I'm sure it's happened to you more than once: You sit down on the sofa, look for the TV remote, and it seems to have vanished.It's buried under cushions, under the blanket, in another room, or simply broken or without batteries. And to top it all off, there are four or five different remotes on the living room table, and you can't even remember which one controls what.
What many people don't realize is that today the best home remote control is often the one you carry in your pocket. Your smartphone can become a remote control for your Smart TV and other devices (Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, sound systems or home automation) without needing to install a bunch of strange apps: in many cases, integrated tools such as Google Home, the built-in iOS remote for Apple TV, or a single official brand app are sufficient.
Basic requirements to control the Smart TV from your mobile phone
Almost all the solutions you're going to see have one thing in common: TV and mobile must "see" each other within the same home networkIn practice, this means that both devices need to be connected to the same router, usually the same Wi-Fi network. If you use two networks at home (2,4 GHz and 5 GHz, or a router plus a repeater), make sure they are both on the same network, otherwise the app will never find the TV.
It is also vital to be clear the brand of the television and the operating system it usesA Samsung with Tizen, an LG with webOS, a Sony with Android TV/Google TV, or a Hisense with VIDAA are not all the same. Many brands offer their own highly optimized official app, and there are also universal apps that cover several brands as long as the model is compatible.
Older televisions relied heavily on... mobile phone infrared (IR) sensor to mimic themThis is becoming increasingly rare. Today, almost everything relies on Wi-Fi or LAN: even if your phone doesn't have IR blasters, you can most likely still use it as a remote. Infrared remains a useful feature for older televisions, DVD players, or classic air conditioners.
Connecting your Smart TV to WiFi step by step
If you want your mobile phone to act as a controller, the first step is obvious but often forgotten: Make sure your Smart TV is connected to the same WiFi network as your phone or tablet.Without this, no application, however good, will detect the television.
On most modern Smart TVs, the connection process is very similar and is done from the TV settings. The general scheme is usually like this, with slight variations depending on the brand.:
- Open the menu Settings or Configuration from the TV.
- Enter the section Network, Internet, or Network Configuration.
- Choose the option Wireless network or WiFi connections.
- Select your WiFi network, enter the password and confirm the connection.
Once the TV is online, check on your mobile which network it is using. The WiFi name must match exactly on both devices.If the mobile device is on the guest network or a different band, the remote control apps will not be able to locate the TV.
What your mobile phone comes with as standard (and what it doesn't)
Most modern phones include some type of option “Share screen”, “Duplicate screen” or “Cast” It sends the phone's image and sound to the TV. It's very useful for showing photos, videos, or playing a YouTube video, but be aware: it's not a remote control, you're only mirroring the screen.
With that duplication function You won't be able to change channels, navigate the TV menus, or adjust the volume on the Smart TV itself.You only manage what comes out of the phone. To have a To truly control, you need specific applications.Some come pre-installed by your smartphone or TV manufacturer, others are downloaded from the official store, and some are universal. On iPhones, moreover, The Apple TV remote is integrated into Control Center without you having to install anything..
Control apps according to your TV brand
Large television manufacturers typically offer their own official app to control the TV from your mobileThey usually run very smoothly because they are designed to take full advantage of all the functions of the TV's operating system and, in many cases, allow you to control other devices in the same ecosystem (home appliances, sound bars, etc.).
Samsung TVs: SmartThings
In the case of Samsung, The control of most modern Smart TVs is integrated into the SmartThings app., that also It centralizes a large part of the home automation of the house. With a single panel you can control the television and other compatible Samsung devices.
It is common for Samsung TV models from 2016 onwards be compatible with SmartThingsHowever, it's always advisable to check your specific model on the official website. Basic usage follows this pattern:
- Connect your TV and mobile to the same home WiFi network.
- Install the app SmartThings (Android or iOS) and log in with your Samsung account.
- The app will scan the network and It will automatically detect your Smart TV and other nearby devices..
Once the TV is connected, You'll get a virtual remote on your mobile with controls to change channels, raise and lower the volume, mute, and turn the TV on or off.In addition, on compatible models you can sync content between TV and smartphone to, for example, start a movie in the living room and continue watching it on your phone in bed.
