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The Daily Insight

Can my iPhone act as a remote control?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Published Apr 03, 2026

Can my iPhone act as a remote control?

‘TV Remote’ is an app that turns your iPhone into a universal control for your TV. The first time you open it, the app identifies all the connected TVs in your Wi-Fi network for quick pairing. You just have to choose your TV from the list and then authorize the app to work as a remote control.

How do you program an iPhone remote?

How to Use Your iPhone as a TV Remote

  1. Download the relevant iOS app for your cable provider from the App Store.
  2. Launch the app.
  3. Login with your cable account credentials.
  4. Turn on your TV and cable box.
  5. Select the button for the remote interface.

What is the best remote control app for iPhone?

App NameRankBest For
Logitech Harmony Hub1Multiple TVs and Streaming Devices
ATV Remote App [Apple Official]2Apple TV
RoByte3Roku Streaming Media Players
Fire TV Remote App [Amazon Official]4Amazon Fire TV Stick and Cube

How do I turn my phone into a universal remote?

How to turn an android phone into a universal remote control

  1. Use your built-in Infrared (IR) Blaster.
  2. Use the Easy Universal TV Remote.
  3. Use an external pairing device.
  4. Use manufacturer apps.
  5. Use an infrared adapter.

Can I turn my phone into a universal remote?

Many Android phones come with an embedded infrared “blaster” that uses the same technology as old-school remotes. All you need to do is download a universal remote app like AnyMote Smart IR Remote, IR Universal Remote or Galaxy Universal Remote to use your phone to control any device that receives an IR signal.

Can I make my phone into a universal remote?

Can you connect any remote to a TV?

You can use almost any smartphone, no matter whether it is Android or an iPhone. You can even use a tablet or an iPod touch. If you have an older phone lying around you no longer use, substitute it as a backup remote.

Are there any apps that can turn an iPhone into a remote control?

Another option among the best apps for turning an iPhone into a remote control is this. Unlike the latest apps mentioned, this app aims to control TVs of various brands. It supports a long list of models: Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, LG Web OS, Sony Bravia, Philips and Panasonic Viera, among others.

Can you use your iPhone as a TV remote?

If you find yourself frequently and frantically searching for the remote control, perhaps consider instead turning to a device that’s almost always with you: your iPhone. Thanks to a bevy of useful iOS apps from the largest cable providers, you can control most cable boxes directly from your smartphone.

Can You Turn your iPhone into a universal remote?

Well what if I told you that you can turn your iPhone into a universal remote control. That way you can control all of your devices, using a device that you have with you at all times. This isn’t what most would consider a crowded category, but as with all consumer electronics, some models are better than others.

How can I control my Apple TV from my iPhone?

Even better, with iOS 11 or later, you can control your Apple TV right from Control Center on your iPhone. #2. iTunes. On your Mac/PC, with the Remote app, you can control your iTunes library from iPhone. And by control, we don’t just mean play/pause/rewind/shuffle music.

Can you use your iPhone as a remote control?

When Apple introduced the iPhone, they also introduced Remote, and app that you could use to control iTunes or your Apple TV. Since then a variety of other, more wide-ranging remote control apps have become available in the iTunes App Store for controlling media, entire computers, and even complete household automation.

Can you use an iPad as a remote for Apple TV?

With the Apple TV Remote app or the Apple TV Remote in Control Center, you can control your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Well what if I told you that you can turn your iPhone into a universal remote control. That way you can control all of your devices, using a device that you have with you at all times. This isn’t what most would consider a crowded category, but as with all consumer electronics, some models are better than others.

What should I do if my Apple TV remote is not working?

Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is updated to the latest version of iOS, and your Apple TV is updated to the latest version of tvOS. Restart your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. Also try restarting your iPhone , iPad, or iPod touch. If you still can’t set up the Apple TV Remote, contact Apple Support.