TCL · Lost remote
Lost your TCL remote? What to do
Press the button on the TV.
Use your iPhone
Simple TV Remote works with TCL TVs that run Google TV and Roku TV, over your home Wi-Fi. Check your model, then try it free in the app.
Lost the TCL remote? Press the power button on the TV, usually under or behind the TCL logo. Then use your iPhone as the remote over your home Wi-Fi: Simple TV Remote works with TCL Google TV and Roku TV models.
TCL TVs your iPhone can control
Simple TV Remote works with TCL TVs that run Google TV and Roku TV, over your home Wi-Fi. Check your model, then try it free in the app.
How to control a TCL TV after losing the remote
- Turn the TV onPress the button under or behind the TCL logo. On Roku TVs, also check behind the status light or on the back near a lower corner.
- Join the same Wi-FiConnect your iPhone to the same home Wi-Fi network as the TV.
- Open a remote appOpen Simple TV Remote, the Google TV app or the Roku app, and pick your TV.
- Finish the one-time setupOn Google TV models, type the code shown on the TV into your iPhone. You only do this once.
Questions
How do I turn on my TCL TV without the remote?
Press the button on the TV. TCL says it is usually underneath or behind the TCL logo area. Press it once and see if the TV responds.
How do I turn on a TCL Roku TV without the remote?
Press the power button on the TV. Roku says the buttons on Roku TVs can be hard to find: check the bottom center behind the status light, or the back panel near the lower right or left side. Some models have just one button, which is the power button.
How do I control my TCL TV with my phone?
Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi as the TV and use a remote app. On TCL Google TV models, Google's Google TV app or Simple TV Remote pairs with a code shown on the TV. On TCL Roku TVs, use the Roku app or Simple TV Remote.
Can I control a TCL TV without the remote or Wi-Fi?
Only with the button on the TV. Phone apps need the TV and your iPhone on the same Wi-Fi, and iPhones have no infrared blaster. If the TV isn't online, you'll need a replacement remote.
Can I connect my TCL TV to Wi-Fi without the remote?
Usually not. Phone remote apps can only find a TV that is already online, and Roku says its app can't find a Roku TV that isn't connected to the internet. Get a replacement remote to finish Wi-Fi setup.
How do I tell if my TCL TV runs Google TV or Roku TV?
Look at the home screen, or the logo when the TV starts. On TCL's S and Q Class models from 2023, the code ends in G for Google TV, R for Roku TV or F for Fire TV. Fire TV models aren't on our list yet, and the free check in the app tells you for sure.
Can my iPhone turn on my TCL TV?
On TCL Google TV models, yes, once Quick start is on and the TV is in standby. On 2023–2024 models it's at Settings > System > Power and energy > Quick start. On TCL Roku TVs, press the power button on the TV.
How do I pair a new TCL Google TV remote?
Stand within about 3 feet of the TV and hold Home and OK together until pairing starts, then follow the prompts on screen. TCL says to keep the remote close, not across the room.
How do I pair a new remote with a TCL Roku TV?
Unplug the TV, wait at least 5 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the Home screen. Hold the pairing button on the remote for 5 seconds until its light flashes, or hold Back and Home if there's no pairing button.
Check your TV free. Pay once if it works.
Simple TV Remote pairs with your TV and sends real commands before you pay anything. If it works, unlock it for $5.99, once.