Engadget Guide Shows How to Turn a Phone Into a Smart TV Remote

Engadget says the easiest option for phones with an IR blaster is a preinstalled universal remote app. A small number of modern Android smartphones include this hardware. Users launch the IR remote app, select an add device button and choose their TV manufacturer. The app then asks them to test several buttons to confirm it has found the correct infrared commands for the TV model. According to the report, an IR remote app can also turn the TV on and off. Engadget adds that the hardware feature is rare and is not available on mainstream smartphones from Samsung, Google or Apple.

For most users, Engadget points to official mobile companion apps for smart TV platforms. Google TV and Android TV devices can be controlled through the Google TV app on Android and iOS. After launching the app, users tap the Connect TV button at the bottom and select their TV from a list. The phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices. Roku TVs and streaming sticks work with the Roku mobile app, while Fire OS devices use the Fire TV mobile app. Engadget says the setup is similar across platforms. The apps provide D-pad controls like a physical remote, along with volume and other common functions. When a text field appears on the TV, the phone's remote app brings up a QWERTY keyboard, which the report describes as easier for searches and credentials.

Engadget says many official apps also act as a second screen for finding and organizing content. Users can create watchlists and launch apps directly. The report notes that these discovery features are optional, but most apps require an account sign-in before the virtual remote can be paired with the TV.

If an Apple TV user has an iPhone, Engadget says a separate app is not required. The remote can be accessed from Control Center by tapping the remote icon; if it is missing, it can be added by tapping the plus button. The feature is native to iOS and is not available on Android, according to the report. On Android and iOS, third-party universal remote apps can fill the gap. Engadget cites the TV (Apple) Remote Control app as a popular option on the Play Store, with more than 500,000 downloads and a 4.6-star rating. The app has a button layout similar to Apple's remote and can send commands over a local Wi-Fi network or infrared signals. The report says users do not have to stick with a TV manufacturer's official companion app if they dislike its interface, and other universal TV remote apps exist on both platforms.

Engadget says the right app can replace a physical TV remote, particularly if it is damaged or lost. Some smart TVs can also be turned on from standby mode with a phone. The report advises users to look for a Wake-on-LAN feature in the TV's network settings and enable it. On some TV models, users may instead need to open power settings and set the energy mode to Increased or Optimized.