It’s been a while since you’ve been teased by the idea of being able to control different features of your TV through your voice: in this case, you’d like to use the Alexa voice assistant to turn the device off or on, change channels, turn down the volume or start streaming content.
The spread of this technology, in fact, is undergoing a notable acceleration thanks to the introduction on the market of numerous devices that integrate the virtual intelligence developed by Amazon, which is why there are many possibilities to do this.
I made this tutorial, therefore, just to show you how to control the TV with Alexa : just spend a few minutes of your precious time reading the next paragraphs to learn about the different ways in which you can control the TV (it is precisely the case to say) without having to lift a finger. So, are you ready? Perfect, in this case I just have to wish you good reading and good continuation.
Index
- How to control smart TV with Alexa
- How to control any TV with Alexa
- How to control Fire TV with Alexa
How to control smart TV with Alexa
If you are interested in understanding how to control the smart TV with Alexa , you must know that in this case it is possible to consider different scenarios: to begin with, you need to check if the model you have integrates the Alexa features , or if it is compatible with it, as the procedures to follow vary according to this feature.
In the first case, that is the one in which the Amazon voice assistant is present “standard” on your TV, you can refer to two modes of use: using the supplied remote control , thanks to which it is possible to issue voice commands directly from the TV following a simple and quick configuration, or by activating the pairing function with an external Alexa speaker (in this case it is necessary to have a suitable speaker, such as those of the Echo series ).
If, for example, you are looking for instructions on how to control LG TVs with Alexa and you have verified that your model integrates the voice control system in question, after making sure that the smart TV is connected to the Internet , press and hold the Prime button Video of your LG Pointer Remote Control .
The latter is a particular remote control that allows you to interact with the TV through a cursor projected on the screen and operated by a special wheel , similar to what happens with the mouse on the computer screen. In some models of LG smart TVs, however, it may not be included: in this case, you must purchase one that is compatible with your TV separately ( here is the complete list).
- LG AN MR20GA Magic Remote Control for Select 2020 LG Smart TVs
- See offer on Amazon
- LG AN-MR19BA Remote control
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- LG AN-MR21GC Magic Remote w / NFC (2021)
- See offer on Amazon
The operation described above will result in the opening of the LG store on the screen and the automatic installation of the Alexa app on the TV. To complete the activation, then, log in from your mobile device or PC to the Amazon page indicated on the screen with your account and enter the code displayed on the TV. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code shown on the screen.
Once you have performed the procedure described in the previous paragraph, press and hold the Prime Video button again until the Alexa logo appears on the screen. At this point you can begin to pronounce the voice commands , such as those in the list below, in the direction of the pointer remote control, always holding down the aforementioned key and releasing it to start execution.
- “Alexa, turn on / off the TV”.
- “Alexa, turn the TV volume up / down”.
- “Alexa, channel up / down on TV”(does not support channel number).
- “Alexa, switch to HDMI1”(only supports HDMI inputs).
- “Alexa, play (content name)”.
- “Alexa, pause”.
If, on the other hand, you want to learn how to control LG TVs with Alexa and the model in your possession does not integrate this service but is only compatible with it, in this case you can take advantage of the Works with Alexa functionality , but only in combination with a speaker equipped with the ‘Amazon voice assistant.
- Echo Dot (3rd generation) – Smart speaker with integrated …
- See offer on Amazon
- Echo (4th Generation) – High Quality Audio, Smart Home Hub …
- See offer on Amazon
- Echo Dot (4th Generation) – Smart Speaker with Clock and A …
- See offer on Amazon
- Echo Studio – Smart speaker with Hi-Fi and Alexa audio
- See offer on Amazon
To proceed, you must first acquire the LG ThinQ app , compatible with Android devices (also check on alternative stores if your mobile phone does not have Google services) and iOS / iPadOS / macOS , by accessing the links indicated above and pressing the Install / button . Get (if you have an iPhone / iPad you will be prompted for identity verification via Face ID , Touch ID or Apple ID password ).
After starting the app in question, you must first create an LG account through a quick registration procedure, then you need to pair the TV by pressing the [+] button in the center of the main screen of the app and selecting the TV option at next step: device identification will occur automatically, but both devices must necessarily be connected to the same Wi-Fi network .
To complete this procedure, therefore, it is essential to also install the Alexa app on your mobile device and download the LG ThinQ skill . To do this, after starting the app in question, press the More menu located at the bottom right, tap on the Skill and games option and, in the following screen, press the magnifying glass symbol located at the top right.
In the field that is loaded under the Search item, type LG ThinQ , then press on the relevant result shown below to download. To conclude, then, touch the Enable use button .
Obviously the above procedure may vary depending on the LG TV model, so I suggest you consult this LG support page to get the most appropriate setup instructions for your smart TV.
Basically, however, the operating logic illustrated in the previous paragraphs is quite similar to that of other brands of televisions (in this guide you can find the instructions relating to the main brands).
For example, if you want to know how to control Samsung TV with Alexa , you will need to download the SmartThings skill on the Alexa app which, in association with the homonymous Samsung app for Android and iOS / iPadOS smartphones and tablets , allows you to pair Amazon’s voice assistant and the TV.
How to control any TV with Alexa
How do you say? Do you have a traditional non-smart TV and would like to know if it is possible to control it via Amazon’s voice assistant? Well, I want to immediately reassure you that the solution is literally at hand.