LG TVs with webOS: LG TV Plus and successors
If your TV is an LG with the webOS operating system, the classic tool is LG TV Plus (or its successor app on newer models)This app turns your phone into an advanced remote control with a touchpad. It's compatible with most LG TVs running webOS, provided you have the app connection option enabled in your TV settings.
The usual process for setting it up is very simple and is repeated in almost all models: Connect both devices to the same network, activate the linking option on the TV, and pair using a PIN code.:
- Check that your TV and mobile phone are using the same WiFi network (or the same router if the TV is connected by cable).
- In the TV's settings menu, activate something like “LG Connect” or “Connect with app”.
- Download and open LG TV Plus on your mobile device.
- Choose the full function mode and let the app search for nearby TVs.
- Select your TV from the list and enter the code into the app. PIN that appears on the TV screen.
After the pairing, Your phone becomes a touch-sensitive remote control with buttons for volume, channels, mute, and menu navigation.In addition, the app has a dedicated panel for webOS applications, from which you can open apps, install new ones, and use a touchpad that acts as a cursor to move around the screen more precisely.
Televisions with VIDAA system (Hisense and others)
Some brands, like Hisense, are betting on the operating system VIDAA on your Smart TVsFor these models there is an official app (VIDAA TV or similar name depending on the region) available on both Google Play and the App Store.
Once installed, The application allows you to use your mobile phone as a complete remote controlIn addition to searching for content, managing applications, creating personal lists of series and movies, and even sending content from your phone to view on the big screen.
Toshiba TVs: Toshiba Smart Center
Toshiba also has its own solution: Toshiba Smart CenterAlthough it doesn't receive as many updates as some competing apps, It remains functional and has good user ratings..
With her you can Consult the program guide, open applications, launch content from your mobile device, and control volume and channels. from TV. It's available for free on Android and iOS.
Sony TVs: Video & TV SideView
On Sony TVs, the reference application has been Video & TV SideViewwhich allows you to control not only Bravia TVs, but also other image and sound equipment from the brand, such as Blu-ray players, home theater systems or AV receivers.
There are several important nuances: It is only officially available for Android (from version 8.0 onwards) And there's no official iOS version, so on iPhone you'll have to use third-party apps. Also, since version 6.0 of the app, devices with x86 processors (certain tablets and phones from Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Toshiba, or the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1) have stopped working.
If your device is compatible, you will be able to control Bravia TVs from 2013 onwards, Blu-ray/DVD players, network media players, AV receivers and even devices like the Sony SmartWatch 3The app is configured by linking it to the TV via a local network, and from then on you will have access to changing channels, volume, navigation, and turning the TV on/off without needing a physical remote.
Philips TVs: TV Remote and Ambilight
In the Philips ecosystem, the official app is TV remote It's compatible with most Smart TVs manufactured since 2019 (and some earlier models). It's available for free on Android and iOS.
This app not only replicates the buttons of the classic remote (channels, volume, menus and apps), but also It adds extra features such as control of Philips Hue lights and the Ambilight system. in the models that feature it, creating a more immersive audiovisual experience.
Another clear advantage is the keyboard: You can use your mobile keyboard to type emails, passwords, and searches in streaming apps. without going crazy moving a cursor on the TV screen. Philips indicates that the current version supports all Smart TV models released from 2019 onwards, although in some cases it also works with older TVs.
Operating system control: Android TV, Google TV, and others
In addition to each brand's official apps, there are methods linked to operating system of the TV or multimedia deviceThis allows you to manage models from different manufacturers as long as they use the same platform: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Roku, etc.
Android TV and Google TV: Official Apps and Google Home
If your TV or your box/dongle works with Android TV or Google TVYou have several ways to control it with your mobile phone without complicating your life:
- Android TV / Google TV Remote Control AppThe official Google app that serves as a remote for Android TV and Google TV, available for Android (7.0 or higher) and iOS (from iOS 12 onwards). You just need your TV and mobile device to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Remote control integrated into Google Home or Google TVOn many recent Android phones, the remote control is already integrated within Google Home or the Google TV app itself, without you having to download anything else.
The process is very similar in all variants: Connect your mobile phone and Android TV/Google TV device to the same WiFi network, open the app, select the device, and a PIN code will appear on your TV screen.Enter that code into your mobile phone, press "Sync" and, in seconds, you'll have a virtual remote control with a navigation cross, playback controls, volume and keyboard.
