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Before adding another streaming service, set up the utilities that make a smart TV easier to control, more accessible, and more private. Start with your platform’s phone remote if supported, review built-in accessibility and privacy settings, and add smart-home controls only if your household already meets the compatibility requirements. App availability and exact menus vary by TV model, region, and software version, so confirm each option in the TV’s own app store.
Which smart TV utilities are worth setting up first?
Choose by the task you need to solve, not by a universal “must-have” list. A phone remote is useful for text entry; accessibility settings can help viewers navigate or hear on-screen content; privacy controls let you review personalization and data settings; and smart-home controls are relevant only for compatible setups.
| Utility | What it helps with | Where it applies | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone remote | Playback, TV control, and typing | Compatible Google TV and Android TV devices | Phone and TV connection requirements and the feature set for your device |
| Accessibility settings | Screen reading, captions, and alternative navigation | Google TV built-in options | Whether a specific app has its own caption controls |
| Privacy review | Understanding location, activity, and personalization settings | Google TV’s documented settings and data practices | Do not assume another manufacturer handles data the same way |
| Smart-home controls | Controlling compatible home devices from the TV | Eligible Google TV profiles with a configured Google Home setup | Profile type, opt-in, and compatible devices |
Use a phone as a remote when typing is the problem
On compatible Google TV and Android TV devices, the Google TV mobile app can provide remote-like controls. Google lists playback control, TV power, Assistant activation, volume adjustment, and text entry for searches or sign-in details. That makes it particularly useful when a physical remote is awkward for passwords or long searches; it is not a universal remote app for every smart TV.
For casting, the phone or tablet and Chromecast or TV need to be on the same wireless network. For some “Watch on TV” playback, the relevant third-party app must also be installed on the TV device and support casting. Check Google’s instructions for the specific connection and control options: Cast, connect, and control your TV with the Google TV app.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Check accessibility before looking for another app
Google TV includes built-in accessibility options such as TalkBack screen reading, closed captions, Switch Access, high-contrast text, and adjustable time-to-action and key-repeat settings. Google TV Help says, “You can use a screen reader, closed captions, Switch Access, and more to make your Google TV device more accessible.” See Google’s accessibility guidance for the available controls.
Caption preferences set at the TV level may not apply in every app. If captions do not appear or look different in one service, check that app’s own caption controls rather than assuming the TV setting is broken. Google’s setup guidance also documents a TalkBack shortcut using the Back and Down buttons for three seconds on supported setup flows: Google TV accessibility help.
Rank #2
- 【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.
Review privacy and personalization settings
On Google TV, Google says its service may collect watchlist and viewing activity, streaming services used for recommendations, approximate location, user and device IDs, app interactions, installed apps, crash logs, diagnostics, analytics, and information used for personalization or advertising. Review the TV’s privacy and personalization settings during setup so you know what controls are available for your device.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Google documents location controls, but notes that an IP address may still reveal general location when the TV’s location setting is off. These disclosures describe Google TV; they do not establish that Samsung, LG, Roku, Apple, or every other manufacturer collects or handles data in the same way. Read Google’s explanation of how Google TV handles data for its platform-specific details.
Rank #3
- 【Wide Compatibility】 This premium voice remote is designed for All 2019–2026 Samsung TVs that support voice control. It is a perfect replacement for All 2019–2026 Samsung voice remotes. If your Samsung TV does not support voice control, that feature on this remote may not work.
- 【Intelligent Voice Control】Simply pair the remote with your TV to activate seamless Bluetooth voice control. The advanced chip ensures fast, accurate voice recognition from up to 40 feet away, allowing you to search, launch apps, and control playback with ease from almost any angle.
- 【Perfect Replacement Remote】It is a perfect replacement for all 2019–2026 Samsung voice remotes, including but not limited to BN59-01385A/B, BN59-01432A/B, BN59-01455A/B/E, BN59-01357A/F, BN59-01388A/B/H, BN59-01480A/B, BN59-01456A, BN59-01391A, BN59-01363A, BN59-01346A, BN59-01330A/B, BN59-01329A, BN59-01312A/G, BN59-01311B, TM2560E, TM2361E, TM2360E, TM2240A, TM2280E, TM2281E, TM2180E, TM2095A, TM1950, TM2050, One Remote, and many others.
- 【2-Year Full Warranty】All purchases are covered by a two-year warranty. With over 30 years of experience, we are committed to providing high-quality, affordable remote controls to millions of American households. If you need any product support, Go to your order > Get product support > Message Now > Product Question > Select the relevant product > Product Details.
- 【Durable & Reliable】This remote is crafted from sustainable ABS materials, making it safe and easy to use for all age groups. Each button is tested to withstand over 100,000 clicks or approximately 9 years of normal use.
A 2019 study, The TV is Smart and Full of Trackers: Towards Understanding the Smart TV Advertising and Tracking Ecosystem, measured 57 smart TVs in 41 homes across seven platforms. Its authors reported connections to advertising and tracking services in the TVs and apps they tested, with observed ecosystems differing by platform. That is a historical, bounded study—not a current prevalence estimate for every smart TV. Read the study record.
