If the TV remote control runs out of juice or important buttons die, the iPhone is a useful alternative. With the right app, you can effortlessly control your Smart TV with a tap of your finger. In some cases, the necessary functions are even included on the cell phone ex works. COMPUTER BILD reveals how to turn your iPhone into a control center.
If the desired television is selected, the app releases the button surface.
Use the iPhone as a TV remote control via the app
To start, make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same WiFi network. This is the only way to connect both devices at the end. The usual TV remote control should also be within reach when setting it up for the first time.
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Go to “Search” and type “Universal Remote Control TV” in the search bar.
- Select the app of the same name and click “Get” to install it. The download is free. No other in-app purchases are required.
- Then open the application and press “Next”.
- Allow or disallow app tracking based on your preference.
- The TV symbol then flashes at the top left of the screen and a new window opens. Press “OK” to find devices on the local network.
- Turn on your TV with the included TV remote control and leave it on for at least 30 seconds.
- Go to “Start” in the mobile app.
- After a short commercial, a list of available devices will appear.
- Select the TV you want to control with your iPhone.
- A notification will then appear on the TV screen. Hit “Allow” with your regular TV remote control.
- Your TV can now be controlled via iPhone.
In practice, operation via the app worked smoothly and without any problems. The only thing you need to turn on the TV is the button on the TV or an ordinary remote control.
After users tap the remote control icon, they are taken to the Apple TV Remote feature.
Make iPhone a TV remote control via AirPlay 2
If you have an AirPlay 2-compatible Smart TV, you can alternatively use the iPhone with on-board tools as a remote control. In this case, too, the television and smartphone must be registered in the same network. Make sure that the TV is already entered in the Home app and assigned to a room. Unfortunately, this is not possible with Samsung televisions.
- Turn on your TV with the traditional remote control.
- Open Control Center on iPhone by swiping down from the top right corner. On devices with iOS 11 or earlier and models with a home button, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen instead.
- Tap the remote control icon at the bottom left of the screen.
- A list of compatible devices appears. Select the TV you want.
- A four-digit code may now appear on the TV screen. Enter it on the iPhone.
- You can now use your phone as a TV remote control.
In the same way you turn your iPhone into a remote control for the Apple TV. Simply select Apple’s streaming box instead of the TV (step 3). The function lacks volume controls and an on/off button. Overall, the iPhone is easy to use as a replacement for remote controls. However, due to the lack of functions, the existing apps and features should be seen more as a stopgap solution or supplement.