Lost your TV remote? What an iPhone can and cannot do
Your iPhone can replace some controls on a compatible TV that is already connected to your network. Initial Wi-Fi setup and pairing approval may still require physical controls.
App used in this guide: TV Remote ↗
Before you begin
Check whether the TV is already online and whether its physical button can turn it on or open settings. Do not factory-reset it just because the remote is missing.
Step by step
- Connect your iPhone to the TV's existing home network.
- Open TV Remote, grant Local Network access and select the television.
- Complete any approval or PIN prompt using available TV controls, then test navigation.
Check the result
If the TV requests an action you cannot approve, an app cannot legitimately skip that step. A compatible replacement remote may be necessary for setup.
If it does not work
If you recently changed the router or password, reconnect the TV using its supported physical setup method first. A Wi-Fi remote cannot discover a television that never joined the network.
Sources and further reading
Source language may differ
Publisher disclosure: SpaceNode develops the app described here. Screens and options can vary by version, device and region. Manufacturer names identify compatibility and do not imply endorsement.