iPhone TV remote
How to use your iPhone as a TV remote
Put your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi, open a remote app and pair once. Here’s how, and which TVs work.
Your iPhone can stand in for the TV remote, but which tool you need depends on your TV. Apple's built-in remote in Control Center works with Apple TV and AirPlay-compatible smart TVs. For Samsung, LG, Google TV, Vizio, Panasonic and Roku TVs, an app like Simple TV Remote does the job over your home Wi-Fi.
How to use your iPhone as a TV remote with Simple TV Remote
- Connect to the same Wi-FiPut your iPhone on the same home Wi-Fi network as your TV.
- Open the app and pick your TVOpen Simple TV Remote and choose your TV from the list.
- Approve it on the TVType the code shown on the TV into your iPhone, or choose Allow on the TV. You only do this once.
- Try the free checkThe app sends a real command so you can see it work on your TV before you pay $5.99 once.
Questions
Can I use my iPhone as a TV remote?
Yes, for smart TVs on your home Wi-Fi. Apple TV and AirPlay-compatible TVs work with the remote built into Control Center. Other smart TVs need an app, either the TV maker's own or Simple TV Remote.
Does the iPhone have a built-in TV remote?
Yes. Apple's Apple TV Remote lives in Control Center and works with Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD and AirPlay-compatible smart TVs. For a smart TV, Apple says to add the TV to the Home app and assign it to a room first.
How do I add the remote to Control Center?
Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Add Controls, then Add a Control, and pick Remote. On iOS 17 and earlier, go to Settings > Control Center and tap the Add button next to Apple TV Remote. Then open it and choose your TV from the list.
How is Simple TV Remote different from Apple's remote?
Apple's remote works with Apple TV and AirPlay-compatible TVs. Simple TV Remote works with TVs that run Google TV and Android TV, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen (2016 and later), Vizio SmartCast, Panasonic My Home Screen and Roku TV, whether or not they have AirPlay. It controls the TV itself, including volume, and on most compatible TVs it can turn the TV on from standby once you switch on the TV's setting for it.
How do I control my TV without the remote?
Press the buttons on the TV itself for power, and use a phone app for everything else. The TV maker's app or Simple TV Remote works if the TV is already on your Wi-Fi. Our lost TV remote guide shows where each brand puts its buttons.
Can I control my TV with my phone without Wi-Fi?
No, not with an iPhone. iPhones have no infrared blaster, so remote apps need the phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi. Without Wi-Fi, use the buttons on the TV or a replacement remote.
Is there a free way to control my TV from my iPhone?
Yes. Apple's Control Center remote is free for Apple TV and AirPlay TVs, and most TV makers have a free app for their own TVs. Simple TV Remote has a free check on your TV, then costs $5.99 once.
Can I connect my TV to Wi-Fi from my iPhone if I've lost the remote?
Usually not. Phone remote apps can only find a TV that is already on your Wi-Fi. Roku says its app can't find a TV that isn't connected, for example after a reset, so you'll need the TV's buttons or a replacement remote to finish setup.
Works with these TVs
If your TV runs one of these, your iPhone can be its remote. Check your model.
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.