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You can use your phone to control many smart TVs and streaming devices, but there is no single app that works with every TV. Identify the TV’s platform—or the streaming device selected as its current input—then install that platform’s official app, connect the phone and device as required, and complete any pairing prompt. The app may control a streaming box rather than the television itself, so some TV functions can remain unavailable.

First identify what you want to control

A TV may have a built-in smart-TV platform while displaying a separate Roku, Fire TV, or Google streaming device. If you want to navigate the interface currently on screen, use the app for that active device. If you want to control the TV itself, use its manufacturer’s app where supported.

Device or platform Official app and setup Important limits
Android TV Google TV app on Android; connect to the same Wi-Fi network, select the TV, enter its displayed code, and tap Pair. Requires network access and on-screen code pairing. Google Android TV Help documents this flow.
Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer Google Home or Google TV. In Google TV, select Connect TV, choose the device, enter its code, and tap Pair. In Google Home, open the device and its remote; on iOS, tap Open remote. Google lists Android Google TV app version 4.27.8.93 or later and iOS 14.0 or later for iPhone. Google’s virtual remote supports navigation, playback, phone-keyboard text entry, and settings and inputs.
Samsung TV SmartThings: add the TV, then open Menu > All devices and choose the TV. A Samsung Account and internet connection are required for the network-based smart control described by Samsung US. Available remote buttons vary by TV.
LG TV LG ThinQ: sign in with an LG account, add a device, choose TV, then select the TV in the app. LG says the phone and TV should be on the same network; for Wi-Fi setup, use the same 2.4 GHz network. The documented controls depend on the TV and app revision.
Roku TV or Roku player Official Roku mobile app: sign in, connect the phone and Roku to the same Wi-Fi, open the app, and select the discovered device. The app controls the Roku device. With a separate Roku player, TV power and volume may require HDMI-CEC and relevant Roku settings. Roku says an offline player or one still in first-time setup cannot be detected by the app.
Fire TV device Fire TV app: connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi as the Fire TV device, then open the app. Amazon describes control of the Fire TV device, not universal control of every TV function or other input.

Set up the app for your device

Android TV and Google TV

  1. On an Android phone, open the Google TV app and tap Connect TV.
  2. Select your Android TV. Make sure the phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Enter the code shown on the TV and tap Pair.

For Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer, Google supports a virtual remote in Google TV or Google Home. In Google TV, use the same Connect TV and code-pairing steps. In Google Home, open the device and then its remote; on iPhone, select Open remote. Google says the remote can navigate apps, control playback, type using the phone keyboard, and access settings, bookmarks, and inputs.

Samsung TV

  1. Add the TV to SmartThings if it is not already listed.
  2. In SmartThings, tap Menu, then All devices, and select the TV.
  3. Use the on-screen remote that opens.

Samsung lists volume, channel, mute, Home, Back, Guide, and navigation controls, but says options vary by TV. Samsung’s Canadian support page notes that screens and settings can vary by country.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL Hisense Sony TVs
  • 【Compatible Devices】Universal replacement remote control is compatible with TV brands for Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, Hisense, Onn, Sharp, RCA, Element, Westinghouse, Sanyo, Emerson, Philips, JVC, Sceptre, Sansui, Panasonic, Magnavox, Skyworth TV and More Brand Smart TVs. Compatible with of devices, including DVD/Blu-ray players, Media Streaming Players and more!
  • 【NOT Compatible Devices】Universal remote is Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks, Roku Sound Bar, TLC Sound Bar, Hisense Sound Bar, Anker Sound Bar, Klipsch Sound Bar, All Fire TV, All TV Sticks, All TV Cube, Apple TV, Google Chromecast TV(This product can only be connected and paired via infrared) If you are unsure if our remote control is compatible with your device, please contact us.
  • 【Simple Setup】Step 1: Find the device type you need in the code list. Then find and circle all the codes for the brand. Step 2: Press and hold down the (SETUP) button for 3 seconds until the red light on the remote turns on. Step 3: Press and release the (TV/STR/AUD) button on the remote, the red light will blink once and remain on. Step 4: Enter the first 4-digit code from code list. Step 5: Point the remote at the TV, and test the buttons on the remote to see if the TV responds as you would expect. If the buttons don't control the TV, repeat steps 2-4 and enter different code to test. Note:If all the code in the program fails, please check the instructions on page 7 "Automatic Code Search.
  • 【Package Included】Package includes 1* Remote Control, 1* User Manual, and 1* Code list. The universal remote control is to use 2 * AAA alkaline batteries(Batteries are not included). Note: Please do not mix old and new batteries or mix different batteries together.
  • 【After-Sales Service】We attach great importance to the customer's experience of using remote controls. If you have any questions about your order or product, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours on working days.

LG TV

  1. Sign in to LG ThinQ with an LG account.
  2. Add a device, choose TV, and select your television.
  3. Select the TV in ThinQ to open its available controls.

LG lists controls including input, volume, channel, pointer movement, scrolling, arrows, and OK. Its setup instructions say the phone and TV must use the same network; for Wi-Fi setup, LG specifies the same 2.4 GHz network. The instructions are dated July 23, 2024, and menus may vary by model or app revision.

Roku TV or Roku player

  1. Install the official Roku mobile app and sign in.
  2. Connect the phone and Roku device to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Open the app, wait for it to find the Roku, and select the device.

Roku says its mobile app supports Roku TV systems and streaming players, with features depending on device setup. Use the official app listing and current Roku instructions for regional availability and device or software requirements.

