Have you lost your original TV remote control or want to control it from your smartphone? Modern Android devices can completely replace the physical remote control - not only for smart TVs with Wi-Fi, but also for older models via infrared port or Bluetooth. In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from simple applications to advanced solutions with automation.

The main advantage of this approach is you don’t have to buy a universal remote control for 1000-3000 rublesif you already have a smartphone with the necessary modules. And additional features like voice control, macros or integration with a smart home will make viewing even more convenient. But there are also pitfalls: not all TVs support remote control via the network, and some applications require root access. We tested all methods on TVs Samsung QLED 2022, LG OLED C1 and Sony Bravia X90J —the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

📊 What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
Sony
Xiaomi
Philips
TCL
Other

1. Checking compatibility: which remote control can be replaced

Before downloading applications, determine what type of connection your TV supports. The choice of method depends on this:

  • 📶 Wi-Fi/LAN - all modern Smart TVs (2016 and newer) with support DLNA or proprietary protocols (Samsung Anynet+, LG ThinQ).
  • 📳 Bluetooth - mid/premium segment TVs (for example Sony X950H, Samsung QN90B).
  • 🔴 Infrared port (IR) - old models (before 2015) or universal solutions. Requires an IR transmitter in the smartphone (available in Xiaomi Redmi, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra).
  • ⚡ HDMI-CEC - if the smartphone is connected to the TV via an USB-C → HDMI adapter (rare case).

Check the presence of an IR port in the smartphone you can:

  1. Launch the application Camera and look at the top edge of the device through the front camera.
  2. Press any button on the physical remote control, pointing it at the IR port of the smartphone.
  3. If on the screen a purple flicker will appear - the port is working.
⚠️ Attention: TVs TCL and Hisense younger than 2018 often block Wi-Fi control from third-party applications. They require an IR port or root access.

2 Method. 1: Applications for control via Wi-Fi (without IR)

The simplest method is to use proprietary or universal applications that connect to the TV via a local network. Works on 90% of Smart TVs released after 2016.

ApplicationSupported brandsRegistration requiredAdditional functions
Samsung SmartThingsSamsung (2018+)Yes (Samsung account)Voice control, automation
LG ThinQLG (WebOS 3.0+)Yes (LG Account)Content management, AirPlay
TV SideViewSony Bravia (Android TV)NoRemote + keyboard for input
Mi RemoteXiaomi, Redmi TV + 5000+ modelsNoIR + Wi-Fi, macros
Unified RemoteAny with DLNA supportNo (premium for $4)Customization of buttons, widgets

Instructions for Unified Remote (universal solution):

  1. Download the application from Google Play and install the server part on your PC (if you need to control it through it).
  2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. In the application, select Add device → Auto-detection.
  4. Follow the setup wizard, testing the remote control buttons.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Philips s Android TV 9 and below you may need to manually enable the option Settings → Network → Remote control.

Connect the TV and smartphone to the same network

Update the TV firmware

Disable VPN on the smartphone

Check that the TV is not in "Hotel" mode

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3. Method 2: Using the IR port (for old TVs)

If your TV does not support Wi-Fi control (or you want to control your air conditioner/receiver), and your smartphone has an IR port, this method is for you. The best applications:

  • 📱 Mi Remote Controller (for devices Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) - built-in code base for 1000+ brands.
  • 🎛️ AnyMote Universal Remote - supports the creation of custom remotes and macros (for example, "Turn on TV + switch to HDMI1").
  • 🔧 ZaZa Remote - rare brands like Thomson or Vestel.

How to set up AnyMote:

1. Open the application and click "+" → "Add device".

2. Select the device type (TV → [brand] → [model]).


3. If the model is not in the list, select "Search for codes" and test the buttons one by one.


4. Save the configuration with a convenient name (for example, "Samsung Bedroom").


5. For macros: "Automation" → "Create a chain" → add commands (for example, ON → HDMI2 → Volume 50%).

If your model is not in the database, try:

  • Take a photo of the sticker on the back panel of the TV (the model code for remote control).
  • Search for codes on forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers.
  • Use the "Learn" function in AnyMote (a working remote control is required).
How to check the functionality of the IR port on a smartphone?

