Modern technology has made it easier to control electronic devices using a smartphone. For you to enjoy this luxury, your device must have an IR blaster or an Infrared blaster. Commonly known as IR, this feature played an instrumental role in sharing files with older phones in the yesteryears. Besides this, the IR feature was used to establish an internet connection between a computer and older phones. However, this never went on for long as this feature got replaced by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features.
As we speak, older models, such as those manufactured by Samsung usually have IR blasters. This feature looks like a transparent infrared LED that you find on your remote control. Typically, this feature is located on the top section of your device. Since this feature makes smartphones work like remote controls, most iPhone users would like to know if their devices still have IR or not. In this article, we shall try to establish that, alongside other related ideas.
Does iPhone Have IR Blaster
Not really. Unlike older Android phones, the iPhone does not come with an IR Blaster. In fact, Apple has not included the Infrared blaster in any of its models. Therefore, you should not expect to find this feature in iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone SE, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13. Perhaps, Apple might include this feature in its flagship models in the near future.
My Phone Has IR Blaster, How I Know-
If you want to know whether your phone has the IR Blaster, here are a few ideas that can help you get started:
1. Try to locate the IR blaster physically
Like we mentioned above, this feature is usually located on the top section of your phone. In most cases, this feature is small in size and rarely glows. It resembles the IR led that you find on your remote control. Typically, this feature is transparent in nature. In case you find the IR LED on your device, chances are that it comes with an IR blaster. The good news is that this feature is easy to locate.
2. Check it on your phone’s manual
If your phone has an IR blaster, chances are that it has been mentioned on the phone’s manual. Therefore, if you have your phone’s manual with you, consider checking this feature on the go. If this feature is missing on your phone’s manual, chances are that your device does not have it at all.
3. Visit your manufacturer’s site
In case you do not find this feature physically or in the phone’s manual, consider visiting the manufacturer’s site and check if you will find the IR there or not. If the IR has been mentioned on the manufacturer’s site, chances are that your device has this feature and vice versa.
4. Visit the Google Play Store and then download the IR Test app
If the above-mentioned methods fail to work, consider visiting the Google Play Store and then searching for the IR Test app. Thereafter, tap on the install button and then launch the app on your device.
Once you launch the app, it will run a number of tests on your phone, and after a few minutes, you will be able to tell whether your smartphone has or supports the IR blaster or not. Better still, you can visit a 3rd party site such as GSMArena.com and check whether this feature has been mentioned in your phone’s list of specifications or not.
IR Blaster Compatible Phone Features
With this feature in place, you will be able to command home devices or appliances using your smartphone. This can be attributed to the fact that your phone will work as a universal remote control.
Therefore, you can control your TV, music system, air conditioner, and so forth. Although you might be able to control your home electronic devices with a smartphone, these devices must be compatible with IR remotes.
As far as its functionality is concerned, this feature basically sends commands via infrared rays to the device that you want to control. Therefore, you do not have to pair it with the Bluetooth feature of your phone. This means that the IR blaster can control devices that do not come with Bluetooth connectivity features. As a result, you will be able to enjoy more convenience whenever you want to control your devices back at home.
Can I Install IR Blaster On My iPhone
Not really. This is because the IR blaster is hardware and not software that can easily be installed on nearly any smartphone that you can think of. It is imperative to note that most smartphones that possess this feature usually come with it directly from the manufacturer.
iPhones do not come with an IR blaster. Thankfully, you can now purchase any of the available universal IR adapters in the market and use your device as a universal remote control. If you are looking for a universal IR dongle or adapter for your iPhone, be certain that it will come with a lighting port connector for your device.
Although these IR adapters can be a lifesaver if you have an iPhone device, brace yourself to grapple with compatibility issues. This is because some IR adaptors do not work well with other models. The good news is that these adaptors are both portable and affordable. For as little as $17, you will not miss an adaptor that will suit your iPhone model.
Way to Use iPhone As A Remote Control
Although the iPhone does not come with an IR blaster, you can use it as a remote control on several devices. The good news is that certain apps can help you control these devices on the go. Some good examples of these apps include:
- Sonymote
- LGeemote: LG TV PLUS
- Unified remote
- SamRemote
- AnyMote Smart Universal Remote
- VLC remote
- Remote Control-ZaZaRemote
Besides this, you can consider investing in an IR adapter and then connecting it to your iPhone so that your device can work as a remote control.
Frequently Ask Questions
Does The iPhone 13 Have Infrared?
Not really. In fact, the previous iPhone models and the iPhone 13 do not come with the IR blaster.
Does The iPhone 14 Have Infrared?
No. iPhone 14 and its predecessor models do not come with an IR Blaster.
Is IR Blaster Safe?
Yes. In case your device has this feature, be sure that it will work like a typical remote control. After all, a normal remote control normally has an infrared LED that can’t be seen by the naked human eye. In fact, its wavelength is beyond the normal range of visible light. This means that the signal from this feature will not have any impact on your body. Even if you are exposed to this feature’s signal for longer hours, nothing will happen to you.