Infrared (IR) remotes only. Tip: use the front (selfie) camera - many rear cameras filter out infrared light.
How do I know if my TV remote is working?
Point the front of your remote at your phone camera and press a button - if the remote works, the camera shows a flashing light that your eyes cannot see, which is the infrared (IR) signal. This free tool turns your phone camera into an IR detector, so you can tell in seconds whether a remote is sending a signal or has gone dead. It works for infrared remotes, which covers most TV, cable and air conditioner remotes.
How to test a TV remote with your phone
- Press Start camera above and allow camera access.
- Point the front tip of your remote straight at the camera lens, a few centimetres away.
- Press and hold any button on the remote.
- Watch the screen. A working remote shows a flashing white or purple light - that is the infrared signal your eyes cannot see. The signal meter reacts too.
Not an infrared remote?
If the remote works but shows no flash, it probably does not use infrared. These are the common remote technologies:
| Technology | How to tell | How to test or fix |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared (IR) | Must be aimed at the device, short range only. | Use this camera test. Replace the batteries. |
| Bluetooth / BLE | Works without aiming. Common on voice remotes (Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, newer Roku, Samsung, LG). | Re-pair it in your TV's settings, swap batteries, or use a Bluetooth scanner app. |
| Wi-Fi / network | An app or hub controls the TV over your home network, no line of sight. | Check your Wi-Fi. Control the TV from your phone with the TV Remote app. |
| RF (2.4 GHz) | Works through walls and needs a paired hub or receiver (some satellite and Harmony remotes). | Re-pair it with its hub and check the receiver is powered. |
Many modern TV remotes are hybrids - infrared for power and volume, Bluetooth for voice and navigation. If only some buttons flash in the test, that is why.
Remote dead? You do not need it
Lost, broken, IR or not - the TV Remote app turns your phone into a full remote for Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, LG, Android TV and more, over Wi-Fi with no infrared required.
Remote Control Test FAQ
How do I test if my TV remote is working?
Start the camera above and point the front of your remote at your phone's camera, then press any button. If the remote works you will see a flashing light on screen, because the camera can see the infrared light that your eyes cannot.
Why do I need to use the front camera?
Many phone rear cameras have an infrared filter that blocks the remote's light. The front, selfie camera usually shows the infrared flash clearly. Use the switch camera button if one does not work.
I see no light. Is my remote broken?
Not always. First check that it is an infrared remote at all, then try fresh batteries and the other camera. If there is still no flash, the remote's emitter may be dead, or the remote uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi instead of infrared. You can replace it by controlling your TV from your phone with the TV Remote app.
Does it work for every remote?
No. It only works for infrared (IR) remotes, which is most TV, cable and air conditioner remotes. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and RF remotes send no visible light and will not show up. Many modern remotes are hybrids, so only the infrared buttons such as power and volume will flash.
Is the remote tester free and private?
Yes. It is free and the camera feed stays on your device. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Control your TV from your phone
One app for Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, LG, Android TV and more. No lost remote, no dead batteries.
