Universal remote
A universal TV remote app for your compatible smart TVs
TV Remotely is one remote app for the main smart TV platforms. It connects to each TV over your home network and keeps them in a single list, so a household with a Samsung in the lounge and a Roku in the bedroom uses one layout for both.
“Universal” here means many smart TV platforms, not every television ever made. A Wi-Fi remote cannot control a TV that has no network connection.
Which TVs does the universal remote app control?
| Platform | First-time setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Tizen | Approve once on the TV | 2016 sets and newer |
| LG webOS | Approve once on the TV | webOS 3 and newer |
| Sony BRAVIA | PIN or pre-shared key | BRAVIA API and Android TV models |
| Roku TV and players | No code; network control on | Includes TCL, Hisense and other Roku TVs |
| Android TV and Google TV | Code shown on the TV | Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips and streaming boxes |
| Amazon Fire TV | ADB debugging, then approve | Fire OS only; Vega OS is not supported |
| Hisense VIDAA | Varies by model year | App list varies by model |
| Vizio SmartCast | PIN shown on the TV | SmartCast models, not VIA |
A TV brand can ship more than one platform. A TCL or Hisense set may run Roku, Google TV, Fire TV or VIDAA, so check the TCL or Hisense guide first. The compatibility table shows remote, app-launch and casting support for each platform.
Universal remote app or a physical universal remote?
| Feature | Wi-Fi remote app | Physical universal remote |
|---|---|---|
| How it talks to the TV | Your home network | Infrared, and sometimes Bluetooth or RF |
| Non-smart TVs | Not supported | Usually supported with the right code |
| Line of sight | Not needed | Usually needed for infrared |
| Setup | Pick the TV, then approve or enter a code once | Enter or search for a brand code |
| Typing | Phone keyboard on supported platforms | On-screen keyboard only |
| Works when the TV is offline | No | Yes |
If your TV is not a smart TV, or it is often disconnected from your network, a physical universal remote is the better tool. If it is a supported smart TV on your home network, a phone app can replace everyday controls without buying hardware.
Control several TVs from one phone
Each TV you pair is remembered, so switching rooms means picking a different TV from the list rather than opening a different brand’s app. Each one still needs its own first-time approval. Commands vary by platform: a button that works on one TV may not exist on another.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. TV Remotely is built for iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. Your phone does not need an infrared blaster. On iPhone, allow Local Network access so the app can find your TVs. Read the iPhone TV remote page for iPhone-specific questions, and check availability in your store.
What a universal remote app cannot do
It cannot bypass a TV’s approval prompt, connect a TV to Wi-Fi for the first time, or add features a TV does not offer. Power-on from standby depends on the TV’s settings; see turning on a TV with your phone. Typing works on some platforms only; see phone keyboard support.
Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Hisense, VIDAA and Vizio are trademarks of their owners. TV Remotely is not affiliated with any of them.