Have you lost your original TV remote control or just want to control it from your smartphone? Modern phones Honor based on Android can replace a physical remote control - to do this, you just need to correctly configure the software and hardware capabilities of the device. In this article we will look at all the ways to turn your Honor 50/70/90/X6/X7 (and other models) into a universal remote control, including setting up IR transmitter, choosing the best applications and solving common problems.

It is important to understand that not all smartphones Honor equipped with built-in infrared port —this depends on the model and year of manufacture. If your device does not support IR, you can use alternative methods via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. We will look at both options in detail, and also give recommendations for optimizing work for different brands of TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi etc.).

Before you begin, check whether yours has one Honor physical IR transmitter. It is usually located at the top of the case (next to the speaker or front camera). If you are not sure, use the app IR Tester iz Google Play for diagnostics. Also make sure that your TV supports control via infrared signal or network protocols (for example, DLNA or Anynet+).

📊 What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
Sony
Xiaomi
Philips
TCL
Other

1. Compatibility check: does your Honor support IR?

Not all smartphones Honor are equipped with built-in infrared transmitter. data-i="60">(based on official specifications): guaranteed to support IR control (based on official specifications):

  • 📱 Honor 8X (2018) - IR port in the top frame
  • 📱 Honor 10/10 Lite (2018-2019) - IR module next to the front camera
  • 📱 Honor 20/20 Pro/20 Lite (2019) - full IR support
  • 📱 Honor 30/30 Pro/30 Lite (2020) - IR transmitter retained
  • 📱 Honor 50/50 Pro/50 Lite (2021) - IR port is not present in all regional versions
  • 📱 Honor 70/70 Pro (2022) - IR support in most modifications
  • 📱 Honor X6/X7/X8/X9 (2021-2023) - IR only in some versions (you need to check)

If your model is not in the list, this does not mean that IR is missing. For example, some versions Honor 9X or Honor View 20 were also equipped with a module. To find out for sure, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings → Device → Accessibility.
  2. Check the presence of the item Infrared port or Remote control.
  3. Install the application IR Universal Remote and try to add a device - if the smartphone recognizes IR, a notification will appear.
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Honor 80 (2023) and newer, many models have lost the IR transmitter in favor of control by Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. If your phone was released after 2023, you will likely need to use alternative methods.

2. TOP 5 applications for controlling a TV with Honor

Even if your Honor supports IR, without the right software it will not be able to fully replace the remote control. We tested dozens of applications and selected 5 best for different scenarios:

Application Control type Support for TV brands Features Rating
ZaZa Remote IR + Wi-Fi 1000+ (including rare ones) Auto-detection of TV model, widgets for the lock screen 4.8
Mi Remote Controller IR 500+ (better for Xiaomi, Redmi) Simple interface, support for air conditioners and projectors 4.6
Universal TV Remote Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 200+ (Smart TV only) Works without IR, supports voice control 4.4
SURE Universal Remote IR + Wi-Fi 800+ Smart scenarios (for example, "Movie Evening"), support Fire TV Stick 4.7
IR Universal Remote IR 600+ Manual frequency setting, IR transmitter test 4.5

For most users Honor we recommend ZaZa Remote or SURE Universal Remote —they support the maximum number of brands and have an intuitive interface. If your phone is not equipped with an infrared port, pay attention to Universal TV Remote (control by Wi-Fi).

When you first launch any of these applications, you you will need:

Select the TV brand (for example, Samsung)

Indicate the TV model (or select "Auto-detection")

Check the connection (for Wi-Fi - connect to the same network as the TV)

Test buttons (volume, channels, menu)

Save profile for quick access-->

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Mi Remote Controller) can request access to Camera and Microphone. This is necessary for scanning QR codes for settings or voice control - it is not recommended to deny permissions, otherwise some functions will be unavailable.

3. Step-by-step setup of the IR remote control on Honor

If your smartphone supports infrared port, follow these instructions for setup (using the example of the application ZaZa Remote):

  1. Download and install ZaZa Remote from Google Play. At the first start, allow access to Infrared port and Memory.

  2. Press Add device → TV. Select the brand of your TV from the list (for example, LG).

  3. If you know the exact model, specify it manually. If not, select the option Auto detection and follow the instructions on the screen.

  4. Point the phone's IR transmitter (top of the case) at the TV and press Connection test. If the TV responds (for example, changes the channel), the setup was successful.

  5. Adjust the location buttons for you: hold down any button on the screen and drag it to a convenient location.

For fine-tuning (for example, if some buttons do not work):

  1. Go to Settings → Devices → [Your TV].
  2. Select Edit buttons.
  3. For each non-working button, press Reassign and select an alternative command from the list.

