How to Control a TV with Your Phone

This wikiHow teaches you how to use a remote control app on an iPhone or iPad to control your television.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using an iPhone with Apple TV

  1. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 1
    1
    Install the Apple TV Remote app from the App Store
    iPhone App Store Icon
    .     This is a free app that allows you to use your iPhone to control your Apple TV.[1]
  2. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 2
    2
    Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as the Apple TV.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 3
    3
    Turn on your Apple TV. The TV needs to be on so you can pair it with your iPhone.
  4. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 4
    4
    Open the Apple TV Remote app. It’s the black icon with a gray Apple and the letters ″tv″ inside. You’ll find it on one of your home screens.
  5. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 5
    5
    Tap Add Apple TV.
  6. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 6
    6
    Tap your Apple TV. In a few moments, a 4-digit code should appear on the TV screen.
    • If you don’t see your Apple TV listed, you may need to restart it. Also, double-check to make sure the iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
  7. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 7
    7
    Type the code into the iPhone app. Once the code is authenticated, the iPhone and the TV will be paired.
    • If no code appears, the iPhone is already paired with the TV.
  8. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 8
    8
    Use the remote app to control your Apple TV. You’ll see 5 or 6 different options in the app depending on your model. To get started, tap Menu, and then swipe through your options. When you see something you want to watch, tap it.[2]
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using an Android with an Android TV

  1. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 9
    1
    Install the Android TV Remote Control app from the Play Store
    Android Google Play
    .     This free app lets you use your Android phone as a remote control for your Android TV.[3]
  2. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 10
    2
    Connect your Android to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android TV. This is required so that the phone can communicate with the TV.
  3. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 11
    3
    Open the Android TV Remote Control app. It’s the blue rectangle icon with a round gray dial.
  4. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 12
    4
    Tap your Android TV. A 4-digit PIN will appear on the TV screen.
  5. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 13
    5
    Type the PIN into the Android app.
  6. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 14
    6
    Tap Pair. The Android phone is now paired with the TV.
  7. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 15
    7
    Use your Android phone to control the TV. Tap the house icon to go to the Home menu, and use the arrow buttons to navigate.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Universal Remote Control App for a Smart TV

  1. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 16
    1
    Install a universal remote app on your iPhone or Android. Most modern Smart TVs can be controlled with an app on a phone or tablet.
    • If you’re using a popular Smart TV model like a Samsung, Sony, or LG, download the app provided by the manufacturer for best results.
    • If you use Xfinity cable, download the Xfinity TV Remote app from the App Store or Play Store.[4]
  2. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 17
    2
    Connect your Android or iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV. This is usually required for the devices to communicate.
  3. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 18
    3
    Open the app on your phone. If there are any sign-in or welcome screens, follow the on-screen instructions until you get to a screen that allows you to select your TV.
  4. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 19
    4
    Tap your TV. This initiates the pairing process. A 4-digit code will usually appear on the TV screen.
  5. Image titled Control a TV with Your Phone Step 20
    5
    Type the code into the app and tap Pair. Once the code is authenticated, the remote control app will be paired with the TV. You can now control your TV with your phone.
    6. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Program a GE Universal Remote
How to
Program a GE Universal Remote
Program a Philips Universal RemoteHow to Program a Philips Universal Remote: With + Without Codes
Sync a Samsung Remote to a TVPairing a Samsung Remote to a TV with Troubleshooting Steps
Connect a New Remote to Firestick3 Ways to Pair an Amazon Fire TV Stick Remote
Program an ONN Universal RemoteHow to Program an ONN Universal Remote: With + Without Codes
Connect a Virgin Remote to a TV
How to
Connect a Virgin Remote to a TV
Reset a Vizio RemoteResetting a Vizio Remote
Program a Dish Network Remote
How to
Program a Dish Network Remote
Repair a Remote Control4 Ways to Repair a Remote Control
Program a Samsung Remote to Work with a Cable Box
How to
Program a Samsung Remote to Work with a Cable Box
Program an RCA Universal Remote Using Manual Code Search
How to
Program an RCA Universal Remote Using Manual Code Search
Program a DirecTV Genie Remote
How to
Program a DirecTV Genie Remote
Find a Lost Television Remote12 Fast Tips to Find a Lost Television Remote
Program an RCA Universal Remote Without a "Code Search" Button
How to
Program an RCA Universal Remote Without a "Code Search" Button
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht201664
  2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht204989
  3. ↑ https://support.google.com/androidtv/answer/6122465?hl=en
  4. ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/setting-up-the-cable-tv-app

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 29,916 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 6
Updated: June 4, 2021
Views: 29,916
Categories: Television Remote Controllers
Article SummaryX

1. Install a remote control app.
2. Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
3. Open the app.
4. Select the TV in the app.
5. Type the code from the TV into the app.

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement