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Set up Google TV with a phone when the remote is missing

A Google TV or Chromecast with Google TV can be set up without its remote on models and software versions that offer phone setup. The setup screen tells you which route you have, so look at it before installing anything. The virtual remote you use after setup is a different feature, and it can’t start until the device is on your network.

By TV Remotely · Updated · Sources and testing policy

Which setup screen is showing?

  • A QR code with a prompt such as “Set up with your phone”: use the phone’s camera or the Google Home app to scan it. This is the faster route and only some models offer it.
  • A prompt to use the Google Home app: install Google Home on the phone, tap Add → Set up device, and choose the new device. Follow the code or confirmation shown on the TV.
  • “Pair remote” or only remote-based choices: the model expects the supplied remote. Fresh batteries and the pairing step in the remote’s manual are worth trying first; Google also documents manual setup using the remote.

Whichever route you get, the phone and the Google device must both be powered on and close together, because Bluetooth is used to find the device, with Wi-Fi to carry the setup. On Android 12 or later the Google app may need the Nearby devices permission, and on older Android versions Location, before it can scan. On iPhone, Bluetooth permission for the app must be on.

Run the phone setup

  1. Turn on the TV, select the HDMI input the Google device is plugged into, and wait for the setup screen.

    You see a language, QR code or Google Home prompt rather than your TV’s own menu.

    If you see another device’s picture, change the TV input with its buttons; setup can’t begin on the wrong input.

  2. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the phone, then scan the QR code or follow the Google Home prompt.

    The phone asks you to sign in with a Google account and pick a Wi-Fi network, and the TV shows progress.

    If scanning fails, move the phone closer, turn off any VPN, and retry the scan from the beginning rather than from a stale screen.

  3. Wait until the TV reaches its home screen and shows the Wi-Fi network or Ethernet as connected.

    Setup is complete and the device is on your network.

    If the phone says finished but the TV is still waiting, check which network the TV joined; it can only continue if it has internet access.

After setup: add a virtual remote

Once the device has a network, the Google TV app (iPhone and Android) or Google Home gives you a remote. In the Google TV app, tap the remote icon and choose the device, then enter the pairing code shown on the TV. If no code appears, use the pairing-code guide in the related links. Do this while the setup is fresh, because it is the moment you can still fix a missed step with the remote you don’t have.

Related guidance

Sources for these instructions