The IR blaster is officially a niche feature these days. It’s becoming rarer and rarer as a feature since phones are trying to remove as many ports as possible. However, those with an IR blaster are useful for all kinds of little things. One such instance is as a remote control for basically anything with an IR receiver. That can include TVs, air conditioners, some thermostats, cameras, and other such things. Today, let’s talk about TV remotes. Here are the best TV remote apps for Android.
These days, most manufacturers have their own remote apps for their products. For example, LG and Samsung have TV remote apps for TVs, and Google has Google Home as a remote for its products. We recommend checking out that route before using any of the apps below.
The best TV remote apps for Android
- AnyMote
- Google Home
- Roku
- SURE Universal Smart TV Remote
- Twinone Universal TV Remote
- Unified Remote
- Xbox
- Yatse
- TV manufacturer apps
- Phone manufacturer apps
AnyMote
Price: Free / $6.99
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
AnyMote is one of the better TV remote apps. It boasts support for over 900,000 devices with more added on a frequent basis. It’s also not just for TVs. It includes support for DSLR cameras, air conditioners, and virtually any tech that has an IR blaster. The remote itself is simple and easy to read. There are also buttons for things like Netflix, Hulu, and even Kodi if your TV supports those things. It’s a tad expensive at $6.99 and it hasn’t seen an update since early 2018 as of the time of this writing. However, it does still work with phones with an IR blaster.
Google Home
Price: Free / Hardware costs money
Google Home is definitely among the best remote apps. Its primary function is to control Google Home and Google Chromecast devices. That means you’ll need one of those to make this work. Otherwise, it’s fairly simple. All you need to do is pick a show, movie, song, image, or whatever. You then cast it to your screen. It can’t do things like change the channel. It also can’t change the volume. However, you can change the volume on your phone and that has the same effect. It’ll only get better as time goes. The app is free. However, Google Home and Chromecast devices do cost money.
Roku
Price: Free
The official Roku app is excellent for Roku owners. The app allows you to control pretty much everything on the Roku. All you’d need your actual TV remote for is volume. The remote with the Roku app comes with fast forward, rewind, play/pause, and navigation buttons. It also comes with a voice search. It’s not what you’d think of when it comes to TV remote apps because you don’t need an IR sensor to use it. However, those with a Roku don’t really need a full-fledged remote app anyway. The app is also free.
SURE Universal Smart TV Remote
Price: Free
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Sure Universal Smart TV Remote is a competent TV remote app with an absurdly long name. It’s also one of the great TV remote apps. It works on a whole bunch of TVs. Like Anymote, it also supports other devices with an IR blaster. It has the added bonus of DLNA and WiFi support for casting photos and videos. There is even support for Amazon Alexa. We thought that was rather forward-thinking. It also means that Google Home isn’t the only app here with support for a personal assistant app. It’s a tad rough around the edges. However, you can try it before you buy it.
Twinone Universal TV Remote
Price: Free
Twinone Universal Remote is one of the better free TV remote apps. It features a simple design. You should have no problems using it once you set it up. It should also work for most TVs and set-top boxes. There is even support for some devices that don’t fit into those categories. Right now, the only bad part is the advertising. Twinone doesn’t provide a way to get rid of them. We’d like to possibly see a paid version in the future to accommodate that. Additionally, this one only seems to be available on certain devices. Otherwise, it’s a good option.
More app lists here:
- 15 best free Android apps available right now
- 10 best DSLR apps for Android
Unified Remote
Price: Free / $3.99
Unified Remote is one of the more unique remote apps. It’s useful for controlling one’s computer. This is advantageous for those who have HTPC (home theater PC) set-ups. There is support for PC, Mac, and Linux. It also comes with a keyboard and a mouse for better input control. It’s also great for Raspberry Pi devices, Arduino Yun devices, and more. The free version has a little over a dozen remotes along with most of the features. The paid version comes with everything, including 90 remotes, NFC support, Android Wear support, and more.
Xbox
Price: Free
The Xbox app is a perfectly good remote app. It allows you to access many parts of Xbox Live. That includes messages, achievements, the news feed, and more. There is also a remote built-in. You can use it to navigate the interface, open apps, and more. It’ll give you quick access to play/pause, rewind, fast forward, back, and other buttons that you’d usually need a controller to access. Many people use their Xbox as an all-in-one entertainment package. Those people can use this app to make it a little easier.
Yatse: Kodi Remote Control
Price: Free / Up to $6.49
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Yatse is one of the go-to remote apps for Kodi. It has a boat load of features. You can cast media to your streaming devices if needed. It also has native support for Plex and Emby servers. You can access an offline library, control Kodi in its entirety, and it even has support for Muzei and DashClock. We’re only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things this app can do. However, this is best used on something like a home theater PC connected to your TV. You can try it out for free. You’ll get every feature if you go pro.
