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How to Use Your Phone as a Remote for a Smart TV

There’s no universal smart-TV remote app. Find your TV platform or active streaming device, install its official app, and follow the network and pairing steps.

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You can use a phone to control many smart TVs and streaming devices, but no single app works with every TV. Identify the TV’s platform—or the separate streamer selected as its input—then install that device maker’s official app, connect it as directed, and complete any pairing step on screen.

First identify what you need to control

A TV may have its own smart-TV platform and also have a Roku, Fire TV, or Google streaming device connected to an HDMI input. If you want to navigate the streaming device’s home screen, use its app; that app may not control every function of the television itself.

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Use the official app for the platform you are controlling:

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  • Android TV: Google TV app.
  • Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV: Google Home or Google TV app.
  • Samsung TV: SmartThings.
  • LG TV: LG ThinQ.
  • Roku TV or Roku player: Roku mobile app.
  • Fire TV device: Fire TV app.

Most of these methods require the phone and target device to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and some require account sign-in, device discovery, or confirmation on the TV.

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Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL Hisense Sony TVs | for Onn/Element/Insignia/Philips/Sharp/Westinghouse/Sanyo/Emerson TV and More Brand Smart TVs, Instruction Manual Included
  • 【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 the phone remote for your TV or streamer

Android TV

  1. Connect the phone and Android TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the Google TV app on an Android phone and tap Connect TV.
  3. Select the TV, enter the code displayed on its screen, then tap Pair.

Google’s Android TV instructions recommend checking that both devices are on the same network and restarting the TV if pairing fails.

Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV

Google supports a virtual remote through Google Home or Google TV for these devices. On Android, Google specifies Google TV app version 4.27.8.93 or later; on iPhone, it specifies iOS 14.0 or later. In Google TV, tap Connect TV, select the device, enter the code shown on the TV, and tap Pair. In Google Home, open the device and then its remote; on iOS, choose Open remote. The remote supports navigation, playback, phone-keyboard text entry, and access to settings, bookmarks, and inputs. See Google’s virtual-remote instructions for the supported device categories and setup details.

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Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony TVs
  • 【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.

Samsung TV

Add the TV to SmartThings first. In the app, tap Menu, then All devices, and choose the TV to open its on-screen remote. Samsung lists volume, channel, mute, Home, Back, Guide, and navigation controls, but available buttons vary by TV. Samsung’s US instructions say a Samsung Account and internet connection are required for the described network-based smart control. The Canadian support article notes that screens and settings can differ by country. Follow Samsung’s SmartThings TV-remote steps.

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LG TV

Sign in to LG ThinQ with an LG account, add a device, choose TV, and select your TV. Select it again in ThinQ to view the available controls, which can include input, volume, channel, pointer movement, scrolling, arrows, and OK. LG says the phone and TV should be on the same network and specifies the same 2.4 GHz network for Wi-Fi setup. Its instructions, dated July 23, 2024, may vary with the model or app version. See LG’s ThinQ setup guide.

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【Pack of 2】 New Universal Remote for All Samsung TV Remote, Replacement Compatible for All Samsung Smart TV, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D, Series TV
  • 【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.

Roku TV or Roku streaming player

  1. Install the official Roku mobile app and sign in.
  2. Connect the phone and Roku device to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Open the app, wait for it to find the Roku, and select the device.

Roku says the app remote is available for Roku TV systems and streaming players, with features depending on the device setup. Its mobile-app setup instructions explain discovery and requirements. If the Roku is offline after a reset or still in first-time setup, the app cannot detect it, so it cannot act as the initial setup remote.

Amazon Fire TV

Install the Fire TV app, connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the Fire TV device, and open the app. This controls the Fire TV device; it does not guarantee control of every TV function or other input. Follow Amazon’s Fire TV app instructions.

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Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Sony, Vizio TV
  • 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)

Know what a streaming-device app can and cannot control

When a Roku streaming player is connected to a separate TV, the Roku app controls the player, not automatically the TV. Roku says TV power and volume may work only when HDMI-CEC and relevant Roku settings are enabled. Check the TV’s HDMI-CEC settings and the streamer’s control settings if navigation works but power or volume does not. Roku also advises against third-party Roku remote apps for security reasons; use its guidance on remote-control limitations and official app.

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Fix common pairing and discovery problems

  1. Check the target device. Confirm whether the active screen belongs to the TV platform or an attached streamer, then use the matching official app.
  2. Check Wi-Fi. Where required, connect the phone and target to the same network. Verify that the TV or streamer is powered on and online.
  3. Complete pairing in the app. Allow discovery, sign in if prompted, and enter or confirm any code displayed on the TV.
  4. Restart and retry. For Android TV, Google recommends confirming the network name and restarting the TV before pairing again.
  5. Finish setup with physical controls if needed. If the device is offline or has not completed first-time network setup, the app may not find it. Roku specifically documents this limitation for its player. Use the supplied remote or TV controls to connect it, then retry the app.
  6. Separate streamer controls from TV controls. If a streamer remote changes playback but not TV power or volume, check HDMI-CEC support and device settings where applicable.
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When a phone app is not enough

If the TV or streamer is unsupported, cannot be connected to the network, or is inconvenient to control by phone, use the included remote or consider a physical universal remote. Check compatibility with the exact TV or device model before buying one; a universal remote is a separate hardware fallback, not a phone app. Roku’s support pages also note that app availability and prerequisites can vary by region and device/software, so consult the official app listing and current support instructions.

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(2 Pack) Replacement Remote Control for Roku TV, for TCL Roku/Onn Roku TVs | for Hisense Roku/Sharp Roku/Element Roku/Westinghouse Roku/Philips Roku Smart TV (Not for Stick & Box) Ready Out of the Box
  • 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.

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