Open the Camera app on another smartphone and point your device's IR port at it. Press any button in the remote app - if a purple flicker appears on the camera screen, the port is working. If not, check the permission settings for the application or reinstall it.

4. Method 3: Control via Bluetooth (for premium TV)

Some TVs (for example, Samsung QLED 2020+ or LG G2) support connecting remote controls via Bluetooth. This is more convenient than Wi-Fi, as it does not require a shared network and works more stable.

Connection algorithm:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and TV (Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth).
  2. Run proprietary application (Samsung SmartThings or LG ThinQ).
  3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
  4. Confirm pairing on both devices.

Advantages of the Bluetooth remote control:

  • 🔋 Low power consumption (not drains the smartphone battery).
  • 🎯 Precise guidance is not required (unlike IR).
  • 🔄 Automatic reconnection when returning to coverage area.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony s Android TV 10 The Bluetooth remote control may conflict with game controllers. Before connecting, turn off all gaming devices.

5. Method 4: Alternative methods (HDMI-CEC, USB-OTG)

If standard methods do not work, try these rare but effective solutions:

5.1. Control via HDMI-CEC

If your smartphone is connected to the TV via an USB-C → HDMI adapter (for example, for screen casting), you can control the TV via the protocol CEC:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the TV with a cable.
  2. Enable HDMI-CEC in the TV settings (Settings → General → HDMI-CEC).
  3. Install the application CEC Remote from Google Play.
  4. Select your TV from the list and test the buttons.

5.2. USB-OTG remote control (for root users)

For advanced users: if you have root access, you can connect your smartphone to the TV via a USB-OTG cable and emulate a USB-HID device (like a wireless keyboard). data-i="151">root-access

  • Application HID Keyboard Emulator.
  • Activate mode ADB over Network on TV.
  • Configure button mapping via Termux.
💡

If your TV has connector RS-232 (often found in projectors and professional models), you can control it via USB-to-RS232 adapter and application Serial Bluetooth Terminal. This method is used in cinemas and conference rooms.

6. Method 5: Voice control and automation

Combine the remote control with a smartphone with a voice assistant (Google Assistant, Alice, Bixby) to control the TV with your voice. For example:

  • 🎤 "Okay Google, turn on Netflix on the TV" - will launch the application.
  • 🔊 "Alice, set the volume to 30% on TV" - change the sound settings.
  • 📺 "Bixby, switch to HDMI 2" - will change the signal source.

To configure:

  1. Open the application Google Home (or Yandex for Yandex accounts. Alice).
  2. Add TV as a device (Add → Configure device).
  3. Follow the instructions to link your accounts.
  4. Set up voice commands in the "Routines" or "Scenarios" section.

For advanced automation, use Tasker + plugin AutoInputExample task:

Profile: "Evening" cinema"

Condition: Time 20:00, Connection to Wi-Fi [SSID=Home]


Actions:


1. Send IR command "ON" (AutoRemote plugin)


2. Set TV brightness to 70% (HTTP request to LG ThinQ API)


3. Launch Plex on the TV (Intent via ADB)


4. Turn off notifications on your smartphone

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the TV model and the capabilities of the smartphone. Here is a brief summary:

MethodProsConsSuitable for
Wi-Fi (SmartThings/ThinQ)Not needed IR port, stableRequires Smart TV, lags with a weak signalSamsung, LG, Sony (2016+)
IR portWorks with old TVs, low power consumptionNeeds to aim accurately, limited functionalityAny TV with an IR receiver
BluetoothNo connection to Wi-Fi, fast connectionNot all models supportSamsung QLED, LG OLED (2020+)
HDMI-CECControl without additional devicesWorks only with a cable connectedTVs with HDMI 1.4+
VoiceConvenient, integration with smart homeRequires configuration, not all commands are supportedSmart TV with Google Assistant/Alexa
💡

