Control your TV from your phone or tablet. Quite recently, such an idea seemed something impossible, and even stupid. Today, the ability to control your TV using your phone doesn’t seem so fantastic, does it? Every modern person has a smartphone, so why not make it a replacement for the remote control? Apparently, the same thoughts came to the equipment manufacturers who brought the idea to life. As you might have guessed, a smartphone can replace the usual push-button remote control. I propose now to figure out how the TV is controlled, and what is needed for this.

What do you need to control your TV from your mobile phone?

Fortunately, the times when a simple task on devices had to be done with a bunch of dances with a tambourine are becoming a thing of the past. Equipment manufacturers today are trying to make the operation of their products as convenient and simple as possible with a processor. You no longer have to study forums trying to find out how to get your phone to replace a regular remote control. We will need the bare minimum: a modern smartphone and TV, as well as software. All.

It is clear that all this will not work thanks to air, although, if you look at it from the point of view regular user, then this is approximately what happens. We, as advanced users, understand that to connect a mobile phone and a TV we need some kind of technology.

Wi-Fi connection

The most common, despite the emergence of new ones, remains Wi-Fi. Manufacturers install a wireless interface in everything possible. Therefore, in most cases, a modern TV does not remain deprived; I am already silent about smartphones, even the cheapest ones. As a rule, only TVs with Smart TV support Wi-Fi, a kind of operating system that turns it into a more functional device. That is, it will not be possible to control an old TV with a picture tube via Wi-Fi without additional devices. Which ones?

Android smart consoles, which have the capabilities of a small computer or tablet, come to the rescue. And now, you already have Wi-Fi. True, you can only control the TV-Box interface - you won’t be able to switch channels.

Xiaomi with IR port controls old TVs

Interesting solutions are offered by the well-known company Xiaomi, which is famous for its inexpensive quality smartphones with productive hardware and other tricks. Chinese developers, namely they are engaged in the production of these mobile devices, decided that a modern gadget cannot do without an infrared port. These are the same sensors that have been installed in TV remote controls for decades.

Yes, the majority Xiaomi smartphones who got an infrared port can easily control televisions, even old ones that can only dream of Wi-Fi. Moreover, they can control other equipment: air conditioners, projectors, etc. Therefore, if you still have a TV from the early 00s, and the remote control has long been lost, you can buy Xiaomi phone, prolonging his life.

Concerning software, then there is nothing complicated here either. Don't think that you have to connect your TV to your computer by running some programming environment. Everything is simple: download the application to your smartphone (for operating Android systems on Play Market, iOS - App Store), we pair the mobile phone and TV, customize everything for ourselves, and enjoy the work done.

First, you can look for official applications for your specific TV. We bought a model from LG, look for information on the manufacturer’s website. A TV from a little-known company, then we’re looking for universal applications, the names of which contain something like Remote Control or Remote TV. We'll talk about universal applications below.

If you decide that you do not want to depend on Wi-Fi, and purchased a smartphone from Xiaomi with an infrared port, then you will not have to do any additional actions at all. The manufacturer has already done everything for the user. The Mi Remote application must be installed on your smartphone. Quite convenient and easy to learn. Let's go in and connect with the right TV and you can forget about the control panel.

Which app should you choose?

So, you now know what you need to control your TV using your smartphone or tablet. Next, I suggest you consider popular apps, and then we’ll move on directly to the connection process. And we will analyze applications mainly for Android devices, because they have a lot of universal utilities, which are suitable for any equipment, and branded ones in bulk. In addition, most of them are also available for iOS.

Let's start with the proprietary applications that the company offers when releasing a line of TVs. It is clear that only fairly large manufacturers who are able to allocate money for the development and support of the program can boast of such support. Of these, we immediately remember Samsung or LG. And yes, they provide their users with proprietary utilities for controlling TVs.

