How to install a TV remote control on your Android phone for free: a complete guide

Control a TV from a smartphone is convenient, but it is not always obvious how to do this without purchasing additional devices. Many modern Androiddevices support the infrared controlfunction, and for the rest there are workarounds. In this article we will analyze all the methods - from standard applications to hidden functions of the operating system.

The main advantage of this approach is You do not need to buy a universal remote control or adapters: just a smartphone and the right software. We tested all methods on devices of different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.) and collected only working options. If your phone is not equipped with an IR transmitter, do not be discouraged - there are solutions for such cases.

Important: before setting up, check whether your TV supports control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This information is usually indicated in the instructions for the TV or on the manufacturer's official website. If not, no problem: most of the methods in this article work without special support from the TV.

Checking compatibility: does your phone have an IR port?

The first step is to determine whether your smartphone is equipped infrared transmitter. This is a small black round or rectangular sensor, usually located at the top of the case. If it is not there, no problem, but the setup methods will be different.

The fastest way to check:

• 🔍 Look at the technical specifications of the model on the manufacturer’s website (look for the line “IR Blaster” or “Infrared port”).
• 📱 Install any application for checking sensors (for example, CPU-Z or Sensor Box) and find the "Infrared sensor" section.
• 📋 Look at the phone box - some manufacturers (Xiaomi, Huawei) indicate the presence of an IR transmitter as a separate function.

If there is an IR port, you can control any TVeven those released 10-15 years ago. If not, you will need to use alternative methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cloud services). We will tell you about them in the appropriate sections.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung Galaxy (for example, series A5x i A7x 2020-2023) The IR port is present in the hardware, but is disabled at the software level. In this case, only firmware with IR support or the use of alternative methods will help.

Top 5 free applications for controlling Android TV

If your phone supports an IR port, just install one of the specialized applications. We have selected 5 of the most reliable and free options, tested on different TV models.

App	Brand support	Features	Rating on Google Play
Mi Remote Controller	1000+ brands (including rare)	Automatic detection of TV model, support for air conditioners and other equipment	4.6 ⭐
Peel Smart Remote	Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, etc.	Smart content recommendations, integration with Netflix	4.4 ⭐
AnyMote Universal Remote	Universal code base	Support for Wi-Fi devices, creation of custom commands	4.3 ⭐
SURE Universal Remote	Including older models	Wi-Fi control for Smart TV, cloud service synchronization	4.2 ⭐
ZaZa Remote	Major brands + IR devices	Minimalistic interface, no ads	4.5 ⭐

For most users, we recommend starting with Mi Remote Controller - this application is from Xiaomi, but it works on any Android devices. It automatically detects your TV model and suggests the optimal settings. If your TV is not recognized, try AnyMote with manual code entry.

After installing the application:

1. Launch it and select the device type ("TV").
2. Indicate the brand of your TV (if it is not in the list, select "Other").
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to test the connection.
4. If automatic detection does not work, enter the model code manually (usually it is indicated on the back panel of the TV).

Setting up without Infrared ports: control via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If your phone does not have an infrared transmitter, you can use network protocols. Modern Smart TVs support control via a local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. This method works even better than IR, since it does not require direct visibility between devices.

The most reliable methods:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: most Samsung and LG TVs can be controlled through the manufacturer's applications (SmartThings for Samsung, LG ThinQ for LG).
• 🔵 Bluetooth: some models Sony Bravia and Philips Android TV support Bluetooth connection via the standard menu settings.
• ☁️ Cloud services: if your TV is connected to a Google account, you can use Google Home for basic control (turn on/off, volume control).

Step-by-step guide for Wi-Fi control:

1. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Install the official application of the TV manufacturer (for example, Samsung SmartThings).
3. Register or log in to your account (if required).
4. In the application, select "Add device" → “TV” → follow the instructions on the screen.
5. After connecting, a virtual remote control with basic buttons will appear in the application.

For Android TV (including models from Sony, Philips, Xiaomi) there is another way - use the application Android TV Remote Control from Google. It does not require registration and works via a local network:

1. Install the application Android TV Remote Control from Google Play.
2. Launch it and select your TV from the list (it must be turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network).
3. A request to confirm the connection will appear on the TV screen - agree.
4. Now you can control the TV from your phone, including voice input.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, TCL and Hisense) block third-party applications for control over Wi-Fi. In this case, the only options left are the IR port or purchasing an original remote control.

Manually adding a code for rare TV models

If your TV is not automatically recognized, you will have to enter the code manually. Most applications (for example AnyMote or Mi Remote) support this feature. Codes can be found:

• 📄 In the instructions for the TV (section "Universal remote controls").
• 🌐 On specialized sites like RemoteCodeList.com (enter the TV model in the search).
• 📞 At the manufacturer's support service (sometimes codes are provided upon request).

Instructions for manual addition:

1. In the application, select "Add a device manually."
2. Indicate the brand of the TV (if it is not there, select "Other").
3. Enter the code from the list (usually 3-5 digits).
4. Test the basic functions (turning on, switching channels, volume).
5. If the code does not work, try the next one from the list.

Example codes for popular brands:

• Samsung: 001, 004, 007, 012, 015
• LG: 005, 009, 013, 017, 020
• Sony: 002, 006, 010, 014, 018
• Philips: 003, 008, 011, 016, 019

What to do if no code works?