Add smart-home controls only if your setup qualifies
Google TV’s home panel can control compatible devices configured in Google Home. Google’s examples include lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, plugs, vacuums, TVs, and speakers. This is an optional integration rather than a reason for every household to install another app.
Rank #4
- Universal Compatibility: Replacement remote works seamlessly with Insignia, Toshiba, TCL, Hisense, Omni, 2-Series, and 4-Series smart TVs that support voice control.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert batteries and pair—no complex programming required. (Note: 2 AAA batteries are not included.)
- Convenient Voice Control: Easily search for content and control your TV using built-in voice commands.
- Built to Last: Durability is proven with a tested lifespan of over 100,000 clicks.
- Pet-Friendly: Brand new ABS materials, safe to curious dogs.
The feature requires an eligible Google TV profile in standard mode, user opt-in, and at least one additional smart-home device in the Google Home setup. Kids’ profiles are not supported for the home panel. Check Google’s home-device control instructions for eligibility and setup details.
Confirm compatibility in your TV’s own app store
Availability depends on the platform, model, region, and sometimes account status. Search the TV’s store before relying on an app or assuming that instructions for another brand will match your menus.
Best Value
- 【Universal Remote for Samsung TVs】Compatible with Samsung Crystal UHD, Neo QLED, QLED, OLED, Curved, Frame Smart TV Models — A replacement remote for all original Samsung TV remotes (Note: The Disney+ button on this remote may not function with TV models manufactured before 2022.)
- 【Specific compatible TV models - including but not limited to】UHD & Crystal UHD: CU7000, DU7200, AU8000, HU/JU/JS Series (2015), KU/KS Series (2016), MU Series (2017), NU Series (2018), RU Series (2019), TU Series (2020), AU Series (2021), BU Series (2022), CU Series (2023), DU Series (2024), U7900/U8000 Series (2025)—— QLED: Q60, Q70, Q80, Q90 Series —— Neo QLED: QN70, QN800, QN85, QN90, QN900, QN950 Series —— OLED: S85F, S90C, S90D, S90F, S95B, S95C, S95D, S95F —— The Frame: LS03NAK(2018), LS03RA(2019), LS03TA(2020), LS03A (2021), LS03B (2022), LS03C (2023), LS03D (2024), LS03F (2025) etc.
- 【Replacement for Samsung TV remote】for Samsung TV Remotes BN59-01388A / BN59-01388H / TM2240A / BN59-01457A / BN59-01312A / BN59-01312F / BN59-01312D / BN59-01312E / BN59-01312F / BN59-01312G / BN59-01312K / BN59-01312L / BN59-01312M / BN59-01312X / BN59-01312U / BN59-01312T / BN59-01329A / BN59-01329C / BN59-01329F / BN59-01330A / BN59-01330C / BN59-01330H / BN59-01330N / BN59-01330Q / BN59-01330N / BN59-01330M / BN59-01330H / BN59-01312Q etc.
- 【Plug & Play, Easy to Use】This Remote Works right out of the box—simply insert 2 AAA batteries (not included) with no programming/pairing required—and thanks to its ultra-low-power design, enjoys up to 6 months of standby time (depending on usage), eliminating frequent battery replacements and the need to buy a new remote
- 【Durable, High-quality ABS & Ultra-Fast Response】Tested to withstand 200K clicks and made from high-quality ABS for long-lasting durability; provides reliable control up to 45 ft away and a lightning-fast 0.1s response time for seamless operation
- Google TV: Find apps through search or the Apps tab; installed apps can be reordered or removed. See Google’s app installation instructions.
- Samsung: Samsung’s Apps interface supports searching, installing, managing updates, locking apps with a PIN, and deleting or moving apps. Its US guidance says only apps in its app store can be installed and a Samsung Account is required for network-based smart services. Some menus vary by model. See Samsung’s app management guidance and Samsung’s smart TV app support.
- LG: App support can vary by purchase region and TV model. Check the LG Content Store for compatibility with your specific TV and region: LG Content Store compatibility guidance.
- Roku: Roku account activation enables its channel store and personalization features. Roku also points to its mobile app for parental controls and voice-search options. See Roku’s TV setup guide.
- Apple TV app on smart TVs: The app may need to be installed on the TV, and some TVs and streaming devices do not support purchases in the app. Check Apple’s smart TV and streaming-device guidance for your device.
For Samsung and LG in particular, the store on the TV is the practical compatibility check: a listing or instruction for one model or region does not guarantee availability on another.
Quick Recap
A simple order for setting up a new TV
- Check built-in accessibility: Open the TV’s settings and try the controls relevant to your household before searching for additional software.
- Review privacy and personalization: Read the platform’s settings and data explanation; do not transfer one manufacturer’s policy assumptions to another.
- Set up phone control if supported: Install the platform’s official mobile app and follow its connection instructions for remote use or text entry.
- Search the TV’s app store: Confirm that any app you need is available for your model and region, and check whether an account is required.
- Configure smart-home control only if eligible: Verify the TV profile, account setup, opt-in, and required devices first.
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.
