Lost remote

Lost your TV remote? How to control your TV without it

Turn the TV on with its own button, then control it from your phone. Pick your TV for the exact steps.

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What can I use instead?

Which TV do you have?

Google TV / ChromecastSamsungLGRoku TVVizioHisenseSony

The remote is gone and the TV is off. Press the power button on the TV itself to turn it on, then use your iPhone as the remote over your home Wi-Fi until the old one turns up or a new one arrives.

Lost remote, by brand

HisenseLGRokuSamsungSonyTCLVizio

Sources

Every compatibility fact on this page comes from these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one. How we build the TV list.

  1. Google Streaming Help: Find my remote with Google TV Streamer
  2. Samsung Australia: How to control a Samsung TV without a remote
  3. LG US: If your LG TV won't turn on
  4. LG UK: How to use the TV buttons when you don't have the remote
  5. LG US: How to set up the LG ThinQ app on your LG Smart TV
  6. Google TV Help: Cast, connect & control your TV with the Google TV app (iPhone & iPad)
  7. TCL Support: How to troubleshoot your TCL Android TV remote control
  8. Roku Support: How to use the Roku remote app to control your Roku streaming device
  9. Amazon: Use your mobile device like a Fire TV remote
  10. VIZIO Support: How to use the VIZIO mobile app as a Remote
  11. Hisense USA: Common Questions (TVs)
  12. VIDAA Support: VIDAA mobile app
  13. Sony BRAVIA Help Guide: If a full reset (restart) of the TV is required

What to do when you've lost your TV remote

  1. Turn the TV on with its own buttonFeel along the bottom edge, under the logo, and on the back near the lower corners for the power button. Press it once.
  2. Try to make the remote ringIf you have a Roku voice remote with a speaker or a Google TV Streamer remote, use Find Remote to make it play a sound.
  3. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-FiPhone remote apps only find a TV that is on the same home Wi-Fi network as your phone.
  4. Use your iPhone as the remoteOpen the TV maker's app or Simple TV Remote, pick your TV, and accept the code or prompt on the TV screen with the TV's buttons.

Questions

How do I turn on my TV without the remote?

Press the power button on the TV. Samsung puts its Controller button at the bottom center or bottom right on many models, LG's is usually under the logo or on the back, and TCL's is usually under or behind the logo. If you can't find it, your TV's user manual shows where it is.

I lost my TV remote. How can I control the TV?

Use a phone app over your home Wi-Fi. Your TV maker's free app works, and so does Simple TV Remote on TVs that run Google TV and Android TV, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen (2016 and later), Vizio SmartCast, Panasonic My Home Screen and Roku TV. The TV must already be connected to your Wi-Fi.

How do I find a lost TV remote?

Check between couch cushions, under furniture and in pockets first. Some remotes can ring: on many Roku TVs you choose Find Remote with the buttons on the TV, or tap Ping Remote in the Roku app, if your remote has a speaker. A Google TV Streamer makes its remote play a sound when you briefly press the button on the back of the streamer.

Can I control my TV without the remote and without Wi-Fi?

Only with the buttons on the TV. Phone remote apps need the TV and phone on the same Wi-Fi, and iPhones have no infrared blaster. If the TV has never been on Wi-Fi, you'll need a replacement remote to set it up.

Can my iPhone turn the TV on?

Yes, on most compatible TVs, if the TV's setting for it is on and the TV is in standby. That's Power On with Mobile on Samsung, Turn on via Wi-Fi on LG and Quick Start on Vizio. If the TV is unplugged or that setting is off, press the power button on the TV.

Is there a free app I can use instead of the remote?

Yes. Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, the Google TV app, the Roku app and the VIZIO mobile app are free for their own TVs. Simple TV Remote has a free check on your TV and costs $5.99 once if you keep it.

Can I use the TV buttons for everything?

For the basics, yes. Most TV buttons handle power, volume, channels and input, and some open a small menu. For apps and settings, a phone app is much easier.

Should I buy a new remote?

If you rarely use the phone or your TV isn't on Wi-Fi, yes. The TV maker sells replacements, and a plastic universal remote works too. A phone app is a good stand-in while you wait.

I lost my Samsung TV remote. What can I use instead?

Use the Controller button on the TV, or Samsung's SmartThings app if the TV is already connected to Wi-Fi and SmartThings.

I lost my LG TV remote. Can my phone turn the TV on?

Yes, on webOS 3.5 and later with the LG ThinQ app, if Turn on via Wi-Fi is switched on in the TV's settings. Otherwise press the power button on the TV first.

Can I use a phone app if my TV isn't on Wi-Fi?

Phone remote apps work over your home network. Use the TV's own buttons, or get a replacement remote to finish Wi-Fi setup.

Can my iPhone control my TV with infrared?

No. iPhones don't have an infrared blaster, so iPhone remote apps, including Simple TV Remote, work over Wi-Fi.

Works with these TVs

If your TV runs one of these, your iPhone can be its remote. Check your model.

PlatformGoogle TVGoogle TV and Android TV sets and streamers16 brands · 25 model linesPlatformLG webOSLG smart TVs from 2014 on1 brand · 5 model linesPlatformSamsung TizenSamsung smart TVs from 2016 on1 brand · 7 model linesPlatformVizio SmartCastVizio SmartCast and VIZIO OS TVs2 brands · 7 model linesPlatformPanasonic My Home ScreenPanasonic My Home Screen TVs1 brand · 1 model linePlatformRoku TVRoku TVs from TCL, Hisense, Sharp and others10 brands · 9 model lines

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