Best apps to control TV on phone in 2026

Looking for the best apps to control TV on phone? The right choice depends on your TV brand, streaming device, and whether your phone has an infrared blaster. This guide compares the most useful TV remote control apps for Android and iPhone, explains how they work, and shows you how to set one up quickly. You will also learn when to use an official app, when a universal remote app makes sense, and what to do if your phone cannot find your TV.

How TV remote apps work

Most TV remote apps use one of two methods: Wi-Fi or infrared. Wi-Fi remote apps connect your phone and TV through the same home network. This is the most common method for smart TVs, Android TV, Google TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, and many newer Sony TVs.

Infrared apps work like a traditional remote. They send IR signals from the phone to the TV. However, only some Android phones include an IR blaster. iPhones do not have one. If your phone lacks IR, you may still use an IR hub, such as a BroadLink device, but that adds extra hardware.

In most cases, start with the official app made for your TV or streaming device. Official apps are usually more reliable, safer, and better supported than generic remote apps.

Best TV remote control apps by device

The table below gives a quick way to choose the right app.

TV or device	Recommended app	Works on	Best for
Google TV or Android TV	Google TV app	Android, iPhone	Voice search, navigation, typing
Apple TV	Apple TV Remote in Control Center	iPhone, iPad	Fast control inside iOS
Roku TV or Roku device	Roku app	Android, iPhone	Private listening, channels, remote control
Amazon Fire TV	Amazon Fire TV app	Android, iPhone	Fire TV Stick and Fire TV navigation
Samsung smart TV	SmartThings	Android, iPhone	Samsung TV control and smart home features
LG smart TV	LG ThinQ	Android, iPhone	LG TV control and device management
TVs with IR support	Mi Remote or IR remote apps	Android with IR blaster	Older TVs without Wi-Fi
Many brands with IR hub	BroadLink app	Android, iPhone	Controlling older TVs through a hub

Top apps to control your TV from a phone

Google TV app

The Google TV app is one of the best choices for Android TV and Google TV devices. It works with many TVs and streaming boxes that run Google’s TV platform. You can use it as a directional remote, open apps, type on your phone keyboard, and use voice search where supported.

It is especially useful when you need to enter passwords or search terms. Typing with a phone is much faster than using arrow keys on a physical remote. To use it, your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you may need to pair them with a code shown on the TV.

Apple TV Remote

If you use an Apple TV, the Apple TV Remote is already built into iPhone and iPad through Control Center. It does not require a separate download. You can swipe to navigate, type with the iPhone keyboard, control playback, and use Siri when available.

This is the simplest option for Apple TV users. Open Control Center, tap the remote icon, choose your Apple TV, and follow the pairing prompt. If you do not see the remote icon, add it in iOS settings under Control Center.

Roku app

The official Roku app is a strong choice for Roku TVs and Roku streaming players. It includes a virtual remote, channel shortcuts, search, and private listening on supported devices. Private listening lets you hear TV audio through headphones connected to your phone, which is helpful at night.

The app also makes text entry easier. This is useful for logging in to streaming services or searching for movies. As with most Wi-Fi remote apps, the phone and Roku device must be connected to the same network.

Amazon Fire TV app

The Amazon Fire TV app turns your Android phone or iPhone into a remote for Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV smart TVs. It includes a touchpad-style remote, keyboard input, voice controls in supported regions, and app navigation.

This app is very useful if your Fire TV remote is lost or the batteries are dead. Pairing is usually quick. Open the app, select your Fire TV device, and enter the code displayed on the TV.

Samsung SmartThings

Samsung SmartThings is the official app for many Samsung smart TVs. It can control the TV, adjust volume, switch inputs, and manage connected smart home devices. If you already use Samsung appliances or smart home products, SmartThings can keep everything in one place.

For best results, sign in with a Samsung account and connect the TV to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Some features depend on your TV model and region.

LG ThinQ

LG ThinQ is the official app for many LG smart TVs. It can work as a TV remote, help manage connected LG devices, and offer quick access to compatible functions. Like other brand apps, it is most reliable when used with recent smart TV models.

If your LG TV is older, app support may be limited. In that case, check the TV’s network settings, update its firmware, or consider an IR-based solution if the TV does not support modern app control.

Mi Remote and other IR remote apps

Some Android phones, especially certain Xiaomi models, include an IR blaster. If your phone has one, apps such as Mi Remote can control many older TVs, set-top boxes, air conditioners, and other devices.

