Can I use my phone as a remote for my LG Sound Bar?
Using your phone as a remote control for your TV and other devices is becoming increasingly common. Phone remotes use Bluetooth, infrared, or Wi-Fi to connect to compatible devices and allow you to control them right from your phone’s screen.
Many LG sound bars are designed to pair with the LG Sound Bar Remote app, allowing you to use your Android or iOS device as a remote control. This gives you access to all the usual sound bar functions like volume, input selection, power, and sound settings. LG sound bars like the SL5Y, SL6Y, SL7Y, and newer models include this compatibility out of the box.
With the right setup and app, you can eliminate the need for multiple remotes and control your LG sound bar directly from your smartphone. This guide will cover the steps to get your phone set up as a remote for compatible LG sound bar models.
What You Need
To use your smartphone as a remote control for your LG sound bar, you will need the following:
- LG sound bar – Make sure your specific LG sound bar model is compatible with remote control apps. Most LG sound bars released in the past few years support remote control apps, but older models may not. Refer to your sound bar’s manual or the LG website to verify compatibility.
- Smartphone with IR blaster – You need a smartphone that has an infrared (IR) blaster, which allows it to emit IR signals to control devices remotely. Many Android phones have built-in IR blasters, but most modern iPhones do not.
- Remote control app – You’ll need to download a third-party remote control app from the app store on your phone. LG provides an official app called LG TV Plus, but there are various other options available.
As long as your sound bar is compatible and your phone has an IR blaster, you should be able to use your smartphone as a remote by setting it up properly.
Set Up Phone as Remote
One easy way to use your phone as a remote for your LG sound bar is by downloading the Remote Control for LG SoundBar app from the Google Play or Apple App store. This handy app allows you to control your LG sound bar directly from your Android or iOS device.
To get started, first download and install the Remote Control for LG SoundBar app on your phone. You can find it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.allrcs.lg_soundbar_remote&hl=en_US&gl=US
After installing the app, you’ll need to pair your phone with your LG sound bar using Bluetooth. To do this, go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone and select your LG sound bar model from the list of available devices. Accept the pairing request and your phone will connect to the sound bar.
Finally, open up the Remote Control for LG SoundBar app. You’ll be prompted to select your specific LG sound bar model. Choose the correct model and the app will automatically configure the remote to control your sound bar.
That’s it! You can now use the app’s on-screen remote to control volume, switch inputs, mute, adjust settings and more. The app provides a handy way to use your smartphone as a full-featured remote for your LG sound bar.
Using Phone Buttons
You can use your phone’s buttons to control basic functions of your LG Sound Bar, similar to using the physical remote control that came with it. This allows you to turn the sound bar on or off, adjust the volume, change inputs, and access sound settings menus without having to grab the remote.
To turn your LG Sound Bar on or off, simply press the power button on your phone while the remote control app is open. This will send the same power signal that the physical remote uses. You can also press the volume up or down buttons on your phone to raise or lower the sound bar’s volume incrementally.
The input button in the app allows you to cycle through and select different input sources for the sound bar, like HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, etc. This acts the same as pressing the input or source buttons on a traditional remote.
Finally, you can press the settings button in the app to access the sound bar’s audio menus. Here you can change sound modes, enable/disable surround sound or other effects, adjust individual channel volumes, and more. The options will mirror what you see when navigating settings on the physical remote.
Remote Control App Tips
The official LG Soundbar Remote app for Android and iOS allows you to customize the buttons and create presets for different sound modes. Here are some tips for using the remote app effectively:
To customize buttons, open the app and tap the settings icon in the top right. Here you can rearrange and rename the buttons on the main remote screen. For example, you may want larger volume buttons or a mute button added. You can drag and drop buttons to organize the layout.
The app also lets you create presets like “Movie Mode” or “Music Mode” with specific sound settings tailored for those uses. Go to presets in the settings and tap the plus icon to make a new preset. You can adjust various audio options like surround sound, treble, and subwoofer levels to save.
If you experience connectivity issues with the app not linking to your LG soundbar, first ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and soundbar. Also try unpairing the devices and repairing again. Check that the app and soundbar firmware are up to date. As a last resort, delete the app data/cache and reinstall the app if needed.
