One For All Advanced App For URC Remote Setup

When I first got my One For All Smart Control remote, I was excited to finally consolidate the pile of remotes on my coffee table. While you can definitely set it up using the on-remote methods, I quickly discovered that the real power and flexibility of this remote are unlocked through the app.

This app works seamlessly with URC 7981 and URC 7956 remote models, giving you extended control and customization. Using the app made the whole process faster, easier, and gave me access to customization options I didn’t even know I needed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I used the app to create a perfectly tailored remote for my home entertainment system.

Step 1: Getting Connected – Downloading and Pairing

Before anything else, the first step is to get the app on your phone and link it to your remote.

1. Download the App: I found the “One For All Advanced App” on both the Android and iOS app stores. You can also find it by scanning the QR code in the manual or by visiting www.ofa.com/smartcontrol5pro on your phone.
2. Pair the Remote: Once I opened the app, it prompted me to pair the remote. The process was simple: I just had to press and hold the Devices and Activity keys on the remote at the same time for a few seconds. The TV LED started flashing, and a moment later, my phone and remote were connected.

Step 2: The Foundation – Setting Up Your Devices

With the remote paired, the app’s main screen is divided into sections, with “Devices” being the first and most important place to start. This is where you tell the remote what gear you have.

The app guided me through the setup for my TV, soundbar, and streaming box. All I needed was the brand of each device. The major advantage here is that the app connects to a huge online database of infrared codes, which is always being updated. This means it has the latest codes and is much more likely to find your specific device than the limited selection stored on the remote itself.

Step 3: Supercharge Your Remote with Advanced Features

This is where the app truly shines. Once my devices were set up, I dove into the features that transformed my remote from a simple universal controller into a customized command center.

• Activities: The app helped me combine my devices into up to three Activities, like “Watch TV” or “Watch Movie”. For my “Watch Movie” activity, I combined my TV, Blu-ray player, and soundbar. Now, when I select that activity, the volume keys automatically control the soundbar, while the playback keys control the Blu-ray player. It’s seamless.
• Learning: My TV’s original remote has a specific “Picture Mode” button that isn’t on the Smart Control. Using the app’s Learning feature, I was able to teach this function to an unused key on my new remote. The app provided easy-to-follow, on-screen instructions for the whole process.
• Macros: This might be my favorite feature. A macro lets you program a sequence of commands to a single button press. I created a “Movie Night” macro. Now, with one key press, the remote turns on my TV, switches it to the correct HDMI input, and powers on my soundbar. The app even let me add short pauses between commands, which is much more intuitive than the on-remote macro setup required by other models.
• Key Mover: I found that a few commands for my streaming box were available in the database but didn’t have a pre-assigned key on the remote. Using the Key Mover feature, I assigned these extra functions to keys I don’t normally use, giving me full control without needing the original remote.
• Volume Lock: I almost always want to control my soundbar’s volume, regardless of what device I’m controlling. The app’s Volume Lock feature allowed me to lock the volume up, down, and mute keys so they always control my soundbar. This has been a huge convenience.

Conclusion:

While the on-remote setup works for basic control, I can’t recommend the One For All Advanced App enough. It’s the key to making the remote truly yours. For remotes that do not support the app and rely on traditional programming, our main universal remote code list remains the essential resource. Taking a few extra minutes to explore the app’s features will pay off every time you sit down to watch TV or listen to music.