An old Android phone can control supported smart TVs and streaming devices over Wi-Fi, but it does not automatically replace every remote. Google TV and Roku offer official phone apps for compatible devices; older infrared-only equipment needs a phone with an IR emitter or a separate Wi-Fi-to-IR hub. Whether one phone can take the place of five remotes depends on the exact devices in your living room.
What a phone remote can—and cannot—replace
Phone-based remotes generally control compatible devices over your home network. That is different from infrared (IR), the line-of-sight signal used by many TVs and other appliances. Installing a remote app does not give a phone IR hardware: direct IR control requires a built-in IR emitter and a compatible app. If a device accepts only IR, a Wi-Fi-to-IR hub is another option, but it is separate hardware.
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Compatibility is model-specific. Check each target device and the app’s current requirements before relying on a phone as its only controller. A mix of newer network-connected devices and older IR equipment may require more than one control method.
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Google’s virtual remote works with supported Android TV and Google streaming devices through the Google TV or Google Home apps. For Android TV, Google’s setup instructions use the Google TV app:
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible Devices】Universal replacement remote control is compatible with TV brands for Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, Hisense, Onn, Sharp, RCA, Element, Westinghouse, Sanyo, Emerson, Philips, JVC, Sceptre, Sansui, Panasonic, Magnavox, Skyworth TV and More Brand Smart TVs. Compatible with of devices, including DVD/Blu-ray players, Media Streaming Players and more!
- 【NOT Compatible Devices】Universal remote is Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks, Roku Sound Bar, TLC Sound Bar, Hisense Sound Bar, Anker Sound Bar, Klipsch Sound Bar, All Fire TV, All TV Sticks, All TV Cube, Apple TV, Google Chromecast TV(This product can only be connected and paired via infrared) If you are unsure if our remote control is compatible with your device, please contact us.
- 【Simple Setup】Step 1: Find the device type you need in the code list. Then find and circle all the codes for the brand. Step 2: Press and hold down the (SETUP) button for 3 seconds until the red light on the remote turns on. Step 3: Press and release the (TV/STR/AUD) button on the remote, the red light will blink once and remain on. Step 4: Enter the first 4-digit code from code list. Step 5: Point the remote at the TV, and test the buttons on the remote to see if the TV responds as you would expect. If the buttons don't control the TV, repeat steps 2-4 and enter different code to test. Note:If all the code in the program fails, please check the instructions on page 7 "Automatic Code Search.
- 【Package Included】Package includes 1* Remote Control, 1* User Manual, and 1* Code list. The universal remote control is to use 2 * AAA alkaline batteries(Batteries are not included). Note: Please do not mix old and new batteries or mix different batteries together.
- 【After-Sales Service】We attach great importance to the customer's experience of using remote controls. If you have any questions about your order or product, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours on working days.
- Connect the phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. Google says the shared network is required for Wi-Fi connection: Android TV Help: Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Google TV app and tap Connect TV.
- Select the TV, enter the code displayed on its screen, and tap Pair.
For Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer, Google says to use Google Home or Google TV. In Google TV, choose Connect TV, select the device, enter its displayed code, and pair. The virtual remote can navigate apps, control playback, type with the phone keyboard, and access settings, bookmarks, and inputs. See Google’s Google TV remote setup instructions.
If the device does not appear, first confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Google also recommends restarting the TV and setting up the virtual remote again.
Rank #2
- 【All In One Remote】 Universal remote control for most TV: It works with most major TV: Samsung, Vizio, LG, Hisense, TCL, Philips, Sony Smart TV and Roku TV, allowing you to conveniently control different TVs with just one remote.
- 【Please note】 This universal remote is NOT compatible with the following devices: Roku Streaming Sticks Any TV Sticks (all brands) All TV Cubes Roku, TCL, Hisense, Anker, or Klipsch Sound Bars All Fi TV Devices This remote connects and pairs via infrared only. If you're unsure whether this remote works with your device, please contact us before purchasing.
- 【One-Click Streaming Access】 Get instant access to your favorite streaming apps like NFLX, Video, Dis+, and Hulu with dedicated hot keys—no more scrolling through menus.
- 【Quick & Easy Setup】 Start using your new remote right away. Designed for most major TVs, setup is a breeze: simply add two AAA batteries (not included), then press and hold the two setup buttons. The included manual will walk you through the rest—no fuss.
- 【Worry-Free 90-Day Warranty】 Your satisfaction is our priority. To ensure a great experience, we stand behind our products with a 90-day return warranty. If you have any questions, please contact us directly. We guarantee a response within 12 hours.
