To test the IR blaster on your phone, there is very simple test.
Things you need.
1. Phone with a front facing camera. ( let's name it phone1)
2. Phone with Peel Smart Remote app. ( let's name it phone2)
Open the front camera on phone1 and Peel app ( remote screen) on phone2.
Point the IR blaster towards front camera and tap on any remote button ( like Volume or Channel Change).
If you see a purple light on camera, while testing the remote codes, it means your phone's IR blaster is working. If not, please get in touch with your phone manufacturer as it could be a hardware issue.