How to Use Your Android Phone as a Remote Control for Android TV

Using the remote that came with your TV is outdated. If you've upgraded to Android TV, it's much easier to use your Android smartphone or tablet as a remote. If you've been using a physical TV remote until now, it only takes a few seconds to permanently transition to the Android experience. This guide shows you how to use your Android phone as a remote for your Android TV.

How to Use Your Android Phone as a Remote Control with the Google TV App

Any Android TV will allow you to use your Android phone or tablet's screen to control the big-screen experience. On the one hand, using Android TV allows you to As Chromecast output or sideloading It also allows the primary input device (your phone or tablet) to act as a built-in remote control.

Currently, it represents Google TV app (Formerly Play TV and Movies) The primary way to enable remote control configuration on Android. If you're using Android 10 or later, you can easily find Google TV in your list of core Google apps like Gmail, Drive, Photos, Chrome, Maps, and Meet. It's important to update your phone to the latest software version.

Good to know: If you actively use your Android device throughout the day, it is recommended that you Sterilize and clean your phone At least once a day. Here's how.

Create connection

1. If your device supports Google TV, you can find a button called TV remote By performing a simple search on your phone. In the latest versions of Android, the TV Remote is available as a button on the home screen.
   
2. Once you select the option, you may not find anything on the app screen until you configure your Android TV.
   
3. tap on “Select Device” At the top. It will then start searching for available TVs.
   
4. Once Android TV is detected, you'll see it in the notification area. Make sure your Android TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
   
5. Using your TV remote, check your Android TV settings for an option called ApplicationsIt may be positioned differently on your TV model, but it's usually easily accessible via the home screen itself.
   
6. Now look for an option called “Android TV Remote Service”. that it Google Play app It can only be downloaded on Android TV. If you don't see this setting here, it will be visible once the pairing is established.
   
7. If your cable provider or TV manufacturer uses a different app, keep an eye on it. If you're connecting using Amazon Fire Stick You'll find TV remote control apps in the Amazon App Store.
8. Wait for the Google TV Remote app on your phone to connect to your TV screen.
   
9. In many cases, pairing is only established after a confirmed pairing request is made to the device. This will flash a six-digit code on your screen.
   
10. Enter the pairing code on your mobile device to pair the two.
    
11. You should see a quick notification that your Android remote is connected to your TV or the TV model code displayed in the app.

Use your Android device as a remote control

1. Look for "Magic Button" The large one is in the middle. You can swipe your finger left/right or up/down to do things like change channels or navigate through options. This helps you navigate your TV like a pro, especially with frequently used options on your screen.
   
2. If you are not a fan "Fast swipe" Click on the three dots at the top left and select D-pad controlIt's supposed to look like a TV remote.
   
3. Aside from the scroll controls and the D-pad for navigation (in the middle), there's the regular mode: volume up and down buttons, stop, pause, mute and the power button.
   
4. If you are watching YouTube Or Netflix On Android TV, you'll need to type something to search. The Google TV Remote app has a function keyboard for this.
   
5. Everything you type in the TV app will be displayed on the big screen. That's all you need to know about using this incredibly useful Android feature.
   

How to Use Your Android Phone as a Remote Control for Certain TV Models

Does your Android phone lack support for the latest versions of Android TV? In that case, you won't be able to run Google TV out of the box. The good news is that there are several third-party remote apps on Google Play designed specifically for situations like this.

1. First, check your TV's remote control. Look for the manufacturer, model name, and any other specific information you can find.
   
2. Try searching for remote apps or similar apps on Google Play that are specific to your TV manufacturer. They're most likely to work without any interference issues.

Some of the TV remote control apps that you should consider for your specific device are listed below.

• LG TV Universal Remote: infrared remote control For all LG devices.
• Samsung Smart Things: apart from tv It also controls many other remote devices such as smart speakers, smart appliances, Nest, and more.
• Panasonic TV Remote: Official Panasonic remote control For all Panasonic models.
• RoByte: Remote control application in Most Downloaded TV for Roku TV.

Not all TV remote control apps will work well with your TV model, so you'll have to go through some trial and error. This is where universal remotes come in handy, as they can work with a range of models without any issues.

Control your Android TV using a third-party app

1. For this demonstration, we will use an application called Universal TV Remote Control (or Unimote) by SensusTech. It works very well with a range of models, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Fire TV, Roku, and many more. The annoying thing about this app is the endless ads. This app still helps explain what a universal remote looks like.
   
2. After downloading and installing the app, you'll see your selected TV model highlighted in the main menu. You'll need the same Wi-Fi network for both your Android phone or tablet and your TV to establish a successful connection. It can also work as a mobile hotspot, but it's recommended to keep your hotspot turned on at all times.
   
3. If you see a code floating on the screen, you'll need to re-enter it on your phone or tablet.
   
4. Enter the exact pairing code from your TV to access the Universal Remote app. If you make a mistake, you'll be prompted to enter the code again.
   
5. Compared to the Google TV remote app, the Universal Remote app, Unimote, from SensusTech has an improved and naturally flowing menu, with a specific TV guide, HDMI, and other features.
   

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is IR remote control for Android TV?
answer. An infrared (IR) remote control is the latest technology that uses a signal called infrared ray blasters to control your TV. You may have noticed a blue light appearing on your set-top box or other cable connections. IR apps on your phone or tablet control these devices.

Q2: Are there any remote control apps for non-smart TVs?
answer. Yes, even if you have an older, non-smart TV, you can connect it to the Android TV remote app, provided your cable provider (or set-top box owner) has enabled Google Play access to your monthly TV subscription. The universal remote app, Unimote, from SensusTech works with relatively older TV models and is one of the most downloaded TV remote control apps on Google Play.

Q3: Why is the Google TV Remote app not working?
answer. If the Google TV Remote app fails to work on your TV, it means you don't have the latest version of the app installed on your input device (phone or tablet). Make sure your Android TV device has at least Android Remote Service version 5.0 or higher. Your Android smartphone or tablet must support at least Android 10 or later.

Q4: Why does Google TV keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
If the Google TV app keeps disconnecting from your TV's Wi-Fi network, you'll need to establish a successful Wi-Fi pairing between your router and the remote app. If the problem persists, the problem lies with your TV. We have a series of Troubleshooting steps to fix any issues In the connection between Android TV and Wi-Fi source.