TV manufacturer apps
Price: Free (usually)
Most TV manufacturers have remote apps for their smart TVs. These apps usually have all kinds of functionality. They connect to your smart TV over WiFi. That means you don’t need an IR blaster to make these work. You can change the channel or the volume. It’ll even let you select apps on the TV. Some of the manufacturer apps are pretty good. Samsung and LG tend to do an okay job with their apps especially. Some aren’t so great. We couldn’t test every manufacturer. Thankfully, pretty much all of their remote apps are free to download. Thus, you can try them out without financial risk. We have Vizio’s linked up. Just search for your manufacturer in the Google Play Store to find the others.
Phone OEM remote apps
Price: Free
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Most phones with an IR blaster come with a remote app. You can typically find these in the Google Play Store. For instance, some Mi devices uses Xiaomi’s built-in TV remote app (linked). These are the apps that the manufacturers tested with their devices. Thus, it’s fairly likely that they’ll work at least okay. You usually don’t get a lot of features. However, OEMs include those apps on their devices for a reason. At least they usually do. Sometimes they’ll even pre-install the pro version so you don’t have to buy it. You might as well give these a shot first to see if they work since you already have them.
If we missed any of the best TV remote apps for Android, tell us about them in the comments. You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists.
Thank you for reading. Check these out too:
- 10 best Android TV apps to get the most out of your TV
- 15 best Chromecast apps for Android
App lists
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FAQs
What app do I need to control my Android Smart TV? ›
You can use the Google TV app on your phone or tablet to navigate your Android TV.
Can I control my TV with my Android phone? ›Use Bluetooth to set up the Android TV Remote Control app
You can also pair the Android TV Remote Control app with your Android TV device using Bluetooth. Enable Bluetooth on your phone, open the Android TV Remote Control app, and tap the name of your Android TV.
Latest version. Universal TV Remote is an app that transforms your Android into a universal remote control that you can use with practically any TV. For older TVs, of course, your Android will need infrared rays, but if you have a more modern Smart TV, just make sure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
Is there a free smart TV remote app? ›The Android TV Remote Control app is an official Google product. You can use it to control any Android TV device that's on the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone.
What app can control any TV? ›- Remote for TCL Roku TVs. Utilities.
- TCLee : Remote for TCL ROKU TV. Utilities.
- Universal remote for Roku tv. Utilities.
- Universal TV Remote · Utilities.
- Universal Smart TV Remote. Utilities.
- Universal Remote - Control TV. Utilities.
- AnyMote.
- Google Home.
- Roku.
- SURE Universal Smart TV Remote.
- Twinone Universal TV Remote.
The Google Home app is probably the best app to control all smart home devices. This includes Google Nest, Google Wi-Fi, Google Home devices, Chromecast, and so on. It's also for managing smart products from Nest, Philips Hue, and other compatible brands.
How do I control my TV with my Samsung phone? ›Open the SmartThings app on your phone, and then tap Menu. Tap All devices, and then select your TV/projector. An on-screen remote will appear in the app.
Can any remote work on any TV? ›As long as your smart TV has an Infrared sensor (or whatever connection type your remote uses, like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), your universal remote should work with it. But some universal remotes will control only your TV's power, volume, and channel up/down buttons.
Is there a free Samsung TV remote app? ›If you're a Samsung phone user, the SmartThings app is already at your fingertips—no need to download it. iPhone and other Android phone users need to get the free app first. With a quick setup, your smartphone becomes a Samsung remote, and you can easily navigate all your TV's features.
How can I control my TV without a remote? ›
If your phone has IR blaster in-built, download a TV remote app. Not only it can control your TV, but also any device that can receive an IR signal. Today's smart TVs gave manufacturers apps. Chances are if you have a smart TV there will be an app that will turn your phone into a remote.
Is there a universal remote app for Android? ›The Android TV Remote Control serves as a generic universal remote for Android TVs, providing basic D-Pad, touchpad and gamepad controls for navigating your Android TV's interface. The app also includes support for voice controls, as well as the use of your phone or tablet's virtual keyboard to input text.
What is smart TV remote app? ›Universal Smart TV Remote App is an easy way to control your smart television and no longer have to deal with remotes that don't work and just get lost.
Which app has all TV channels? ›- Airtel Xstream TV. Airtel Xsteam app also similar to Jio TV app which has a wide catalogue of content. ...
- Disney+ Hostar. ...
- Vodafone Play. ...
- VOOT. ...
- Sony Liv. ...
- Ditto TV. ...
- Zee5. ...
- Yupp TV.
- Best Overall: Logitech Harmony Hub. ...
- Official Apple TV Remote App. ...
- RoByte. ...
- Fire TV Remote App [Amazon Official] ...
- Android TV Remote [Google Official] ...
- Yatse. ...
- Unified Remote. ...
- Sure Universal Remote.
When using the Google TV app from a phone or tablet, you can connect to your Google TV or Android TV to: Play movies and TV shows. Control media playback.
How to connect phone to TV? ›- WiFi Network. Make sure that your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- TV Settings. Go to the input menu on your TV and turn on “screen mirroring.”
- Android Settings. ...
- Select TV. ...
- Establish Connection.