Controlling LG Smart TV from your mobile phone

The first ones in line are LG TVs. The company has been producing them for quite a long time, developing many modern low-cost solutions that occupy a significant market share. It is not surprising that they were one of the first to release an application for controlling TVs from a smartphone, and more than one. For models that were introduced before 2011, the LG TV Remote 2011 utility is presented. For newer solutions, another application has been developed -.

The applications are quite convenient, simple and functional. When you turn it on for the first time, you need to pair it, for which you need to enter a confirmation code on your phone or tablet that will appear on the TV screen. After which we can start using it. Applications allow you to broadcast images from your phone screen to a TV, manage programs and games, and browse Internet pages. The utilities are distributed free of charge and quickly find the TV. Updated versions can also work with other LG equipment, such as an audio system.

Application for Samsung Smart TV

The South Korean company, being one of the most famous in the world, simply could not help but release an application for its customers that will allow them to control their TV from an Android smartphone or tablet. Called Samsung SmartView, it offers a fairly convenient and simple utility. Its main feature is the ability to broadcast images both from the phone to the TV and in the other direction. So, you can watch your favorite show while in another room.

One more interesting feature can be called gyroscope support, which allows you to control games on the TV screen using a smartphone. Interesting, isn't it? But Samsung was never able to develop its brainchild, which received a lot of negative reviews in the Play Market. Users cite a bunch of errors and the inability to pair, so many prefer third-party remotes.

Applications for Sony and Philips TVs

Finally, a few words about management programs Sony TVs and Philips. In general, they are not very different from the options discussed above, the manufacturers just added a little of their own. The Video & TV SideView: Remote application is available for Sony. Quite interesting, but with its own problems, which users note.

It can switch channels, adjust the volume and perform other functions inherent to the remote control. In addition, you can watch a TV program directly in the application, and the system will compile lists of recommended programs. Even more interesting is the “feature” with the ability to control the TV via a smart watch from Sony. Of course, the functions are somewhat reduced, but it looks quite unusual.

Philips MyRemote is a utility of the same name from Philips. Everything is the same, but the program is littered with advertising, which many users complain about. Supports almost all smart TVs from the manufacturer, quite easy to use, but pairing takes a long time.

Universal programs

Not everyone has TVs from the companies presented above, and not all users are satisfied with the proprietary utility. Therefore, universal applications that are supported by most Android devices, as well as many equipment, are relevant. To date, a huge number of programs have been presented, both good and not so good. We have selected a list of the most popular and high-quality ones.

So, the application with the self-explanatory name SURE Universal Remote received good ratings and reviews:

• Simple and convenient implementation,
• quick pairing,
• Works even with very old TVs.

I'm glad that the utility supports both Wi-Fi connection and control using an IR sensor. It is possible to broadcast photos and videos from a phone or tablet to a TV; it supports SURE Universal Remote and works with air conditioners and projectors. Among the minuses, we highlight annoying advertising, which is the price for free distribution.

But the developer Vsray Technology offers a “TV remote” application for tablets and smartphones. Yes, the name is simple, but in terms of functionality the utility outperforms many competitors. It stands out for its interesting interface, which is stylized like a regular remote control, apparently hence the name. The developer claims to support more than 220,000 devices, and the “TV remote” itself is available free of charge. True, the utility only works in conjunction with the infrared port, and is simply overflowing with advertising.

One last thing interesting program to control the TV via a smartphone or tablet - smart IR remote. It does not have as many downloads as those presented above, but many users in thematic discussions mention this particular utility. Among its advantages, it is credited with the most successful interface, regular updates, a wide base of supported devices, and convenience. smart IR remote is available for download on smartphones and tablets for free.

I think this will be enough. Already from our list you can choose an application to your liking, and if not, then no one forbids you to try other solutions, of which there are plenty in the Play Market, and almost all are available for free (only advertising gets boring). Go ahead.

Instructions: How to connect a phone/tablet to a TV

Well, you are now familiar with the theory, let's move on to practice. To begin with, use phones with an infrared port. Everything is simple here. We download (if not) the application, point the smartphone with the transmitter at the TV so that the devices detect each other, and pair. That's it, you can fully use the virtual remote control.