For 90% of users, the optimal choice is a proprietary application from the TV manufacturer (SmartThings, ThinQ) or a universal solution like Mi Remote. The IR port is needed only for older models, and Bluetooth and HDMI-CEC are needed for specific tasks.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

If the remote control on your smartphone does not work, check:

  • 🔌 Network connection: The TV and smartphone must be on the same Wi-Fi network (for Wi-Fi remote controls) or paired via Bluetooth.
  • 🔄 Updates: Install the latest firmware versions on TV and applications on your smartphone.
  • 🛡️ Permissions: Give the application access to Locations (for Wi-Fi), Bluetooth and Camera (for IR).
  • 📱 Energy saving mode: Disable battery optimization for the remote application.

Typical errors and fixes:

ProblemCauseSolution
The remote control connects, but the buttons do not workIncorrect TV model in the settingsSelect "Search for codes" and test one at a time
Delay when pressing buttons (lag)Weak Wi-Fi signalConnect to a 5 GHz network or use Bluetooth
The application does not find the TVDLNA/UPnP is disabled on TVEnable in Settings → Network → Remote control
IR port does not workClosed with a cover or filmRemove the cover, check the integrity of the port
Bluetooth remote control turns offEnergy saving modeAdd the application to exceptions optimization
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Android TV with firmware older than 2019, you may need to reset the network settings (Settings → Network → Reset) if the application does not connect.
Is it possible to use a smartphone as a remote control for a TV without an IR port and Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with limitations:

  1. Bluetooth — if the TV supports Bluetooth remote controls (for example, Samsung QLED 2020+).
  2. HDMI-CEC — if the smartphone is connected to the TV with a cable.
  3. USB-OTG — for root users (keyboard emulation).

For old TVs without wireless modules, the only option is to buy an external IR blaster (for example, BroadLink RM4 Pro), which connects to smartphone via Wi-Fi and transmits IR signals.

How to control a TV via a smartphone if it is not a Smart TV?

There are three options:

  • IR port: Use applications like Mi Remote or AnyMote (if the smartphone has an IR transmitter).
  • External IR blaster: Devices like BroadLink RM Mini 3 (300-800 rub.) connect to Wi-Fi and emulate remote control.
  • Universal remote control with Bluetooth: Some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick) can be connected to the TV via HDMI and controlled from a smartphone.

For TVs Sony or Panasonic 2010-2015 are often helped by searching for codes on forums - many users post working configurations for AnyMote.

Why does the remote control app only work in one room?

This is a typical problem for IR remote controls and Bluetooth:

  • For IR: the signal is blocked by walls and furniture. The solution is to use an IR signal repeater (for example, Global Cache iTach).
  • For Bluetooth: range limitation (usually 10 meters). The solution is to use a Wi-Fi remote control or Bluetooth amplifier.
  • For Wi-Fi: check the signal strength of the router. If the signal is weak, install a repeater or mesh system.

If you need to control the TV from another room, the best option is Wi-Fi remote control + a stable router with support 802.11ac.

Is it possible to make a remote control on Android for several TVs?

Yes, most applications support managing multiple devices. Instructions for Mi Remote:

  1. Open the application and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
  2. Select Manage devices → Add a device.
  3. Repeat the setup process for each TV.
  4. Switch between them through the main application menu.

For Unified Remote you can create separate tabs with different button configurations for each TV.

How to transfer remote control settings to a new smartphone?

Transfer methods depend on the application:

  • Branded applications (SmartThings, ThinQ): link the new smartphone to the same account - the settings are synchronized automatically.
  • Mi Remote: export the configuration via Settings → Backup and restore on a new device.
  • AnyMote: use the function Export/Import in the menu (the file is saved in .anymote).
  • Unified Remote: synchronization via Google account (in the application settings).

If the application does not support export, take a photo of the settings screen or record the sequence of buttons for manual playback on a new device.