How to Control Your TV Using Your Smartphone as a Remote

You can use your phone as a TV remote — no more searching for the physical remote. Here's how to set it up for Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Control a Samsung TV with your phone
2.Control a Roku with your phone
3.Control an Amazon Fire TV with your phone
4.Control an Apple TV with your iPhone

Control a Samsung TV with your phone

~37s

Download the "SmartThings" app (free, by Samsung) from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app and sign in with a Samsung account (or create one for free). Tap the + button → "Device" → "TV" and follow the on-screen steps to connect to your Samsung TV. Both your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once connected, a remote control interface appears in the app — you can change channels, adjust volume, and navigate menus.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Some Samsung TVs also respond to the Samsung TV Plus or Samsung TV Remote apps — search "Samsung TV Remote" in your app store to find the right one for your model.

Control a Roku with your phone

~22s

Download the "Roku" app (free) from the App Store or Google Play. Open it and your phone will automatically detect Roku devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Tap your Roku device to connect. The app shows a full remote with directional pad, volume, playback controls, and a keyboard for searches. You can also use voice search by pressing the microphone button in the app.

Control an Amazon Fire TV with your phone

~20s

Download the "Amazon Fire TV" app (free) from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your Amazon account. Tap your Fire TV device to connect (both must be on the same Wi-Fi). The app shows a virtual remote and keyboard. The app also lets you use voice commands just like the Alexa-enabled physical remote.

Control an Apple TV with your iPhone

~37s

On iPhone, swipe down from the top right to open Control Center. Look for the Apple TV Remote icon (it looks like a small remote). If it is not there: SettingsControl Center → tap the + next to "Apple TV Remote" to add it. Tap the remote icon, select your Apple TV, and the full remote interface appears. You can also use your iPhone's screen as a touchpad to navigate the Apple TV.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: For LG TVs, download the "LG ThinQ" app. For Sony TVs, download "Video & TV SideView" or "Google TV" app. Search your TV brand plus "remote app" in the app store to find the right one.

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Losing the TV remote is one of the most common household frustrations. The good news: your smartphone can serve as a fully functional remote control for most smart TVs and streaming devices. The phone app version often has advantages over a physical remote: a keyboard for searching, voice control, and swipe-based navigation.

All major TV brands and streaming devices have free companion apps for iPhone and Android. This guide covers the most common setups.

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