Rank #2
Sale
Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony TVs
  • 【All In One Remote】 Universal remote control for most TV: It works with most major TV: Samsung, Vizio, LG, Hisense, TCL, Philips, Sony Smart TV and Roku TV, allowing you to conveniently control different TVs with just one remote.
  • 【Please note】 This universal remote is NOT compatible with the following devices: Roku Streaming Sticks Any TV Sticks (all brands) All TV Cubes Roku, TCL, Hisense, Anker, or Klipsch Sound Bars All Fi TV Devices This remote connects and pairs via infrared only. If you're unsure whether this remote works with your device, please contact us before purchasing.
  • 【One-Click Streaming Access】 Get instant access to your favorite streaming apps like NFLX, Video, Dis+, and Hulu with dedicated hot keys—no more scrolling through menus.
  • 【Quick & Easy Setup】 Start using your new remote right away. Designed for most major TVs, setup is a breeze: simply add two AAA batteries (not included), then press and hold the two setup buttons. The included manual will walk you through the rest—no fuss.
  • 【Worry-Free 90-Day Warranty】 Your satisfaction is our priority. To ensure a great experience, we stand behind our products with a 90-day return warranty. If you have any questions, please contact us directly. We guarantee a response within 12 hours.

Fire TV

  1. Download the Fire TV app.
  2. Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the Fire TV device.
  3. Open the app and use it to control the Fire TV device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Fix discovery, pairing, or missing controls

  1. Check the active device. Confirm whether the screen is showing the TV’s built-in platform or an attached streamer. Choose the app for the interface you intend to control.
  2. Check power and Wi-Fi. Turn on the TV or streamer and confirm it is connected. Where required, the phone and target device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. For LG Wi-Fi setup, LG specifies the same 2.4 GHz network.
  3. Repeat the official pairing flow. Allow the app to discover the device, sign in if prompted, and enter any code shown on the TV. For Android TV, Google recommends checking that network names match and restarting the TV if pairing fails.
  4. Separate streamer controls from TV controls. If a Roku player responds to the app but the TV’s power or volume does not, check whether the TV supports HDMI-CEC and whether the relevant Roku settings are enabled. The Roku app controls the player, not the separate TV.
  5. Finish setup with physical controls if the device is offline. Roku says its app cannot detect a player that is offline after a reset or still in first-time setup. Use the included remote or TV controls to connect it, then try the app again.
  6. Use a compatible universal remote if needed. A physical universal remote is a fallback when app control is unsupported or inconvenient; verify compatibility with your exact TV or device model.

Use the manufacturer’s or platform’s official app rather than an unfamiliar third-party remote app. Roku specifically advises against third-party Roku remote apps for security reasons.

Best Value
Sale
(2 Pack) Replacement Remote Control for Roku TV, for TCL Roku/Onn Roku TVs
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED: Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work (Batteries and manual are not included)
  • EXACT COMPATIBILITY: Acoyer universal remote control only for Roku Series TVs, Compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Element Roku TVs, Westinghouse Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs, Insignia Roku TVs, JVC Roku TVs, RCA Roku TVs, Hitachi Roku TVs and Sanyo Roku TVs Series.
  • NOT APPLICABLE: TV Remote is NOT Compatible with Roku Stick/Streaming Stick/ Box(1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD))/ Ultra/ Express/ Premiere/ Player. NOT Compatible with TCL TV, Hisense TV, Onn TV, Sharp TV, Element TV, Westinghouse TV, Philips TV, Insignia TV, JVC TV, RCA TV, Hitachi TV and Sanyo TVs.
  • SHORTCUT BUTTONS: Get to favorite apps quickly with shortcut buttons and it have 4 shortcuts buttons. Precisely control far from 10 meters/30 feet and it supports over total 160,000 clicks for all buttons via approved tests.
  • AFTER SALE SERVICE: Acoyer remote controls with an unlimited return and refund service in 1-year warranty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, please feel to reach out to us.
Rank #4
Sale
Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Sony, Vizio TV
  • Compatible TV Brands: Replacement Universal Smart TV Remote Control for TV brands including Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Vizio, Sony, Onn, Toshiba, Philips, Element, Westinghouse, Sharp, Emerson, Sanyo, and RCA
  • Compatible Other Devices: Universal Remote Control compatible with DVD, Blu ray Player, Soundbar, Streaming Media Player, Set Top Boxes, DVR, VCR, and Audio Devices including brands such as Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Bose, and Vizio
  • Setup Methods: Find your TV code in the CODE LIST, press and hold down the SETUP button until the remote's red light turns on, press and release the chosen device button on the remote (TV/STR/AUD Button), enter the first 4-digit code for your device, point the remote at the device and test the buttons. If the buttons do not work as expected, repeat steps for the next code of the device until each button is working properly (Automatic pairing method on pages 8-9 of the manual)
  • Package Includes: 1 Universal TV Remote Control, 1 User Manual, 1 Code List (batteries not included)
  • Design Features: 26 feet long-distance remote control with 0.2 seconds fast response time, 50,000 times presses for durability, and requires 2 AAA batteries (batteries not included in package)
Rank #3
Sale
【Pack of 2】 New Universal Remote for All Samsung TV Remote, Replacement Compatible for All Samsung Smart TV, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D, Series TV
  • 【Package lncluded】 Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work(Batteries and manual are not included)
  • 【Applicable Type】This infrared replacement remote works with all Samsung Smart TV, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D, Series TV,Compatible with All Samsung Series TVs. We offer you an authentic details same as we advertised.
  • 【Key Features】The universal infrared TV remote features 3 shortcut buttons. It is perfect to replace your old or damaged Samsung TV Remote with the Loutoc remote.
  • 【Quick Response】This is the updated infrared remote control for Samsung TVs. An outstanding response between TV and remotes, it will respond quickly in 0.5 seconds, available directly use within 10 meters (32 feet).
  • 【After-sale Service】We provide 30 days warranty with no condition return or exchange. If you have any query, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible within 24 hours.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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