TikTok retained its spot as the most downloaded app in 2021, although total downloads decreased by 194 million in 2021. Facebook had three apps in the top five.
What is the best home app to use? ›...
All-in-one best smart home apps
- Apple Home app. Do you have a home powered by Apple products? ...
- Google Assistant app. ...
- Amazon Alexa app. ...
- Samsung SmartThings app.
You can quickly control compatible smart home devices like thermostats, lights, locks, and cameras from your phone. You can turn them on or off and change some settings without opening an app.
Can I download an IR blaster? ›
Install an IR Universal Remote app if you don't already have one. Before downloading a new app, check your app drawer for a built-in remote control/IR blaster app. Most Androids that come with an IR blaster component installed also have a pre-installed app that can do this.
How do I use my smartphone as a smart TV? ›Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as your Android TV device, open the app, and choose "Accept & Continue." Select your television or set-top box from the list and enter the PIN which appears on your TV. On Android smartphones, whenever you select a text field, the keyboard will automatically appear.
Can I use my phone on a non smart TV? ›Chromecast. The Chromecast is one of the least expensive wireless options for connecting your Android phone or tablet to your non-smartTV.
What is the 4 digit code for Samsung TV? ›The default PIN is set to 0000. Follow the steps below if you would like to change or reset the PIN. Note: These images were taken from a 2022 model TV. Steps and layout may differ depending on the model of your TV.
Can my smartphone be a universal remote? ›Can I use my phone as a universal remote? Many cell phones come with an embedded infrared "blaster" that uses the same technology as remotes. All you need to do is download a universal remote app and it'll work. If your phone doesn't have this "blaster", you can buy an external one for about $15.
Is Smartthings app free? ›All you have to do is connect it to your wifi, download the app on your phone and you control it all. No monthly fees.
What is a universal TV remote? ›A universal remote is a remote control that can be programmed to operate various brands of one or more types of consumer electronics devices.
Is there a remote that controls everything? ›After all of our testing, we narrowed the list down to the top 10 universal remotes and crowned one as king of all remotes: the Logitech Harmony Ultimate One.
What is the best free Samsung remote app? ›ControlMeister is the best free iPhone/iPad remote control unit for Samsung TV to browse thru your favorite apps. Save time and enter text easily on web browser or other apps.
Does Samsung have a universal remote app? ›ControlMeister universal remote app for Samsung Smart TVs offers full remote functionality. Easily control your channels, volume, menus, apps and navigation.
How can I control my Samsung TV without the remote for free? ›
- Start the SmartThings app on your mobile, tap the TV device card.
- You can choose TV on/off, Content search, Remote, and Apps as well as other options.
- AirDroid. AirDroid is at the top of the most powerful options for apps that allow you to remote control an Android phone from a PC. ...
- Vysor. If you prefer a more straightforward app to operate, Vysor is the answer. ...
- DeskDock. ...
- TeamViewer QuickSupport.
Can I use my phone as a universal remote? Many cell phones come with an embedded infrared "blaster" that uses the same technology as remotes. All you need to do is download a universal remote app and it'll work. If your phone doesn't have this "blaster", you can buy an external one for about $15.
How can I remotely control one Android phone? ›- To begin, install TeamViewer QuickSupport app on the remote Android phone.
- After installation, you'll get the device ID on the start screen of the app. ...
- Now, install TeamViewer on your own Android phone, launch it and enter the partner ID. ...
- Now, you can control your Android from the host device.
1. Best Overall: Logitech Harmony Hub. The Harmony Hub — and companion Harmony remote app — simply can't be beaten if you are looking for one of the best universal remote apps for your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
What happened to Android remote app? ›Google confirmed to The Verge that the Android TV remote app will be discontinued entirely once the Google TV remote app is widely available to users.
How do I connect my phone to my TV? ›- WiFi Network. Make sure that your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- TV Settings. Go to the input menu on your TV and turn on “screen mirroring.”
- Android Settings. ...
- Select TV. ...
- Establish Connection.
If your phone has an IR blaster, download a TV-remote app like AnyMote Smart IR Remote. Not only can it control your TV, but also any device that receives an IR signal—set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, stereo equipment and even some air-conditioning systems.
Can you use your phone as a remote for a regular TV? ›Can I use my iPhone as a remote for a non-smart TV? You can if you add an Apple TV 4K. Otherwise, you'd have to download a separate app to use your iPhone as a remote, like a universal remote app or the Fire TV or Roku TV.
Is there an app to remotely control a phone? ›AirMirror is an efficient and powerful mobile application. As a remote control solution for mobile devices, AirMirror can be used to control your own Android devices remotely and can also be used to assist others in providing technical support.
Does AirDroid cost money? ›
Yes, the price is prorated based on the cost of the upgrade plan and the remaining time.
How can you mirror someone else's phone? ›There are lots of 3rd party options that you can look into. These include Webex, Zoom, Team Viewer, and a number of others. Once you get up and running, mirror someone's phone is relatively easy using these methods. Just start mirroring and you'll see everything they're doing on their phone right now on your TV.