Set up the IR Blaster to control your Android TV and set-top box

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

You can control your Android TV™ and set-top box (STB) with the TV's remote control by connecting the IR Blaster included with the TV.

Before You Start

• The XBR A9G/X850G/X950G/Z9G model series TVs have the IR Blaster function built-in. These TVs don't require a separate IR Blaster be connected to the TV. Make sure the supplied remote control has a Bluetooth® connection to the TV.
  • The remote automatically pairs with the TV when you set it up for the first time.
  • Point the remote directly at the STB to control it.
• Check that your set-top box supports the IR Blaster function. Contact the device manufacturer for compatibility information.
• The screen may differ depending on your TV model and operating system.
• This article applies to US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico only.

Option 1: Set up from the Initial Setup Screen

Watch the Video Tutorial

1. Turn on your TV and STB.
2. Start the initial setup process.
3. At the Would you like to control your set-top box (cable or satellite box) with your TV remote control? screen appears on your TV screen, select Yes or Set Up.
4. At the Power on and Connect screen, select OK.
5. Connect the IR blaster cable to the correct port. Check the manual for model-specific information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

   View IR Blaster cable connection diagram

   

   If you use a USB type IR Blaster, a message appears on the screen to indicate that the device connects to the USB port.

   Note: Skip this step if your TV doesn't require the IR Blaster cable.

6. Place the IR Blaster near the remote sensor of the STB. After the IR Blaster cord is in place, a message Searching for your set-top box may appear.
   • Check the set-top box manual or contact the device manufacturer for information about the location of the IR sensor.
   Note: Skip this step if your TV doesn't require the IR Blaster cable.

7. At the Select the input to which your set-top box is connected screen, select the appropriate input being used.
8. At the Select your service provider screen, select your service provider.
9. Enter your Zip code.
10. Under the Can you control your set-top box? screen, select YES if you see the picture or signal on the Test screen.
11. Under the Set up TV program information screen, select Start.
    • This function is useful for the guide program of the STB.
12. At the Select your provider screen, reconfirm your cable or satellite service provider.
13. At the Set-up is complete screen, select OK.

Option 2: Set up from the Settings Menu

The steps vary depending on if your TV requires the IR Blaster cable or not. Follow the steps accordingly:

• If your TV doesn't require it:
  1. Turn on your TV and make sure that the STB is connected and on.
  2. On your TV remote control, press the HOME button.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Under Watching TV category, select External inputs.
  5. Select Cable/Satellite box setup.
  6. Select Cable/Satellite box control setup.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
• If your TV requires the IR Blaster cable:
  1. Turn on your TV and make sure that the STB is connected and on.

     

  2. On your TV remote control, press the HOME button.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Under the TV category, select External inputs.
  5. Select IR Blaster setup and then follow the on-screen instructions.
     • Make sure to type the STB manufacturer's name in capital letters.

       1. On the on-screen keyboard, highlight the Shift  key.
       2. Press and hold the Enter button until a blue line appears at the bottom the Shift key.
       3. Enter the model number of the STB.
       4. Select DONE.

     • An error Model Not Found may appear if your TV doesn't recognize the STB manufacturer.

If the content of the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) doesn't have the correct or updated programming information, contact your service provider.

Related Info

the set-top box stops responding during the IR Blaster setup

*Android TV is a trademark of Google LLC.