IR apps do not need Wi-Fi pairing. Instead, you choose the device brand and test remote codes. The downside is that IR needs line of sight. You must point the phone toward the TV, just like a normal remote.

BroadLink app

BroadLink is not just an app. It works with BroadLink IR hubs that send infrared commands to TVs and other home electronics. This can be helpful if your phone has no IR blaster but you still want to control an older TV from your phone.

It is a good option for mixed setups, such as a non-smart TV, set-top box, and soundbar. However, it requires buying and setting up extra hardware.

How to set up a TV remote app on your phone

Follow these steps before assuming an app is broken. Most connection problems come from network or pairing issues.

1. Identify your TV or streaming device. Check whether you use Google TV, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, LG, or another platform.
2. Install the official app first. Search the App Store or Google Play for the official app from the brand or platform owner.
3. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network. Your phone and TV usually must be on the same network. Avoid guest networks if device discovery fails.
4. Turn on the TV. Some apps cannot find a TV that is fully powered off unless wake-on-LAN or a similar feature is enabled.
5. Open the app and select the TV. The app should show nearby compatible devices.
6. Enter the pairing code. Many TVs display a code that you must type into the phone app.
7. Test core controls. Try volume, navigation, home, back, and text input.
8. Update software if needed. Update both the TV firmware and the mobile app if pairing fails.

Official apps versus universal remote apps

Official apps are usually the best first choice. They are made for a specific TV platform, so they tend to support more features and fewer workarounds. For example, the Roku app supports Roku features such as private listening, while SmartThings is designed for Samsung TVs and Samsung smart home devices.

Universal remote apps can help when you own an older TV, have several devices, or use an Android phone with an IR blaster. However, many generic apps rely on ads, limited device databases, or unclear permissions. Before installing one, check the developer, reviews, update history, and requested permissions.

As a rule, use this order:

1. Official app for your TV or streaming device.
2. Official smart home app from the TV brand.
3. IR app if your phone has an IR blaster.
4. IR hub app if you need to control older devices without phone IR.
5. Generic universal app only if the above options do not work.

Privacy and safety tips

A TV remote app may need access to your local network, Bluetooth, microphone, or account login. Some of these permissions are normal. For example, local network access helps the app find your TV. Microphone access may be needed for voice search.

Still, be careful. Download apps only from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Prefer official apps from Google, Apple, Roku, Amazon, Samsung, LG, or your device maker. Avoid apps that ask for unrelated permissions, such as contacts or SMS, unless there is a clear reason.

Also, keep your TV and phone updated. Updates can improve device discovery, security, and compatibility with newer streaming services.

Troubleshooting when the app cannot find your TV

If your TV remote app does not connect, try these fixes:

• Make sure the phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Disable VPN temporarily if it blocks local network discovery.
• Restart your phone, TV, and router.
• Check that your TV supports mobile remote control.
• Update the app and TV firmware.
• Turn off guest Wi-Fi or client isolation on the router.
• Reinstall the app and pair again.
• For IR apps, confirm that your phone has an IR blaster.

If none of these work, test the official app on another phone. This helps you find out whether the problem is with the phone, TV, network, or app.

Frequently asked questions

Can I control any TV with my phone?

Not every TV can be controlled by phone. Smart TVs and streaming devices usually work over Wi-Fi with official apps. Older TVs may need a phone with an IR blaster or a separate IR hub.

What is the best app to control a smart TV?

The best app is usually the official one for your platform: Google TV for Android TV or Google TV, Roku for Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV for Fire TV, SmartThings for Samsung, and LG ThinQ for LG TVs.

Can I use my iPhone as a universal TV remote?

Yes, but mostly for Wi-Fi-based devices. iPhone does not have an IR blaster, so it cannot directly control old infrared-only TVs without extra hardware such as an IR hub.

Do TV remote apps work without Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi remote apps need a network connection. IR remote apps can work without Wi-Fi, but only if the phone has an IR blaster or you use an IR hub that is already configured.

Why does my TV remote app ask for local network permission?

It needs local network permission to discover and connect to your TV on the same Wi-Fi network. This is normal for remote control apps on modern phones.

Conclusion

The best apps to control TV on phone are usually the official apps for your TV or streaming device. Start with Google TV, Apple TV Remote, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, SmartThings, or LG ThinQ, depending on your setup. If you have an older TV, check whether your Android phone has an IR blaster or consider an IR hub. Install the right app, connect both devices to the same network, pair them, and you can replace a missing remote in minutes.