How to use your smartphone as a TV remote

You can turn your smartphone into a TV remote by connecting it to your TV over Wi-Fi or through its built-in infrared (IR) blaster. It works just like a standard remote, letting you change channels, adjust volume, or navigate apps.

Most smart TVs today support remote control through their own apps or compatible third-party options, and some older TVs can still be controlled via IR if your phone supports it. Here’s how you can easily use your smartphone as a TV remote.

Here's how to control TV with phone

Say you want to control your TV but don’t have the remote nearby, or you just prefer using your phone. Most smart TVs support remote control apps that connect over Wi-Fi, and some phones can even send signals directly using an infrared (IR) blaster. 

Either way, your smartphone can take over the job. Here’s how you can set up your smartphone as a TV remote, based on what kind of TV and phone you’re using.

1. Control Android TV with the Google TV app

The Google TV app works on both Android and iOS and is one of the simplest ways to control an Android TV. If you’re using an Android phone, then all you need to do is:

Step 1: Open the Google TV app.

Step 2: Tap Remote at the bottom right.

Step 3: Wait while the app scans for your Android TV. Once it shows up, tap to connect.

Step 4: Follow the pairing steps shown on both your phone and TV

After pairing, you can use touchscreen buttons, swipe gestures, or your phone’s keyboard to control your TV. If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, then you need to set up your smartphone as a TV remote:

Step 1: Open the Google TV app.

Step 2: Tap Connect TV at the bottom.

Step 3: Pick your Android TV from the list.

Step 4: Enter the code shown on your TV to finish pairing.

You’ll now be able to use the virtual remote directly from your phone.

2. Use the Google Home app

If you already use the Google Home app to control smart devices, this method is just as simple.

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Step 1: Open the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.

Step 2: Make sure your Android TV is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.

Step 3: Tap your TV from the list of devices.

Step 4: Tap the Open remote option to bring up the virtual controls.

3. Use an IR Blaster app

If you own a TV without Wi-Fi, you can still use your phone as a remote, if it has an IR blaster. The IR blaster lets your phone send signals just like a traditional remote, so there’s no need for an internet connection. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Download a remote app from the Play Store, some popular ones include SURE, irplus, or Twinone.

Step 2: Open the app and choose what type of device you want to control (TV, AC, set-top box, etc.).

Step 3: Select the brand of your device. The app will try different control codes to find the one that works.

Step 4: If it doesn’t detect the device automatically, you can follow the manual setup instead. You’ll need to press buttons and look for a response, like a beep or the device turning on. When prompted, confirm if the device responded.

Once it’s paired, you’ll see a virtual remote which you can use just like the original remote to power on or off, change volume, input, and more.