If you want to know how to control any TV with Alexa , in fact, you can refer to one of the many intelligent universal remote controls compatible with Alexa available on the market, which are able to simulate a very wide range of traditional remote controls and convert commands given by voice. in infrared or radio frequencies directed to the television.
I suggest you try, for example, one of the various Broadlink models , which are compatible with Alexa in combination with an Amazon speaker such as those of the Echo series .
- Broadlink – RM4 Mini – Universal audio / video IR remote control, remote hub …
- See offer on Amazon
- BroadLink RM4 mini S Smart Remote and Sensor Cable Set, Counter Hub …
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- Broadlink Smart Home Hub, RM Mini3 Universal WiFi remote control intelli …
- See offer on Amazon
- broadlink RM4 TV Mate BroadLink Smart TV Remote Control, Voice Control …
- See offer on Amazon
- BroadLink RM4 pro – Universal IR and RF remote control, code learning …
- See offer on Amazon
- BroadLink RM4 pro S and sensor cable set, IR remote control hub …
- See offer on Amazon
To use it, you must also download the Broadlink app , available for both Android (also check on alternative stores if your device does not have Google services) and iOS / iPadOS . To download it, just press the Install / Get item from the links above (on iPhone / iPad you will be asked to verify your identity via Face ID , Touch ID or Apple ID password ).
Then, start the app and, upon first use, press the Skip item located at the top right to skip the presentation, then select the country you belong to on the next screen and press the OK button twice . After doing this, touch the word Accept and continue in the notification relating to the terms of use and privacy, then register for a Broadlink account by clicking on the word Sign up now .
To proceed, enter your personal email address and then type the code , which will be sent to the mailbox previously indicated, in the appropriate field shown at the end of the procedure, also specifying the password . To conclude this phase, therefore, indicate the city of residence and press the Start use button .
First of all, it is necessary to associate the Broadlink universal remote control, which must be switched on in configuration mode (flashing light), which can be activated via the appropriate reset button if necessary. Then press the Add device button , then choose the Add a New Device option and then touch the Universal Remote item .
On the next screen, select the model of universal remote control you have and follow the relative instructions to complete this phase, considering that the Broadlink devices only work with the 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi network .
Once this is done, press the Use device now button and then press the Add appliances button to proceed with the association of the TV. Then select the TV box , then press the Add appliances button again and, on the next screen, locate the TV model from the list there, using the search field at the top if necessary.
Then run the tests requested by the app by pressing all the keys of the remote control simulator that appears on the display and pressing the item Not Work (it does not work) if not, or It works well (it works) as soon as you locate the ideal configuration for your model. To complete this phase, it also indicates the room in which the TV is located and gives it an original and understandable name to ensure that the term is not confused by the voice assistant.
At this point it is also necessary to enable the Broadlink skill on the Alexa app : once the latter is started, tap on the More menu located at the bottom right and press the Skill and games option . Next, tap on the magnifying glass symbol located at the top right, then search for the aforementioned skill using the appropriate text field and, once identified, tap the Enable use button .
As soon as the application in question is started, authenticate with your Broadlink credentials , then press the Discover devices button and wait for the identification of the universal remote control and the devices associated with it. Once the procedure is complete, you will finally be able to give voice commands to control any model of TV.
As anticipated at the beginning of the chapter, there are many other universal smart remote controls compatible with Alexa, whose operation is very similar to the one just exposed:
How to control Fire TV with Alexa
Do you own one of the famous Amazon dongles and, therefore, would you like to learn how to control Fire TV with Alexa ? Well, you should know that in this case the procedure varies according to the model of stick you own: in fact, there are different types of this product on the market.
For example, if you have an older model of Fire TV without a voice remote, you can pair it with another Amazon device, such as the Echo series smart speakers , to control various features of the stick by voice. Obviously, however, both devices must be registered on the same Amazon account.
In this case, to proceed open the Alexa app on your smartphone, then press the More menu located at the bottom right and press the Settings button . Then select the TV & Video feature under the Alexa Preferences section , then press the Fire TV service .
Next, touch the button Connect your Alexa device , then select the Fire TV stick that was detected by the app and press the Continue button . Now, also select the device you want to use to control the key (therefore the speaker that integrates Alexa) and press the Connect devices item . Read more here .
From now on you can use the voice commands available to search and watch content on various apps, or install the dedicated skills related to the streaming services you use.
The most recent Fire TV models , on the other hand, all integrate an Alexa voice remote control thanks to which, by default, it is possible to issue commands to the dongle by pressing a special button. The cheaper ones, however, are limited to this feature.
- Fire TV Stick Lite with Alexa Voice Remote | Lite (without commands …
- See offer on Amazon
- Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Latest Generation Alexa Voice Remote …
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The more advanced Fire TV Sticks, on the other hand, also have additional commands for the TV , which allow you to control, in addition to the Amazon key, also some basic functions of the TV , such as turning on and off , the volume or the change. of the channels .
Finally, the most advanced solution is the one offered by the Fire TV Cube model : it is the fastest and most powerful multimedia player of the Fire TV family with integrated speaker, which enables the control of different devices connected to the various inputs of the TV ( here you can find more information on compatibility) through the cloud , via infrared (IR) and HDMI-CEC .
I sincerely hope that I have been helpful in understanding how to control the TV with Alexa and that you have found a solution that meets your specific needs. The Amazon voice assistant is now present in many daily applications: if you want to deepen the subject, I suggest you read, for example, also my guides on how to connect Alexa to the various devices at home, to the PC , to the phone or to the lights .
