SmartRemote
Your phone is the remote.
SmartRemote controls your smart TV over Wi-Fi: no infrared, no pairing cables. It works with Roku, Samsung, LG, Google TV and Android TV, Sony, Vizio and Amazon Fire TV.
Contact support Common questionsGetting started
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi. Your phone and TV must be on the same home network. Guest networks and some mesh "isolation" settings keep devices apart.
- Allow local network access. When your iPhone asks whether SmartRemote can find devices on your local network, tap Allow. You can change it later in Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network.
- Tap Find my TV. Pick your TV from the list. If it isn't listed, use Set up manually with your TV's brand and IP address (shown in the TV's network settings).
- Approve on the TV. Depending on your TV, accept the request on screen or type the code it shows into the app.
Supported TVs
| Platform | Brands | Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Roku | Roku players and Roku TVs from TCL, Hisense, Sharp, Insignia, onn., Element, JVC, Westinghouse, Hitachi | None |
| Samsung | Samsung smart TVs, 2016 and later | Accept on TV |
| LG webOS | LG smart TVs, 2014 and later | Accept on TV |
| Google TV / Android TV | Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Sharp, Xiaomi, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast with Google TV | 6-character code on TV |
| Sony Bravia | Sony TVs, including models before Android TV | 4-digit PIN |
| Vizio SmartCast | Vizio TVs, 2016 and later | 4-digit PIN |
| Amazon Fire TV | Fire TV Stick, Cube, Fire TV Omni/4-Series, Toshiba and Insignia Fire TV editions | 4-digit PIN |
Not supported yet: Hisense and Toshiba VIDAA TVs, Apple TV, older non-smart TVs (they need infrared, which iPhones don't have).
Common questions
The app can't find my TV
- Make sure the TV is on (not just in standby) and on the same Wi-Fi as your phone.
- Check that SmartRemote has Local Network access: Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network.
- Use Set up manually and enter the TV's IP address from its network settings.
- Some routers block devices from seeing each other ("AP isolation" or "client isolation"). Turn it off, or don't use a guest network.
Which option should I pick for my TV brand?
Look at your TV's home screen. If it says Google TV or Android TV, choose Android TV / Google TV. If it says Roku, choose Roku. If it says Fire TV, choose Amazon Fire TV. Brands like TCL, Hisense, Sony and Toshiba sell TVs on more than one platform.
Roku says "blocked" or doesn't respond
On the Roku, open Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps, and set Network access to Default or Permissive.
LG TV won't turn on from the app
On the TV, turn on Settings > General > Devices > TV Management > Turn on via Wi-Fi (called LG Connect Apps on older models).
Older Sony Bravia TVs
Enable Settings > Network > Home network > IP control and Remote device settings > Control remotely. Sony Google TV and Android TV models work best with the Google TV / Android TV option.
Typing with the ABC keyboard
First select a search box on the TV with the remote. Then open ABC in the app. In Live mode, letters appear on the TV as you type; in Send mode, type the whole text and tap send.
Fire TV isn't responding
Wake the Fire TV with its own remote once, then try again. The app wakes it automatically after that. Volume buttons work only if your Fire TV already controls the TV or soundbar volume with its own remote.
Does SmartRemote need the internet or an account?
No. The app talks directly to your TV over your home Wi-Fi. There is no account, no sign-in and no tracking.
Contact support
Questions, bugs or ideas? Email cryptlesh@gmail.com.
Tip: in the app, use Send feedback from the menu on the My TVs screen. It fills in your app version and TV type, which helps us fix TV-specific problems faster.