WiFi IR Remote Hub – Universal Infrared Controller for TV and Air Conditioner
WiFi IR Remote Hub – Universal Infrared Controller for TV and Air Conditioner
WiFi IR Remote Hub – Universal Infrared Controller for TV and Air Conditioner
This WiFi IR remote hub is a small black box, 50 mm square and 19 mm high, that sends infrared remote control signals on command from a phone. It sits in a room on USB power, connects to your WiFi, and stands in for the handheld remotes of a TV, an air conditioner, a set-top box and other infrared devices. Easy Life Markets sells it in black in a round or a square style.
Most homes have a drawer of remotes, and most of those remotes use consumer infrared, the invisible light signal that needs a line of sight to the appliance. A hub like this learns or looks up those signals and sends them for you. The result is one app for every infrared device in the room, and the ability to switch things from another room or from outside the house.
What Is in the Box
- 1 × universal remote hub
- 1 × power cord (USB)
- 1 × instruction manual
- 1 × sticker
A USB mains adapter is not listed. Use a USB charger you already own or a powered USB port.
Options
- Round: Circular body
- Square: Square body
The supplier gives one set of specifications for both. The difference listed is the shape.
Specifications
- Size: 50 × 50 × 19 mm
- Weight: 30 g
- Material: PC plastic
- Power: USB. No battery.
- Connection: WiFi to the home network, infrared to the appliances
- Infrared: Multi-directional
- Range: Within 8 metres, as listed
- Control: Phone app and voice
- App: Tuya or Smart Life, as shown in the supplier's pictures
- Phone requirements: Android 4.4 or later, iOS 8.0 or later
- Voice platforms: Listed by the supplier as including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Controls: Infrared devices such as TVs, air conditioners and set-top boxes
What It Can and Cannot Control
This is the point to check before buying.
- It controls infrared devices. If the original remote has to be pointed at the appliance to work, it is almost certainly infrared and the hub can probably replace it.
- It does not control Bluetooth or radio remotes. Many streaming sticks, some newer TVs' voice remotes, and most garage doors, ceiling fans and doorbells with remotes that work through walls use radio. The supplier lists infrared only.
- It needs a line of sight. Infrared does not pass through walls, doors or cabinet doors. One hub covers one room.
- It cannot see the appliance's state. Infrared is one-way. If someone uses the original remote, the app will not know.
The supplier does not publish a list of supported brands or say whether the app can learn a code from an existing remote. Apps on this platform generally offer a brand library and a learning mode, but we cannot promise either for your model. If you depend on one particular appliance, send us its make and model and we will ask.
What the Supplier Does Not State
- WiFi band. Not stated. Hubs of this type commonly use 2.4 GHz only.
- Cable length. Not stated.
- Temperature or humidity sensing. Not listed, so we do not claim it.
Setting It Up
- Connect the hub to a USB charger with the supplied cord.
- Install the app named in the manual and create your own account.
- Add the hub in the app and enter your WiFi password when asked.
- Inside the hub's page in the app, add each appliance by type and brand, and test the buttons one by one.
- Place the hub where it can see every appliance it controls, and test again from that spot.
- To use a voice assistant, link the app account inside the assistant's own app.
Where to Put It
- On a shelf or TV unit facing the room, not inside a closed cabinet.
- Within 8 metres of the appliances, and closer for an air conditioner mounted high on a wall.
- Away from direct sunlight, which can swamp infrared signals.
- Use the sticker in the box to fix it to a flat surface if it will not stay put.
What People Use It For
- Switching on the air conditioner before getting home.
- Turning off a TV left on in an empty room.
- Replacing a lost or broken remote for an older infrared appliance.
- Setting a schedule, such as the fan off at midnight.
- Giving a relative one simple app page in place of several remotes.
Troubleshooting
- The appliance does not respond. Check the line of sight and move the hub closer. Then try another code set for the same brand in the app.
- The hub will not join WiFi. Try again with the phone on a 2.4 GHz network during setup, and check that the password is typed correctly.
- Only some buttons work. Try a different code set. If the app has a learning function, teach the missing buttons from the original remote.
- Voice commands fail. Give each appliance a short, distinct name and resync devices in the assistant's app.
Common Questions
Does it work without WiFi? No. The phone reaches the hub through your network.
Does it have a battery? No. It needs USB power all the time.
Can it control two rooms? Not through a wall. Use one hub per room.
Is it made by Tuya, Amazon or Google? No. It is an unbranded hub from our supplier that is listed as working with those platforms.
Buy the WiFi IR Remote Hub at Easy Life Markets
Choose round or square above. The current price and availability are shown on this page. Please read our return and refund policy before buying.
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