Use your phone as a Sony Bravia remote
Sony Bravia TVs run Google TV (newer models) or Android TV (from about 2015), so any phone on the same Wi-Fi can be the remote. Pick a remote app, choose your Bravia and type the code it shows on screen. Turn on Remote start in the TV's network settings so the phone can also switch it on.
Which Sony TVs work with a phone remote
| Sony TV | System | Phone remote over Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Bravia with Google TV (about 2021 and newer) | Google TV | Yes: Zapmio, Google TV app |
| Bravia with Android TV (about 2015-2020) | Android TV | Yes: Zapmio, Google TV app |
Set up your phone as a Sony remote
- Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi as the TV.
- Turn the TV on. Without a remote, use the button on the TV.
- Open the remote app and pick your Sony TV from the list.
- Type the code the TV shows on screen. The phone remembers the TV afterwards.
Zapmio for Sony Bravia
Zapmio speaks the same Google TV protocol your Bravia uses, so it works as a full remote: arrows, OK, back, home, volume, channels and power, with large buttons and no menus to dig through. It finds your Bravia on the Wi-Fi automatically, and everyone at home can use it on their own phone. Try it free on your own Sony.
Try it free14 days free · Coming soon to Google PlayYour options compared
| App | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Zapmio (Android) | Free to try | Remote only, large buttons, finds the TV automatically, up to three phones per household. |
| Google TV app (Android, iPhone) | Free | The remote is one feature inside Google's streaming app. |
| Sony BRAVIA Connect (newer models) | Free | Sony's own app with remote and TV settings. |
Let your phone turn the Sony TV on
A phone can only wake a Bravia that stays on the network in standby. On most models turn on Settings → Network & Internet → Remote start. It uses a little more power in standby, but lets apps switch the TV on.
Sony calls HDMI-CEC BRAVIA Sync. With it on (under the TV's external inputs settings), turning on a console or streaming box connected by HDMI also turns the TV on.
Related guides
- Use your phone as a Google TV remote
- Universal remote app or universal TV remote?
- Lost your TV remote? Here is what to do
Frequently asked questions
Where is the power button on a Sony Bravia?
On most Bravia TVs it is on the back or along the bottom edge, often near a corner. A short press turns the TV on.
Is there a Sony TV remote app?
Yes. Sony's BRAVIA Connect app covers newer models, the Google TV app works on all Google TV and Android TV Bravias, and Zapmio gives you a dedicated remote you can try free.
Why can my phone control the Bravia but not turn it on?
Remote start is off. Turn it on under Settings → Network & Internet → Remote start, and the phone can wake the TV over Wi-Fi.