Lost your TV remote? What to do
If your TV is already on Wi-Fi, your iPhone can be the remote in a few minutes. If it isn't, use the buttons on the TV to get by, then get a replacement remote.
1. Use your iPhone tonight
If your TV is on Wi-Fi, TV Remote+ turns your iPhone into its remote in a few minutes:
- Roku: pick your TV and go. See iPhone as a Roku remote.
- Google TV and Android TV: enter the code once. See Google TV remote on iPhone.
- VIZIO SmartCast: enter the code once. See VIZIO remote app for iPhone.
2. Use the buttons on the TV
Most TVs have a small power button, and often a menu or input button, on the back or under the bottom edge. They are enough to turn the TV on, change the input, or join Wi-Fi so that your iPhone can take over.
3. Get a replacement
Buy the replacement from your TV's maker or a store that lists your TV model. A new Roku voice remote needs pairing; a simple Roku remote just needs batteries. Until it arrives, your iPhone does the job.
Questions
Can my phone control the TV if the TV is not on Wi-Fi?
No. A phone remote works over your home network. Use the buttons on the TV or another remote to connect the TV first.
Will my phone control the volume?
On a Roku TV, a Google TV or a VIZIO SmartCast TV, usually yes. With a streaming stick, it depends on the TV and its HDMI-CEC settings.
Does a new Roku remote need pairing?
A Roku voice remote pairs with the pairing button. A simple remote, with no voice button, works with fresh batteries and no pairing.
Which TVs does TV Remote+ control?
Roku, Google TV and VIZIO SmartCast TVs, including every kind of onn TV. Samsung, LG and Fire TV are not supported yet.