores in the US or at retailers like Best Buy. You can use them with some carriers, but be sure to check before you buy.

IR Blaster Adapters and Accessories

There are many IR blaster accessories available for $20 or less. Amazon and eBaybut not all of them will work with every phone or every TV model.

If you decide to buy one, be sure to look for an option with support for your phone and details about your TV or devices you want to control.

How to Control Your TV With Any Phone

There is a more precise option for users who need to control their home TV with any phone (Android or iPhone), but this is more expensive and not a portable tool that can control any TV.

The Logitech Harmon Companion All-in-One Remote or Harmony Hub lets you control your TV and other devices with your Android phone or iPhone. You need one of these in every room you want to control, but it’s incredibly useful. We use one to set events to use all devices in a room.

With the push of a button we can turn on the TV, soundbar, Xbox One and adjust the Hue lights to the right color and brightness for gaming or watching movies.

this Logitech Harmony Companion All-in-One at $129.99 at Amazon.

TV Control Apps for iPhone and Android

If you have cable or satellite service with Spectrum, DirecTV, Dish, Comcast, FIOS, or AT&T, you can probably control your DVR with your phone. Find the app for your cable company in the app store and download it to your phone.

From here you can change channels, access your DVR and some other functions. With this you will only be able to control your cable box or DVR and not others publicly.