The LG Soundbar Remote app provides great flexibility to control your soundbar from your smartphone with customized controls and presets.[1]
Limitations
Using your phone as a TV remote does come with some limitations to be aware of:
Limited range – Most TV remotes use infrared (IR) signals which have a limited range. Your phone’s IR transmitter will likely only work within 30 feet or less of the TV. You’ll need a direct line of sight as well.
Need line of sight – Since IR remotes rely on line-of-sight, anything blocking the path between your phone and TV will cause interference. You may need to adjust your position or move objects out of the way to maintain control.
Battery drain on phone – Keeping your phone’s IR blaster active to control your TV will drain your phone’s battery much faster than normal. You may need to keep your phone plugged in or nearby to avoid running out of juice.
Alternatives
If you don’t want to use your phone as a remote for your LG sound bar, there are some other options:
Dedicated LG Remote
LG sound bars come with a basic remote control in the box. This dedicated LG remote allows you to control all the core functions like power, volume, input selection, etc. It connects directly to the sound bar via infrared. The downside is that it lacks more advanced features available in smartphone apps.
Universal Remote
You can program many universal remotes like the Logitech Harmony to control LG sound bars. Universal remotes allow you to consolidate all your AV components into one remote. However, setup can be complex and universal remotes lack the flexibility of smartphone apps.
Smart Home Devices
If you have smart home devices like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, you may be able to control your LG sound bar with voice commands. For example, Alexa can power on/off LG sound bars and adjust volume when paired with a smart plug and Echo device. Just remember that voice control options are more limited compared to a dedicated remote.
Models Supported
Many LG sound bars are compatible with phone remotes using IR blasters, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connections. Models confirmed to work include:
- LG SK1 Soundbar
- LG SL4Y Soundbar
- LG SN4 Soundbar
- LG SP2 Soundbar
- LG SP7Y Soundbar
- LG SP8YA Soundbar
- LG SP9YA Soundbar
Some older LG sound bar models lack IR blaster compatibility and cannot be controlled by phone remotes. These include:
- LG LAS450 Soundbar
- LG LAS551M Soundbar
- LG NB3530A Soundbar
Check your sound bar’s specs and manual to confirm IR blaster and remote app compatibility before attempting to set up phone control.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about using your phone as a remote for an LG sound bar:
What phones are compatible with LG sound bars?
Most Android and iOS smartphones can be used as remotes for LG sound bars that have the Smart TV app feature. You’ll need to download the LG TV Plus or LG ThinQ app. Older LG sound bar models may not be compatible. Check your sound bar’s manual or the app details to confirm compatibility.
Do I need WiFi for the remote app?
Yes, your phone and the LG sound bar need to be connected to the same WiFi network for the remote app to work. The app communicates with the sound bar via WiFi.
Why can’t my phone find the sound bar?
If your phone can’t discover or connect to the sound bar, try rebooting both devices and make sure they are on the latest firmware. Also check WiFi connections androuter settings. The phone and sound bar need to be on the same network.
Can I use my phone remote when not home?
No, the remote apps only work when your phone and sound bar are connected to the same local WiFi network. Remote features will not work over the internet or cellular data when away from home.
Does the app drain my phone’s battery?
Using the remote app can drain your phone’s battery slightly faster, but the impact is generally minimal. Make sure you quit the app fully when not in use. Limiting app refresh rates can also help conserve battery life.
Conclusion
In summary, many modern Android and iOS smartphones can be used as remotes for compatible LG sound bars. By enabling Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity and downloading the LG Sound Bar Remote app, you can use your phone’s interface to control volume, switch inputs, adjust sound settings, and more.
Using your phone as a sound bar remote has many advantages over the included physical remote. You can use an intuitive touchscreen interface, customize buttons, and access advanced options not available on a basic remote. Phones also allow you to control your sound bar from anywhere in the room and can help you avoid losing a small dedicated remote.
For most users, setting up phone control for your LG sound bar is quick, convenient, and adds functionality. If your smartphone and sound bar are compatible, this feature is highly recommended to get the most out of your home audio system.