Set up the official Roku app
Roku’s official mobile app can control compatible Roku devices, provided the phone and player or TV share a Wi-Fi network. Roku’s support page says the app supports Roku OS 6.2 or later; some features may not be available on every device. The listed Android app requirement is Android 5.0 or later. Check Roku’s mobile-app compatibility and setup guidance for current details.
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- Connect the Android phone and Roku device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the official Roku app and allow it to discover devices.
- Select the Roku device you want to control.
Roku advises against third-party control apps for security reasons. If the official app cannot find a Roku device, check its network connection and local-network access settings using Roku’s support guidance rather than switching immediately to an unrelated remote app.
Rank #3
- 【Package lncluded】 Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work(Batteries and manual are not included)
- 【Applicable Type】This infrared replacement remote works with all Samsung Smart TV, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D, Series TV,Compatible with All Samsung Series TVs. We offer you an authentic details same as we advertised.
- 【Key Features】The universal infrared TV remote features 3 shortcut buttons. It is perfect to replace your old or damaged Samsung TV Remote with the Loutoc remote.
- 【Quick Response】This is the updated infrared remote control for Samsung TVs. An outstanding response between TV and remotes, it will respond quickly in 0.5 seconds, available directly use within 10 meters (32 feet).
- 【After-sale Service】We provide 30 days warranty with no condition return or exchange. If you have any query, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible within 24 hours.
When you need infrared control
For an IR-only appliance, check whether the phone has a built-in IR emitter; many phones do not. The app listing for this IR remote app makes IR control conditional on an emitter being present. Its listing is developer-provided information, so confirm that the app supports both your phone and the appliance.
A Wi-Fi-to-IR hub can bridge network control from a phone to IR equipment. Before buying one, verify that it supports the specific appliances you want to control, works with its required app and home network, and can be set up in your space. Product documentation surfaced for hubs describes control of TVs and other IR equipment, but compatibility varies by product; the phone alone is not the IR transmitter.
Rank #4
- Compatible TV Brands: Replacement Universal Smart TV Remote Control for TV brands including Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Vizio, Sony, Onn, Toshiba, Philips, Element, Westinghouse, Sharp, Emerson, Sanyo, and RCA
- Compatible Other Devices: Universal Remote Control compatible with DVD, Blu ray Player, Soundbar, Streaming Media Player, Set Top Boxes, DVR, VCR, and Audio Devices including brands such as Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Bose, and Vizio
- Setup Methods: Find your TV code in the CODE LIST, press and hold down the SETUP button until the remote's red light turns on, press and release the chosen device button on the remote (TV/STR/AUD Button), enter the first 4-digit code for your device, point the remote at the device and test the buttons. If the buttons do not work as expected, repeat steps for the next code of the device until each button is working properly (Automatic pairing method on pages 8-9 of the manual)
- Package Includes: 1 Universal TV Remote Control, 1 User Manual, 1 Code List (batteries not included)
- Design Features: 26 feet long-distance remote control with 0.2 seconds fast response time, 50,000 times presses for durability, and requires 2 AAA batteries (batteries not included in package)
Will one phone replace all five remotes?
That result is possible only if each of the five devices has a supported control path. A practical check is to list every device and identify whether it uses a supported Google or Roku network app, another compatible network-control method, or IR. Then verify the exact model and required functions. A phone may handle the smart TV and streaming players while an IR hub or separate remote remains necessary for older equipment.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A dedicated universal remote may be a better fit if you want physical buttons or control across several protocols. Compare support for each exact device, the protocols it needs (IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF), how many devices it can control, and whether it requires a hub. A general universal-remote guide also recommends checking each streaming device and the functions you need before choosing: CNET’s universal remote guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work (Batteries and manual are not included)
- EXACT COMPATIBILITY: Acoyer universal remote control only for Roku Series TVs, Compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Element Roku TVs, Westinghouse Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs, Insignia Roku TVs, JVC Roku TVs, RCA Roku TVs, Hitachi Roku TVs and Sanyo Roku TVs Series.
- NOT APPLICABLE: TV Remote is NOT Compatible with Roku Stick/Streaming Stick/ Box(1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD))/ Ultra/ Express/ Premiere/ Player. NOT Compatible with TCL TV, Hisense TV, Onn TV, Sharp TV, Element TV, Westinghouse TV, Philips TV, Insignia TV, JVC TV, RCA TV, Hitachi TV and Sanyo TVs.
- SHORTCUT BUTTONS: Get to favorite apps quickly with shortcut buttons and it have 4 shortcuts buttons. Precisely control far from 10 meters/30 feet and it supports over total 160,000 clicks for all buttons via approved tests.
- AFTER SALE SERVICE: Acoyer remote controls with an unlimited return and refund service in 1-year warranty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, please feel to reach out to us.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