The situation with connecting via Wi-Fi is a little more complicated. We can make the connection in two ways: directly or through a router.

1. In the first case, it is necessary that both devices (TV and smartphone (or tablet)) support Wi-Fi Direct. The technology is very widespread, therefore it is present in many modern devices.
2. The second method allows you to do without Wi-Fi Direct by connecting your TV and phone to the same network. By the way, the TV can be connected to the router by wire (Ethernet), which users often resort to to ensure a higher and more stable connection speed. Simply, commands will be sent wirelessly from the smartphone to the router, and from it through the wire to the TV. I think you won’t have any problems connecting to the same network.

All that remains is to install the application by selecting the one you like from the list compiled by us, or download it from the Play Market. As a rule, the utilities are easy to use, even if they are only in English.

To pair two devices, you need to enter a PIN code in the application, which will appear on the TV screen after the connection request.

By default, you can immediately start using the basic functions of the remote control: switch channels, adjust the volume, etc. After spending some time tinkering with the settings, you can optimize applications for your personal needs.

Wake-On-LAN – you can’t turn on the TV without it

It is impossible not to mention the problem faced by many users who want to control the TV via their phone. No, this is not advertising coming from all sides. Getting rid of it is quite simple: we purchase the premium version of the utility. I want to tell you about such a feature as Wake-On-LAN.

This function, if present on the device, allows you to turn it on by sending data packets over the local network (in our case wireless interface Wi-Fi). That is, if the TV does not have Wake-On-LAN, you simply cannot turn it on through the application; you will still have to look for the remote control and the power button.

When enabled, all other commands are available, including shutdown. Therefore, if you want your TV to be able to turn on from a command from a smartphone, then look in the Wake-On-LAN specification. By the way, this technology will be useful if the Smart Home system is implemented in the home.

Application Features

It wouldn’t hurt to tell you what the utilities we talked about today can do. Firstly, after pairing, an interface styled like a regular control panel is available. That is, we have a set of buttons for switching channels, navigation keys for adjusting the sound, and also a power button. Naturally, all of them can be done in different style, form, as the developer already wanted. But the main thing here is to choose not by beauty, but by convenience and performance.

Touchpad

Often applications have additional features, and quite a lot. The first thing you need to note is the mouse and keyboard modes. The first, in fact, is a kind of touchpad, which is the screen of a phone or tablet. Swipe your finger to select the options you want.

Keyboard mode allows you to search necessary information, write messages to friends. In addition to them, developers are increasingly adding gamepad emulators to such utilities, which make the game process more convenient.

Phone screen mirroring

No less interesting is the ability to broadcast images from your phone screen to your TV. It will not be difficult to send family photos to the big screen to enjoy viewing. You can stream videos and movies without bothering with downloading, and music can be turned on in a similar way.

Some applications, on the contrary, allow you to broadcast content from your TV screen to your tablet or phone. Enough useful feature, with which you can watch your favorite show while in the kitchen or another room.

TV program

If you love TV shows, then you definitely need a TV program. It’s not very convenient to constantly search for it on the Internet, so developers add them directly to applications for controlling the TV. Now you will always have at your fingertips a list of programs for the coming weeks. In addition, the system can determine what you like to watch the most. Is football your weakness? Please, the application will notify you about upcoming matches. Do you prefer cooking shows? Get a whole list.

Almost all management utilities have a separate menu with various applications that can be launched on the TV. This may include a browser, programs for watching TV online, and some games.

Smart watch as a remote control

Finally, I would like to note the ability to control TV through a smart watch, which I mentioned just above. Among Android devices, this function is quite functional on . A watch paired with a smartphone has a minimal set of commands, but you can definitely change the channel or add sound. This method is convenient because the smart watch is almost always at hand, or rather on it. In the near future, such an opportunity simply must appear on all SmartWatches.

