The Tool Desk
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Choose the phone remote app for your TV
Start with the streaming device or TV platform you need to control, then check the relevant requirements and connection method.
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| Target device | App and requirements | Setup conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Android TV | Google TV app | For Wi-Fi control, the phone and TV must be on the same network. Pair by entering the code displayed on the TV. Google’s Android TV instructions. |
| Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer | Google Home or Google TV; Google lists Google TV for Android version 4.27.8.93 or later for the Google TV app route | In Google TV, use Connect TV, choose the device, enter its on-screen code, and tap Pair. The remote supports navigation, playback, phone-keyboard typing, and access to settings, bookmarks, and inputs. Google’s streaming-device instructions. |
| Roku player or Roku TV | Official Roku mobile app; Android 5.0 or later. The Roku device must run Roku OS 6.2 or later, and features vary by device. | Phone and Roku device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app, wait for discovery, and select the device. Some functions may require a Roku account. Roku’s app instructions. |
| Supported Samsung TV or projector | Samsung SmartThings | Add the TV or projector to SmartThings to display its on-screen remote. Samsung Account and internet access are required for network-based smart services; available controls vary. Samsung’s SmartThings instructions. |
These documented methods use network discovery, pairing, or an account—not the phone’s infrared hardware. The support pages do not provide a head-to-head test of speed or reliability, so there is no evidence-based winner across the apps.
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- Connect the Android phone and Android TV to the same Wi-Fi network if using the Wi-Fi route.
- Open the Google TV app on the phone and tap Connect TV.
- Choose the TV or device from the list.
- Enter the code shown on the TV, then tap Pair.
For Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer, Google also documents control through Google Home. In Google TV, the Connect TV and pairing-code flow provides the phone remote; Google lists version 4.27.8.93 or later of Google TV for Android for this route. The app can use the phone keyboard for text entry as well as swipes for navigation and playback controls.
#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.
Set up Roku’s official Android app
- Install the official Roku mobile app on an Android phone running Android 5.0 or later.
- Connect the phone and Roku player or Roku TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app and wait for it to discover the Roku device.
- Select the Roku device in the app.
Roku’s support guidance recommends its official app and advises against third-party Roku remote apps for security reasons. Roku devices must run Roku OS 6.2 or later; the available app features can differ by device, and some functions may require a Roku account. See Roku’s setup and compatibility details.
Set up SmartThings for a Samsung TV or projector
- Add the supported Samsung TV or projector to SmartThings.
- Open the device in SmartThings to display its on-screen remote.
- Use the controls available for that model.
Depending on the device, the remote can offer volume, channel, mute, Home, Back, Guide, and navigation controls. Samsung says a Samsung Account and internet connection are required for network-based smart services. Check Samsung’s SmartThings support page for the setup route.
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.
What if the TV is older and has no smart features?
The app routes above do not prove that an Android phone can control a non-smart TV using infrared. That depends on hardware: whether the specific phone has an IR emitter or supports a compatible accessory, and whether that hardware can control the specific TV.
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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.
What “universal” means here
An old phone can be a convenient remote for compatible network-connected devices, but the documented options are platform-specific. Choose Google TV for supported Android TV and Google streaming devices, Roku’s app for supported Roku equipment, or SmartThings for supported Samsung TVs and projectors. A single app that controls every TV—including older infrared-only sets—is not established by these instructions.
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.
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)
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