Use your phone as a Google TV remote
Any TV with Google TV or Android TV can be controlled from a phone on the same Wi-Fi. Open a remote app, pick the TV, and type the code the TV shows on screen. Google's own Google TV app does this for free; Zapmio adds a larger remote and sharing for the whole household.
Which TVs run Google TV or Android TV
Google TV is the operating system, not a TV brand. It runs on many TCL, Sony, Philips, Hisense and Xiaomi TVs, and on Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer. Older models of the same brands often run Android TV, which works the same way for remote apps.
Not every TV from these brands has it: TCL also sells Roku TV and Fire TV models, Hisense also uses VIDAA, and newer Philips models use Titan OS. Check your TV's home screen before you choose an app.
| Brand | Google TV / Android TV models | Other systems from the same brand |
|---|---|---|
| TCL | Most models sold in Europe, some in the USA | Roku TV, Fire TV (mainly USA) |
| Sony | Bravia models from about 2015 | None current |
| Philips | Many Android TV and Google TV models | Titan OS, Saphi |
| Hisense | Some models, depending on country | VIDAA |
| Xiaomi | Most TVs | None current |
Pair your phone with a Google TV
- Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi as the TV.
- Make sure the TV is on. Without a remote, use the button on the TV.
- Open the remote app and choose your TV from the list.
- Type the code that appears on the TV screen. The phone remembers the TV afterwards.
A dedicated remote for Google TV
Where the Google TV app is a full streaming app with a remote inside, Zapmio is only the remote. It opens straight to large buttons, finds your TV automatically and can wake it when network standby is on. One purchase covers up to three phones at home. Try it free on your own Google TV.
Try it free14 days free · Coming soon to Google PlayYour options compared
| App | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Google TV app (Android, iPhone) | Free | Remote is one feature inside a larger app. Needs pairing per phone. |
| Android quick settings remote | Free | On many Android phones you can add a TV remote tile to quick settings; it uses the Google TV app. |
| Zapmio (Android) | Free to try | Remote only, large buttons, one purchase for up to three phones in the household. Tested on TCL Google TV. |
Turning the TV on from your phone
Remote apps can only wake a Google TV if it keeps its network connection in standby. Many TVs switch Wi-Fi off in their default energy mode to save power.
On the TCL Google TV we tested (Smart TV Pro, 31 October 2026), the default mode blocked this. After Settings → System → Power & energy → Energy mode → Increased, the phone could turn the TV on. Other brands call the setting network standby, quick start or remote start.
Related guides
- Control your TCL TV from your phone
- Use your phone as a Sony Bravia remote
- Use your phone as a Philips TV remote
- Use your phone as a Hisense TV remote
- How to turn on a TCL TV without the remote
- Lost your TV remote? Here is what to do
Frequently asked questions
Is the Android TV Remote Control app still available?
Google has moved the phone remote into the Google TV app. Use the Google TV app or another app that supports Google TV; they work on Android TV too.
Does a Google TV remote app work without Wi-Fi?
No. The phone talks to the TV over your home network. Without Wi-Fi, use the buttons on the TV or an infrared remote.
Can I type with the phone keyboard?
Yes, Google TV accepts text from paired phones, which is faster than typing with arrow keys in search and login fields.