How to use your iPhone as a TV remote

1. Turn on the TV and make sure it is connected to your home network.
2. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi. Mobile data alone cannot reach a TV at home.
3. Open TV Remotely and select Allow when iOS asks to find devices on your local network.
4. Choose your TV and follow the approval or code shown on its screen.
5. Test navigation first, then volume, power and typing.

Check availability in the App Store. TV Remotely also runs on iPad with a layout sized for the larger screen.

The most common cause on iPhone is a denied Local Network permission. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network and turn TV Remotely on. The Local Network guide covers this step by step. If permission is on and the TV is still missing, use the TV-not-found checklist.

The Apple TV Remote in Control Center controls an Apple TV and some AirPlay-compatible smart TVs. It does not control most Roku, Fire TV, Android TV or older smart TVs. Google’s Google TV app includes a remote for Google TV and Android TV devices. A separate app such as TV Remotely covers several platforms from one place.

Each platform pairs differently. Use the Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, Android TV and Google TV, Fire TV or Vizio guide. The universal remote page lists them side by side.

On Samsung, LG and Roku, and on some Android TV devices, yes: you type in a normal iPhone text box, so paste and dictation work before you send. Other platforms use the TV’s on-screen keyboard. Read phone keyboard support for details.