How to Use Your Phone as a TV Remote
Most Smart TVs and streaming devices can be controlled from your phone — no need to hunt for a lost remote. This guide shows you how to set it up for Samsung, LG, Roku, and Fire TV.
Make sure phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi
~18sDownload the right app for your TV
~19sConnect the app to your TV
~22sQuick Tip
Quick Tip: If your TV does not appear, try turning your TV off and back on, then search again in the app.
Use the phone as your remote
~24sQuick Tip
The keyboard feature alone is worth setting this up — typing Netflix passwords or search terms with a full keyboard instead of the TV remote is a huge improvement.
Use iPhone as Apple TV remote
~22sYou Did It!
You've completed: How to Use Your Phone as a TV Remote
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If you have ever lost your TV remote down the couch cushions for the fifth time this week, there is a better solution: use your phone as the remote. Most modern Smart TVs and streaming devices have official apps that let your smartphone control everything — change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and even type on-screen with your phone's keyboard (much faster than hunting through letters with the arrow buttons).
To use your phone as a TV remote, your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. This is usually automatic if both are connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Here is how it works for the most popular setups:
Samsung TV
: Use the free Samsung SmartThings app (iPhone and Android) LG TV: Use the free LG ThinQ app (iPhone and Android) Sony TV: Use the Video & TV SideView app Roku: Use the free Roku app (iPhone and Android) Amazon Fire TV: Use the free Amazon Fire TV app (iPhone and Android) Apple TV: iPhone has a built-in remote in Control Center (no app needed)
These apps give you a virtual remote on your phone screen. Many also let you use your voice to search for content and launch apps.
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