In this case, try to “train” the remote control. Some applications (for example AnyMote) allow you to record signals from the original remote control. To do this, you will need a second phone with an infrared port or the original remote control itself. In the application menu, select "Obtain IR codes from remote" and follow the instructions.

If manual entry does not help, check:

• Whether the original remote control is working (maybe the problem is in the TV itself).
• Is the IR port on the phone covered by a case or film.
• Is the battery in the remote control low (if you use training).

Control the TV via HDMI-CEC (for Smart TV)

Few people know, but most modern TVs can be controlled via HDMI cable, if your phone supports image output via HDMI (via an adapter USB-C → HDMI or Micro-USB → HDMI). This method works thanks to technology HDMI-CECthat allows devices to exchange control commands.

How it works:

1. Connect your phone to the TV via an HDMI adapter.
2. B In the TV settings, turn on the HDMI-CEC function (it can be called Anynet+ u Samsung, Simplink u LG, Bravia Sync u Sony).
3. On your phone, in the screen settings, select the "Duplicate screen" or "HDMI output" mode.
4. Now the standard volume buttons on the phone will control the sound on the TV, and some applications (for example, YouTube) will be able to automatically switch inputs.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 No delays (unlike Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 No IR port or network connection required.
• 🎮 You can use the phone as a gamepad for playing games on TV.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠ Requires an adapter (costs from 300 to 1500 rubles).
• 📵 Works only when the cable is connected.
• 🔧 Not all remote control functions are available (for example, changing channels).

Alternative methods: voice control and gestures

If standard methods are not suitable, you can use voice. commands or gesturesThese functions are available on most modern smartphones and Smart TV.

Voice control:

• 🎤 Via Google Assistant: say "Okay, Google, turn on the TV" (requires setting in Google Home).
• 🗣 Via Alice (for TV with Yandex.TV): "Alice, put on Channel One."
• 🔊 Via Samsung Bixby (for Samsung TVs): "Hi Bixby, increase the volume."

To set up voice control:

1. Make sure that the phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. In the TV manufacturer's application (for example, SmartThings), enable the "Voice control" option.
3. In the Google Assistant or Alice settings, add the TV as a controlled device.
4. Test simple commands ("turn on", "turn off", "louder").

Gesture control:

Some applications (for example, SURE Universal Remote) support gesture control To do this:

1. Open the application and go to. settings.
2. Enable the "Gestures" or "Air Gestures" option.
3. Follow the calibration instructions (usually you need to move the phone in the air).
4. Now you can switch channels with a wave of your hand or change the volume by tilting the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Voice control and gestures require a constant connection to the Internet to process commands. In an office or hotel with limited Wi-Fi, these functions may not work.

Troubleshooting: the remote control on the phone does not work

If control from the phone does not work after setup, check the following points:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The application does not find the TV	The TV is not connected to Wi-Fi	Check the network for TV and phone (must match)
Buttons do not respond	Incorrect device code	Try a different code or training the remote control
Delay when pressing	Weak Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signal	Move the phone closer to the TV or use the IR port
App crashes	Incompatibility with the Android version	Update the application or use an older version
IR port does not work	Closed with a case or disabled in the settings	Remove case, check the permissions for the application

If all else fails, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the application.
• 📱 Restart the phone and TV.
• 🔧 Reset network settings on TV (Settings → Network → Reset).
• 📋 Contact the support of the TV manufacturer indicating the model and firmware version.

To diagnose problems with the infrared port, you can use the application IR TesterIt shows whether the phone is sending infrared signals If. the test failed - the problem is in the phone's hardware.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to control an old TV (before 2010) from your phone?

Yes, but only if your phone has an infrared port. Old TVs do not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so the only way is. infrared control. Use applications like Mi Remote or AnyMote and enter the model code manually. If there is no IR port, you will have to buy an external IR transmitter (costs from 500 rubles).

Why does the application ask for access to the location to control the TV?

Some applications (for example, Peel Smart Remote) request access to the location not for tracking, but to determine the available channels in your region. This is necessary for the "smart recommendations" function. You can deny access - the main functions of the remote control will work, but some additional functions may be limited.

Is it possible to use one phone to control several TVs?

Yes, most applications support adding multiple devices. For example, in Mi Remote you can save remote controls for your TV, air conditioner, and audio system, and then switch between them in the main menu. For Wi-Fi control, you will have to connect to the network of the desired TV each time.

How to control a TV from your phone via the Internet (from another network)?

This is only possible for Smart TV with support for cloud services. For example, through Samsung SmartThings or LG ThinQ you can send commands to turn on/off the TV from anywhere in the world. To do this:

1. Register the TV in the manufacturer's account.
2. Enable the "Remote control" option in the TV settings.
3. In the mobile application, log in to the same account.

Please note: for security, some functions (for example, switching channels) may be limited during remote control.

Is there a risk of damaging the TV when using the phone as a remote control?

No, there is no risk. The apps send the same signals as the original remote—just over a different channel (IR, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth). The only potential problem is if you accidentally press the reset button on the virtual remote, but this is unlikely since such functions are usually hidden deep in the menu.