Advantages of controlling your TV from your phone

The remote control is the kind of thing that always gets lost somewhere. He can fall behind a pillow; small children do not avoid him. We always have a smartphone at hand, and if we lose it it won’t be difficult to find it – we just call the number. In the age of technology, when the phone accompanies us everywhere, it is easier to open an application to control the TV than to get up from the couch and go to the other side of the room for the remote control. Until recently, you had to go to the TV to change the channel.

Not a single device is immune from breakdowns, including IR remote controls. If you dropped it, that's it, your modern TV becomes “uncontrollable”. After all, most models today do not have any mechanical buttons other than power. And here a phone with a virtual remote control can help out.

Modern remote controls, of course, differ from those that were introduced 15 years ago. They have become more functional, more beautiful, more convenient, and equipped with additional features. And yet they are still the IR remotes that are best at changing channels. But modern televisions can not only broadcast TV programs. New models that have received Smart TV allow you to browse the Internet and play games, but this is poorly implemented on the remote control. Another thing is smartphones, which have special sensors, and many applications for controlling the TV often receive gamepad emulators as an addition.

The application also allows you to control many other equipment that supports remote controls. Your smartphone will control air conditioners and many other devices. You can even control TVs in shops and cafes, but we do not recommend you do this.

Bottom line

Technologies do not stand still. The telephone, which until recently was only a means of communication, today combines a whole range of capabilities. Internet access, cameras, thousands of games, and today you learned that a modern smartphone can be turned into a good remote control for controlling a TV. We hope this article will help you understand the basics of connection, freeing you from being tied to a traditional IR remote control.

Modern TV models have more and more useful and user-friendly features. One of them is to control the TV from a mobile phone instead of a regular TV remote control.

Different manufacturers implement this function differently, so in this article we will only talk about how to use a mobile phone as a remote control for an LG TV.

First, you should make sure that your TV supports this feature, since most older TVs do not have it. We will not consider the option of switching channels through the phone’s infrared port, because most modern smartphones do not have it. We will look at using official applications from TV manufacturers, specifically the application for LG TVs.

In order to this function worked, your TV must at least have access to the Internet, via cable or Wi-Fi. Also, your TV and phone must be connected to the same home network(i.e. to one router in your home).

So, in order to connect your phone as a remote control to your TV, follow these steps.

Download the application to your smartphone

First of all, you need to download an application to control your TV using your smartphone. Download the LG TV Remote app. The application is free and has a version for both and (click on the name operating system your phone to go to the Apple Store or Google Play).

It’s worth adding here that if you have a TV 2011 release, then you need to download another application - LG TV Remote 2011. If your TV 2014 or newer - find and download the app LG TV Remote-webOS.

Launch the application and turn on the TV

The second step is to turn on the TV and make sure that it is connected to the same network as your mobile phone (or tablet). Launch the application on your phone and click on the button "Device Scan" to search for nearby TVs.

Choose your TV

As a result of the search, all found TVs connected to your home network will be shown on the mobile phone screen. Select the one you need by clicking on its name.

Enter the code into the application

After selecting the desired TV, a message with a 6-digit code will appear on its screen, which must be entered into the application on mobile phone to confirm rights.

After successfully entering the code, the devices will be paired and you will be able to use all the main functions of your TV from your phone.

And if you still don’t have a modern TV with Internet access and other Wi-Fi, maybe it’s time to buy one, because now they are quite inexpensive, for example, here - notus.com.ua/Televizory. Every year TVs are becoming smarter and more convenient, and in order to use all the modern features, we now have to replace them with new ones much more often than before.

As Android devices develop, more and more appear on the Play Store useful programs. One of these is the application for remote control TV. Using such a program, you can completely replace a regular remote control with your Android. In this case, control options will not be limited to just switching channels or adjusting the volume. To use your device as a TV remote control, you must have an infrared port on your Android. Either the TV should be able to wifi connections. But first things first.

Remote TV universal (Download)

This is a completely free remote control for Android to control almost any brand of TV.

