You can use your old Android phone as a universal remote

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Misplacing your TV remote or losing it between the sofa cushions doesn’t have to be as frustrating as it seems. Of course, it’s always a good idea to track down that remote, but in a pinch you can also use your phone, which is a great option if you have old Android phones or tablets lying around. It is also one of the best ways to reuse your old phone and Android devices. There are actually several ways to set this up, but the methods, or indeed applications, may differ slightly between TV brands. Roku, for example, has its own app for Roku devices and TVs, as do Samsung (SmartThings), Google and other brands. In fact, you can use this free alternative on almost any smart TV.

The easiest and quickest way to set this up, if your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, and they probably are, is to use a mobile app of your choice and connect over the local network. The aforementioned Roku app – or own-brand apps – are a good start; Amazon’s Fire TV platform also has its own remote app. If no official app is available, you can find random apps on Google Play, such as Universal TV Remote. Just be aware that third-party apps may serve ads. Some devices and apps can also use Bluetooth to connect to a TV rather than Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth Remote app is a good example of this. You can pretty much ditch your TV remote altogether if you use it as an all-in-one app, and it’s free to start.

If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth aren’t your style, or they’re just not available, you can also use a small $15 device called an infrared (IR) blaster. It turns just about any smartphone into a universal remote control, with no internet connection required. The highlighted gadget plugs into the USB-C port on your phone or tablet and functions as an IR controller; it doesn’t use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi but communicates directly with the TV’s built-in components. Most modern televisions have a built-in infrared transmitter to receive infrared signals from traditional and universal remote controls.

As with the many app options for wireless syncing, there are a wide variety of infrared streaming options, most available on Amazon and other retailers. You can use the standard style in the example above or opt for more advanced options, like a $20 mini-hub model that supports voice controls through Google Home and Alexa, in addition to standard remote functions. Think of it as a truly universal remote control that can connect to virtually anything, including smart home devices, TVs, media players, air conditioners, home entertainment equipment and much more. You could give up so many of your extra remotes using something like this. SwitchBot offers a similar IR blaster for $36 if you use the brand’s smart home technology or anything compatible with it. Ultimately, having plenty of choices is never a bad thing. You can find what works best for you and your family.

Most apps for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are free, and if you go the IR blaster route, they’re relatively inexpensive and easily accessible.