In many implementations, While the app is open, you can use your phone's physical volume buttons to control the TV's volume.achieving an experience very similar to that of a dedicated controller.
Google Home as a universal WiFi remote control
La app Google Home It's not just for lights and speakers: it can also be a pretty handy remote control for many TVs and streaming devices that support "Works with Google".
To use it as a controller, the idea is always the same: You link your manufacturer's account to your Google account, and from there, the device appears in the Home app.The typical steps are:
- Install Google Home and sign in with your Google account.
- Go to “Add” and then to “It works with Google”.
- Choose the manufacturer of your TV or device and follow the linking instructions (usually logging into the manufacturer's account).
Once integrated, you can use Google Home turn on and turn off, change channel, play/pause, fast forward or rewind, raise or lower volume and even change HDMI input If the manufacturer allows it. It's a convenient way to centralize control if you already use Google Home for other smart home devices.
Amazon Fire TV Stick: official app as a remote
If you've turned your TV into a Smart TV with a Amazon Fire TV StickYou can also forget about the physical remote by using the official Amazon Fire TV app, available for Android and iOS.
The mechanics are simple and very similar to other apps of this type: same WiFi network, automatic detection and pairing with code:
- Connect your mobile phone/tablet and Fire TV Stick to the same WiFi network.
- Install and open the app Amazon Fire TV.
- Sign in with your Amazon account.
- The app will detect your Fire TV Stick and display it in the list.
- Select the device and enter the following into the app: 4-digit code that will appear on TV.
Since then, You will be able to navigate menus, control volume, play, pause, fast forward or rewind content on Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and the rest of the apps installed on the Fire TV.
Apple TV: Remote integrated into the iPhone without installing anything
In the Apple ecosystem, there's no need to download any extra apps: The Apple TV remote comes integrated into the iPhone's Control Center.You just need to add the shortcut if it doesn't appear.
The basic steps to use it are very quick and you will only have to do it once: Make sure the "Apple TV Remote" option is in Control Center, connect both to the same WiFi network, and pair with a code.:
- Go to Settings > Control Center and make sure that “Apple TV remote” It's been added.
- Connect Apple TV and iPhone to the same WiFi network.
- Swipe to open Control Center and tap the controller icon.
- Select your Apple TV and follow the pairing instructions (you'll see a 4-digit code on the TV or iPhone, according to the model).
Once paired, You will have all the functions of the physical controller: touch surface for scrolling, back and home buttons, playback control, and iPhone keyboard for comfortably typing long texts.
Universal apps for almost any TV
If your TV doesn't have Android TV/Google TV or you prefer something more brand-independent, There are universal apps that try to cover as many TVs and devices as possible.Some work solely via WiFi, while others rely on infrared, so it's a good idea to know whether your mobile phone has an IR sensor or not.
Xiaomi Mi Remote
Mi Remote It's Xiaomi's solution for turning your phone into a universal remote, and not just for TVs. It allows you to control TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Haier, Videocon, Micromax, Onida and many moreas well as projectors, DVD players and air conditioners.
The beauty of this app is that It can work both via infrared (if your mobile phone has an IR emitter) and via WiFi with compatible devicesThe interface is simple, clear, and quite minimalist: you choose the type of device, the brand, run a few quick tests, and if it works, your remote is configured. It doesn't offer many customization options, but it's very straightforward and effective.
Roku Remote and RoByte for TVs with Roku TV
If your TV incorporates a platform Year of the TV (very common in models from Hisense, Haier, Sharp, TCL, Philips, Hitachi, Element, Insignia or RCA), you have several alternatives:
- The official app of RokuAvailable for Android and iOS, it allows you to browse, control the volume, change channels, send photos, videos and music, and perform voice searches.
- roByteA very popular and visually appealing app for controlling Roku Player or Roku TV from Android and iOS, focused on providing a quick and easy remote control.
In both cases, The requirement is that the mobile phone is on the same WiFi network as the Roku.RoByte, for example, scans the network and automatically locates the device, without you having to change any settings. It offers one-touch channel-changing buttons and a quick keyboard for searching on Netflix, Hulu, and other apps.
