How to use your Android smartphone as a TV Remote

Last Updated on 29 Jun, 2026 by Montel Anthony

Television remotes have disappeared for years, and they always have. For so long, looking for a remote has been a part of our daily routines. Until now, an Android smartphone could only be used as a TV control if you rooted it.

Here, we show you step-by-step how to configure. To have your own TV control in your pocket at all times.

What app do you download to use your phone as a TV remote?

Before you can control your Android TV with the Android TV Remote Control app, you first visit the Google Play Store to install the app on your Android TV. And that’s all there is to it! Just locate your TV in the app and you will have completed the process.

There are additional universal remote control apps you can download from the Google Play Store if your Smart TV was built by a different manufacturer. Once you’ve gotten an app, you’re going to start looking for your TV.

How do you configure your TV with your smartphone?

Next, you’ll need to install the software you just downloaded on your smartphone on your TV. It’s important to make sure both devices are linked to the same WiFi network before you start this step.

You can use your Android phone to select your TV from the app and then configure both of them by providing a personal code that is given to you.

Once you’ve linked your phone to your Wi-Fi network, your phone will serve as your TV remote, with buttons on the screen that resemble those on a standard TV remote. Once you’re on the Shows and Channels page, you can go to the app or channel of your choice.

Remember that being closer to the TV helps when facing issues during this process. It’s also useful to ensure there aren’t many obstacles in the road.