How to Control TV with Phone and Android TV

To control your TV with your phone, you'll need to use the Android TV app. This app allows you to use your phone as a remote control for your TV, giving you access to all your favorite channels and apps.

With the Android TV app, you can use your phone to change the channel, adjust the volume, and even search for specific shows or movies. It's like having a remote control in the palm of your hand.

To get started, you'll need to download the Android TV app on your phone and connect it to your TV using a stable internet connection.

For another approach, see: Use My Phone as a Remote Control

Setting up your phone to control your TV is a breeze. You can do it in just minutes, so next time you can't find the clicker, don't go on an epic quest, just grab your phone.

The first step is to find the "TV remote" button on your phone, which is available as a button on the home screen in the latest Android versions. If you have a Google TV, you can do a simple search on your phone to find it.

To create the connection, follow these steps:

Once you've completed these steps, you should see a quick notification that the Android remote is connected to your TV or the symbol for your TV model displayed in the app.

To use your Android phone as a TV remote, you'll need to have the Google TV app, which comes pre-installed on Android 10 and later devices. This app is the primary method for enabling a remote-control configuration on Android.

The Google TV app can be found in the list of core Google apps, along with Gmail, Drive, Photos, Chrome, Maps, and Meet. Make sure your phone is updated to its latest software version for optimal performance.

If your Android phone lacks support for the latest Android TV versions, you can try searching for third-party remote apps on Google Play specifically designed for your TV model's manufacturer. Some popular options include LG TV Universal Remote, Samsung Smart Things, and Panasonic TV Remote.

You can also consider universal remotes like Unified Remote, Remote for Android TV, and Yatse, which can work with a range of TV models without issues.

For example, the LG TV Universal Remote is an infra-red powered remote that works with all LG devices, while the Samsung Smart Things app controls not only TVs but also smart speakers, smart appliances, Nest, and more.

Here are some popular TV remote apps you can consider:

Keep in mind that not all TV remote apps work equally well for every TV model, so you may need to try a few before finding one that works perfectly for you.

To link your Android TV or Google TV to your phone, you'll need to enable "Use phone as remote" in the Google TV settings, then follow the on-screen instructions to pair your devices. This will give you access to a universal remote app, such as Unimote by SensusTech, which offers a more enhanced and natural-flowing menu with features like a TV guide and HDMI control.

With your phone as a remote, you'll enjoy the convenience and accessibility of having your entertainment at your fingertips, no matter where you are in the room.

If you're looking for a universal remote control app, there are plenty of options available on Google Play. Universal TV Remote Control (Unimote) by SensusTech is a popular choice that works with a wide range of TV models, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Fire TV, and Roku.

To use a third-party universal remote app, you'll need to download and install it on your Android phone or tablet. You'll also need to have the same Wi-Fi network for both the Android device and TV to establish a successful connection. This can also work on a mobile hotspot, but it's a good idea to keep your hotspot device always on.

Some popular third-party universal remote apps include LG TV Universal Remote, Samsung Smart Things, and Panasonic TV Remote. These apps are specifically designed for certain TV manufacturers and can be a great option if you're looking for a more tailored experience.

Here are some popular third-party universal remote apps:

Not all TV remote apps will work equally well for your television model, so you may need to try a few different options to find the one that works best for you.

You can control your TV with your phone, but first, you need to ensure your TV is compatible with smartphone remote control.

Newer smart TVs often have built-in functionalities that make it easy to control them with your phone.

Before you start, it's crucial to check if your TV model is compatible with smartphone remote control.

Older models may require additional hardware like an infrared (IR) blaster to work with smartphone remote control.

The Universal remote app, Unimote, works with relatively older TV models, giving you a good option for controlling your TV with your phone.

Some cable providers have configured Google Play access to your monthly television subscription, allowing you to use an Android TV remote app with your non-smart TV.

If your TV and phone aren't connecting, check if your phone's Bluetooth is enabled, as it's a crucial step in setting up the connection.

Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network, as this is required for the control TV with phone feature to work.

If you're still having trouble, try restarting both your TV and phone, as this often resolves connectivity issues.

If your Google TV remote app is not working, it's likely because you don't have the latest version of the app installed on your phone or tablet.

Make sure your Android TV has at least Android Remote Service version 5.0 or higher installed.

Your Android smartphone or tablet should support Android 10 or above to ensure the app works properly.

Having the right software versions is crucial for a smooth experience, so take a moment to check and update if necessary.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Control Samsung Tablet from Phone

Regularly updating your remote control app is crucial for a smooth viewing experience. You can find the Google TV app in a list of core Google apps, such as Gmail, Drive, Photos, Chrome, Maps, and Meet, on Android 10 and beyond.

Updating your phone to its latest software version is also essential. This will ensure you have the latest version of the Google TV app, which is the primary method to enable a remote-control configuration on Android.

Regular updates can enhance performance and introduce new features, so make sure to stay on top of technological advancements and bug fixes.

Streaming devices are a great way to control your TV with your phone. You can download apps for your streaming devices, such as Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV.

The Roku app has a built-in remote control that lets you search with your voice or your cellphone keyboard. This makes it easy to navigate your TV without needing a separate remote.

The Google Home app works with all Chromecast devices and can also control Google Nest devices. This means you can use it to manage your lights, security cameras, thermostat, and more.

If you have an Apple TV, you likely have an iPhone, which has a remote app built right into your smartphone. This app also lets you mirror your phone screen onto your TV.

You can use the Chromecast and Roku apps to mirror your phone screen onto your TV. This is great for sharing vacation photos with the family or playing music over your TV speakers.

A different take: Can I Control Roku with My Phone