Many people have TVs. Some watch different TV channels on them, some use them only for different online cinemas, and some turn them on sometimes to play a console. But they all have one weak point – the remote control. It runs on batteries and often breaks down at the most unexpected moment.
There is a solution – applications for controlling the TV. They can be installed on Android or iPhone, and some are already built into your device, you just need to configure them.
Official applications
Let’s start with utilities that the companies themselves create. For example, LG or Samsung. They usually automatically have all the devices released by the brand, so you can easily find your TV and control it.
Samsung
To work with Samsung TVs, they released the SmartThings app. It is available for iOS and Android, and is even pre-installed on some of the company’s smartphones. The most important thing: both the smartphone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open the utility;
- Sign in with your Samsung account (or create one);
- Add your TV model in the “Devices” section;
- Enter the code that appears on the screen.
After that, the connection will be established automatically and you can use your phone as a remote control without any problems. For example, switch channels, change the volume and adjust the image settings.
LG
For devices of this company, the LG ThinQ remote control application has been developed. It also works on iOS and Android, so you can download it without any problems. An important condition is the same as last time: both the smartphone and the TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Here’s how it works:
- Run the utility;
- Create an account;
- Click “Add device” and find your TV model;
- Enter the code that appears on the TV screen.
Another convenient program for controlling your TV is Google TV. You can download it from Google Play or the App Store. And again, let’s talk about it: the devices must be connected to the same network for everything to work.
The instructions are quite simple:
- Run the utility;
- Tap the “Connect TV” button;
- Please specify your TV model;
- Enter the code that appears on the screen;
- Click “Done”.
If the Google TV app is too complicated for you, you can use its simplified version – “Android TV Remote”. It works the same way, but it will be more similar to a regular remote.
Apple
Here the situation is a little more complicated. The thing is that this utility only works on iOS. And you can connect your smartphone only to these TV versions: Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV 3rd generation. If your option meets all the criteria, then this will be the best replacement for a regular remote control.
And here’s how to set it up:
- Go to the application and open its settings;
- Go to the “Control Center” section;
- Tap the plus sign next to the “Apple TV Remote” item;
- After that, go to the Control Center again and select the TV from the list;
- Enter the code from the screen.
You can also use this utility with Smart TVs that have AirPlay functionality. For example, LG, Vizio, Sony, and Samsung all produce such devices. To activate your iPhone as a remote for them, you must first add them to the Home app.
Here’s how to do it:
- Launch Home;
- Tap the “Add accessory” button;
- Scan the code from the box or device screen, or hold it close to you to establish a connection.
Third party utilities
Android
Universal Remote Control
This is probably the most popular program of this kind that you can download from Google Play. Firstly, it is free. And secondly, it supports most modern TVs with Smart TV and Wi-Fi connection. Let us remind you that you will need a connection to one network.
Working with Universal Remote Control is simple: launch it, add your TV using the code on the screen and use it to change channels, adjust the volume and other functions.
Mi Remote
Another remote control app for Android is developed by Xiaomi. It is usually pre-installed on the company’s devices. If not, you can download it from Play Market or GetApps.
On the main screen, click “Add Remote” and select the device you want to control. Since the utility works with an IR sensor, not only TVs are available, but also air conditioners, players, and even projectors. After you have selected the type of equipment, find the desired brand in the list and follow the instructions on the screen.
iOS
Universal Remote TV Control
This is one of the most popular programs of this type on Apple devices. It is free, easy to use and supports many different brands of TVs. For example, it can be used to control devices from Samsung and LG, which we have already discussed, as well as Hitachi, Sony, Philips, Panasonic and others.
The main thing to remember is that this only works with smart TV. But when you connect both devices to the same network, the utility itself finds everything, you only have to confirm the connection.
TV remote control +
Another good program from the App Store. It performs all the necessary functions: allows you to scroll through channels, opens the settings menu, turns the volume up and down, and can also switch between different applications or signal sources.
Again, it works only with Smart TV, but it supports all popular formats and operating systems, including the new Yandex TV, Salute and Sber TV. It also works on 100 different brands and can automatically connect upon startup.
IR sensor
Moving away from the Smart topic, in order to switch regular TVs, you need an infrared sensor. This is a sensor that uses special rays to transmit commands. In the past, when Bluetooth was not so widespread, games, music and pictures were transmitted from one phone to another via an infrared port.
Nowadays, IR sensors are not always installed. For example, new iPhone models do not have them. But Huawei, Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones do have them. The Mi Remote program, which we talked about above, is perfect for working with it. In addition, it works on other equipment, not just on TV.
We have analyzed several ways of how to control TV from the phone screen. You can choose the most convenient option for yourself and use it without any problems instead of the usual remote control.