The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of the more searched phones when it comes to this question, so let’s answer it straight away.
No, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra does not have an IR blaster.
This means that you cannot use your Samsung S26 Ultra, out of the box, to control air-conditioners, television sets, and other infra-red enabled appliances.
What Is an IR Blaster?
An IR blaster is a small infrared transmitter built into some smartphones that lets you use your phone as a remote control for TVs, air conditioners, set-top boxes, and other home appliances. Not all phones include one, and Samsung has been inconsistent about including it across its lineup.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Have an IR Blaster?
No, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra does not have an infra-red blaster.
How to Use Your Galaxy S26 Ultra as a TV Remote Without an IR Blaster
You can use an IR dongle or adaptor with your Galaxy S26 Ultra so you can use it as a TV remote. You can also use the SmartThings app with your phone to control Wi-Fi connected TVs and other smart appliances. The limitations of that approach is that you need a Wi-Fi connected TV and a shared Wi-Fi connection for the link to work.
Which Samsung Phones Have an IR Blaster?
Samsung dropped infra-red from their phones years ago. As such, finding a Samsung phone with an IR blaster is difficult. You can visit and bookmark our regularly updated page covering Samsung phones with IR blaster to keep up to date with developments on the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions: Does Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Have an IR Blaster?
Does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra come with a remote control app?
Yes, Samsung includes the SmartThings app on Galaxy phones, which can control compatible smart TVs and appliances over Wi-Fi. It works well for Samsung smart TVs and a range of other connected devices. However, SmartThings requires your appliances to be connected to your home network, so it will not work with older TVs and appliances that do not have Wi-Fi or smart connectivity.
Can I add an IR blaster to my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Yes. If your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra does not have a built-in IR blaster, you can add one using a USB-C IR dongle. These are available on Amazon starting at around $10 to $17. Plug it into the USB-C port, download a compatible universal remote app, and you can control your TV, air conditioner, and other appliances. Compatibility is not guaranteed across all Samsung models, so check the reviews for your specific device before buying.
Which Samsung phones still have an IR blaster?
No current Samsung Galaxy phone ships with a built-in IR blaster. Samsung removed the feature after the Galaxy S5. Older models including the Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, and Note 4 had it, but none of the current Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy A series, or Galaxy Z foldables include one. If a built-in IR blaster is important to you, Xiaomi and Unihertz are the brands to look at instead.
If controlling your home appliances from your phone matters to you, check our full guide to Samsung phones with IR blasters to find a model that fits your budget.
Keep track of Samsung Phones With IR Blaster: Full Model List and What to Buy
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