(Tiny Tips) – Did you know you can control your TV with your smartphone? All you need is one of these TV remote control apps for Android or iPhone.
These TV remote control apps may not work on all TVs. However, as long as you choose the remote control app that best suits your needs, you can control your TV, smart home devices, set-top boxes, and more. In this article, you will discover the best TV remote control apps for your smartphone.
The Best TV Remote Apps for Android and iPhone
Amazon Fire TV Remote
If you just want to install a remote app for your Amazon Fire TV device, you should check out the official app.
It can control the device via touchpad and voice control. There’s also a handy text input tool; it saves you the hassle of typing every URL or YouTube search query using the Fire TV on-screen keyboard. It also has a sleep timer function.
The app displays all your Fire TV apps in a single list for quick launch. If you have multiple Fire TV devices in your home, don’t worry. With the remote app, you can easily switch between different devices.
If you want to learn more about the best Amazon Fire TV tips and tricks, we recommend checking out this detailed guide.
Download: Amazon Fire TV Remote for Android | iOS (Free)
Roku Remote
Like other giants in the streaming space, Roku is launching a mobile version of its physical TV remote. Both Android and iOS versions are available for free.
Remote applications have the same functionality as their physical applications. The screen has buttons for Netflix, Roku Channel, and other Roku apps. You can also listen privately through headphones, and voice search is supported.
The mobile app also allows you to stream content directly from your Android or iOS device.
Download: Roku Remote for Android | iOS (Free)
Unimote
If you’re tired of fiddling with your TV remote, this app might be the answer to your problem. With its elegant and intuitive interface, the Unimote app lets you control everything from volume to channel navigation to smart TV functions.
Intuitive layout makes navigation easy. It includes advanced features like program guide, screen mirroring, and smart sharing so you can browse channels with ease.
First, connect your device to the remote app using the pairing code. The free version of the app is ad-supported, but the premium version unlocks additional features to improve your experience. Due to its reliable functionality and wide range of features, we recommend the Unimote app.
Download: Unimote for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
Remote for Hisense Smart TV
If you own a Hisense Smart TV, this Android-only app is the digital remote you need. It uses the same aesthetic as a physical remote but converts it into digital form.
This means you have access to red, green, yellow and blue buttons, as well as hot buttons, on-screen menus and input selections for Netflix and YouTube. You can customize the remote’s appearance and controls, such as a mouse, joystick, or touch controls.
The app is free to use but is ad-supported. If you would like to remove ads, please make a one-time purchase within the app to remove ads completely. It also supports various smart TVs from other manufacturers. To get it working, all you need to do is connect it to your TV using the pairing code and you’re ready to go!
Your Hisense TV must support infrared connectivity, and your phone must have an infrared transmitter.
Download: Remote for Hisense Smart TV (Free, in-app purchases available)
Lean Remote
Lean Remote is one of the most used and reliable universal remote applications on Android.
The best thing about the Lean Remote app is its flexibility. In addition to your TV, you can also use it to control Android TV boxes, Roku set-top boxes, air conditioners, soundbars, DVD players, and other smart devices in your home. It supports Wi-Fi and IR devices. Like some other apps, you first need to pair it with your smart TV.
The app is ad-supported, and unlike the previously discussed Hisense smart TV remote, there is no option to remove ads.
Download: Lean Remote (Free)
Kore (The Official Kodi Remote)
The next app on our list is the official Kodi Remote. If you have Kodi Media Center installed on your smart TV or set-top box, you can use this app to control playback and interact with various on-screen menus.
Standout features of the app include volume control, the ability to connect to multiple Kodi installations on different devices, easy playlist management, image viewing, the ability to switch between saved media and all TV channels running through Kodi, and Support for Kodi/DVR personal recording function.
We recommend you check out these tips and tricks to seamlessly use and control your Kode remote.
Download: Kore Official Remote for Kodi Android | iOS (Free)
Yatse
Yatse is designed as a remote control app for Kodi, but also works with Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, and local hard drive files. Again, it only works on Android devices. In addition to Kodi, you need to sign up for the premium version to connect to other cloud servers.
The remote lets you stream content from the apps of your choice directly to UPnP, AirPlay, Chromecast, FireTV, Roku and Smart TV devices.
Features include an internal audio player with seamless playback and multiple codec support, as well as the ability to program custom commands, voice commands, and a variety of themes.
Download: Yatse (Free, in-app purchases available)
Check out these all-in-one universal TV remotes
Essentially, every TV remote app does the same thing; it allows you to control your TV. But the best apps on the market offer some extra features that make the experience worthwhile.
You can look for remote apps that support gestures, allow you to connect to multiple devices from different brands, and even use your phone as a universal power button. It’s up to you to decide whether these features are worth the money. However, we definitely recommend trying some of the features listed above.
Finally, TV remote control apps are convenient. They can help you get out of trouble if you misplace a physical device or the battery dies.