To use this application, your device must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV. To synchronize devices, you will need to enter a message into the program that will appear on the TV screen. Thanks to wireless network operation, control You can watch TV even while in another room.

Of the minuses, we note that the application does not know how to turn on the TV. Those. To use the application, you first need to turn on the TV using the original remote control, and only then you can switch channels using Android.

TV remote control (Download)

Quite an advanced application for controlling your TV. Absolutely free, downloaded more than 10 million times, average rating - 4.4 points out of 5 possible.

Advantages of the application:

1. Clear and simple controls. Easy synchronization with TV. Training mode and many tips.
2. The main advantage of the application is its support for more than 200,000 TV models. This list is constantly growing, it is quite difficult to find a device that is not on this list.

Super TV Remote Control (Download)

This application will turn any phone or tablet based on Android OS into a full-fledged remote control. Supports more than 90% of all known TVs. Can work through Wifi network. It features minimal latency when exchanging data between devices. The program is provided free of charge and has no paid functions. IN Lately The rating suffered greatly due to the huge amount of intrusive advertising. Although this does not prevent the application from having more than 5 million users.

Universal remote control Galaxy (Download)

This remote control was developed by Moletag. It has many non-standard features that you will not find in other Android applications. You will have to pay about 220 rubles to use the program, but it is worth it.

The main advantages of the Galaxy remote:

1. Possibility of control big amount devices: projectors, air conditioners, DVD players, etc.
2. The adaptive interface will allow you to configure any TV functions to the desired buttons.
3. Huge number of supported devices. Even if your device was not found in the list of supported ones, the program will independently select similar devices and try to synchronize using their settings.
4. Works on most Androids, with OS versions older than 4.0.

Dear readers! If you have any questions or comments on the topic of the article, please leave them below.

In one of the articles, we looked at the question of how to unlock an Android phone if you forgot your graphic password.

Possibilities modern smartphone, are limitless. Almost any technical problem, whether we are doing complex computational work, or simply want to “teach” a gadget new capabilities, can be solved with a few taps on the screen. Let's talk about how you can control your TV using an Android mobile gadget. This may be necessary if the original remote control has failed and there is no way to quickly replace it.

Not so long ago, in order to turn on the TV from a smartphone, you had to have special technical knowledge, but now it is enough to install a special Android application. The TV must have certain functions that can be used to establish a connection between the TV and the smartphone:

• Smart TV. Allows you to connect to your TV via Wi-Fi
• IR port
• Bluetooth module

The corresponding modules must be installed in the phone.

Large manufacturers such as LG, Panasonic or Samsung develop applications specifically for their models. We will look at universal programs for Android that turn a smartphone into a control panel various models TVs.

TV Remote Control

OS version: Android 2.2 or later
Download
Cost: Free

A universal application that allows you to control your TV from your phone. The program does not support the Russian language, but even a novice user can understand the simple menu. All you need to do is set the connection mode (IR or Wi-Fi), enter the IP address of the TV and install the desired model.

The application supports a huge number of TV models, including:

• Samsung
• Panasonic
• Vizio
• Sharp
• Funai
• JVC and many others

The application has a basic set of commands for a TV: a power button, a numeric keypad, buttons for switching channels and sound settings. The application does not have a paid advanced version, so advertisements will appear on the control panel from time to time.

Remote control

OS version: Android 4.0.3 or later
Download
Cost: Free

A convenient application that turns your smartphone into a TV remote control. In the settings, just select the connection mode: via infrared or Wi-Fi. In the second case, the program itself can determine the IP address of the TV and connect to it. The phone program allows you to manage models from seven manufacturers:

• Samsung
• Toshiba
• Panasonic
• Phillips
• Sharp

The application developers claim that new TV models are added with each update.

The TV is controlled from a smartphone through a simple menu in which you can select the signal source (TV or AV), enter the TV menu, switch channels using the numeric keypad or individual soft buttons, and adjust the sound.

The application does not have paid version, so you won’t be able to disable pop-up ads.

