If your television does not appear in Pultio, check whether it is reachable on your home network. Your phone and TV must be able to exchange data for discovery to work.

Apps for controlling TV from your phone can replace a lost remote, make typing searches easier, and give you faster access to streaming controls. The best choice depends on your TV brand, streaming device, and home Wi-Fi setup. In this guide, you will learn which TV remote app to use for Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and other devices, plus how to set it up safely and fix common connection problems.

If you want to know how to download a remote to your phone, the safest option is to install an official remote control app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Your phone can then control a smart TV, streaming device, set-top box, or even some air conditioners, depending on the app and hardware. This guide explains which app to choose, how to install it, how to connect it to your device, and what to do if the virtual remote does not work.

What a phone remote app can control​

A remote control app turns your Android phone or iPhone into a virtual remote. Most apps work over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared. The right method depends on the device you want to control.

Common uses include:

• Controlling a smart TV from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, or other brands.
• Navigating Android TV or Google TV devices.
• Controlling streaming sticks and boxes such as Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple TV.
• Typing search terms and passwords faster with your phone keyboard.
• Casting media or opening streaming apps.
• Replacing a lost or broken physical remote.

However, not every app works with every device. For example, a Roku remote app will not control an LG TV menu unless the TV also supports Roku features. Before downloading anything, identify the exact device you want to control.

A TV remote from phone via Bluetooth can be useful when the original remote is lost, broken, or out of reach. However, Bluetooth TV control is not as universal as Wi-Fi remote apps or infrared blasters. This guide explains when Bluetooth control works, how to pair your phone with a smart TV or streaming device, which apps to try, and what to do if your TV does not support phone-based Bluetooth remote control.

If you want to know how to use phone as remote for TV, the good news is that most modern TVs and streaming devices support it. You can control volume, open apps, type searches, navigate menus, and cast content from an Android phone or iPhone. In most cases, you only need the right app, the same Wi-Fi network, and a quick pairing code. This guide explains the best methods for smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and older TVs with an infrared sensor.

Before you start​

Using your phone as a TV remote is easiest when your TV and phone can communicate over the same network. Before installing apps, check these basics:

• Your TV or streaming device is turned on.
• Your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Bluetooth is enabled if the remote app asks for it.
• Your TV software is up to date.
• You know the brand and model of your TV or streaming box.
• You can see the TV screen to enter or confirm a pairing code.

Some TVs also support control through an infrared blaster, often called an IR blaster. This is a small sensor on certain Android phones that works like a traditional remote. iPhones do not include built-in IR blasters, so they usually need Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, or a brand-specific app.