Lost remote guide
Lost your TV remote? Here is when your phone can help
Your phone can replace routine remote controls on a compatible smart TV that is already connected to your local network. First-time pairing may require approval on the TV, so an app is not always an immediate fix for a missing remote. TV Remotely works over the network, so your phone does not need an infrared (IR) blaster.
Choose the situation that matches your TV
| Situation | What to try |
|---|---|
| TV is online and the phone is already paired | Open the paired remote and test navigation. |
| TV is online but the phone is not paired | Connect and complete the TV’s code or approval prompt. |
| TV is off | Use its physical power button, then check networking. A phone can only turn the TV on if that was set up beforehand. |
| TV is offline or has been reset | Restore setup with physical controls, a compatible replacement remote or the manufacturer’s documented method. |
| TV is not a supported smart TV | A Wi-Fi remote app cannot add network control to it. |
Set up a phone remote
- Turn on the TV and confirm it is connected to your home network.
- Connect your phone to the same local network. Avoid guest Wi-Fi that isolates devices.
- Open TV Remotely and select your TV. Check app availability if it is not yet in your store.
- Allow the permissions the app requests and follow the pairing code or approval shown on the TV.
- Test navigation first, then volume, power or text entry before relying on them.
Read the Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV or Vizio guide for your device. A Vizio TV pairs with a PIN on screen, so it needs no remote to approve; a Fire TV needs ADB debugging, which cannot be turned on without some working control.
How can I approve pairing without the original remote?
Some TVs have physical controls that can navigate menus; others offer only a power button. Check your model’s manual. An existing paired controller or a compatible replacement remote may be needed. A phone app cannot bypass authorization just because the original remote is lost.
Can I connect an offline TV to Wi-Fi with the app?
No. The app can only reach a TV that is already on the network. If the TV has an Ethernet port, a wired connection to your router may restore reachability, but approval may still be required. Avoid resetting an otherwise working TV: a reset can remove the very network connection you need.
What if the app does not find the TV?
Use the discovery checklist. If there is no home network, read using a TV remote without Wi-Fi. Keep a working physical remote as a fallback for setup and firmware updates. If you have the remote but it has stopped working, try the Samsung remote fixes first; most apply to other brands too.