How to Control Sanyo Soundbar FWSB405FS with a Remote App

The Sanyo FWSB405FS soundbar delivers high-quality audio, enhancing your entertainment experience. However, losing the remote or dealing with a non-functional one can be frustrating. Luckily, a remote app on your smartphone can serve as a convenient alternative. This guide will show you how to use a universal remote app to control your Sanyo FWSB405FS soundbar, allowing you to enjoy seamless functionality without needing the original remote.

Finding the Right Remote App

To control your Sanyo FWSB405FS soundbar via your smartphone, you first need to find a compatible remote app. Here’s how:

1. Search for a Universal Remote App: Popular apps like Mi Remote, AnyMote, and SURE Universal Remote are great options to explore.
2. Check for an IR Blaster: Most Sanyo soundbars use infrared (IR) signals. Ensure your smartphone has a built-in IR blaster, which is necessary for sending commands to the soundbar.
3. Consider External IR Blasters: If your phone lacks an IR blaster, don’t worry. External IR blasters that connect through the headphone jack or charging port are available and can bridge this gap.

Setting Up the Remote App

Once you’ve selected an app and confirmed IR compatibility, it’s time to set it up:

1. Download and Install: Go to your device’s app store, download the universal remote app, and install it.
2. Add Your Soundbar: Open the app, select the option to add a new device, and choose “Soundbar” or “Audio System” as the device type.
3. Select the Brand: Choose “Sanyo” from the list of brands, and look for the FWSB405FS model or a similar Sanyo soundbar model in the app.
4. Enable Additional Features: If prompted, select your TV brand to enable features like volume control through HDMI-CEC, which allows your TV remote to manage soundbar functions.

Configuring the App

After setup, you’ll want to ensure everything is working correctly:

1. Test Basic Functions: Try powering the soundbar on, adjusting the volume, and switching inputs using the app to ensure compatibility.
2. Use Learning Mode: If the pre-programmed functions aren’t working, many apps have a “learning mode.” Here’s how it works:
   • Point your original Sanyo remote at your phone’s IR sensor.
   • Follow the app’s prompts to “teach” the app specific buttons, like power, volume, and input selection.

Using the Remote App

Now that the app is configured, you can start using it as your main remote control:

1. Control the Soundbar: Point your phone towards the soundbar when using the app to control power, volume, input selection, and audio modes.
2. Explore Advanced Features: Many apps allow you to create custom remote layouts or set up macros that control multiple devices with a single tap, giving you greater flexibility in managing your home audio setup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the app doesn’t seem to work properly, here are some tips to troubleshoot:

1. Check Your Phone’s IR Blaster: Make sure the IR blaster on your phone (or external IR device) is functioning as expected.
2. Ensure Clear Line of Sight: Obstacles between your phone and the soundbar can interfere with the signal. Ensure there’s nothing blocking the path.
3. Re-learn Commands: If certain functions aren’t working, try using the learning mode again to re-learn specific commands from your original remote.
4. Update the App: Regularly check for updates to the app, as these often include improved compatibility with new devices and bug fixes.

Conclusion

While Sanyo does not provide an official app for the FWSB405FS soundbar, using a universal remote app offers a flexible and convenient solution. By following this guide, you can turn your smartphone into a powerful tool to control your soundbar, making it a practical replacement for the physical remote. This method not only provides an immediate backup but also enhances your overall control experience, ensuring you always have access to the best of your soundbar’s features.