Choosing a remote

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• Everyday control

  Lost your TV remote?

  Find out when your phone can replace it, and when you need another way to control the TV.

  General guide

  #Physical remotes#Choosing a remote
• Explainers & comparisons

  Can a TV remote app work without Wi-Fi?

  Understand the difference between local networking, internet access and infrared.

  General guide

  #Local network#Choosing a remote
• Explainers & comparisons

  Wi-Fi vs infrared TV remotes

  Compare network and line-of-sight control, including offline and standby limits.

  General guide

  #Local network#Choosing a remote
• Explainers & comparisons

  Universal vs official remote apps

  Compare TV Remotely with Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ and Roku’s app.

  Samsung · LG · Roku

  #Choosing a remote
• Explainers & comparisons

  Phone vs physical TV remote

  Decide what you need for first-time setup, network outages and daily control.

  General guide

  #Choosing a remote#Physical remotes
• Explainers & comparisons

  Remote control vs casting & mirroring

  Choose the function you need: controlling your TV or sharing content to its screen.

  General guide

  #Choosing a remote#Keyboard & input
• Everyday control

  Control a TV from a laptop or online

  Learn why a website cannot reach your TV directly and what to use instead.

  General guide

  #Local network#Choosing a remote

Menu names and features vary by TV model. See how we test or explore the TV Remotely overview.