You can reuse an old Android phone as a remote for compatible smart TVs and streaming devices with their official apps over Wi-Fi. For older equipment that uses infrared, the phone must have a built-in IR emitter and an app that supports the device. Neither method works with every TV, so first identify your phone and TV or streamer models and choose the matching setup below.
Choose the control method your devices support
Before installing an app, check what the TV or streamer supports and what controls you need. Wi-Fi remotes and infrared remotes use different connections: Wi-Fi app control is for compatible networked devices, while infrared requires an IR emitter in the phone.
- Supported smart TV or streamer: Use the device maker’s documented remote app and connect the phone and device as directed.
- Older equipment that uses infrared: Check the phone’s exact model for a built-in IR emitter, then find an app that supports the equipment.
- Specific controls: Verify whether your setup supports the functions you need, such as power, volume, input switching, text entry, or playback.
Set up the Google TV app for Android TV
- Connect the Android phone and Android TV to the same Wi-Fi network. Google says Wi-Fi control requires both devices to be on that network. See Google’s Android TV remote-control instructions.
- Open the Google TV app on the phone and select the TV connection or remote-control option.
- Choose the Android TV you want to control.
- Enter the code displayed on the TV to pair the phone.
If pairing does not work, confirm both devices are on the same network, restart the TV, and try pairing again.
Control Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer
Google documents phone-app remote control for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer through either Google Home or Google TV. In the Google TV app, select the nearby device, enter the code shown on the TV, and pair. Follow Google’s instructions for using a phone as a remote.
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Google’s virtual remote can navigate apps, control playback, enter text, and provide virtual buttons for settings, bookmarks, and inputs. These instructions apply to the named devices; do not assume they apply to every Chromecast generation.
Use SmartThings with a compatible Samsung TV or projector
Samsung documents SmartThings as a phone-control option for compatible Samsung TVs and projectors. Depending on the device, its controls include volume, launching apps, and switching inputs. Check Samsung’s SmartThings remote guidance and confirm your particular model is supported. SmartThings is not a general remote app for televisions from any manufacturer.
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Check for an infrared emitter before trying an IR app
An infrared remote app can control older equipment only if the phone has the necessary IR hardware and the app supports that device. Android’s ConsumerIrManager API includes hasIrEmitter() to check for an IR emitter, and Android defines a Consumer IR device feature for that hardware. An app by itself cannot add an infrared transmitter to a phone that lacks one.
Do not assume an external IR dongle will work with an older phone: compatibility depends on the phone, accessory, and app, and should be confirmed with their manufacturers before relying on it.
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What makes a phone remote “universal”?
There is no single app-based method established here that controls every TV and streamer. Wi-Fi control depends on support for the particular device and a working network connection; infrared control depends on built-in hardware and compatible device codes. Even when a phone pairs successfully, available controls can differ by device and app.
For a reliable choice, look up the exact TV or streamer model in its manufacturer’s remote-app guidance, check the phone model for an IR emitter if the equipment needs infrared, and confirm the controls you care about are available in that setup. App versions and regional availability may change, so use the current instructions from the device maker.
Quick Recap
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