Universal TV Remote Control for Google TV

Turn your phone into a convenient Google TV remote control when the physical remote is lost, out of battery, or simply out of reach.

With a compatible remote app, you can navigate your Google TV, control playback, adjust volume, enter text, and access everyday TV functions directly from your smartphone.

For network-based control, make sure your phone and Google TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before starting. Google also requires both devices to be on the same network when using its virtual remote features.

Can I Use My Phone as a Remote for Google TV?

Yes.

Google TV supports phone-based remote control on compatible devices. Google’s own mobile remote allows users to perform actions such as:

• Navigate the TV interface
• Play and pause content
• Adjust the volume
• Enter text for searches and logins
• Turn compatible TVs on or off
• Access Google Assistant

Google documents these functions for both Google TV and Android TV devices.

A universal TV remote app can provide another convenient way to control supported televisions, particularly if you want one app for TVs from multiple brands.

How to Connect Your Phone to Google TV

Connecting your phone to a compatible Google TV is usually straightforward.

1. Connect Both Devices to the Same Wi-Fi

First, check the network used by your Google TV.

Go to:

Google TV → Settings → Network & Internet

Then make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

This is one of the most important requirements for network-based remote control. Google specifically recommends checking this first when a virtual remote cannot find or connect to the TV.

2. Open the Remote App

Launch Universal TV Remote Control on your phone and allow it to search for supported TVs on your local network.

If you are using an iPhone, make sure the app has permission to access devices on your local network.

3. Select Your Google TV

When your television appears in the device list, tap its name.

Some TVs may display a pairing code on the screen. Enter or confirm the code on your phone when prompted.

Google’s own virtual remote follows a similar process: select the nearby TV, enter the code shown on the television, and complete pairing.

4. Start Controlling Your TV

Once connected, use the phone as a remote for navigation, playback, volume, and other supported functions.

What Can You Control With a Google TV Remote App?

The exact controls available depend on the television manufacturer and model, but common functions include:

Navigation

Move around the Google TV home screen, open apps, browse menus, and select content.

Volume Control

Adjust the volume directly from your phone.

If volume commands do not work correctly, Google recommends checking:

Settings → Remotes & Accessories → Set up remote buttons → Volume control

and confirming that the appropriate volume-control option is enabled.

Playback Controls

Use Play, Pause, Rewind, and Fast Forward when supported.

Text Input

One of the biggest advantages of using your phone is easier typing.

Instead of moving through an on-screen keyboard letter by letter, you can use your smartphone keyboard to enter:

• Movie titles
• YouTube searches
• Wi-Fi passwords
• Account information

Google’s virtual remote also supports text entry for search and login information.

Power

Some compatible setups allow the phone to turn the TV on or off.

However, power behavior varies by television because the TV may reduce or disable network connectivity while in standby.

Google TV Remote App vs Physical Remote

A phone remote and a physical Google TV remote are useful in different situations.

A phone remote is especially useful as a backup.

A physical remote remains important if you frequently use dedicated voice buttons, Bluetooth features, or need to configure a TV before it is connected to Wi-Fi.

Google TV Remote vs Android TV Remote: Are They the Same?

Google TV and Android TV are closely related, but they are not exactly the same interface.

Google TV is built on Android TV OS but provides a different content-focused user experience.

For remote control, however, many of the same network-based principles apply.

Google confirms that its Google TV app can control both Google TV and Android TV devices.

This means users searching for an Android TV remote may also be able to use similar phone-control methods, depending on the device.

Control Google TV From Your Phone

If your physical remote is lost, damaged, or simply somewhere under the couch, your phone can provide a convenient alternative.

Connect your smartphone and Google TV to the same Wi-Fi network, open Universal TV Remote Control, select your compatible television, and start controlling your TV from your phone.

Get Universal TV Remote

Control your Google TV from your iPhone — free to download.

Scan the QR code or download Universal TV Remote from the App Store.