How to Control TV With Phone Without Remote? [Smart Tips]

Mobile phones have revolutionized the way we interact with our devices, and one of the most convenient features they’ve brought us is the ability to control our TVs. Using a phone as a TV remote control is always used as an alternative, especially when the TV remote control is not working due to battery outages or is missing. Whatever, this post digs out the remote control function of mobile phones and shows you how to control TV with phone without remote.

Why Can You Use Phone as a TV Remote?

The ability to use a phone as a TV remote is possible due to the integration of various technologies into modern smartphones and TVs. Most smartphones today are equipped with infrared (IR) blasters or have the capability to connect to Wi-Fi networks, enabling them to communicate with smart TVs.

Additionally, many TV manufacturers or third-party software developers have developed apps that can turn your phone into a functional remote control. These apps use either the IR blaster or the Wi-Fi connection to send signals to the TV, mimicking the actions of a traditional remote.

How to Control TV with Phone Without Remote?

As mentioned above, most smartphones can communicate with TVs through IR signals or a Wi-Fi network. Therefore, there are two main methods to control your TV with your phone, and below, we will delve into both methods.

Use the Phone’s IR Blaster

How to control TV with phone without remote or WiFi? An IR blaster allows a phone to send infrared signals to a TV, just like a traditional remote. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection.

However, iPhones don’t have this feature, but common Android models with this feature include some Xiaomi, Huawei, and older Samsung devices. To see if your smartphone is equipped with an IR blaster, check the phone manual or contact your phone manufacturer.

Once you ensure that your Android smartphone has the feature, continue to see if the device has a pre-installed app for IR remote control. If you don’t see one, you can go to the app store to get an IR universal remote app.

Step 1. Open the app and choose your TV brand and model.

Step 2. Point your phone’s IR blaster towards the TV and test the controls.

Step 3. If successful, you can now use your phone as a direct replacement for your TV remote.

Keep in mind that the IR-based remote will not function if there isn’t a clear path between it and your TV.

Use a Wi-Fi Remote App

Alternatively, you can try BoostVision‘s plan: the Universal TV Remote app that enables you to control different brands of streaming devices using your smartphone, including Roku, Samsung, Amazon, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Apple TV.

These TV manufacturers also release a remote app for their products, like LG ThinQ, Smart Things, and the Roku app, but to avoid remote juggling if you have multiple TVs from different brands, the optimal choice might be the plan BoostVision offers.

Here’s how to control TV with phone without remote free:

Step 1. Add the Universal TV Remote app to your smartphone.

Step 2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network

Step 3. Launch the app on your smartphone, tap the Connect TV button, choose your TV name from the available devices, and tap the Connect button.

Step 4. If prompted, enter the pairing code (4-digit code) that appears on your TV screen.

Step 5. Once the pairing finishes, you can use your smartphone to control the paired TV, like turning volume up or down on Vizio TV.

Conclusion

Controlling your TV with a phone without a remote is not only possible but can often be more convenient than traditional remotes. Whether you’re using an IR blaster or a Wi-Fi-based app, there are multiple ways to turn your smartphone into a powerful TV controller. The Universal TV Remote app offers a versatile solution for most users, making it a versatile tool for any household.

How to Control TV with Phone Without Remote FAQ

Q: How can I control my TV with my phone?

You can control your TV with your phone by either using the phone’s IR blaster or installing a remote app. If your phone has an IR blaster, download a compatible remote app and set it up to control your TV. If your phone doesn’t have an IR blaster, you can use a remote app that connects to your TV over Wi-Fi.

Q: What do I do if I lost my TV remote?

If you lost your TV remote, you can use your smartphone as an alternative. Download a remote app from your app store, connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network, and follow the setup instructions in the app to control your TV. Alternatively, you can use the physical buttons on your TV for basic controls.

Q: Can any phone be used as a TV remote?

Not all phones can be used as a TV remote. Phones with an IR blaster can directly control your TV using infrared signals. For smart TVs, any smartphone that can run remote control apps (like the Universal TV Remote app) and connect to Wi-Fi can be used as a remote.

Q: How do I connect my phone to my TV?

To connect your phone to your TV, take advantage of a screen mirroring app and ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, you can try a wired connection by using a HDMI cable or USB cable.