If the TV does not respond to commands:

  • 🔋 Check if the IR port is unlocked in the phone settings (Settings → Advanced → Infrared port).
  • 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and TV (maximum distance is 8 meters).
  • 🔄 Restart both devices and repeat the setup.
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If your Honor does not recognize the TV model, try to choose one that is similar in year of manufacture. For example, profile Samsung QLED 2022 suitable profile Samsung QLED 2021.

4. Controlling a TV without IR: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If yours Honor is not equipped with an infrared port, you can control the TV via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This method only works with Smart TV (2016 and newer). Here's how to do it:

Method 1: Via. Wi-Fi (for Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips)

  1. Make sure that the phone and TV are connected to same Wi-Fi networkOn the TV, enable the remote control function:

    • For Samsung: Settings → General → External devices → Remote control.
    • For LG: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
    • For Sony: Settings → Network → Home network → Remote control.

  • Install the application Universal TV Remote and select Wi-Fi connection.

  • Follow the setup wizard - the application will automatically find the TV on the network.

    • Method 2: Via Bluetooth (for Xiaomi, TCL, Hisense)

    Some TVs (for example Xiaomi Mi TV or TCL Android TV) support control by Bluetooth:

    1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone and TV.
    2. On TV, activate pairing mode (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth).
    3. In the application SURE Universal Remote select Connect via Bluetooth and confirm pairing on TV.

      4. Advantages of control via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth:

      • 🌍 Works at any distance (within the network).
      • 🔄 Supports feedback (for example, displaying the current channel on the phone).
      • 🎮 You can use the phone as a gamepad for games on TV.

      Disadvantages:

      • ⚠️ Requires Smart TV (does not work with older models).
      • 🔌 High latency with weak Wi-Fi signal.
      • 🔒 Some functions (such as brightness control) may not be available.
      💡

      If your TV does not support Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, the only option is to use an IR transmitter (external or built into the phone).

      5. Solving problems: the remote control on the phone does not work

      Even after proper configuration, failures may occur. Here are common problems and ways to solve them:

      Problem Possible cause Solution
      TV does not respond to commands Incorrect profile selected TV Try another brand profile or model nearby by year of manufacture
      Delay when pressing buttons Weak Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signal Connect your phone and TV to the router via cable or restart the router
      The application does not find the TV Wi-Fi Direct on TV is disabled Enable the function in the TV settings (see section 4)
      IR port does not work Software failure or physical damage Check the port via IR Tester, reset the settings if necessary phone
      The buttons do not work correctly Profile conflict Delete the current TV profile and set it up again

      If none of the methods helped, try:

      • 📱 Install an alternative application (for example, instead ZaZa Remote try SURE Universal Remote).
      • 🔄 Update the firmware of your phone and TV to the latest version.
      • 🛠️ Use an external IR transmitter (connected via USB-C or audio connector).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Samsung (series J and K, 2015-2017) Wi-Fi control may be blocked after updating the firmware. In this case, only an IR transmitter or a proprietary application will help. Additional features: voice control and automation Modern applications for controlling the TV support not only basic functions, but also advanced ones. features SmartThings.

    6. Additional features: voice control and automation

    Modern TV control applications support not only basic functions, but also advanced features:

    Voice control

    If your Honor supports Google Google Assistant Google, turn on the TV to Channel One" or Huawei Celia, you can control the TV by voice:

    1. Open Google Assistant (or Celia for EMUI).
    2. Say a command like: "Ok Google, turn the TV to Channel One".
    3. If the command is not recognized, link the remote control application to the voice assistant in the settings.

    Automation using Tasker or MacroDroid

    Using automation applications, you can create scenarios, for example:

    • 🎬 "Cinema evening": with one tap, turn off the lights (via smart lamps), turn on the TV, start Netflix.
    • 🛌 "Good night": TV turns off, the phone goes into "Do Not Disturb" mode.
    • 🏠 "Turn everything off": turns off TV, air conditioning and other devices according to a schedule.

    To set up automation:

    1. Set MacroDroid from Google Play.
    2. Create a new macro with a trigger (for example, "Time" → 22:00).
    3. Add an action "Send IR command" (or "Wi-Fi command" for Smart TV).
    4. Select command "Turn off TV" from list.
    How to link the remote control to a smart home?

    If you have a smart home system (for example, Google Home or Yandex Alice), you can integrate TV control into common scenarios. this:

    1. Make sure that your TV supports integration (most models Samsung, LG and Sony 2018+ - yes).

    2. In the smart home application, add the TV as device (via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

    3. Set up voice commands or automation through the main application (for example, Google Home).

    4. Now you can control the TV together with other devices, for example: "Okay Google, turn on movie mode" (closes the curtains, turns on the TV and starts a movie).

