You can turn your smartphone into a remote control for your TV using different methods, depending on your TV type and smartphone features. Here’s how:
- Using Infrared (IR) Blaster (If Your Phone Has One)
Some Android phones come with a built-in IR blaster that can function as a universal remote. If your phone has this feature:
Download a universal remote app like Mi Remote, ZaZa Remote, or Sure Universal Remote from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and follow the setup instructions to pair with your TV.
Note: iPhones do not have IR blasters, so this method is Android-only.
- Using Official TV Remote Apps
Most smart TVs have their own remote control apps that work via Wi-Fi. Here are some examples:
Samsung Smart TVs → Samsung SmartThings App
LG Smart TVs → LG ThinQ App
Sony Smart TVs → Sony TV SideView
TCL, Hisense, and other Android TVs → Google Home or Android TV Remote
Roku TVs → Roku Remote App
How to Use:
Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
Download and install the correct remote app for your TV brand.
Open the app and follow on-screen instructions to pair it with your TV.
- Using Google Home or Apple AirPlay (For Smart TVs)
If your TV supports Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) or Apple AirPlay, you can control it using:
Google Home App (Android & iPhone) → For Google Chromecast-enabled TVs.
Apple AirPlay & HomeKit (iPhone/iPad) → For Apple-compatible smart TVs.
- Using Third-Party Universal Remote Apps
If your TV isn’t compatible with the above apps, you can try third-party apps like:
Peel Smart Remote
AnyMote Universal Remote
Unified Remote (For controlling computers too)
- Using a Streaming Device Remote App
If you use a streaming device like Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV, you can control it with the respective mobile app.
Fire Stick → Amazon Fire TV App
Roku → Roku App
Apple TV → Apple TV Remote App (built into iPhones)
- Using a Smart Speaker with Voice Control
If you have a smart speaker like Amazon Echo (Alexa) or Google Nest (Google Assistant), you can use voice commands to control your TV.
Example Commands:
“Alexa, turn on the TV.”
“Hey Google, play Netflix on the living room TV.”
- Using Bluetooth or HDMI-CEC
Some TVs allow you to connect a phone via Bluetooth or enable HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to control basic functions like power and volume.
Final Thoughts
If your TV is a smart TV, the best option is using the official remote app via Wi-Fi. If you have an IR blaster, you can use a universal remote app. For streaming devices, use their respective apps.
Let me know if you need help setting up a specific brand!
