How to Control Air Conditioner With Phone

Controlling your air conditioner from your phone means you can turn it on before you get home, adjust the temperature from bed, and set schedules without touching the remote. Here are all the ways to do it, depending on what type of AC you have.

Option 1: Use the Brand App (WiFi-Enabled AC)

If your AC has built-in WiFi, the manufacturer provides a dedicated app for phone control. Common brand apps include:

• Daikin: Daikin Mobile Controller
• Mitsubishi Electric: MELCloud
• LG: LG ThinQ
• Samsung: SmartThings
• Midea / Carrier / Toshiba: Midea Air
• Haier / Hisense / Gree: SmartHQ or brand-specific apps
• Panasonic: Panasonic Comfort Cloud

Once connected, these apps give you full control: mode, temperature, fan speed, timer, weekly schedule, and often energy monitoring. Control works both on your home WiFi and remotely over mobile data.

How to Set Up Brand App Control

1. Download the brand app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account and log in.
3. Connect your AC to your home WiFi — most units require 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz.
4. Add the device in the app following the in-app instructions.
5. Once connected, you can control the AC from anywhere with an internet connection.

Option 2: Use a Smart Plug (Any AC)

If your AC does not have built-in WiFi, a smart plug adds phone-based on/off control and scheduling to any unit. This works best on AC units that resume their last settings when power is restored.

1. Plug the smart plug into the wall outlet and the AC into the smart plug.
2. Set up the smart plug using its app (takes about 5 minutes).
3. Set your AC to your desired mode and temperature using the remote.
4. Use the app to turn the AC on or off remotely, or set daily and weekly schedules.

👉 GHome Smart Plug – Works with Alexa and Google Home

Option 3: Use Your Phone as an IR Remote

Some Android phones have a built-in infrared (IR) blaster. If yours does, you can use a universal remote app to control your AC directly from your phone — no WiFi connection required on the AC side.

• Check your phone specs for “IR blaster” or “infrared”
• Download an app like Mi Remote, AnyMote, or your phone manufacturer’s remote app
• Add your AC brand and model, then control it like a standard remote

Note: this only works within line-of-sight range, like a physical remote. It does not work remotely over the internet.

Comparison: Which Method Is Right for You?

Final Thoughts

The best way to control your AC with your phone depends on your unit. A WiFi-enabled AC with its brand app gives you the most complete control. A smart plug is the easiest upgrade for any non-smart AC. A phone IR blaster works as a convenient remote replacement but does not offer true remote or scheduling capability.