Other Fly smartphones
On our website you can find a catalog with other Fly smartphones on Android.

Easy Universal TV Remote

OS version: Android 2.3 or later
Download
Cost: Free

A smartphone application that turns your Android device into a TV remote control. Differs from previous programs only an interface: with its help you can control the sound, change channels and turn off the TV.

To get started, you need to select one of three connection modes and your TV model.

Majority free applications They have one main drawback: they cannot disable advertising. You can get rid of annoying banners and significantly expand the functionality of your smartphone as a TV remote control by installing paid applications.

Galaxy universal remote control

Download
Cost: 219 rubles

A universal application for a smartphone that allows you to make your gadget a remote control not only for your TV, but also for any household appliances with built-in IR port.

If there are several TVs in the house, the application user can make bookmarks for each model for quick access Anytime. If you connect additional equipment to the TV, such as amplifiers or gaming consoles, the universal remote can be configured for each device from one menu.

The application has extensive functionality:

• Unique control panel. The user can add his own command buttons, set their shape, size and color, and set his own icon on each button.
• Creating macros. Ability to customize a list of actions for one click. This could be turning on the TV, switching to a certain channel, increasing the volume.
• Create and save custom IR command codes
• Scanning device models to configure phone alignment
• Backup. All settings and commands can be transferred to another phone.
• Widget for the home screen of an Android smartphone. You can control the TV without even going into the application.

If the application is found to be incompatible with specific model TV, the developers have provided a system for returning money paid for the program.

OneZap Remote

OS version: Android 4.0 or later
Download
Cost: 172 rubles

A convenient and inexpensive application that allows you to turn your smartphone into a TV remote control. The program database contains 250 integrated devices:

• Samsung
• Denon
• Pioneer
• Onkyo and so on

The application user can use either a preset menu or create his own by choosing the color scheme of the interface, the size and shape of the buttons. If you have a DVD player connected to your TV, you can create a separate button or set of buttons to control both devices.

Almost all modern TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, Philips and others (supporting Smart TV) can be controlled (switch channels, adjust volume, launch Smart applications, etc.) using a phone or tablet. For a clear example, I’ll show you how to control an LG TV from an iPhone (everything will be the same for Android). By the way, this guide is suitable not only for LG TVs, but also for Philips, Sony, Samsung and others, the only difference will be in installing different applications (each manufacturer has its own).

In order to control the TV, it is necessary that the TV and smartphone/tablet be connected to the same local network. It is also necessary that the appropriate application be installed on your smartphone/tablet. In practice, it looks like this: you need to connect your TV to the router (via Wi-Fi or network cable) and connect to the same router from a mobile device.

In the shop App Store or Play Market There are quite a few applications for connecting mobile devices to a TV, both paid and free. In this example, we will look at applications that were developed by LG.

At the time of writing, there are three applications:

Links for iPhone/iPad (iOs)	Links for Android
LG TV Remote 2011 (iOs)	LG TV Remote 2011 (Android)
LG TV Remote (iOS)	LG TV Remote (Android)
LG TV Plus (iOS)	LG TV Plus (Android)

LG TV Remote 2011 - this application should be used for TVs manufactured in 2011

LG TV Remote - this application is suitable for TVs produced in 2012-2013.

LG TV Plus - this application is intended for TVs produced in 2014 and later with Web OS.

More detailed information you can find it in the description of each application.

In my case, I use an LG TV with Web OS, so further we will talk about setting it up.

Attention!!! To avoid problems with connecting mobile devices and managing them, we recommend update TV firmware .

After installation, launch the application and turn on the TV you want to connect to.

Allow the program to send you notifications.

Click the "Start" button.

Accept the license agreement.

The program will scan the network for the presence of TVs and indicate them in the program. Select the one you need, in this case there is only one.

A PIN code will appear on the TV.

Enter it on your phone/tablet.

As a result, you will see a control menu that is quite easy to understand.

Please note that there is more than one menu. In one of them you can launch a Smart application or switch the input to another device.