Does the OnePlus 15 Have an IR Blaster? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking into the OnePlus 15 and wondering whether it includes an IR blaster—the infrared emitter used to control TVs, air-conditioners, and other home appliances—then you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll walk through what the OnePlus 15 offers, what an IR blaster is, whether the OnePlus 15 has one (and in which regions), how to use it, and whether it’s worth caring about.

What is an IR Blaster (Infrared Emitter) and Why Does It Matter?

An IR blaster (infrared blaster) in a smartphone is a small infrared (IR) LED usually placed at the top or back of the phone that emits IR signals. These signals mimic those of a traditional remote control. With an app on your phone (or built-in software), the phone sends commands (via infrared) to your TV, set-top box, air-conditioner, heater, projector—or any IR-controlled appliance.

Why this is useful:

• You don’t need to keep a separate remote for each device. Your phone becomes the remote.
• Useful when you’re sitting with one hand and want to quickly change channel or raise/lower AC temperature.
• Particularly handy in regions where users commonly use IR functionality (some Asian markets value this feature more).

However, IR blasters are less common nowadays in many flagship phones, especially in the Western markets, because many appliances are moving to WiFi or Bluetooth control, and manufacturers sometimes omit the IR hardware to reduce cost or complexity.

So the big question: Does the OnePlus 15 have one?

Does the OnePlus 15 Have an IR Blaster?

Yes — the OnePlus 15 does include an IR blaster in many regions. According to OnePlus’s official specs page, the feature is listed as “Infrared remote control”.

Another source, a detailed launch-announcement site (Nokiamob), lists “an IR blaster” among the extras of the OnePlus 15.

Additionally, on Reddit users who have the device confirm seeing the IR emitter. For example one user comment:

“The OnePlus 15’s IR blaster is located on the camera module.”

Thus, if you purchase the OnePlus 15 in a region where the IR feature is enabled, you’ll have a built-in IR remote capability.

Region/Model Caveats

While the presence is confirmed in several listings, there’s always a possibility that:

• Some regional variants (for certain countries) may omit the IR blaster depending on market demands or regulatory/hardware constraints.
• You should check the exact model number and spec sheet for your region.
• The software/app that uses the IR emitter may differ by region (e.g., pre-loaded remote control app, database of appliances supported).

For example, OnePlus India’s spec page lists “Infrared remote control” under its spec list. So at least the Indian model supports it.

How to Use the IR Blaster on OnePlus 15

Here’s a practical how-to overview:

1. Locate the IR emitter: On the OnePlus 15, it appears to be integrated near the camera module or top edge (per user observation).
2. Install/open the remote app: Many OnePlus phones come with a built-in “Remote Control” app. Open it: you will typically select the type of device (TV, air-conditioner, set-top box, etc).
3. Select your brand/model: The app will ask your brand of TV/AC/etc. Choose from a list.
4. Point and test: Point the top edge of your phone toward the appliance and send a test command (e.g., power on/off).
5. Save as favourite: Once it works, save the device as a favourite for quick access.
6. Use convenience features: Some apps allow scheduling, macros (e.g., turn on TV then set volume 10), or combining devices into one remote.

Tips

• Make sure your appliance is within line-of-sight of the IR emitter (IR needs direct or near-direct view; doesn’t go through walls).
• Keep the phone’s top edge unobstructed (case shouldn’t block the IR emitter).
• If remote control fails, try repositioning the phone or moving a bit closer.
• Some appliances may not respond if the correct IR code isn’t in the database; manually search alternative codes if needed.

Why OnePlus Brought Back an IR Blaster — and Why It Might Matter for You

Why OnePlus reinstated it

• OnePlus has historically offered IR blasters in certain models (especially in Asian markets).
• For many users, the IR blaster is a small but meaningful convenience: one device for all remotes.
• In some regions, appliances still rely heavily on IR remotes (ACs, ovens, legacy TVs).
• Including it gives OnePlus a slight differentiation among flagship phones.

Why it matters to you

• If you live in a household with multiple IR-controlled appliances, this feature is a bonus.
• If you frequently misplace remotes, having your phone double as one is convenient.
• Even if you don’t use it now, having the capability doesn’t cost you anything extra—no harm in having it.
• For resale value: Some buyers specifically look for IR blasters in phones.

Why it may not matter

• If all your appliances are WiFi or Bluetooth controlled already (smart TVs, smart AC units) then you may never use the IR blaster.
• If your regional or carrier variant of the OnePlus 15 omitted the IR emitter or remote-app support, you might not see the benefit.
• For some users, it’s a “nice to have” rather than a must-have feature.

Should You Care About the IR Blaster When Buying OnePlus 15?

When evaluating whether to buy the OnePlus 15, here’s where the IR blaster fits into the decision:

Yes, it’s a plus: If you want one phone that controls your living-room devices and like the idea of a built-in IR remote, then the OnePlus 15 having an IR blaster is a favourable point.

But don’t hinge your decision on it: The OnePlus 15 brings many flagship features (huge battery, high refresh-rate display, top-tier chipset) which are the main drivers. The IR blaster is an additional perk rather than a central feature.

Check your region/model: Before you buy, verify that the model sold in your country includes the IR emitter and the remote-control app. Sometimes small spec differences appear across regions.

Use case matters: If you live in a minimalist home with all smart WiFi devices, you may never use it. If you’re in a home with legacy IR devices, it adds real value.

👉 Read also – OnePlus 15 Full Review & Guide.

Final Thoughts

In summary: yes — the OnePlus 15 does include an IR blaster (infrared remote control capability) in its specification list for many regions. This means you can use the phone as a universal remote for TVs, ACs, and other IR-controlled appliances. It’s a nice “added” feature that doesn’t detract from the phone’s core strengths: premium flagship hardware and performance.

If you’re buying the OnePlus 15, this IR blaster feature serves as a convenient extra rather than a deal-breaker. But if you rely often on remotes or want a single gadget for your home-entertainment control, then this could sway you toward the OnePlus 15 instead of a competing flagship that omits IR.

Feel free to check the model variant in your country and test the remote app after purchase. If you’d like, I can also pull up a region-by-region breakdown of OnePlus 15 variants (which include or exclude the IR blaster) and compare it with competing phones. Would you like that?