Unified Remote and other universal remotes
Unified Remote It's an app originally designed to control computers and connected devices, but many people use it to manage Media players, media centers, and some Smart TVs that support local network control.
It is available for Android (from version 4.1) and for iOS (from 8.0) and It includes more than 90 different remote controls, with 18 free and the rest paid.It allows you to use your mobile phone as a keyboard and mouse for your PC, pause or resume content, change tracks or manage playback from the sofa, ideal if you have a computer or miniPC connected to the TV as a multimedia center.
On Android you'll also find other well-known apps like Remote control for TV o Universal remote controlThese services promise compatibility with hundreds of thousands of devices via Wi-Fi and infrared. They are usually free with ads. They allow you to create custom controllers, edit buttons, change colors, and save multiple devices. to have a full panel on your mobile.
Popular universal remotes on iOS
For iPhone and iPad, there are several outstanding apps with names like “TV remote control”, “Universal TV remote control” or “Remote control for TV”They usually mimic the appearance of a classic remote control with volume, channel, and playback buttons.
Many of them add shortcuts to the main streaming apps and even Widgets for the home screen and support for Apple Watchso you can raise or lower the volume from your wrist. They almost always work via Wi-Fi with automatic TV detection, provided it's a compatible Smart TV, and usually offer a free version with ads and a subscription to remove advertising and unlock extra features.
Using the mobile phone's infrared (IR) sensor
If your smartphone includes Infrared emitter: you have an ace up your sleeve for controlling old devices: televisions that are not Smart TVs, old sound systems, air conditioners that only have an IR remote, etc.
If you don't know if your mobile phone has IR, you have two quick options: Find the exact model on the manufacturer's website and check the specifications, or install an app like Mi Remote., which will tell you when you start it up whether or not it detects an infrared sensor.
With these types of apps you can create control profiles for different devices and even Completely replace the original remote control if it has been lost or has stopped working.They're not usually as thin as the factory remote, but they're more than enough to turn the unit on and off, change channels, or adjust the air temperature without getting up from the sofa.
Also control your sound system and other devices
Besides the TV, you probably have at home soundbars, AV receivers, multiroom speakers, or even robot vacuum cleanersMany manufacturers offer official apps to control them from your mobile phone: raise and lower volume, change inputs, group rooms, or send music directly from your smartphone.
There is no single, foolproof app for all devices on the market, but Usually, it's enough to search for the specific model of your device followed by "app" or "remote". to see if the manufacturer has a dedicated solution. In many cases, that app then integrates with platforms like Google Home or Alexa, turning the mobile phone into the command center for a large part of the home.
Frequently asked questions and common problems
A very common question is whether It is mandatory that the mobile phone and the Smart TV are on the same WiFi networkFor the vast majority of apps that rely on a local network, the answer is yes: if they don't share the same network, they can't see each other. Only apps that use infrared (or certain very specific cloud services) can bypass this limitation.
Another recurring question arises when the mobile phone doesn't have an IR sensor. Today it's not a problem, because Most modern solutions rely on WiFiAs long as your TV is a Smart TV and connected to the network, you can control it without any problems even if your smartphone doesn't have infrared.
If the app doesn't detect the TV, the first thing to check is the basics: that both devices are on the same network and that the WiFi is working correctlySometimes restarting your router, TV, and mobile device also helps. On certain TV models, you may need to check your network settings or enable remote control permissions in the TV's menu.
Regarding safety and resource consumption, If you download apps from Google Play, the App Store, or the official stores of each manufacturer, they undergo minimal security checks.Furthermore, the impact on data and battery is usually very low, since the traffic is done over the local network and the apps only really consume data when you are using them as a controller.
With this whole range of tools—from the official apps of each brand, through integrations with Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV, to universal solutions via WiFi and infrared— It is entirely feasible to ditch the physical remotes and concentrate control of the TV and other devices on your mobile phone.If you know your Smart TV's operating system, always connect everything to the same network, and spend a few minutes configuring the right app, you'll end up controlling your TV, streaming devices, and much of your sound system from your pocket, reducing the chaos of remotes on the living room table and gaining a lot of convenience in your daily life. Share the information and more users will know how to do it.