What Phones Have IR Blasters? Top Smartphone Picks

Many people still rely on an infrared blaster to control their TV, air conditioner, and other home devices from a single remote app. If you rely on your phone as a primary remote, knowing which phones have IR blasters can save you from buying extra accessories.

Below you will find a quick reference table, detailed explanations of top devices, and answers to common user questions about phones with built-in infrared support.

Top Smartphones with IR Blasters Still in Use

Certain midrange and budget handsets continue to include infrared ports because they target users who want a single app for lighting, cooling, and entertainment control. Xiaomi, Realme, and select Poco devices often lead this category with mature software and large device databases.

These phones typically place the IR emitter next to the top earpiece. You point the phone at the appliance in the same way you would a standard remote, and the app encodes commands through the IR blaster.

If you already own one of these models, you may not need to buy an extra remote or invest in a smart hub just for basic TV and AC functions.

How to Check if Your Phone Has an IR Blaster

You can usually find IR support by checking the official specifications page or the settings menu under Connections or Additional Features. On many Android skins, a dedicated Remote Control app appears when the hardware is present.

Physically, the IR blaster looks like a small dark plastic dot that is almost always grouped with the front-facing cameras. Use a camera preview in a dark room to see a faint red glow when the app fires a signal.

Testing is simple: open the remote app, select your device model, and press power. If the TV turns off, the blaster is working correctly.

Choosing the Right Phone for Your Home Control Needs

Before buying a phone only for its IR port, consider your existing devices. If you own a smart TV and a streaming stick, you may rely less on IR and more on HDMI‑CEC or Wi‑Cast casting.

For users with older air conditioners or AV receivers that only accept infrared codes, a phone with a blaster can act as a direct drop in replacement for lost remotes.

Keep in mind that IR requires line of sight, so in large homes or behind cabinet doors, you might still need a Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth bridge for full automation.

Best Practices for Using IR Remotes on Phones

• Place the phone within one meter of the appliance for the strongest signal.
• Keep the clear plastic IR window clean and free from dust or smudges.
• Update the remote app regularly to expand device support and fix bugs.
• Use original or high quality third party remotes in the app to reduce pairing issues.

Future of Phone IR Integration

As Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth become the primary control layers for modern appliances, the need for dedicated IR hardware may continue to shrink. However, for users with legacy devices in emerging markets, phones with IR blasters remain a valuable and practical tool.

Manufacturers balance this by including robust software libraries and community driven device databases that keep older models working long after they stop receiving major OS updates.