    7. External IR transmitters: if your phone doesn’t have one built in

    If yours Honor is not equipped with an infrared port, you can purchase additional external transmitter. They connect via USB-C or audio connector and cost from 300 to 1500 rubles. Here are the best options:

    • 🔌 BroadLink RM4 Pro - universal IR/RF/Wi-Fi hub, controls not only TV, but also air conditioners and fans. Price: ~1200 rub.
    • 🎧 Xiaomi Mi IR Blaster 2 - compact transmitter for USB-C, compatible with most applications. Price: ~500 rub.
    • 📱 Total Control IR —connects via audio connector, does not require batteries. Price: ~400 rub.
    • 🖥️ Logitech Harmony Hub - premium solution with support for Bluetooth i Wi-Fi. Price: ~5000 rub.

    How to connect an external IR transmitter:

    1. Connect the device to the phone via the appropriate connector.
    2. Install the manufacturer's application (for example, BroadLink or Mi Home).
    3. Follow the instructions by pairing (usually you need to press a button on the transmitter).
    4. In the remote control application (ZaZa Remote), select the external IR port as the signal source.

    Advantages of external transmitters:

    • 🔄 Work with any phone, even without a built-in IR.
    • 📶 Often have a longer range (up to 15 meters).
    • 🔧 Support more devices (air conditioners, projectors, audio systems).
    ⚠️ Attention: Cheap IR transmitters (up to 300 rubles) may conflict with some applications. Before purchasing, check reviews about compatibility with your model Honor.

    8. Alternative methods: control via HDMI-CEC and TV set-top boxes

    If neither IR nor Wi-Fi are suitable, you can control the TV via HDMI-CEC (technology that allows you to control devices via an HDMI cable). you will need:

    • 📺 TV with support HDMI-CEC (enabled in the settings, can be called Anynet+ u Samsung, Simplink u LG).
    • 📱 Prefix Android TV (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Nvidia Shield), connected to the TV via HDMI.
    • 🎮 Application Android TV Remote from Google on the phone.

    How to set up:

    1. Connect the set-top box to the TV and enable HDMI-CEC in the settings of both devices.
    2. Install on your phone Android TV Remote and connect to the set-top box via Wi-Fi.
    3. Now you can control not only the set-top box, but also basic TV functions (turn on, volume, source selection).

    Limitations of this method:

    • ❌ Not all TV functions will be available (for example, image adjustment).
    • ❌ An additional device (set-top box) is required.
    • ❌ Works only when the set-top box is turned on.

    You can also use branded applications from TV manufacturers:

    • 📺 Samsung SmartThings — for TVs Samsung (control via Wi-Fi).
    • 📺 LG ThinQ — for LG Smart TV (support for voice commands).
    • 📺 Sony Video & TV SideView —for TVs Sony Bravia.
    💡

    Branded applications often offer more functions than universal remote controls, but only work with TVs of their own brand.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up the remote control on Honor

    ❓ Is it possible to use the phone as a remote control for an old TV (before 2010)?

    Old TVs (without Smart TV) can be controlled only via IR port. If your Honor does not support IR, you will have to purchase an external transmitter (for example, BroadLink RM4 Pro). Control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not possible for such models.

    ❓ Why does the application not find my TV via Wi-Fi?

    Possible reasons:

    • The TV and phone are connected to different Wi-Fi networks.
    • Disabled on TV function Wi-Fi Direct or Remote control.
    • The router is blocking multicast packets (try rebooting the router).
    • The TV does not support network control (relevant for budget models).

    Solution: check the network settings on the TV and reconnect both devices to the same access point.

    ❓ How to transfer remote control settings to a new phone?

    Most applications (for example ZaZa Remote or SURE Universal Remote) support export/import of settings:

    1. On the old phone, open the application and find the option Backup (usually in the settings).
    2. Save the settings file to the cloud (Google Drive) or to a memory card.
    3. On the new phone, install the same application and import the saved file.

    If there is no such function, you can manually record the commands used (by photographing the screen) and configure them again.

    ❓ Is it possible to control the TV from the phone screen that is turned off?

    Yes, but for this you need to:

    1. Enable the function "Always on screen" (if supported by your Honor).
    2. Or add a remote control application widget to the lock screen (available in ZaZa Remote i SURE Universal Remote).
    3. Or use gestures (for example, double tapping on a switched off screen to turn on the TV).

    Please note: when controlling by Wi-Fi The phone must remain online (not go into deep sleep).

    ❓ Why do some buttons on the remote control not work?

    This is a typical problem when the profiles do not match. Solutions:

    • In the application, select another TV model (close in year of manufacture).
    • Manually reassign non-working buttons (option "Edit buttons").
    • Update the application database (find in settings "Update profiles").
    • Check whether the antivirus is blocking the application (for example, Avast or 360 Security may restrict access to the infrared port).