Android phones do not have one universal remote app that works with every TV. The right fix depends on whether you’re controlling an Android TV or Google TV device, a Roku, an LG webOS TV, or another platform. Identify the device, install its supported app, and check that the phone and TV meet its network and pairing requirements.
First, identify which device you’re trying to control
A TV’s brand does not always tell you which app to use. If a Roku player or another streaming box is connected to the television, the app for that streaming device may be the one you need. Check the TV’s Settings under About or System information, or read the model number from its label. For a separate streaming device, check its own settings or model number.
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Then use the instructions for that platform: Google’s Android TV virtual remote, the Roku mobile app, or LG ThinQ for supported LG TVs. Do not assume a manufacturer’s app controls every streaming device attached to its TV.
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Use the platform’s app and pair it the way the TV requires
Android TV or Google TV
- Open the Google TV app on your phone and select Connect TV.
- Choose your TV or streaming device from the list.
- Enter the code shown on the television, then tap Pair.
Google says, “To connect through Wi-Fi, make sure your device is on the same network as your Android TV.” See Google’s Android TV remote instructions.
#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.
Roku TV or Roku player
Use the Roku mobile app and make sure the phone and Roku device are on the same Wi-Fi network. If the Roku does not appear, check whether mobile-app control is enabled at Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps. Roku documents these steps in its mobile app troubleshooting guide, last updated August 20, 2026.
Supported LG TV
Use the LG ThinQ app, sign in as prompted, and add the TV. LG’s setup instructions specify that the phone and TV should be connected to the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Follow the steps in LG’s ThinQ setup guide, dated July 23, 2024.
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.
If the app can’t find the TV, check the network
- Connect the phone to Wi-Fi, not just mobile data, and compare the network name shown on the phone and TV.
- Check whether either device is on a guest network or an isolated network. Router settings that separate devices can prevent local discovery; the exact cause depends on the network configuration.
- Follow the specific platform’s band and security requirements rather than switching Wi-Fi bands at random. LG’s ThinQ setup calls for the same 2.4 GHz network. Google’s setup guidance says certain Google TV devices require 5 GHz and that WPA2-Enterprise is unsupported for Google TV device setup. Those Google setup requirements should not be treated as universal rules for every remote-control session or TV.
Google’s device setup requirements are listed in its Google TV setup guide. If your network meets the device’s requirements but discovery still fails, restart the TV and phone, then reopen the official app.
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For Android TV, Google’s virtual-remote troubleshooting step is to unplug the TV’s power cord, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, and set up the virtual remote again. Update the official remote app before repeating the pairing process. See Google’s instructions.
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.
Roku’s Android-specific troubleshooting also recommends updating Google Play Store and Google Play services, restarting the phone, checking for Roku app updates, and confirming the phone is Play Protect certified. Roku warns that rooted or uncertified Android devices may be incompatible. These checks apply to Roku’s app guidance; they are not general requirements for every TV remote app. Refer to Roku’s troubleshooting page.
If navigation works but the phone won’t turn on the TV
Controlling menus while the TV is on and waking it from standby are different capabilities. Power-on depends on the TV model, standby and network settings, and whether mobile wake has been enabled. Check your exact model’s instructions before assuming the app can turn the TV on.
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)
LG says supported webOS 3.5-and-later TVs can be turned on and off through ThinQ. On older webOS versions, ThinQ offers power-off but not power-on, according to LG’s guidance. LG also describes enabling the relevant TV setting for Android power-on through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Availability depends on the supported configuration; it is not a guarantee for other brands or models.
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When to use a physical remote instead
If your TV or streaming device does not support phone control, or the app remains unavailable after setup checks, find a replacement by the exact device model. A universal remote may work, but compatibility with both the TV and connected equipment needs to be confirmed. Samsung explains how its universal remote handles third-party devices in its support guide.
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.
Some phones have an infrared (IR) blaster, but not all do, and the TV must accept compatible IR codes. Do not assume a phone has this hardware or that a generic IR accessory will work. For Sony equipment, the IR feature applies only to specified products and is not compatible with every set-top box; check the exact model manual and Sony’s IR setup guidance before choosing this route.
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